Ibanez Micro GRGM21 Electric Guitar Review: A Small Powerhouse
The Ibanez Micro GRGM21 electric guitar is a compact and powerful instrument designed for the modern musician. With its sleek design, impressive playability, and versatile sound, it’s no wonder that this little powerhouse has garnered such a loyal following. In this in-depth review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, and overall value of the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 to help you decide if it’s the right guitar for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Ibanez Micro GRGM21 is a 3/4 size electric guitar, which means it’s significantly smaller than a standard-sized instrument. This compact design makes it an ideal choice for younger players, travelers, or those with smaller hands who may struggle with the reach on a full-sized guitar.
Despite its small size, the Micro GRGM21 doesn’t skimp on quality. The body is made from solid poplar, giving it a lightweight feel without compromising on durability or tone. The neck is crafted from maple, a popular choice for guitar necks due to its strength and resistance to warping. The fingerboard is made from treated New Zealand pine, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
The overall build quality of the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 is impressive, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that’s typically found in more expensive instruments. The hardware, including the tuners, bridge, and pickups, is also of high quality, ensuring reliable performance and longevity.
Playability
One of the standout features of the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 is its playability. The smaller size of the guitar makes it incredibly comfortable to hold and play, even for extended periods. The slim neck profile allows for easy chord transitions and fast lead playing, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players alike.
The 24 medium frets on the treated New Zealand pine fingerboard offer a smooth and comfortable playing surface, with excellent intonation and minimal string buzzing. The shorter scale length of 22.2 inches also makes it easier to play complex chords and stretch across multiple frets, which can be a challenge on full-sized guitars.
In terms of tuning stability, the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 performs admirably. The die-cast tuners hold their tuning well, even during aggressive playing or after using the tremolo bridge. Speaking of the bridge, the standard Ibanez fixed bridge is easy to adjust and maintains accurate intonation.
Sound and Versatility
Despite its small size, the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 packs a tonal punch. The guitar comes equipped with two Ibanez Infinity R humbucker pickups, offering a versatile range of sounds that cater to various musical styles. The neck pickup delivers warm, clear tones that are perfect for jazz or blues, while the bridge pickup provides a more aggressive, biting sound that’s well-suited for rock and metal.
The simple control layout of the Micro GRGM21 includes a 3-way pickup selector switch, a master volume knob, and a master tone knob. This straightforward setup allows you to quickly dial in your desired sound, from clean and mellow to crunchy and distorted.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Ibanez Micro GRGM21’s sound is its sustain. Despite its smaller body size, the guitar can produce long, ringing notes that rival those of larger instruments. This is thanks in part to the solid poplar body and the quality of the pickups.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 is hard to beat. With its high-quality construction, excellent playability, and versatile sound, this guitar offers a lot of bang for your buck. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, its performance and reliability make it an excellent choice for players on a budget or those looking for a compact, travel-friendly instrument.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 electric guitar is a fantastic option for players of all levels who need a smaller, more manageable instrument without sacrificing quality or tone. Its solid construction, comfortable playability, and versatile sound make it an excellent choice for a wide range of musical styles and settings.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-play first guitar, a seasoned player in need of a compact practice or travel instrument, or simply someone with smaller hands who struggles with full-sized guitars, the Ibanez Micro GRGM21 is well worth considering. With its impressive performance and unbeatable value, this little powerhouse is sure to impress.
