The quest for the perfect classical guitar often leads players down winding roads, exploring various brands and models. Among these, Ibanez classical guitars have carved a niche, particularly for those venturing into the realm of multi-string instruments. However, a lingering question echoes within the guitar community: why have budget-friendly, multi-string classical guitars, especially those from Ibanez, seemingly disappeared from the market?
One devoted player from a guitar forum, “attila57,” voiced this very concern back in September 2021, lamenting the scarcity of affordable 7 and 8-string classical guitars. Sharing his positive experience with an Ibanez 7-string classical cutaway, purchased for a mere 400 euros around 2015-2016 during a clearance sale, he highlights the instrument’s exceptional qualities that defied its budget price tag.
He describes his Ibanez 7-string as “a brilliant instrument, much better-sounding and more beautiful than guitars 5 times more expensive.” This praise points to several key features that made these Ibanez classical guitars stand out. The “cristal clear singing trebles and resounding basses,” coupled with “amazing power and projection,” suggest a well-constructed instrument capable of producing a rich and dynamic sound. The description of a “bearclaw patterned quality spruce top” further emphasizes the use of premium materials, unusual for guitars in this price range. Beyond sheer volume, the guitar was also lauded for its tonal versatility, capable of “surprisingly subtle tones of a great diversity.”
The player also notes practical design elements contributing to the guitar’s appeal. The “deeper and bigger body” likely compensated for the reduced air volume in the cutaway design, enhancing resonance and bass response. The “extremely nice, flat and playable neck, with plenty of width for classical playing” speaks to player comfort and suitability for classical guitar techniques. Construction details and a “thin, quality lacquer finish” further suggested a level of craftsmanship exceeding its price point. Even the “laminated mahogany back and sides,” often seen as less desirable than solid wood, were praised for their beautiful selection and potential tonal advantages in classical guitar construction.
This positive experience fueled the player’s desire to acquire the 8-string version, especially for playing Baroque music, which often benefits from the extended lower range. However, even back in 2021, finding an Ibanez 8-string classical proved “impossible.” A search across online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Reverb yielded no results, listings long expired. This scarcity underscores the central issue: the apparent disappearance of these once-available, budget-friendly multi-string Ibanez classical guitars.
The forum post concludes with a direct comparison to alternative brands like Ortega, deemed “no match for the Ibanez.” This sentiment highlights the unique value proposition Ibanez classical guitars offered in the multi-string market – quality and affordability. The disappearance of these instruments leaves a void, particularly for players seeking accessible entry into the world of 7 and 8-string classical guitars. While the second-hand market might occasionally offer glimpses of these discontinued models, their consistent absence from regular production remains a puzzle for those who appreciate the blend of quality and value that Ibanez once provided in the realm of classical guitars.
