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Description

The Ibanez DT500 Destroyer is an iconic electric guitar that embodies the spirit of rock with its sharp lines and powerful sound. This solid body electric guitar is designed for musicians who want a bold visual statement alongside exceptional performance. The Destroyer series has been favored by legendary guitarists for its distinctive style and sound, making it a cherished instrument for both collectors and performers.

Crafted with a mahogany body, the DT500 delivers a warm, resonant tone that complements its aggressive appearance. The set-in neck ensures stability and enhances sustain, allowing for expressive solos and tight rhythm playing. Equipped with Ibanez's own V2 and V1 humbucking pickups, this guitar offers a versatile range of tones, from rich, creamy leads to punchy, articulate rhythms. The slim neck profile and rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, ensuring you can perform intricate riffs and solos with ease.

Whether you're rocking out on stage or jamming in the studio, the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer is built to deliver. Its combination of classic design and modern features makes it a must-have for any serious guitarist looking to make an impact.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
  • Set-in neck for enhanced sustain
  • Ibanez V2 and V1 humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth feel and response

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model DT500-CS Destroyer
Year 1983 - 1984
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez Destroyer
Model Sub-Family Ibanez DT
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer suitable for?

The Ibanez DT500 Destroyer is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its powerful humbucking pickups and aggressive body shape, which deliver strong, punchy tones.

How does the bolt-on neck of the Ibanez DT500 affect its playability?

The bolt-on neck construction offers a snappy response and bright tone, making it ideal for fast playing styles and offering easy access to higher frets.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer?

The Ibanez DT500 Destroyer features a slim neck profile, which provides comfortable playability and is ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists who favor speed and precision.

Can the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer handle heavy distortion?

Yes, the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer's HH pickup configuration is designed to handle heavy distortion, making it a great choice for players seeking a powerful, high-gain sound.

Is the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer a good choice for beginner guitarists?

While the Ibanez DT500 Destroyer offers excellent playability and tone, its unique body shape and weight may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with electric guitars.

Arthur Amity

Arthur Amity

Ibanez DT 500 owned by Karl Logan from Manowar #ibanez #manowar #karllogan

Video thumbnail for Ibanez DT 500 owned by Karl Logan from Manowar #ibanez #manowar #karllogan by Arthur Amity

Ibanez DT 500 owned by Karl Logan from Manowar #ibanez #manowar #karllogan

Arthur Amity

Arthur Amity

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez DT500 Destroyer.

Features and functionality

  • The DT-500's original pickups were a Super 58 in the neck and a V2 in the bridge, offering a classic 80s metal tone.

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  • The guitar's large knobs are favored for their tactile feel and ease of use during play.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace original pickups with Seymour Duncan models, such as a Super Distortion and a PAF, for a more modern sound.

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  • Post-lawsuit Destroyers feature a slightly altered body shape from pre-1978 models to avoid legal issues with Gibson.

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  • Owners frequently install DiMarzio double cream Super Distortion pickups, indicating a popular aftermarket choice for enhancing tone.

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User experience

  • Many users appreciate the guitar's balance, noting it avoids the neck dive common in Gibson Explorers.

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  • Players describe the Destroyer as having a sleek feel, contributing to its overall playability and appeal.

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Use cases and applications

  • The DT-500 is linked to 80s metal, particularly Iron Maiden, with Dave Murray using a similar model during the "Number of the Beast" era.

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Comparisons

  • The DT-500 is compared to the DT-300, both having strong associations with Iron Maiden's guitarists, Adrian Smith and Dave Murray.

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  • Owners find Destroyers generally have fewer issues compared to Gibson Explorers, particularly in upper fret access.

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  • Some players express a preference for the Ibanez Destroyer over Gibson Explorers, highlighting personal satisfaction with the Destroyer's playability.

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Build quality

  • Older models like the DT-500 are often found in storage without original pickups, requiring restoration or modification.

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  • The DT-500 was produced in Japan from January 1983 to 1984, making it a rare find among Ibanez Destroyers.

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Value and pricing

  • A DT-500 model was recently purchased for $850, indicating current market value for this rare guitar.

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