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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
Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Ibanez Destroyer DT520 Guitar Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Destroyer DT520 Guitar Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Ibanez Destroyer DT520 Guitar Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Ibanez - Limited Edition Destroyer DT520FM-CRS Demo at GAK by GAK

Ibanez - Limited Edition Destroyer DT520FM-CRS Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Pete Thorn's 1976 Ibanez Destroyer by Premier Guitar

Pete Thorn's 1976 Ibanez Destroyer

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Scott Szeryk - RARE 1975 Ibanez Destroyer (African Korina) - Demonstration by Scott Szeryk

Scott Szeryk - RARE 1975 Ibanez Destroyer (African Korina) - Demonstration

Scott Szeryk

Scott Szeryk

Video thumbnail for Guitar Wishlist 16 Ibanez Destroyer by Three Chord Dave

Guitar Wishlist 16 Ibanez Destroyer

Three Chord Dave

Three Chord Dave

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

  • Lace Nitro Hemi pickups suggested for Ibanez Destroyer with push/pull mod for coil splitting.

    Source
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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Value and pricing

  • Some owners have acquired Ibanez Destroyers for as low as $200 from pawn shops, highlighting potential bargains for keen-eyed buyers.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 19 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

nice

I have the one picktured above not the complete explorer copy its a great heavy guitar mixes well with a jcm900 I took the cover off both pickups they werent potted btw but for £600 this was a steal

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Ibanez Destroyer

Kurt Cobain

Guitarist, Singer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Matthew Bellamy uses Ibanez Destroyer

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via YouTube

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)

See how Eddie Van Halen uses Ibanez Destroyer

Eddie Van Halen

Guitarist

Van Halen

...
Verified via Photo

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/]

See how Dave Mustaine uses Ibanez Destroyer

Dave Mustaine

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Joe Satriani uses Ibanez Destroyer

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video of "Flying In A Blue Dream," Joe Satriani is seen using an Ibanez Destroyer guitar.

See how Dave Murray uses Ibanez Destroyer

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Adrian Smith uses Ibanez Destroyer

Adrian Smith

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:07 and onward Smith can be seen with a Red Ibanez Destroyer.

See how Kerry King uses Ibanez Destroyer

Kerry King

Guitarist, Composer

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Grey

He is seen playing a grey Destroyer live in the early 80s with Slayer

See how Paul Stanley uses Ibanez Destroyer

Paul Stanley

Guitarist, Singer

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Dave Keuning uses Ibanez Destroyer

Dave Keuning

Guitarist

The Killers

...
Verified via Photo

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."

See how Kirk Windstein uses Ibanez Destroyer

Kirk Windstein

Guitarist

Crowbar

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Kirk can be seen with Ibanez Destroyer, black color. Teaching Crowbars song "Walk With Knowledge Wisely"

See how Brian Baker uses Ibanez Destroyer

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via Photo

In this post brian shows off an Ibanez destroyer. He used this on the series of live videos called decades that bad religion put out. Brian states that this guitar actually belongs to fellow bad religion member mike dimkich

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.

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Community setups

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lminiero

lminiero

Gear IQ 796

jimmyarmenta

jimmyarmenta

Gear IQ 61

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