By C.

Ibanez is one of those companies with a rich and illustrious history that reaches back many decades. While the company has become synonymous with more budget-friendly and entry level guitars and basses in modern times, the early days saw the brand creating high-quality copies of notable American models, earning a reputation for their craftsmanship, powerful sound, and enduring presence in the world of rock music. Born from the fertile imagination of Japanese luthiers in the 1970’s to recreate historically faithful copies of the iconic American guitar models, Ibanez was propelled into the limelight by several legendary guitarists, and the Destroyer is one of their biggest success stories of this era.

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Designed to rival the iconic Gibson Explorer, which was at the time not being produced by Gibson, the Ibanez Destroyer made its debut in 1975 during the genesis of the rock and heavy metal explosion. Its striking angular body, characterized by sharp edges and a bold, rebellious silhouette, immediately set it apart from more conventional guitar designs of the era. The Destroyer also featured the Explorer’s famous “banana” headstock, which was implemented by other manufacturers in the 1980’s as well. Since very few people had the opportunity to see or play an original 1958 Gibson Explorer, the Ibanez Destroyer set the standard for many players growing up around this time until Gibson responded in 1976 and re-introduced the Explorer to the masses. The Destroyer’s audacious aesthetic, coupled with its raw, aggressive tone, appealed to an entire generation of musicians seeking to push the boundaries of sonic expression and visual appeal.

One of the earliest proponents of the Destroyer was none other than rock virtuoso Ace Frehley of KISS, who famously wielded the earliest version of the guitar during the band’s heyday in the 1970s. With its commanding presence and unmistakable sound, the Destroyer became synonymous with the larger-than-life performances of stadium rock, solidifying its status as an icon of the genre.

And of course, what would this article be without almost mentioning the late great Eddie Van Halen, who notoriously modified and heavily customized his Ibanez Destroyer which would later become known as the “Shark” guitar. EVH initially had his Destroyer refinished from natural to a stark white, and used the guitar to record a large majority of the band’s eponymous debut album.

Over the decades, the Ibanez Destroyer has undergone several iterations and updates, adapting to the evolving tastes and demands of musicians while retaining its core identity. From its humble beginnings as a challenger to an established guitar design, the Destroyer has evolved into a versatile instrument beloved by players across genres, from hard rock and metal to punk and alternative. Many of these later features were commonly seen on the Ibanez Destroyer II, with a slightly modified silhouette and various cosmetic modifications. Phil Collen of Def Leppard is likely the most widely associated user of the Destroyer II.

Some of the defining features of the Ibanez Destroyer is its exceptional playability and sound. With its fast neck profile and 12″ radius fretboard, the guitar facilitates effortless navigation across the entire range, empowering players to execute intricate solos and thunderous power chords with ease. The guitar was equipped with Ibanez ‘Super 70’ humbuckers, which have since become revered in their own right. Whether unleashing blistering leads or laying down a solid rhythm foundation, the Destroyer delivers a balanced and responsive performance that adapts to the demands of any musical style.

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In addition to its formidable sonic capabilities, the Ibanez Destroyer boasts a robust construction designed to withstand the rigors of the road. Crafted from high-quality tonewoods such as Sen (or Japanese Ash), Maple, Mahogany and Rosewood, the guitar exhibits exceptional durability and resonance, ensuring consistent performance even under the most demanding conditions. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Destroyer remains a reliable companion for musicians seeking uncompromising quality and reliability.

The Ibanez Destroyer holds a special place in the hearts of musicians and fans alike as a symbol of the outrageousness of 1970’s and 80’s hard rock music. Its bold design and uncompromising attitude embody the spirit of its era, inspiring generations of players to push the boundaries of creativity and self-expression. From the technical high-speed solos of metal maestros to the anthemic riffs of punk pioneers, the Destroyer continues to fuel the fire of musical revolution, serving as a classic emblem of defiance.

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From its inception in the 1970s to its continued relevance in the modern era, the Ibanez Destroyer has remained a stalwart companion for musicians seeking uncompromising performance and unmistakable style. While original late 70’s 2459 models are now regarded as high value collectibles on the used market (for many of the reasons stated above), its bold design, powerful sound, and unwavering spirit makes any version of Destroyer reign as an icon of rock ‘n’ roll, inspiring countless players to unleash their sound and embrace the power of that lies within.