Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (12)
$429.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (14)
$429.99
Amazon
4.2 (37)
$429.99 New
$388.07 Used (Like New)
Reverb
4.0 (16)
$376.84 New
$220.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (5)
$429.99
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$429.99
Gear4Music
£354.50

Average Price: $397

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez S Series S521". 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

The Ibanez S Series S521 is a masterclass in merging form and function, offering guitarists a sleek, versatile instrument that truly stands out. Built with a lightweight yet resonant mahogany body, this guitar is designed for comfort without sacrificing tone and sustain. The Wizard III neck is a hallmark of Ibanez craftsmanship, providing a thin, fast profile that lets your fingers fly across the jatoba fingerboard with ease.

Equipped with Quantum humbuckers, the S521 offers a dynamic tonal range, enhanced by a 5-way pickup selector that opens up a world of sound possibilities. Whether you're playing searing solos or intricate rhythm work, these pickups deliver clarity and power, with accelerated bass response and precise high-end articulation.

The fixed bridge design not only ensures stable tuning but also enhances sustain, making this guitar a reliable workhorse for any gig. Its aesthetic appeal is matched by its practical design, with Cosmo black hardware adding a sleek finish to this extraordinary instrument.

Key Features:

  • Wizard III Maple Neck: Known for its speed and comfort, perfect for fast, intricate fretwork.
  • Mahogany body for a balance of light weight and rich tone.
  • Jatoba fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and off-set white dot inlays.
  • Dual Quantum humbucking pickups (passive/ceramic) for a versatile tonal palette.
  • 5-way pickup selector for a wide range of sonic options.
  • Fixed bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability.
  • Cosmo black hardware for a modern, stylish look.

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape S521 Standard
Body Material Meranti
Body Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material 3-Piece Maple
Neck Shape Wizard III
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay Offset White Dots
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece F106 Bridge with Individual Saddles
Tuners Ibanez Closed Gear
Neck Pickup Quantum Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Quantum Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez S Series S521?

The Ibanez S Series S521 features a Wizard III neck profile, known for its slim and fast design, making it ideal for fast playing and technical styles.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Ibanez S521?

The Ibanez S521 is equipped with Quantum humbuckers in both the neck and bridge positions, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for rock, metal, and other genres.

Is the Ibanez S521 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez S521 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and lightweight body, making it easy to play for extended periods.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Ibanez S521?

The body of the Ibanez S521 is made from meranti, a wood known for its balanced tonal characteristics and affordability.

Does the Ibanez S521 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Ibanez S521 does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.

PopMusicRu

PopMusicRu

IBANEZ S521 - электрогитара

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ S521 - электрогитара by PopMusicRu

IBANEZ S521 - электрогитара

PopMusicRu

PopMusicRu

Video thumbnail for Ibanez S521MOL demo & review by jonny capes

Ibanez S521MOL demo & review

jonny capes

jonny capes

Video thumbnail for Ibanez S 521 Marshall MG15 cfx. by Robson64 (Robertito64)

Ibanez S 521 Marshall MG15 cfx.

Robson64 (Robertito64)

Robson64 (Robertito64)

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ S521 AND SEYMOUR DUNCAN BLACK WINTER METAL by Black Mountain Studio

IBANEZ S521 AND SEYMOUR DUNCAN BLACK WINTER METAL

Black Mountain Studio

Black Mountain Studio

Video thumbnail for ibanez s521 ocean fade metallic by Mike Ray

ibanez s521 ocean fade metallic

Mike Ray

Mike Ray

Video thumbnail for Guitar Time with Uncle Chris #7: Ibanez S521 by Avey Grouws Band

Guitar Time with Uncle Chris #7: Ibanez S521

Avey Grouws Band

Avey Grouws Band

Video thumbnail for Ibanez S521 Electric Guitar Used 1 by Eddy Hailwood

Ibanez S521 Electric Guitar Used 1

Eddy Hailwood

Eddy Hailwood

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and ergonomic, ideal for extended play without discomfort

  • Wizard III neck is fast, comfortable, and highly praised

  • Well-contoured body fits comfortably whether sitting or standing

  • Durable finish and build quality deflect most minor impacts

  • Quantum pickups offer bright, dynamic tones with wide tonal variety

  • Excellent tuning stability with smooth tuners

  • Five-way switch provides versatile tonal options

  • Attractive, eye-catching finishes with noticeable wood grain

  • Suitable for multiple genres from jazz to heavy metal

  • Great value for the price with high playability

CONS

  • Some reports of poor factory setup, requiring adjustments out of the box

  • Occasional fret buzzing between 7th and 12th frets

  • Bridge placement issues affecting intonation on some units

  • Bright pickups may not suit all players' preferences

  • Reports of minor cosmetic flaws and assembly issues

  • Tone knob range not effective across entire sweep

  • Neck-dive due to lightweight body design

  • Some units may have uneven fretwork leading to high action

Critic Reviews

An Amazing Rock Machine - A Review of the Ibanez S521 — That Guitar Lover

thatguitarlover.com

The Ibanez S521 is praised as a lightweight, affordable rock guitar that delivers high-quality build and sound straight out of the box. Its Wizard III neck and Quantum pickups offer excellent playability and tone, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players. The finish and craftsmanship are compared favorably to more expensive brands, like PRS, and it outshines competitors like Epiphone and Squier at its price point. However, the recessed output jack without a metal protector raises durability concerns. Overall, it's deemed a standout option for those seeking great value without compromising on performance.

positive

Ibanez S521 Electric Guitar Review  - Beginner Guitar HQ

beginnerguitarhq.com

The Ibanez S521 is a standout mid-range metal guitar with a strong rock pedigree. Praised for its fast Wizard III neck and proprietary Quantum pickups, it offers a dynamic, aggressive tone perfect for '80s hard rock and metal. Built with quality materials like mahogany, it's both light and resonant. However, its complex 5-way pickup selector might overwhelm beginners, and while its fixed bridge enhances sustain, it limits whammy bar antics. Overall, the S521 is a versatile, affordable choice for rock enthusiasts, though those seeking premium features might need to look elsewhere.

positive

Ibanez S521 Review: Is It Worth It?

guitarsquid.com

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