Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,750

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The cutting edge of Ibanez design, the S series continues to be a marvel of form and function. Its signature body shape - sculpted, lightweight, and mahogany - is stronger and more musically responsive than guitars weighing twice as much. The S series is still a rock 'n' roll version of a quick, graceful, and potentially lethal weapon.

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model S5521Q Prestige
Finish Dark Purple Doom Burst, Nebula Green Burst, Transparent Aqua Blue, Wild Pilsner Burst
Year 2014 - 2017
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green, Purple
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez S
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple, Walnut
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Prestige
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Quilted

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez S5521Q?

The Ibanez S5521Q features a slim and fast Wizard neck profile, which is ideal for players who prefer speed and precision. The neck is crafted from a combination of maple and walnut, providing stability and a comfortable playing experience.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ibanez S5521Q?

The Ibanez S5521Q is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, delivering a versatile range of tones from warm, full-bodied sounds to sharp, articulate leads. This makes it suitable for various genres, including rock and metal.

Is the Ibanez S5521Q suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez S5521Q is part of the Prestige series, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and performance features, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking precision and versatility.

How does the body material of the Ibanez S5521Q affect its sound?

The Ibanez S5521Q features a mahogany body with a quilted maple top, which provides a rich and resonant tone with balanced sustain. The maple top adds brightness and clarity to the overall sound.

Does the Ibanez S5521Q have a comfortable body shape for extended playing sessions?

Yes, the Ibanez S5521Q has a sleek double cutaway body shape, allowing easy access to higher frets and comfortable playability, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

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Video thumbnail for FENDER HSS STRAT vs IBANEZ PRESTIGE - Guitar Tone Comparison!! by Darrell Braun Guitar

FENDER HSS STRAT vs IBANEZ PRESTIGE - Guitar Tone Comparison!!

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for NEW GUITAR DAY!! - Unboxing an IBANEZ Prestige! by Darrell Braun Guitar

NEW GUITAR DAY!! - Unboxing an IBANEZ Prestige!

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez 2016 S5521Q-TAB Prestige Demo | Lee Wrathe by Lee Wrathe

Ibanez 2016 S5521Q-TAB Prestige Demo | Lee Wrathe

Lee Wrathe

Lee Wrathe

Video thumbnail for Ibanez 2016 S5521Q by Paul Glover

Ibanez 2016 S5521Q

Paul Glover

Paul Glover

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2016: Ibanez Prestige S5521Q - S - Series Guitar Demo by ST Audio

NAMM 2016: Ibanez Prestige S5521Q - S - Series Guitar Demo

ST Audio

ST Audio

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ PRESTIGE S5521Q NEBULA GREEN - 60 SECOND REVIEW by Haworth Guitars

IBANEZ PRESTIGE S5521Q NEBULA GREEN - 60 SECOND REVIEW

Haworth Guitars

Haworth Guitars

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Prestige S5521Q | Ep. 1 - Unboxing by rmp5s

Ibanez Prestige S5521Q | Ep. 1 - Unboxing

rmp5s

rmp5s

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning aesthetics that catch the eye

  • Extremely versatile, suitable for multiple genres including jazz and fusion

  • Neck plays with exceptional ease, enhancing playability

  • Precision tool that improves playing experience

  • Quality construction comparable to boutique guitars

  • Stop-tail bridge adds stability and resonance

CONS

  • Stock pickups may not meet high expectations

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez S5521Q.

Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez S5521Q has Bare Knuckle Black Hawks pickups, known for their aggressive tone and clarity, ideal for heavy music styles.

    Source
  • The Nebula Green Burst finish is highlighted as the most visually appealing color option seen on this Ibanez model.

    Source
  • The S5521Q in Wild Pilsner Burst is praised for its aesthetic appeal and unique color variation within the S series lineup.

    Source
  • The guitar features a humbucker-only setup, which is particularly appreciated by fans of the Ibanez Prestige line, who value this configuration for its tonal clarity.

    Source

Build quality

  • The thin body design around the edges is highlighted for its unique comfort, making it easy to play for extended periods.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners consider replacing the position switch with a 5-way switch to enable coil tapping and enhance aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using gold pickups for aesthetic appeal, with examples like full gold Dimarzio Titans enhancing visual appeal alongside gold hardware.

    Source
  • Users have successfully swapped the stock pickups for a DiMarzio Gravity Storm in the neck and a Super 2 in the bridge, noting an improvement in tone.

    Source
  • Transitioning to a floating tremolo system would require body modifications, suggesting that installation is not straightforward but possible for those seeking this feature.

    Source

User experience

  • The S-Series shape is praised for its effortless playability, often making other guitar models feel bulky in comparison.

    Source
  • The guitar's lightweight design raises concerns about potential neck dive due to the minimal body weight.

    Source
  • One user expressed a long-term aspiration to own a Prestige model, indicating strong brand loyalty and desirability among enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The guitar's slim profile is consistently highlighted as a standout feature, with owners appreciating its comfort compared to other models they own.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Ibanez S570, the Prestige model offers superior durability and is expected to last decades.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ibanez S5521Q is particularly favored for rock and metal genres, aligning with its design for these music styles.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sonnysoul

One of the Best!

This is one of the best guitars I have ever tried. Just a bit to skinny neck.

paulglover

Ibanez S

Great do it all guitar, very cool and super pretty!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nita Strauss uses Ibanez S5521Q

Nita Strauss

Guitarist

As Blood Runs Black

...
Verified via YouTube

You can se Nita playing this guitar at 2:00 into this video

See how Mario Camarena uses Ibanez S5521Q

Mario Camarena

Guitarist, Composer

Chon

...
Verified via YouTube

I saw Mario playing this sweet Ibanez S Series so I had to share what model it was for any curious CHON fan.

See how Jesse Cash uses Ibanez S5521Q

Jesse Cash

Composer, Guitarist

Erra

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Erra - Jesse's guitar rig malfunction," Jesse Cash is seen using an Ibanez S5521Q electric guitar.

A

Alex Parvis

Guitarist

Area 11

...
Verified via Photo

Parv is now endorsed by ibanez.

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 S5521Q, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez RG7321
Ibanez RG7321 Extended Range Guitars
1

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