Some auction websites currently have hundreds of instruments that look like Ibanez guitars and/or feature trademarked Ibanez headstocks and logos. These guitars do not offer the feel, sound, and quality that musicians expect from Ibanez. In fact, most are not good guitars by any standard.
We at Ibanez, our distributors, and our retailers have heard many complaints from consumers who have purchased these instruments thinking that they were getting a great deal when actually, in the end, they were getting swindled.
If a guitar is up for auction or straight sale at a price that's a fraction of what a new or used Ibanez guitar would typically sell for, chances are it's not a genuine Ibanez.
If the shipping cost is more than the price of the guitar, it's probably not a genuine Ibanez.
The best protection against being cheated or disappointed is to buy your new or used Ibanez guitars and basses from an authorized Ibanez dealer.
One final but very important note: Illegal merchandise causes damage and hardships at many levels; because of this, counterfeiting in the United States is a serious crime. We are not responsible for any loss or prejudice incurred from purchasing counterfeit merchandise. It is your responsibility to use discretion when shopping for Ibanez products at any non-authorized dealer or auction website. (Photo credit gear secure)
Real Ibanez guitars will have crisp, clear standard graphics and a serial number.
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