Pricing and availability

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Reverb
4.0 (1)
$229.88 New
$150.00 Used
Thomann
4.5 (340)
$264.00 $262.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£240.00

Average Price: $214

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ibanez GIO GRG170DX". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

The Ibanez GIO GRG170DX is the perfect match for aspiring guitarists and seasoned players alike, looking to explore the realms of rock and metal with precision and flair. Designed with both style and substance, this electric guitar combines reliable craftsmanship with playability that won't break the bank. Its poplar body ensures a lightweight feel while delivering a punchy tone, making it ideal for long jam sessions or energetic performances.

The GRG170DX features a sleek maple neck with a GRG1 profile, providing a smooth and comfortable grip for effortless playability. With 24 medium frets on a New Zealand pine fretboard, your fingers will glide with ease across notes and chords. The guitar's pickup configuration is nothing short of versatile, boasting two Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge, complemented by an Infinity single coil in the middle. This trio offers a diverse tonal palette, from warm and rich to sharp and cutting, perfect for any musical style.

Another standout feature is the Fat-10 bridge combined with the T 102 tremolo, which allows for expressive vibrato effects without compromising tuning stability. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or a pro ready to rock the stage, the GRG170DX offers an incredible playing experience that inspires creativity and growth.

Key Features:

  • Poplar body for lightweight feel and punchy tone
  • Maple neck with GRG1 neck profile
  • New Zealand pine fretboard with 24 medium frets
  • Infinity humbuckers and single coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Fat-10 bridge and T 102 tremolo system for stability and expression

Owner's manual

Ibanez GIO GRG170DX User Manual

Product specs

Available since February 2004
Colour Black
Body Poplar
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Pinewood
Frets 24
Scale 648 mm
Pickups HSH
Tremolo Standard
incl. Bag No
incl. Case No

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX have?

The Ibanez GIO GRG170DX is equipped with an HSH pickup configuration, featuring two humbuckers and one single-coil pickup, which offers versatility for playing a wide range of music styles from rock to metal.

Is the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordable price, comfortable playability, and versatile sound options, making it easy to explore different music genres.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX?

The Ibanez GIO GRG170DX features a maple neck with a comfortable and fast-playing profile, designed to facilitate ease of movement across the fretboard, which is ideal for both beginners and more experienced players.

Does the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX does not include a case or gig bag, so you may need to purchase one separately to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

What kind of tremolo system does the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX use?

The Ibanez GIO GRG170DX is equipped with a standard synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects while maintaining stable tuning.

JetFretz

JetFretz

Ibanez Gio grg170dx

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Gio grg170dx by JetFretz

Ibanez Gio grg170dx

JetFretz

JetFretz

Video thumbnail for BAJAAO Select - Ibanez GRG170dx Electric Guitar Review by BAJAAO

BAJAAO Select - Ibanez GRG170dx Electric Guitar Review

BAJAAO

BAJAAO

Video thumbnail for Ibanez GRG170DX Gio Full review: a cheap budget Ibanez Guitar by Joost Nusselder

Ibanez GRG170DX Gio Full review: a cheap budget Ibanez Guitar

Joost Nusselder

Joost Nusselder

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Gio GRG170DX by WelcomeGuitars

Ibanez Gio GRG170DX

WelcomeGuitars

WelcomeGuitars

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ GRG170DX  ( unboxing and quick test ) by Mr. Pet

IBANEZ GRG170DX ( unboxing and quick test )

Mr. Pet

Mr. Pet

Video thumbnail for Probando guítarra Ibanez GRG170DX | test Ibáñez gio (Solo van halen - Beat it) by Javier Cuerdas

Probando guítarra Ibanez GRG170DX | test Ibáñez gio (Solo van halen - Beat it)

Javier Cuerdas

Javier Cuerdas

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable option for beginners and first-time electric guitar players

  • Thin and slick neck ideal for shredding and fast play

  • Strong tuning stability once properly set up, even with tremolo use

  • Eye-catching design that looks better in person

  • Versatile for rock and metal genres with 24 frets and H-S-H pickups

CONS

  • Pickups and electronics are not top-tier; may require upgrades for better sound

  • Heavier than average, which may be uncomfortable for some players

  • Finish easily picks up scratches and fingerprints

  • Sharp fret edges may hinder playability and comfort

  • Killswitch is unreliable and may not always re-engage sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez GIO GRG170DX.

Features and functionality

  • The tremolo system on the GRG170DX is noted as unreliable without locking nuts, making it less ideal for beginners who frequently change tunings.

    Source
  • The GRG121DX has a five-way blade switch and HSH configuration, providing a wider range of tones for experimentation.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest docking the tremolo with a block of wood to prevent movement, enhancing tuning stability for alternate tunings.

    Source
  • Replacing stock tuners with locking tuners is a common upgrade to enhance tuning stability.

    Source

User experience

  • A user reported using a GRG170DX for five years without issues and plans to convert it for dedicated drop C and B tunings by locking the tremolo and modifying pickups.

    Source
  • Some long-term users fondly remember the GRG170DX for its value, even compared to more expensive models like Schecter Damien with EMG pickups.

    Source
  • Owners of the GRG121DX report it as a reliable workhorse, noting its consistent performance over a span of two years.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The GRG170DX, part of Ibanez's budget line, often gets compared to higher-tier models, with many recommending buying used higher-tier options for better quality parts.

    Source
  • Owners suggest considering used Ibanez RG models over GIO for better playability and component quality.

    Source
  • The GRG121SP's roasted maple neck offers greater stability compared to the GRG170DX's neck, making it preferable for beginners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GRG170DX is appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, particularly the shark tooth inlays, and is preferred by those who prioritize looks over matte finishes.

    Source
  • One owner successfully downtuned to A standard, emphasizing the importance of learning proper Floyd Rose setup.

    Source
  • New players may find the GRG170DX's floating trem more of a novelty than a necessity, especially for rock and hard rock genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's been noted that the body of the GRG170DX can feel cheap, which is a common trait among entry-level guitars in the similar price range.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Initial setup often required; some report high string action and unusual neck profile not quite matching the typical Ibanez Wizard.

    Source
  • Blocking the tremolo with a piece of wood can prevent movement without negatively impacting playability, unlike tightening the springs.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
nigelblaazer

Brilliant

This Ibanez was the second guitar I bought. And I never had the need to buy a different one. This guitar is simply brilliant! It's neck is thin and slick, very good for shreds. I never had to get it fixed or straightened till now ( almost 2 years ). It sounded great, it still does today. I never had any regrets about buying this, it's great and I'll never sell, or get rid of it. I strongly recommend this for beginner/intermediate guitarist who are mainly into metal or rock. It's great for other genres as well, but this fits the best since it's neck is kinda designed for it in my opinion.

From Gear Setup
evanjames

minor maintenance issues and a faulty killswitch hinder performance

The second of the two Ibanezes given to me. This one had a little less maintenance issues, just had to restring it. It has a killswitch that doesn't re-engauge the sound 100% of the time, so its pretty much useless. Will either take it out and put it another tone or get a better killswitch (preferably a two position instead of the current plastic button) Oh, and it has these awesome -Read: Tacky- electrical tape stripes...which I should probably get rid of.

rwe96

For starters

This is a cheap guitar which is perfect for the ones who want to get in touch for the first time with an electric guitar, but after a year or maybe two it's time to change it. A positive thing about this guitar is that it has a fast neck, just like most of the ibanez.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Francisco “Rico” Concepcion uses Ibanez GIO GRG170DX

Francisco “Rico” Concepcion

Guitarist

TOLOVA

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco “Rico” Concepcion is seen with his Ibanez GIO GRG170DX, as shown in a post on his Instagram account, marking his first guitar acquisition since relocating to the United States.

See how Jack Heneghan uses Ibanez GIO GRG170DX

Jack Heneghan

Guitarist

Longmay

...
Verified via Photo
Year: 2007

Jack Heneghan is confirmed to use the red Ibanez GIO GRG170DX, identifiable by its HSH pickup arrangement, as seen in a photo shared by @zipbomb.7z on Instagram. The image captures Jack during Longmay's first show on March 14, 2025, where he is clearly playing this particular guitar model.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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nigelblaazer

nigelblaazer

Gear IQ 182

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