The interweaving of chords and creating a harmonious melodic composition are encrypted in the elements of the Ibanez logo. The company produces instruments that are distinguished by a perfectly fitted design and harmonious sound.
Ibanez: Brand overview
Founded: | 1957 |
Founder: | Hoshino Gakki |
Headquarters: | Nagoya, Aichi, Japan |
Website: | ibanez.com |
Meaning and History
When the guitars were produced at the Teisco factory, they were adorned with the Ibanez metal label. In 1970, Hoshino Gakki transferred production to the FujiGen Gakki factory and changed the logo application technology: they began to print it using the decal method.
The first emblem shows the name of the company in a handwritten script. Simple black letters are neatly drawn against a white background. “I” and “z” have original elongated tails. This version was only used in the 1970s, but it is recognized as a timeless classic.
Guitars made after 1977 have a slightly different “Ibanez” lettering on the front of the neck. The designers opted for printed italics, and the letters now have sharp serifs. Subsequently, a checkmark was added to the word, which adorned the background. On some logos, it is dark gray; on others, it is black. The general background is white.
In 1996, the manufacturer introduced the prestigious series of electric guitars. They have the word “Prestige” written on the front of the neck. It sits directly above the classic label, at a slight angle. The font imitates calligraphic handwriting. The letters are subtle and not at all like those used in the 1970s.
Finding and providing the user with a detailed history of this brand is difficult, and there is not much information for that, but below, we have tried to provide a brief history of the logos.
What is Ibanez?
Ibanez is a Japanese music company that was the first to launch the production of eight-string and seven-string guitars with wide distribution in Europe and the United States. It has existed since 1957, still being owned by Hoshino Gakki and becoming the third-largest guitar brand in the world. Its headquarters is located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.
1961 – 1962
The most important thing for the Japanese guitar brand was to show their originality, so they used a logo with a handwritten inscription. The letters in its name were jagged but neat. The tail of the “z” looked like a large loop, and the first “I” had unusual protrusions. This wordmark adorned the necks of guitars in the early years after Ibanez’s inception.
1962 – 1978
Later, a new version of the inscription appeared. In it, the letters were black and vague, as if they were drawn with spreading ink. Many of them were difficult to recognize due to their altered form.
1975 – today
In 1975, designers designed the logo for Ibanez, which is still used today. Now it contains an inscription with triangular serifs that are so long that the letters merge. The base color is still black. The font is bold italic.
Ibanez: Interesting Facts
Ibanez is a highly regarded name in the music industry, especially among guitar players, and is known for its groundbreaking designs and significant contributions to guitar making. It’s become a top choice for artists in various music styles.
- Origins: Ibanez started in 1908 as a sheet music store and Spanish guitar distributor in Nagoya, Japan. The modern Ibanez brand emerged after Hoshino Gakki acquired it, gaining prominence in the 1950s.
- Design Innovation: The brand stands out for experimenting with new guitar shapes and designs, like the Ibanez JEM by Steve Vai, which is notable for its unique “monkey grip” cutout.
- Breaking into the US Market: In the 1960s and 70s, Ibanez became the first Japanese guitar brand to win over American musicians, initially with high-quality copies of American guitars before focusing on their innovative designs.
- Diverse Range: Ibanez caters to all levels of musicians with a wide variety of electric, bass, and acoustic guitars, plus effects units, offering something for every musical taste and skill level.
- Celebrity Collaborations: Many famous guitarists, like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Paul Gilbert, have their signature Ibanez models, making these guitars highly coveted in the music world.
- Extended-Range Guitars: Ibanez is the leader in creating seven—and eight-string guitars, expanding the possibilities for metal and progressive music.
- Bass Guitars: Ibanez is also influential in the bass market. It is known for the Soundgear series, which is praised for its light, ergonomic design.
- Tube Screamer Pedal: Beyond guitars, Ibanez’s Tube Screamer overdrive pedal has become legendary for its rich, warm tone. Guitarists worldwide use it.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Ibanez is committed to environmental sustainability, using alternative materials to conserve resources.
- Worldwide Impact: Ibanez guitars are played globally, transcending music genres and contributing to the international music scene.
Ibanez’s legacy of innovation, superior craftsmanship, and partnerships with musicians has solidified its position as a leading guitar brand. Its dedication to evolving music trends keeps Ibanez instruments popular among players everywhere.
Font and Colors
To highlight the brand’s unique personality, the logo’s authors opted for an original in-house designed font. All the symbols in it are drawn and have no analogs. The inscription consists of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters of different shapes. For example, “I” looks standard, while “b,” “e,” and “z” look unique. The first of them has an even upper notch, the second has an elongated middle part, and the third has sharp spines at the ends. Moreover, all the signs are connected and have a slight slope to the right.
The classic monochrome version is black characters on a white background. However, there are also golden inscriptions engraved on guitars.
Ibanez color codes
Black | Hex color: | #000000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 0 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 0 0 100 | |
Pantone: | PMS Process Black C |