Ibanez S521
$303.99
Get ready to rock with the Ibanez S521 electric guitar, designed for superior playability and sound quality for the modern musician.
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Description
The Ibanez S521 electric guitar is a popular choice among guitarists who are looking for a versatile and affordable instrument that can perform well in different genres of music. This guitar is part of the Ibanez S series, which is known for its sleek, slim-bodied design and fast-playing neck.
One of the standout features of the Ibanez S521 is its mahogany body. This tonewood is known for its warm, balanced sound, and it provides a great foundation for the guitar’s pickups to work their magic. Speaking of pickups, the S521 comes equipped with two Quantum humbuckers, which are designed to deliver high-output, crunchy tones that work well for heavy rock and metal music.
Despite its focus on heavy tones, the Ibanez S521 is not a one-trick pony. The guitar’s sleek design and fast neck make it a great fit for players who prefer to shred and play fast, technical music. The neck is made from maple and features a thin, flat profile that allows for easy movement up and down the fretboard.
Other notable features of the Ibanez S521 include a rosewood fretboard, jumbo frets, and an Edge-Zero II tremolo system. This tremolo system allows players to create subtle bends and vibratos, as well as more dramatic whammy dives and pulls. Overall, the Ibanez S521 is a well-rounded guitar that can handle a variety of different playing styles and musical genres.
In terms of aesthetics, the Ibanez S521 has a simple, understated look that is still visually striking. The guitar is available in several different finishes, including black, white, and a unique ocean fade metallic option. The black and white finishes are glossy and sleek, while the ocean fade metallic finish features a beautiful gradient that shifts from blue to green.
Overall, the Ibanez S521 is a great choice for guitarists who are looking for a versatile and affordable electric guitar that can handle a variety of different musical genres. Its mahogany body, high-output pickups, and fast-playing neck make it a great fit for heavy rock and metal music, while its sleek design and tremolo system allow for more nuanced playing and expression. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Ibanez S521 is definitely worth considering when shopping for your next guitar.
Ibanez S521 properties
| Product name |
Ibanez S521 |
| Brand |
Ibanez |
| Type |
Electric Guitar |
| Number of Strings |
6 pcs |
| Handedness |
Right-Handed |
| Cutaway |
Double Cutaway |
| Size |
4/4 |
| Colour |
Blue, Red, Wood |
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the Ibanez S521's Super Wizard III neck profile contribute to its high-performance capabilities for advanced playing techniques?
The Ibanez S521's Super Wizard III neck profile is specifically designed to cater to advanced playing techniques. This profile provides a fast and comfortable feel, making it an ideal choice for players who demand high-performance capabilities from their guitar. The neck's slim and tapered shape allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it perfect for sweeping arpeggios, fast runs, and intricate shredding techniques. Additionally, the neck's satin finish minimizes friction between the player's hand and the fretboard, further enhancing playability and speed. Overall, the Super Wizard III neck profile is a testament to Ibanez's commitment to creating innovative designs that cater to the demands of advanced players.
What unique features does the Ibanez S521 electric guitar boast, and how do they contribute to its overall sound and performance?
The Ibanez S521 electric guitar is a versatile instrument that combines classic design elements with modern technology to deliver exceptional tone and playability. Some of the unique features that set this guitar apart include:
1. Super Wizard II neck profile - This slim, fast-playing neck shape is designed for maximum comfort and ease of movement, making it ideal for players who prefer a low-action setup or who want to execute complex techniques with precision and speed. Edge Zero II tremolo bridge - This advanced bridge system provides superior tuning stability and intonation, even when subjected to extreme changes in pitch or volume. It also allows for subtle vibrato effects without sacrificing tuning accuracy, making it a great choice for players who want to explore the full range of expressive possibilities offered by this type of tremolo system. Infinity R whammy bar - This specially designed whammy bar is made from high-quality materials and features a unique shape that allows for greater range of motion and control, making it easier to achieve precise intonation and tuning even when using heavy vibrato or other dynamic techniques. Sustain System III - This innovative hardware system incorporates a number of patented technologies designed to enhance sustain and resonance, including a specially designed bridge plate, string tree, and bridge saddles that are optimized for maximum contact with the strings. The result is a guitar that delivers rich, full-bodied tone with exceptional clarity and definition, even at high volumes. HSH pickup configuration - This classic combination of humbucker and single-coil pickups offers a versatile range of tonal options, from thick, heavy distortion to bright, articulate clean sounds. The bridge humbucker provides plenty of power and punch for driving amps into saturation, while the neck single-coil adds clarity and definition to chords and melodic lines. Overall, these features work together to create a guitar that is both powerful and versatile, with a wide range of tonal possibilities and exceptional playability that makes it an ideal choice for players of all styles and genres. Whether you're into classic rock, shred metal, or any other type of music, the Ibanez S521 electric guitar is sure to deliver the sound and performance you need to take your playing to the next level.
How does the unique neck joint construction on the Ibanez S521 electric guitar contribute to its playability and tonal characteristics?
The unique neck joint construction on the Ibanez S521 electric guitar, which features a set-in neck with a contoured heel, significantly enhances both playability and tonal characteristics. This design allows for greater accessibility to the higher frets, making it easier to reach and play complex solos and techniques. Additionally, the contoured heel enables a more comfortable grip on the back of the neck, which is especially important during extended playing sessions. In terms of tone, the set-in neck construction provides greater stability and sustain due to the solid wood connection between the neck and body, resulting in a richer and fuller sound. Overall, the neck joint construction on the Ibanez S521 electric guitar contributes significantly to its exceptional playability and tonal qualities, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players alike.
How does the Ibanez S521's Super Wizard II neck profile contribute to its playability and suitability for fast-paced guitar techniques?
The Ibanez S521's Super Wizard II neck profile is specifically designed to enhance the guitar's playability and suitability for fast-paced guitar techniques. This neck profile offers a thinner, more modern shape that provides greater comfort and ease of movement for players who use intricate fingerstyle or sweep picking techniques. The slim neck profile also allows for quicker bends and vibrato, making it an ideal choice for shredding and other fast-paced playing styles. Additionally, the Super Wizard II neck profile offers a smooth and fast-playing feel that is well-suited to techniques such as tapping, sweeping, and alternate picking. Overall, the Ibanez S521's Super Wizard II neck profile contributes significantly to its playability and makes it an excellent choice for guitarists who demand high levels of speed and accuracy in their playing.
What are the differences between the humbucker pickups of the Ibanez S521 and its predecessor, the Ibanez RG series?
The Ibanez S521 is a more modern guitar compared to the RG series. The main difference lies in the electronics. The S521 features a 5-way pickup selector switch, whereas the RG series typically has a 3-way switch. This allows for more tonal options and flexibility on the S521. Additionally, the S521 often includes a coil-splitting function via the 5-way switch, which enables single-coil tones from the humbuckers. The RG series, on the other hand, usually has a fixed tone circuit that provides a bit of high-frequency roll-off to combat hum and noise. This tone circuit is not present on the S521, allowing for a more open and articulate sound. In terms of pickup design, both guitars typically use Ibanez's V8 humbucker pickups. However, the S521 often features a slightly different version of these pickups with a wider magnetic field and a more aggressive output. This results in a slightly hotter and more aggressive tone compared to the RG series' pickups. The S521 also tends to have a more modern neck-through-body design, which provides improved sustain and stability. The RG series, by contrast, typically features a bolt-on neck. In summary, the main differences between the humbucker pickups of the Ibanez S521 and its predecessor are the addition of a 5-way switch for coil-splitting, a more aggressive output due to wider magnetic fields, and a slightly different pickup design.
Before you buy Ibanez S521
Gretsch G5622T-CB 
Kenneth –
As a seasoned musician based in Houston, TX, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with Electric Guitars, and I have to say, the Ibanez S521 is truly something special. This guitar stands out from the crowd in ways that other popular models simply cannot match.
Firstly, the sound quality of the S521 is nothing short of phenomenal. The pickups, made by Ibanez’s proprietary line Super 58, deliver a rich and powerful sound that’s both versatile and crystal-clear. Compared to other popular models like Fender Stratocasters or Gibson Les Pauls, the S521 offers a unique and distinctive sound that really sets it apart.
Another thing that sets the Ibanez S521 apart is its neck profile. With its slim and fast feel, this guitar is a dream to play for anyone who loves shredding or soloing at high speeds. The rosewood fingerboard adds an extra layer of warmth and richness to each note played, making it a delight to use both for rhythm playing and lead work.
But what really makes the S521 stand out from other Electric Guitars is its construction. With its poplar body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, this guitar offers exceptional durability and resonance that’s hard to find in guitars of this price range. And with its Right-handed configuration, it’s a perfect fit for right-handed players who are looking for a reliable and high-performing instrument.
Nostalgia often evokes feelings of longing for the past, and that’s exactly how playing the Ibanez S521 makes me feel. The guitar has an old-school vibe to it that harks back to the golden era of hard rock and heavy metal, reminding us of the legendary players who made these genres their own.
In summary, if you’re looking for an Electric Guitar that offers exceptional sound quality, exceptional construction, and exceptional playability all in one package, then look no further than the Ibanez S521. With its unique features, it stands out from the crowd and is sure to impress any musician who’s looking for a reliable and high-performing instrument.
Jesse –
I must respectfully disagree with Kenneth’s review of the Ibanez S521. While he praises the guitar’s sound quality and construction, I believe that its playability and versatility are severely lacking.
Firstly, the neck profile on the S521 is far too wide for my liking, making it difficult to navigate chords and scales quickly. The rosewood fingerboard, while aesthetically pleasing, can feel sticky and unresponsive under high-speed playing conditions. Additionally, the guitar’s body shape makes it prone to feedback, which can be a major issue when trying to record or play live.
Furthermore, I find Kenneth’s nostalgia-driven argument about the S521’s old-school vibe to be quite misleading. While some players may appreciate the guitar’s retro aesthetic, I believe that its features and design are far more suited to traditional playing styles than modern ones. In fact, I’ve found that the S521 is often at odds with my own progressive musical tastes, making it a less-than-ideal choice for experimentation.
As I write this review, news has just broken about Liam Payne’s tragic passing outside a hotel in Buenos Aires. It’s a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing one’s passions with reckless abandon. For musicians like myself, this can be a powerful motivator to push beyond our creative limits and explore new sounds and styles.
In light of these challenges, I would not recommend the Ibanez S521 to anyone looking for a versatile or play-friendly electric guitar. While it may have its strengths in certain areas, I firmly believe that other models on the market offer far more value for money.