# Which ibanez electric guitar offers the best value for money under $500? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which ibanez electric guitar offers the best value for money under $500?

## Products

### Ibanez GRG7221QA-TKS 7-String Transparent Black Sunburst
```yaml
product: ibanez-grg7221qa-tks-7-string-transparent-black-sunburst
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 198.23
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRG7221QA-TKS
series: Gio
body_shape: RG
tuner_type: Die-Cast
bridge_type: Ibanez F107
scale_length: 648mm / 25.5in
number_of_strings: 7
pickup_configuration: HH
```

- **Price:** £198.23 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRG7221QA-TKS is an affordable 7-string RG-style guitar with a poplar body, quilted maple art grain top, 24 frets, and dual Infinity R humbuckers. Its extended range and tight-sounding passive ceramic pickups make it well suited to beginners and intermediate players who play modern metal, hard rock, and lower tunings.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a 7-string 648mm scale, dual Infinity R humbuckers, versatile 5-way switching, and a stable fixed Ibanez F107 bridge.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### Ibanez RGA42FM Transparent Gray Flat
```yaml
product: ibanez-rga42fm-transparent-gray-flat
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 254.36
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: RGA42FM
series: RGA Standard
body_shape: RGA
tuner_type: Ibanez Closed Gear
bridge_type: F106 Bridge
scale_length: 25.5in
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: H-H
```

- **Price:** £254.36 [^4]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez RGA42FM Transparent Gray Flat is a six-string electric guitar with a flamed maple top, fast Wizard III maple neck, 24 jumbo frets, and two Quantum humbucking pickups. Its fixed F106 bridge offers stable tuning, making it well suited to rock, metal, blues, and other styles requiring reliable high-gain performance.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a 25.5in scale, 24-fret Wizard III neck, dual Quantum humbuckers, five-way switching, and a stable fixed bridge for versatile playing and dependable tuning.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6]

### Ibanez GRG170DX-BKN Black Night
```yaml
product: ibanez-grg170dx-bkn-black-night
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 186.33
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRG170DX-BKN
series: RG
body_shape: RG
bridge_type: T102 bridge
scale_length: 648 mm
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: HSH
```

- **Price:** £186.33 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRG170DX-BKN is a six-string RG-style electric guitar with a 648 mm scale length, HSH Infinity pickup configuration, 24 frets, and a T102 tremolo bridge. Its versatile pickup layout and comfortable GRG1 neck make it well suited to beginners and developing players exploring rock, metal, and other electric guitar styles.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a versatile HSH pickup configuration, 24 frets, 648 mm scale length, and T102 tremolo bridge, making it suitable for beginners who want room to grow across multiple styles.
- **Additional Sources:** [^8]

### Ibanez GRX70QA-TBB Transparent Blue Burst
```yaml
product: ibanez-grx70qa-tbb-transparent-blue-burst
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 160.45
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRX70QA-TBB
series: GIO Standard Series
body_shape: RG
tuner_type: Die-cast tuning machines
bridge_type: T106 tremolo
scale_length: 648mm / 25.5in
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: HSH
```

- **Price:** £160.45 [^9]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRX70QA-TBB is a six-string GIO electric guitar with a quilted maple art grain top, 648mm scale, HSH Infinity pickups, and a T106 tremolo bridge. Its versatile pickup layout and affordable price make it well suited to beginners and players exploring rock, metal, and other styles.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with versatile HSH Infinity pickups, a 25.5in scale, and a T106 tremolo bridge at a relatively low new-guitar price.
- **Additional Sources:** [^10]

### Ibanez GRG170DXL-BKN Black Night Left Handed
```yaml
product: ibanez-grg170dxl-bkn-black-night-left-handed
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 181.15
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRG170DXL
series: GRG
body_shape: RG
bridge_type: T102 tremolo bridge
scale_length: 25.5in
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: HSH
```

- **Price:** £181.15 [^11]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRG170DXL-BKN is a left-handed electric guitar with a poplar body, 24 frets, HSH Infinity pickups, and a T102 tremolo bridge. Its versatile pickup arrangement and comfortable 25.5in scale suit beginners and developing players who play rock, metal, and lead-focused styles.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a versatile HSH pickup configuration, 24 frets, 25.5in scale, and T102 tremolo bridge, making it suitable for left-handed beginners and intermediate players across multiple styles.

### Ibanez GRX70QA-TKS Transparent Black Burst
```yaml
product: ibanez-grx70qa-tks-transparent-black-burst
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 162.67
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRX70QA-TKS
series: Gio
body_shape: RG
tuner_type: Die-Cast
bridge_type: T106 Tremolo
scale_length: 648 mm
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: HSH
```

- **Price:** £162.67 [^12]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRX70QA-TKS is a six-string Gio electric guitar with a poplar body, quilted maple top, GRX maple neck, and versatile HSH Infinity pickups. Its 5-way switching and T106 tremolo bridge make it suitable for beginners and budget-conscious players covering styles from clean tones to rock and metal.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a 648 mm scale, fast GRX maple neck, HSH Infinity pickup configuration, 5-way switching, and T106 tremolo bridge for broad tonal and playing versatility.
- **Additional Sources:** [^13], [^14]

### Ibanez GRG7221QA Transparent Black Sunburst
```yaml
product: ibanez-grg7221qa-transparent-black-sunburst
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 204.82
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRG7221QA-TKS
series: GIO
body_shape: Double cutaway
tuner_type: Die-cast
bridge_type: F107 fixed bridge
scale_length: 25.5 in
number_of_strings: 7
pickup_configuration: HH
```

- **Price:** £204.82 [^15]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRG7221QA is an affordable seven-string electric guitar with a poplar body, quilted maple art grain top, maple GRG7 neck, and dual Infinity R ceramic humbuckers. Its extended range and high-output pickups suit beginners and intermediate players interested in rock, metal, and lower-tuned riffs.
- **Ideal For:** This guitar offers strong value under $500 with seven strings, dual Infinity R humbuckers, a 25.5 in scale, 24 frets, and an F107 fixed bridge suited to heavy playing.
- **Additional Sources:** [^16], [^17]

### Ibanez RG421EX Black Flat
```yaml
product: ibanez-rg421ex-black-flat
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 264.71
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: RG421EX
series: RG
body_shape: RG
tuner_type: Die-cast tuning machines
bridge_type: F106 fixed bridge
scale_length: 648mm / 25.5in
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: HH
```

- **Price:** £264.71 [^18]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez RG421EX Black Flat is a six-string solid-body electric guitar with a fast Wizard III maple neck, 24 jumbo frets, Quantum passive ceramic humbuckers, and an F106 fixed bridge. Its versatile HH setup and aggressive RG design make it well suited to metal, hard rock, and technical playing.
- **Ideal For:** This guitar offers strong value under $500 with Quantum HH passive ceramic pickups, a 24-fret Wizard III neck, 25.5in scale, and a sustain-focused F106 fixed bridge suited to metal and fast playing.
- **Additional Sources:** [^19]

### Ibanez GRG120QASP Blue Gradation
```yaml
product: ibanez-grg120qasp-blue-gradation
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 184.11
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
model: GRG120QASP-BGD
series: RG
body_shape: RG
tuner_type: Ibanez machine heads
bridge_type: T102 tremolo
scale_length: 25.5 in
number_of_strings: 6
pickup_configuration: HH
```

- **Price:** £184.11 [^20]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GRG120QASP-BGD is a six-string GIO electric guitar with an RG-shaped poplar body, quilted maple art grain top, 24-fret maple neck, dual Infinity R humbuckers, and a T102 tremolo. Its fast neck, high-output pickups, five-way switching, and expressive tremolo make it well suited to beginners and developing players interested in rock, metal, and modern lead guitar.
- **Ideal For:** This is a strong value choice under 500 because it combines a 25.5 in scale, 24 frets, dual Infinity R HH pickups with five-way switching, and a T102 tremolo at an accessible price.
- **Additional Sources:** [^21], [^22]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Swee Lee, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.sweelee.com.vn/en/products/ibanez-grg7221qa-tks-electric-guitar-transparent-black-sunburst
[^2]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.musicstore.com/en_OT/EUR/Ibanez-GRG7221QA-TKS-Gio-Transparent-Black-Sunburst-/art-GIT0048163-000
[^3]: Andertons Music Co, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.andertons.co.uk/ibanez-grg7221qa-tks-electric-guitar-transparent-black-sunburst/
[^4]: Gear4music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Ibanez-RGA42FM-Transparent-Grey-Flat/39WB
[^5]: Andertons Music Co, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.andertons.co.uk/ibanez-rga42fm-tgf-electric-guitar-transparent-gray-flat/
[^6]: Acclaim Music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.acclaim-music.com/ibanez-rga42fmtgf-rga-standard-6-string-rh-electric-guitar-transparent-gray-flat-rga-42-fm-tgf.html
[^7]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_grg170dx_bkn_egitarre.htm
[^8]: MAT Guitars, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.matguitars.com/en/electric-guitars-for-beginners/39-ibanez-grg170dx-4515110323995.html
[^9]: Swee Lee, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.sweelee.com.sg/products/ibanez-gio-grx70qa-tbb-electric-guitar-transparent-blue-burst
[^10]: Stars Music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.stars-music.com/ibanez-grx70qa-tbb-gio-transparent-blue-burst_141400.html
[^11]: LudiMusic, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.ludimusic.com/en/lefthanded-guitars/ibanez-grg170dxl-bkn-black-night-left-hand
[^12]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GRX70QA-Electric-Guitar-Transparent-Black-Sunburst-1313248770729.gc
[^13]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_grx70qa_tks_gio.htm
[^14]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Ibanez-Gio-GRX70QA-TRB-Transparent-Red-Burst/art-GIT0044162-000
[^15]: Gear4music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Ibanez-GRG7221QA-GIO-Transparent-Black-Sunburst/2SMZ
[^16]: Guitar Guitar, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/181218336192008--ibanez-grg7221qa-transparent-black-sunburst
[^17]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GRG7221QA-7-String-Electric-Guitar-Transparent-Black-Sunburst-1500000259634.gc
[^18]: LudiMusic, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.ludimusic.com/en/st-model-guitars/ibanez-rg421ex-black-flat
[^19]: Music Bliss, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.musicbliss.com.my/products/ibanez-rg421ex-malaysia-black-flat
[^20]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GRG120QASP-GRG-Series-6str-Electric-Guitar-Transparent-Blue-Gradation-1500000339707.gc
[^21]: Scan, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.scan.co.uk/products/ibanez-grg120qasp-bgd-blue-gradation-hh-non-locking-tremolo-purpleheart-fingerboard
[^22]: Star's Music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.stars-music.com/ibanez-grg120qasp-bgd-gio-blue-gradation_194519.html