Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (14)
$417.09
Guitar Center
4.5 (12)
$429.99
Amazon
4.1 (45)
Used
Reverb
4.0 (16)
$376.84 New
$220.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$429.99
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$379.95
Thomann
4.8 (4)
$398.00

Average Price: $390

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez S series S521 Electric Guitar". 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 Electric Guitar is a harmonious blend of sleek design and powerful sound, crafted to captivate both the eyes and ears of musicians around the world. Its Meranti body provides a lightweight yet resonant foundation, making it ideal for long jam sessions or energetic performances. The smooth Maple neck, paired with a Rosewood fingerboard, offers a comfortable grip and effortless playability, especially with the iconic Wizard neck profile that Ibanez is renowned for.

The guitar’s tonal versatility is driven by its dual Quantum Humbucker pickups, delivering crisp, articulate sound across the spectrum. Whether you’re riffing through crunchy power chords or weaving intricate solos, these pickups ensure your notes are precise and pronounced. The fixed bridge ensures stable tuning and reliable performance, even when you're bending strings to their limits. With 24 Jumbo frets, players have ample room to explore and express their musical creativity across two full octaves.

The understated elegance of the Cosmo Black hardware complements the guitar’s overall aesthetic, while the off-set dot inlays provide a touch of modern flair. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding guitarist, the S521 is designed to inspire and elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Body: Meranti
  • Neck: Maple with Wizard profile
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood with off-set dots inlays
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Pickups: 2 Quantum Humbucker
  • Volume and Tone controls
  • Fixed bridge
  • Hardware: Cosmo Black

Product specs

Available since July 2023
Colour Blue
Body Meranti
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Rosewood
Frets 24
Scale 648 mm
Pickups HH
Tremolo None
incl. Bag No
incl. Case No

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez S521 Electric Guitar?

The Ibanez S521 features a Wizard III maple neck, known for its slim and fast profile, making it ideal for fast playing and easy access to higher frets.

What kind of pickups does the Ibanez S521 use?

The Ibanez S521 is equipped with Quantum humbucker pickups in the neck and bridge positions, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music 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 handle and play for extended periods.

Does the Ibanez S521 come with a tremolo system?

No, the Ibanez S521 features a fixed bridge, which provides stable tuning and easier maintenance compared to guitars with a tremolo system.

What material is the body of the Ibanez S521 made from?

The body of the Ibanez S521 is made from meranti, a wood known for its balanced tonal qualities and lighter weight compared to other hardwoods.

Yhuliant Musik Shop

Yhuliant Musik Shop

Review Ibanez S521 OFM made in indonesia

Video thumbnail for Review Ibanez S521 OFM made in indonesia by Yhuliant Musik Shop

Review Ibanez S521 OFM made in indonesia

Yhuliant Musik Shop

Yhuliant Musik Shop

Video thumbnail for Ibanez S-Series Guitar Review: Discover Why It’s Worth the Hype! by Mike Risko Music

Ibanez S-Series Guitar Review: Discover Why It’s Worth the Hype!

Mike Risko Music

Mike Risko Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Attractive blue gradient finish stands out uniquely in person

  • Slim and lightweight design enhances comfort and playability

  • Smooth neck allows for fast and agile playing

  • High-quality pickups deliver clear sound without noise

  • Versatile sound suitable for metal, rock, blues, and more

  • Maintains tuning stability even with heavy play

  • Well-finished frets and overall craftsmanship

CONS

  • Paint finish may have minor scratches or inconsistencies

  • Some components may feel reminiscent of lower-end series

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez S series S521 Electric Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully installed Kahler tremolos, requiring precise routing with less than 1/16 inch tolerance for fitting.

    Source
  • Users suggest using three 3V pancake batteries stacked for fitting active pickup electronics without back cover issues.

    Source
  • Smaller 9V batteries designed for cameras can fit with active pickups, avoiding the need for cavity modification.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Kahler nut lock can be more difficult to string compared to the Floyd Rose nut-clamp.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that the Kahler tremolo system offers a preferable experience over the stock Edge Zero 2 bridge.

    Source
  • Some owners experience buyer's remorse, but find reassurance in the S521's versatility for jazz, blues, and rock styles despite its double humbucker setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The S521 offers a more rounded contour compared to the classic pointy design of the RG421, appealing to those who prefer sleek aesthetics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While pricier than a Pacifica, the S521 is considered a worthwhile investment for its midrange quality and the joy it brings to its players.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ibanez S521 is praised for its ability to deliver thick, satisfying tones, ideal for users who enjoy playing rock and fusion music.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
joe_kairis

Super Slim Ibanez

The blue paint job is much nicer in person than in most pictures I have seen online. I purchased one through ebay a few weeks ago for a pretty good deal. The unfinished back of the neck feels nice to play on and looks cool against the painted headstock. The pickups (I believe they're "Quantum" ones) are much better than the INF ones I had in an Ibanez a few years back. They might even be better than the V7/V8's (another Ibanez pickup). I can't believe how thin this guitar is! Slimline is right!

Overall wonderful looking and sounding guitar, and the play ability is the cherry on top.

mariusgm

Don't you tempt me, I've been getting flashbacks of my ex-stepdad's S-series, they're amazingly comfortable. I should be saving for a tele or something, not another ibby.

joe_kairis

It is true, Ibanez guitars are among the best bang for your buck. I've got two of them as well as a tele-style ASAT which are as good as a tele in my opinion. You have great taste, my good man.

Genre Usage

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

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