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Description
The Ibanez Destroyer is more than just an electric guitar—it's a statement of power and style. Crafted for those who dare to make a sonic impact, this solid body electric guitar combines aggressive aesthetics with exceptional playability. The radical reverse mahogany body not only turns heads but also contributes to the guitar's rich, resonant tone. A fast mahogany neck paired with a bound rosewood fingerboard ensures you're ready to shred with ease and precision.
At the heart of the Destroyer's sonic prowess are the DiMarzio humbuckers—an Air Norton at the neck and a Tone Zone at the bridge. These pickups offer a versatile range from warm, expressive tones to full-throttle rock mayhem, making it perfect for any musical setting. The Air Norton delivers deep, articulate sounds without losing clarity, while the Tone Zone offers a broad dynamic range, letting you transition from clean to crunchy with ease.
The guitar's stunning pearl/abalone block inlays add a touch of elegance to its raw, rock-and-roll persona. Whether you're playing on stage or in the studio, the Ibanez Destroyer is designed to capture attention and deliver uncompromising sound quality. With its Tight-Tune bridge and stoptail, you’re guaranteed stability and sustain, allowing you to focus purely on your performance.
Key Features:
- Radical reverse mahogany body
- Fast mahogany neck with bound rosewood fingerboard
- 22 jumbo frets with pearl/abalone block inlays
- DiMarzio Air Norton (neck) and Tone Zone (bridge) humbuckers
- Tight-Tune bridge and stoptail
- Sure Grip III control knobs and chrome hardware
Videos
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Ibanez Destroyer DT520 Guitar Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Destroyer.
Mods and upgrades
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Lace Nitro Hemi pickups suggested for Ibanez Destroyer with push/pull mod for coil splitting.
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Solderless EMG kits recommended for ease of installation and Metallica-like sound.
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Irongear Hammer Heads praised for high gain and aesthetic similarity to SD Invaders, offering a budget-friendly option.
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Installing DiMarzio Double Cream Super Distortion pickups is a popular modification, with reports of enhanced sound quality from users who have tried it.
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Setup and maintenance
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For missing parts like bridge or tailpiece, generic replacements sourced from eBay can be matched by measurements from resources like StewMac.
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User experience
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One owner successfully refurbishes guitars despite being a teenager, indicating ease of modification for beginners.
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Owners appreciate the Destroyer's lighter weight, making it easier to play compared to heavier models like the Gibson E2 Explorer.
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Owners appreciate the sleek feel and aesthetic appeal of the Ibanez Destroyer's big knobs, contributing to a satisfying playing experience.
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Comparisons
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The Ibanez Destroyer is reportedly more versatile than the Gibson E2 Explorer, featuring a lighter weight and the pickup configuration of a hot V2 bridge and Super58 neck.
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Some players favor the Ibanez Destroyer over the Gibson Explorer, suggesting a preference for its unique style and playability.
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Features and functionality
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Matched Super70 pickups in the Destroyer are praised as excellent PAF copies by Maxon, enhancing its tonal versatility.
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Use cases and applications
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The Destroyer balances well when played both sitting and standing, offering versatility for different playing styles, unlike lighter V-shaped guitars.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 19 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This photo was taken in December of 82 Kurt used this Ibanez to record his first demo Organized Confusion at his aunt's house this photo was taken the same day as the picture with 15 year old Kurt with his jazz bass.
Matthew Bellamy of Muse was often seen using an Ibanez Destroyer Electric Guitar, once in 2001 at the Zenith gig (Hullabaloo) during several songs with an orange/sunburst finish, but you can clearly see on the DVD that he smashes it. You can also see he's using another black Destroyer at Earls Court 2004 during The Small Print. (video)
Eddie used a 1976 Ibanez Destroyer during the early years of Van Halen and this guitar became the customized guitar known as "The Shark" These modifications were done by Eddie himself. [http://www.vhnd.com/2011/06/02/search-and-destroy/]
Here is a picture of Mustaine holding an Ibanez Destroyer, during the Metallica days.
Also Mustaine himself has verified on his Twitter that he used a Destroyer.
https://twitter.com/davemustaine/status/718058716537491456?lang=en
In the live performance video of "Flying In A Blue Dream," Joe Satriani is seen using an Ibanez Destroyer guitar.
In the 1982 live performance of "Total Eclipse" by Iron Maiden, as seen in the YouTube video by ktz49, Dave Murray can be seen using an Ibanez Destroyer.
In this video at 0:07 and onward Smith can be seen with a Red Ibanez Destroyer.
He is seen playing a grey Destroyer live in the early 80s with Slayer
Paul used a 1976 Ibanez Destroyer live and ultimately gave the guitar to Ace Frehley. Both Ace and Paul have been seen using this guitar live during 1976. via axeology.com
In this interview, Dave Keuning talks about his guitars, including his Ibanez Destroyer. He says, "I bought my Ibanez Destroyer from a guy I was in a band with and I still play it on stage and in the studio today. It sounds great, it looks great and almost everthing on our first album, Hot Fuss, is recorded on that guitar."
Album Usage
The Ibanez Destroyer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Destroyer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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