Ibanez S540

The Ibanez S series is actually part of the "Saber" series. These guitars feature super slim bodies that feel absolutely amazing when held in your hands. The S540 is probably the most popular version of this guitar, and I feel this one is actually the "standard" model that every other S series is judged by. The guitar features a mahogany body, maple neck with maple fretboard, 22 frets, dot inlays with a special inlay on the 21st fret, an Edge tremolo, HSH configuration, one volume, one tone and a five way switch.

UTILIZATION

Ibanez did one hell of a job when they developed the S series. I actually have an issue playing super heavy guitars like the old school Gibson Les Pauls, so guitars like these are a godsend. The fretwork on these guitars is awesome, and there are rarely any huge flaws that would prevent one from buying this model. The guitar also features an Edge tremolo which is one of the best trems ever made. It stays in tune under even the most extreme whammy abuse.

SOUNDS

Despite it being a super slim and sleek body, the guitar sounds very huge. A lot of that is thanks to it being made out of mahogany instead of the normal basswood that Ibanez likes to use on the RG series. The biggest issue with these guitars would be that the pickups are pretty awful. I like using the Air Norton in the neck, True Velvet in the middle and Evo 2 in the bridge. The Air Norton will give you a huge neck tone, the True Velvet sounds very clean and spanky for those clean tones, and the Evo 2 is harmonically rich, so it really helps out in making this guitar sound more alive.

OVERALL OPINION

This is probably the most recognized Ibanez S series guitar out of the entire lineup. If you find one of these at a good price, I recommend checking them out. They pop up on eBay all the time. If you're really lucky, you can find one of the few out there that have the maple fretboard. To me, these are the most desirable S series guitars ever made as the maple fretboard really helps make this model look more unique and adds that little touch of top end to help cut through the mix.

This is one of those guitars that I got to spend a lot of time with and really didn't care for it to much. There was nothing about it that I fell in love with. The feel of it was sort of generic and cheap. I know these guitars are very low priced and there is a reason for it and it isn't workmanship. I find these guitars to very player friendly but not containing any soul what so ever.

UTILIZATION

The guitar is very simple and doesn't have any bells or whistles which to me is a good thing. I think some manufacturers slap so much crap on and instrument to get more people's interest which ultimately takes away from the character and tone of the item.

The guitar was just two humbucker pickups and a three way sliding pickup selector. It didn't have any boosts on the pickups or and boosts on the volume pots or tone pots. It had one volume and one tone to control both pickups. The instrument cable jack was located on the front in a strange position too compared to fender Stratocasters. It was a a strange angle which didn't make sense to me.

SOUNDS

The tone from this guitar was just average at best. The guitar had very little to know soul what so ever. The guitar basically just barely played the amp that I was using and gave no real character to the sound at all. If I listened back I couldn't really tell what guitar I was playing with like you would if you heard a Strat or a Gibson Les Paul on a recording. You would know immediately what guitar the player was using.

I played this guitar on several high gain amplifiers and no of them really gave me and sense of appreciation. I used a Marshall JCM 800 and another equally high gain amp. Neither which had any reason for me to buy this guitar.

OVERALL OPINION

I will say this though that the neck on the guitar did feel quite good. It was very easy to play and felt extremely comfortable around my hand. I am not sure they even make this model of Ibanez guitars anymore so used market is the only option. I think I saw one recently for around $350 or so. This isn't a bad guitar for the price and will make a learning guitar player very happy. It is a good first guitar compared to a Squire or a First Act. Those guitars are just trash!

The Ibanez S series is actually part of the "Saber" series. These guitars feature super slim bodies that feel absolutely amazing when held in your hands. The S540 is probably the most popular version of this guitar, and I feel this one is actually the "standard" model that every other S series is judged by. The guitar features a mahogany body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard, 22 frets, dot inlays with a special inlay on the 21st fret, an Edge tremolo, HSH configuration, one volume, one tone and a five way switch.

UTILIZATION

Ibanez did one hell of a job when they developed the S series. I actually have an issue playing super heavy guitars like the old school Gibson Les Pauls, so guitars like these are a godsend. The fretwork on these guitars is awesome, and there are rarely any huge flaws that would prevent one from buying this model. The guitar also features an Edge tremolo which is one of the best trems ever made. It stays in tune under even the most extreme whammy abuse.

SOUNDS

Despite it being a super slim and sleek body, the guitar sounds very huge. A lot of that is thanks to it being made out of mahogany instead of the normal basswood that Ibanez likes to use on the RG series. The biggest issue with these guitars would be that the pickups are pretty awful. I like using the Air Norton in the neck, True Velvet in the middle and Evo 2 in the bridge. The Air Norton will give you a huge neck tone, the True Velvet sounds very clean and spanky for those clean tones, and the Evo 2 is harmonically rich, so it really helps out in making this guitar sound more alive.

OVERALL OPINION

This is probably the most recognized Ibanez S series guitar out of the entire lineup. If you find one of these at a good price, I recommend checking them out. They pop up on eBay all the time. If you're really lucky, you can find one of the few out there that have the maple fretboard. To me, these are the most desirable S series guitars ever made as the maple fretboard really helps make this model look more unique and adds that little touch of top end to help cut through the mix.

japan custom made
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UTILIZATION

handle nice and easy access, it is well clear saturation. it is light which is very well together, it avoids killing back.

SOUNDS

I do everything with the dub (a little less), metal, funk and rock.
I am impressed by tj clear sound is good for a typical metal guitar.
I have the chance to play with an amp engl savage (the ball) with dc gear to dream that this guitar is perfect.
I love all the sonic palette can be the bridge pickup a little lower

OVERALL OPINION

I have for over 17 years and it has not moved. set apart the golden hardware becomes less gold (sweating). or nothing to say. I had paid a pretty penny 1000 € and dc c normal to have such a quality.
ms it was a good choice!
I also like his face that ages well.