Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (18)
$299.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$299.99
Amazon
4.6 (629)
$299.99
Reverb
5.0 (9)
$217.13 New
$249.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$299.99
zZounds
4.5 (9)
$299.99
B&H
5.0 (1)
$299.99
Thomann
4.6 (88)
$213.00 $211.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£193.00

Average Price: $275

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Ibanez Gio GRG131DX". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX - Black Flat, a guitar that brings affordability and quality hand in hand. Part of the renowned GIO series, this guitar is designed for musicians who crave the Ibanez quality but are budget-conscious. Just like other Ibanez guitars, the GRG131DX is subject to the same rigorous inspection standards and warranty coverage, ensuring you get the best sound, style, and playability in its class.

The GRG131DX embodies the iconic Ibanez RG series body, made from poplar, and is fitted with a maple GRG neck. The treated New Zealand pine fretboard is a unique feature, boasting Medium frets and eye-catching red sharktooth inlays. Equipped with two Infinity R pickups and a 3-way selector switch, this guitar gives you a variety of tonal options, right at your fingertips. This guitar's striking Black Flat finish and black hardware further enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. Case sold separately.

Key Features:

  • Part of the GIO series
  • Poplar body with Black Flat finish
  • Maple GRG neck
  • Treated New Zealand pine fretboard with Medium frets and red sharktooth inlays
  • Two Infinity R pickups
  • 3-way selector switch for a variety of tonal options
  • Black hardware
  • Case sold separately

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Gio GRG
Body Material Poplar
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape GRG
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay Red Sharktooth
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece F106 Fixed Bridge
Tuners Ibanez Closed Gear
Neck Pickup Infinity R Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Infinity R Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x tone, 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX suitable for?

The Ibanez Gio GRG131DX is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its dual humbucker pickups, which provide a powerful and aggressive tone. Its fast neck and jumbo frets also make it ideal for shredding and high-speed playing styles.

Does the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX have a good neck profile for beginners?

Yes, the GRG neck profile on the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX is designed to be comfortable and easy to play, making it a great choice for beginners. The slim neck and smooth fretboard facilitate easier chord changes and faster playing.

How does the fixed bridge on the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX affect tuning stability?

The F106 fixed bridge on the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX provides excellent tuning stability, as it minimizes string movement compared to tremolo bridges. This is beneficial for maintaining consistent tuning, especially important for beginners learning to play.

What are the pickup configurations on the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX?

The Ibanez Gio GRG131DX features two Infinity R humbucking pickups, one at the neck and one at the bridge. This configuration allows for a versatile range of tones, from warm and full at the neck to bright and cutting at the bridge.

Is the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX suitable for advanced players?

While the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX is often recommended for beginners, its quality construction and versatile sound make it a viable option for more advanced players looking for an affordable backup guitar or a platform for customization.

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Ibanez GRG131DX GIO 2018, Black Flat | Gear4music demo

Video thumbnail for Ibanez GRG131DX GIO 2018, Black Flat | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Ibanez GRG131DX GIO 2018, Black Flat | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Ibanez GRG131DX GRG Series Electric Guitar Flat Black review by Metal Till Death

Ibanez GRG131DX GRG Series Electric Guitar Flat Black review

Metal Till Death

Metal Till Death

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Electric Guitar  Grg131dx  yields a range of impressive tones, #harmoniumMusicals #Nepal by Harmonium Musicals

Ibanez Electric Guitar Grg131dx yields a range of impressive tones, #harmoniumMusicals #Nepal

Harmonium Musicals

Harmonium Musicals

Video thumbnail for Ibanez guitar review....GIO GRG131DX by SIX1NINE GUITARS AND GEAR

Ibanez guitar review....GIO GRG131DX

SIX1NINE GUITARS AND GEAR

SIX1NINE GUITARS AND GEAR

Video thumbnail for Ibanez GRG131DX guitar review! by Rocktalk101

Ibanez GRG131DX guitar review!

Rocktalk101

Rocktalk101

Reviews

PROS

  • Fast, comfortable neck with excellent fretwork, comparable to higher-end guitars

  • 5-way pickup selector offers versatile sound options

  • Attractive flat black finish with red accents for a striking look

  • Solid build with excellent factory setup; minimal adjustments needed

  • Lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to handle

  • Provides great value for its price range; plays above its class

  • Fixed bridge for better tuning stability and sustain

  • Slim, fast neck with wide string spacing is beginner-friendly

  • Durable components, including responsive pots and reliable tuners

  • Excellent sound for rock and metal, particularly with high-gain setups

CONS

  • Stock pickups can sound muddy with certain gain settings

  • Volume knob may interfere with strumming for some players

  • Neck may arrive dry and require oiling

  • Factory strings may need replacement soon after purchase

  • Finish is prone to showing dirt and smudges easily

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Gio GRG131DX.

Features and functionality

  • The GRG131DX features Ibanez's Infinity pickups, which are considered suitable for metal and rock, offering a versatile tonal range for beginners.

    Source
  • The guitar offers diverse tonal options through its pickup switching, with all settings being considered usable and musical.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The GRG131DX has a hardtail bridge, in contrast to the GRG250DX's tremolo system, making it easier for beginners to maintain tuning stability.

    Source
  • Users suggest considering second-hand Ibanez RG models for potentially higher quality at a similar price point, with RG350EX cited as a good alternative.

    Source
  • The red color variant of the GRG131DX is priced significantly lower than other colors on Thomann, with a difference of up to 235 PLN.

    Source

Build quality

  • The GRG131DX uses a Bound Treated New Zealand Pine fretboard, while the older 250DX model had a rosewood fretboard, indicating a material change that may affect tonal character.

    Source
  • The matte finish tends to become shiny over time, especially where the arm rests during play.

    Source
  • Some users report that the pickguard's top layer can form bubbles and peel, but removing it gives a matte appearance.

    Source
  • The tuners are noted for their smooth operation, and the bridge is described as simple but effective, indicating solid hardware quality for the price range.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GRG131DX is noted for its visual appeal, with its red and black color scheme being a strong point for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners emphasize the importance of trying the guitar in person to ensure comfort and playability, as tactile feel can vary between models.

    Source
  • Owners describe the guitar as an excellent upgrade platform, providing a solid foundation for future modifications.

    Source
  • Some owners find the neck profile too thin for their preference, suggesting it's essential to try it in person if possible.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a whammy bar requires routing space, as the GRG131DX does not have a pre-drilled hole.

    Source
  • Owners recommend considering pickup upgrades for improved sound quality, although specific pickup models were not mentioned.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Getting the guitar professionally set up can significantly enhance playability and sound quality, as reported by an owner who used a local luthier.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez Gio GRG131DX Electric Guitar Review 2025

laceyguitars.com

The Ibanez Gio GRG131DX offers a solid entry point for beginner and intermediate players with its attractive design and decent sound options. The poplar body and sleek neck facilitate playability, while the humbucking pickups cater well to rock and metal enthusiasts. However, tuning stability issues can dampen the experience, and the sound can muddy when pushed to higher gain. Although its matte finish looks great, it’s prone to dirt. Overall, it’s a reliable choice with notable pros and significant cons—making it a worthy consideration for budget-conscious musicians, yet not without its drawbacks.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tuxza

great guitar.

my first guitar. very nice for the price! great sound quality for only 500$ strings aren't the greatest but that's not a problem since you can easily change them.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

MAX tone, 20% volume. sounds really nice with an Orange amp.

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 Gio GRG131DX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
shea_patterson

shea_patterson

Gear IQ 162

spookievie

spookievie

Gear IQ 91

spookievie

spookievie

Gear IQ 91

More Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    lucretia
    lucretia

    Gear IQ 5946