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Average Price: $538

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Description

Introducing the Ibanez SA160QM Standard, where affordability meets versatility in a stunning solid body electric guitar. This instrument is a true chameleon, offering a rich palette of tones that cater to blues, classic rock, and high-gain metal enthusiasts alike. At the heart of its sound is the Quantum HSS pickup set, complete with 5-way switching to deliver a seamless blend of single-coil sparkle and humbucker power. Whether you're laying down soulful blues licks or shredding high-octane solos, the SA160QM adapts to your style with ease.

The mahogany body topped with a quilted maple veneer not only provides a warm, resonant sound but also adds a touch of elegance to your performance. The 3-piece maple neck is both fast and stable, ensuring that your fingers glide effortlessly across the rosewood fretboard adorned with jumbo frets. This guitar is designed to keep up with the demands of both beginners and seasoned players looking for a unique tone and reliable playability.

An impressive Sat Pro II floating tremolo bridge ensures your tuning stays intact while allowing for expressive vibrato effects. Chrome tuners and a matching headstock complete the look, making the Ibanez SA160QM not just an instrument, but a statement.

Key Features:

  • Quantum HSS pickup set with 5-way switching
  • Mahogany body with a quilted maple top
  • 3-piece maple neck with a rosewood fretboard
  • Jumbo frets for a rich, full sound
  • Sat Pro II floating tremolo bridge
  • Chrome tuners and matching headstock

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model SA160QM-SPB Standard with Pine Fretboard, SA160QM-SPB Standard with Rosewood Fretboard
Year 2016 - 2018
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Pine, Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez S
Model Sub-Family Ibanez SA
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.69"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Standard
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Quilted

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez SA160QM Standard?

The Ibanez SA160QM Standard features a slim and comfortable neck profile, making it ideal for fast playing and easy access across the fretboard. This design is particularly suited for players who enjoy a smooth and agile playing experience.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HSS pickup configuration on the Ibanez SA160QM Standard?

The HSS pickup configuration on the Ibanez SA160QM Standard provides a versatile range of tones. The humbucker in the bridge offers powerful, high-output sounds suitable for rock and metal, while the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions deliver clear, bright tones perfect for blues and pop.

Is the Ibanez SA160QM Standard suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez SA160QM Standard is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tonal options. Its lightweight body and easy playability make it a great choice for new players looking to explore different musical styles.

How does the tremolo bridge on the Ibanez SA160QM Standard affect playability?

The tremolo bridge on the Ibanez SA160QM Standard allows for expressive pitch modulation and adds versatility to your playing style. It provides smooth action for subtle vibrato effects or more dramatic pitch changes, enhancing the guitar's overall dynamic range.

What are the differences between the pine and rosewood fretboards on the Ibanez SA160QM Standard?

The pine fretboard offers a bright, snappy tone with a smooth feel, while the rosewood fretboard provides a warmer, richer sound with a slightly softer touch. Both options offer excellent playability, so the choice depends on personal tonal preference and feel.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SA160QM Standard.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest that using an EQ pedal can be more impactful than swapping pickups for high-gain contexts, as it effectively tailors input before distortion.

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  • For those seeking tone improvement, a boost pedal is recommended over active pickup modifications due to simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

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  • Owners have swapped stock pickups for DiMarzio Fred and Evo, and single coils to DiMarzio Chopper for tonal enhancement.

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Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez SA160QM is highlighted for its lightweight build and comfortable design, making it a favored choice for rhythm playing in drop-B or drop-A tunings.

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  • The guitar is noted for its very thin and fast neck, contributing to a highly comfortable playing experience.

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  • Ibanez necks are praised for their thin, flat profile with a large fretboard radius, making them ideal for fast playing styles.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some users recommend adding a boost pedal, like a Demon FX Precision Drive, to enhance the guitar's output for metal styles without changing pickups.

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  • The guitar produces a vintage, strat-like tone when played clean, appealing to those seeking classic sound profiles.

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Comparisons

  • It's noted that the current passive pickups are weaker in heavy distortion compared to guitars with Duncan Solars, affecting solos and high-gain play.

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  • Compared to a Les Paul, the Ibanez SA160QM is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended practice sessions.

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  • An owner compared a Mexican Fender Strat to the Ibanez SA160, favoring the latter due to ease of play and tone.

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Build quality

  • The neck on the Ibanez SA160QM is praised for having no sharp fret ends, offering a comfortable play experience uncommon in this price range.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Ibanez guitars are known for low action, which can be achieved with proper setup using basic tools and research.

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Value and pricing

  • Second-hand Ibanez guitars, especially Japanese-made models from the 90s, offer excellent price/performance, often considered a "poor man's high-end" guitar.

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User experience

  • One user highlighted the guitar's lightweight build, describing it as "virtually weightless" with a thick strap, enhancing comfort during long play sessions.

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