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Average Price: $576

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez SZ720FM is a powerhouse of tone and playability, offering musicians a blend of classic and contemporary features. This solid body electric guitar is crafted for those who crave robust sound and sleek design. The combination of a solid mahogany body and a flamed maple top delivers a rich, resonant tone with an added layer of brightness. The Seymour Duncan-designed humbucker pickups are a standout feature, providing a warm, full-bodied sound that's perfect for both lead and rhythm playing, and capable of delivering everything from smooth chords to screaming solos.

The guitar's 3-piece set-in mahogany neck not only enhances sustain but also offers superior access to upper frets. With a comfortable 25.1" scale, this neck is designed for ease of play, whether you're shredding solos or strumming chords. The bound rosewood fingerboard, adorned with special SZ inlays, adds a touch of elegance to the instrument.

Another key feature is the string-through-body design, which, combined with the Gibraltar III fixed bridge, ensures exceptional tonal balance and sustain. This setup not only enhances the guitar's playability but also extends string life, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a flamed maple top for rich tone
  • Seymour Duncan/IBZ humbucker pickups for versatile sound
  • 3-piece set-in mahogany neck for better upper fret access
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard with special SZ inlays
  • String-through-body design and Gibraltar III bridge for superior sustain
  • 25.1" scale length for comfortable playability
  • 3-way pickup switch and separate volume controls for tonal versatility

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model SZ720FM-BBS Standard, SZ720FM-DAS Standard, SZ720FM-TG Standard
Finish Blackberry Sunburst, Dark Amber Sunburst, Transparent Gray
Year 2004 - 2007
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Grey, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez S
Model Sub-Family Ibanez SZ
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Ibanez Standard
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez SZ720FM suitable for?

The Ibanez SZ720FM, with its mahogany body and dual humbucker pickups, is versatile and well-suited for rock, metal, and blues, offering rich sustain and powerful tones.

How does the neck profile of the Ibanez SZ720FM affect playability?

The Ibanez SZ720FM features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slightly rounded neck profile, providing smooth playability and easy access to higher frets, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Ibanez SZ720FM's pickups?

The SZ720FM is equipped with dual humbuckers that deliver a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity and sustain, making it suitable for high-gain settings as well as clean tones.

Is the Ibanez SZ720FM a good choice for beginner guitarists?

While the Ibanez SZ720FM offers excellent build quality and sound, its features and price point may be more suited to intermediate and advanced players looking for a versatile and reliable instrument.

What type of bridge does the Ibanez SZ720FM use, and how does it affect tuning stability?

The Ibanez SZ720FM features a string-through body with a Gibraltar III bridge, providing enhanced tuning stability and sustain, making it reliable for both studio and live performances.

Guitar Problem

Guitar Problem

Ibanez SZ720FM Review Guitar Problem

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SZ720FM Review Guitar Problem by Guitar Problem

Ibanez SZ720FM Review Guitar Problem

Guitar Problem

Guitar Problem

Video thumbnail for A look at the Ibanez SZ720FM by JandW Music

A look at the Ibanez SZ720FM

JandW Music

JandW Music

Video thumbnail for Hidden Feature of the Ibanez SZ (720fm model) by Crosafix al-Assad

Hidden Feature of the Ibanez SZ (720fm model)

Crosafix al-Assad

Crosafix al-Assad

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SZ720FM.

Build quality

  • The SZ720FM is noted for its premium look, often described as having an aesthetically pleasing abalone finish.

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  • The hardware on the SZ720FM can tarnish significantly over time, but replacement bridges are available, even in black.

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  • The SZ720FM features a 3-piece maple neck, designed with opposing grain directions to minimize the risk of twisting.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The guitar comes with upgraded EMG 57/66 pickups, noted for enhancing its suitability for metal genres compared to the stock pickups.

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  • Stock pickups are considered not very bright, with some owners recommending replacements for improved tone.

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  • Grover 406C Rotomatics are recommended as a suitable upgrade for oxidized stock tuners.

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Value and pricing

  • The SZ720FM is typically valued around $550-600, highlighting its perceived worth in the used market.

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  • The SZ720FM's market value has fluctuated, with some units previously selling for $900+, although current used prices range from $600-$800.

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Comparisons

  • The SZ720FM is considered the top of the non-prestige Ibanez line, which might influence trading decisions compared to other guitars like the MIM Telecaster.

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  • An owner compared the SZ720FM favorably to a more expensive Ibanez Prestige RG, finding the SZ720FM superior in quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's design and pickups make it more suitable for heavier music styles, contrasting with the twangy nature of a Telecaster.

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  • The guitar's design was inspired by PRS, making it a popular choice during the nu-metal era.

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User experience

  • Long-term owners report that the SZ720FM continues to feel comfortable and well-suited to their playing style even after many years.

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  • Owners find the SZ720FM exceptionally comfortable, often preferring it to more expensive models like the Gibson LP for stage use.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Cosmetic oxidation on tuners is common; sealed gear tuners remain functional unless grease is needed.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cerrabuz

One of the last top mid range guitars Ibanez has produced.

This guitar was made in South Korea. It's a 22 fret, neck thru with a tune-o-matic bridge and Duncan/Ibanez pickups. I have changed the tuners for Gotoh and placed a Seymour Duncan Dimebucker on the bridge and Seymour Duncan Jazz on the neck for pickups and wow, this baby does sound good. I've had it for 11 years and so far, no mayor problem has occurred. Like everything, you have to take care of it. If you have a chance to get your hands on one off these, the do it. You can't get these in a store anymore.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Antti Boman uses Ibanez SZ720FM

Antti Boman

Singer, Guitarist

Demilich

...
Verified via YouTube

Antti playing an Ibanez SZ720 Marty Friedman flame top guitar, as seen in the video.

Genre Usage

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

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