George Benson's guitar of choice for decades has been his signature Ibanez GB10 hollowbody electric. Every inch of the GB10 proudly exudes Ibanez's pride in their craftsmanship and attention to detail. A thick spruce top caps the compact maple body for a sound that is both clear and round. That sound is translated through a custom set of GB humbucking pickups. And the guitar is outfitted from headstock to strap pin with beautiful adornments such as mother-of-pearl and abalone inlay and multi-ply binding. Pick up a GB10 from Music Experience and find out why Benson never leaves home without his.

Designed to Benson's exacting specs 

George Benson was heavily involved in the design of his beloved GB10 hollowbody electric guitar. His input extends from the compact body dimensions to smaller details that add up to a supremely playable instrument. The guitar's tension-adjustable tailpiece tailors the instruments feel to your preferences. Benson specified a brass nut for its rounder tone. Even the set of pearlized tuning knobs were chosen for their resistance to corrosion. Clearly the Ibanez GB10 is the result of the expertise Benson has gained from decades of playing.

Flawless Ibanez craftsmanship

The fit and finish on this guitar is top notch, with stunning attention to detail. The binding around the body, fretboard, headstock, and F-holes is flawless. The frets are smooth, polished to a mirror-like shine. And the mother-of-pearl and abalone fretboard and headstock inlays are immaculate. The quality and craftsmanship Ibanez applies to this GB10 fully merits the praise it consistently receives in its category.

Warm, round jazz tones 

The Ibanez GB10 is superb for that warm jazz sound that has propelled George Benson's biggest hits. The custom-wound GB special humbucking pickups deliver that woody sound while remaining articulate and clear. Switch to the bridge humbucker and you'll find that the GB10 is capable of a lot more than its traditional jazz voice. The distinctive construction of the guitar's hollow body also plays a major role in its voice. A thicker-than-average spruce top enhances clarity while fighting feedback, while the compact dimensions add focus to its tone.

Ibanez: a brief history

Ibanez began its life in 1908 as the Hoshino Gakki company in Nagoya, Japan. However, the company didn’t get into the guitar business until 1929, when they started importing Salvador Ibanez guitars from Spain. In 1935, Hoshino Gakki began building Spanish acoustic guitars under the Ibanez Salvador name, which was later shortened to Ibanez. Although Ibanez began manufacturing electric guitars in 1957, the company was relatively unknown in the West until the 1960s, when they started producing guitars based on American designs. By the late 1970s, Ibanez had stopped producing derivative guitars and had begun manufacturing the original designs that the company is now known for. Ibanez is also famous for their effects pedals (most notably the Tube Screamer) and guitar amplifiers.

What Ibanez Says...

Appreciated as both a musician and performer by millions, George Benson has always had the dual role of expert improviser and vibrant entertainer. He has consistently placed his keenly discerning art in the service of a rousing good time. Rounding out his singular approach with sly, seductive rhythm and blues, he's earned himself an impeccable reputation as one of music's most enterprising and engaging stars.