Best Electric Guitars Made In Japan in 2026
Here are the top electric guitars made in Japan . You should expect a high-quality guitar with excellent quality control. It can be compared to guitars made in the US, which is why they're also expensive.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Ibanez TQMS1
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (13 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez TQMS1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | SH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | TQM | |
| Colors: | Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Maple(4mm) | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1802 Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | 1pc Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Parallel Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez TQMS1
Ibanez TQMS1
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Parallel Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. ESP E-II Horizon-III FR
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Very Easy (2 votes)
- Fret edges: Smooth (2 votes)
- Tuning stability: Won't get out of tune (2 votes)
- Weight: Heavy (2 votes)
- Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| ESP E-II Horizon-III FR | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP E-II | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Horizon-III | |
| Colors: | See Thru Black Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Flamed Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Offset Blocks | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Custom-5 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-2 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP E-II Horizon-III FR
ESP E-II Horizon-III FR
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
3. Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (17 votes)
Show All Specs
| Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Charvel | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HSH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Artist Signature | |
| Colors: | Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Ash | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Basswood | |
| Bridge: | Recessed Charvel Locking Tremolo Bridge | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Caramelized Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Caramelized Maple | |
| Decoration: | Crème Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Charvel Speed | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Charvel Custom Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Middle Pickup: | Charvel Custom Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Charvel Custom Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Tap | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM
Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Tap Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. ESP Horizon-III
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Show All Specs
| ESP Horizon-III | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP | |
| Year: | 2017 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Horizon-III | |
| Colors: | White | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Offset Blocks | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Custom Shop JB/Custom Hybrid Trembucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Custom Shop '59/Jazz Hybrid (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP Horizon-III
ESP Horizon-III
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Yamaha PACP12M
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (1 vote)
- Neck speed (thickness): Herman Li fast (1 vote)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Yamaha PACP12M | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Pacifica Professional | |
| Colors: | Black, Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh 510T FE-1 | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Custom | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Slim C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.882'' (22.4mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 10" to 14" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Reflectone HH7b: Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Middle Pickup: | Reflectone HS7m: Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Reflectone HS7n: Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha PACP12M
Yamaha PACP12M
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Schecter California Classic
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Show All Specs
| Schecter California Classic | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Schecter | |
| Year: | 2023 | |
| Configuration: | HSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | California Classic | |
| Colors: | Red | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Solid Maple Cap/Quilted Maple Veneer | |
| Type: | Semi-Hollow | |
| Body Material: | Swamp Ash Semi-Hollow | |
| Bridge: | Schecter Nouveau 2-Point Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Schecter Nouveau Locking Tuners | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Flamed Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Custom C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 14" | |
| Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
| Nut Width: | 42.4mm (1.67'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Schecter USA Pasadena Plus (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter California Classic
Schecter California Classic
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. ESP E-II Horizon FR-II
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| ESP E-II Horizon FR-II | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP E-II | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Horizon | |
| Colors: | Tiger Eye Sunburst, See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Quilted Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Offset Blocks | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 57TW (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 66TW (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
8. Ibanez MM1
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (13 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (5 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (5 votes)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez MM1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | MM | |
| Colors: | Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Flamed Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | African Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1802 Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. | |
| Fretboard: | Roasted Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Abalone dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Hyperion (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Hyperion (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Tap | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez MM1
Ibanez MM1
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Tap Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (13 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2023 | |
| Configuration: | SSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | AZ | |
| Colors: | Black, Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1502S | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Middle Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Bell | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 2 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige
Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Ibanez LM1
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (13 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez LM1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | SSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | LM | |
| Colors: | White | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1702B | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Abalone dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Middle Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Bell | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 2 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez LM1
Ibanez LM1
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
