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Average Price: $849

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Description

The Ibanez DT520 Destroyer Electric Guitar is a bold statement in both sound and style, perfect for musicians ready to unleash their inner rockstar. Built with a radical reverse mahogany body, this guitar not only commands attention with its striking appearance but also delivers a rich and resonant tone. The heart of the DT520 lies in its dual DiMarzio humbuckers: the Air Norton at the neck and the Tone Zone at the bridge. These pickups provide a versatile tonal palette, from warm, expressive cleans to aggressive, full-throttle distortion. The DiMarzio Tone Zone, in particular, is known for its wide dynamic range, allowing you to explore everything from delicate cleans to powerful shredding with ease.

The guitar's playability is enhanced by its fast mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience across its 22 frets. The pearl/abalone block inlays add a touch of class to its otherwise fierce demeanor. Equipped with a Tight-Tune bridge and stoptail, the DT520 ensures excellent tuning stability and sustain. Whether you're hitting the stage or jamming in the studio, this guitar is designed to make a lasting impression both visually and sonically.

Key Features:

  • Radical reverse mahogany body
  • Fast mahogany neck with bound rosewood fingerboard
  • 22 frets with pearl/abalone block inlays
  • DiMarzio Air Norton (neck) and Tone Zone (bridge) humbuckers
  • Tight-Tune bridge and stoptail for enhanced stability
  • Sure Grip III control knobs and chrome hardware

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model DT520-BK Destroyer
Finish Black
Year 2013 - 2016
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez Destroyer
Model Sub-Family Ibanez DT
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
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"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music is the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer best suited for?

The Ibanez DT520 Destroyer is well-suited for rock and metal genres, thanks to its powerful humbucking pickups and aggressive X-style body shape, which enhance sustain and tonal versatility for heavier music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer like?

The Ibanez DT520 Destroyer features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, fast-playing neck profile, making it ideal for players who prioritize speed and ease of playability.

Does the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer have a good sustain?

Yes, the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer offers excellent sustain due to its solid mahogany body and set-neck construction, which provide a resonant and full-bodied sound.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer?

The Ibanez DT520 Destroyer features a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, delivering a thick, powerful sound with plenty of clarity and punch, making it suitable for high-gain applications.

Is the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez DT520 Destroyer is a versatile guitar, its design and features are better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can take full advantage of its tonal capabilities and distinctive styling.

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 DT520 BK Destroyer by session

IBANEZ DT520 BK Destroyer

session

session

Video thumbnail for Ibanez DT520 Destroyer/EMG 81/85 Metal players review by SurvivorMetalMan

Ibanez DT520 Destroyer/EMG 81/85 Metal players review

SurvivorMetalMan

SurvivorMetalMan

Video thumbnail for The Ibanez DT 520 : GT - unboxed by Kingemerald1

The Ibanez DT 520 : GT - unboxed

Kingemerald1

Kingemerald1

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez DT520 Destroyer Electric Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

  • The Kahler top-mount tremolo is recommended for minimal routing and a period-correct look, though some users note it may not require a locking nut.

    Source
  • The Guitar Fetish X-Trem offers a flexible stud mount version with multiple spacing options, ideal for non-standard tailpiece spacing like on the DT520.

    Source
  • The DigiTech Whammy pedal is suggested as a non-invasive solution, offering tremolo effects without modifying the guitar body.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For those considering a full tremolo system, replacing the sustain block with a brass or titanium block from FU-Tone is advised for enhanced performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DT520's bridge post spacing is non-standard at 74mm for the bridge and 81mm for the tailpiece, complicating retrofit options.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being a newer model, the DT520 lacks a factory-installed tremolo, unlike many 80s models, which featured them as standard.

    Source

Critic Reviews

DT520 Destroyer Review: Sure my Japanese made Ibanez JEM FP77 feels like it's kinda... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Ibanez DT520 Destroyer delivers a superb blend of style and substance. Sporting a mahogany body, set-in neck, and high-end DiMarzio pickups, it offers impressive sustain and clarity, even under heavy distortion. While its "Made in China" label might raise eyebrows, the craftsmanship holds up well, boasting solid action and finish. The glossy black look nods to the '80s, appealing to guitarists seeking a flashy aesthetic. Despite minor concerns about the default hot bridge pickup causing slight distortion on clean settings, the overall playability and sound quality make this a compelling choice for rock and metal enthusiasts.

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