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The Ibanez GRGM21BKN Electric Guitar
Not all guitars with a shorter scale length (around 24 inches) are for kids and beginners.
Some guitars are made with an even shorter scale length (23 inches) because it’s a travel guitar. Therefore, it’s ideal to be lightweight and small.
Speaking of a travel guitar, the Ibanez GRGM21BKN could fall under this category. It is reliable, versatile, plays beautifully, and is durable. What else are you looking for in an electric guitar?
Decent Look
Let’s not expect too much for GRGM21BKN so that we’ll have a new level of excitement. Its body is wrapped with one-piece solid mahogany.
Mahogany is a very common body material that gives deep, warm mid-tones, a very good sustain, and of course, a nice “bit” for Telecasters.
It has a 22-inch scale length of bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fretboard. The neck is one piece of maple, while the fretboard has 24 frets with signature Ibanez inlays.
Perfect for Small Hands
Fitting the 24 frets on the short neck is amazing. It’s really made for players with small hands.
In addition, the fretboard appears to be fairly flat and designed to practice shredding so you can achieve a few metal tracks from this thing.
Great Playability
The neck is thin and flawless, which makes it easy to play the instrument. Although it’s lightweight, it seems to be more solid so it’s very easy for kids to hold.
At the same time, it’s sturdy enough to withstand possible harsh treatments – if kids are to use this one.
Some may come out lucky and can play their guitars immediately right out of the box. In this case, the tension is lower, and pressing the strings down for a chord or two is very easy for kids.
But, those who are extra lucky, they might need to see a guitar expert do the preliminary rituals of tuning the guitar and setting the action in place.
Average Hardware
Even though this thing may be designed for small hands, but, it’s not just for kids, but it’s made for metal shredders.
You got two double humbuckers with rich gain-driven sound for shredding. These two are very responsive to the three-way pickup selector switch and tonal adjustments.
In addition to the three-way selector, you’ll have a tone knob and a master volume control knob. The tone knob gives you additional control over the sound frequencies.
To tremolo bridge, but instead a more secure hard-tail bridge that keeps the six strings in place.
At its classic Ibanez headstock, you can see six die-cast tuners, which fairly did their part in keeping the tuning well.
There is nothing fancy to be expected from the electronics and hardware department of this little shredder.
Just plain, straightforward, and common configuration. Maybe an average, but the whole system does its job pretty well to give us more entertainment and desirable sound output.
Clean and Versatile Sound
It’s the first compact guitar from Ibanez. No wonder, it effortlessly produces better and richer sound – strong low tones, with punchy mids and bright trebles.
The humbuckers give players a great metal soloing to produce loud and heavy tones. Doing repeated quick complex playing styles can be done in a breeze because of its a short scale guitar.
The tonewood used is perfect for metal shredding. Hence, the build and the sound quality combined are one step higher compared to more expensive Ibanez guitars.
So, now, you really have something to be proud of, even if your guitar only costs you a hundred dollars plus.
Great for Kids, Beginners, and Travelers
For kids and beginners alike, this is no doubt a guitar perfect for them. Best fit, durable, quite versatile. For travelers? For musicians on the go, this may come in handy for you.
Having to practice in your spare time before your concert or live performance?
Ibanez GRGM21BKN might come in handy. It’s lightweight, short, and has everything your expensive guitars at home have.
Pros
- Frets edges are smooth
- Fit and finish are superb
- All control knobs are easily adjustable and responsive
- The guitar plays nice, stays well in tune
Cons
- Average humbuckers
- Needs a few adjustments
Drawbacks
To sum it all up, you got an affordable ax with a decent look and clean sound. It’s great to play with even with your small hands. That’s it? Nothing exciting?
How, about, if you can play with a little more versatility? Would you be pleased to know what’s even better than this?
It’s, of course, the popular Squier Mini Stratocaster for kids and ESP LTD EC-10000 for professional and serious metal shredders.
This is just my opinion, though. Why bother to look for another guitar, when this ax can serve you well.
Just like a cheap Ephipone can be a Gibson for some, this could be a valuable tool for some wannabes out there.
Verdict
Not all ¾ size guitars come with poor sound quality and craftsmanship. This guitar is an exception.
Ibanez worked well to provide excellent build, look and feel, at the same time passing down the sound quality of their expensive full-scale guitars to this one.
Will I buy it, if I were you?
Hmmm… It’s cheaply priced and it’s a cute little ax. I’m going to buy it and use it as a spare guitar for practicing.
For beginners, this is a good starter electric guitar and I’d recommend getting this.
Aside from the fact that it’s designed as an ax, the Ibanez brand is trusted.
It’s a guarantee, our guarantee of quality and lasting guitar, even if your kids are going to be using this one.
