Ibanez GRGM21 Review – Perfect Budget Option For Hard Rock

Ibanez is famous for making solid guitars through the years and has been always a little underrated in my opinion. However, the Japanese guitar maker has been very respected and demanded in heavy metal and hard rock circles, providing excellent sound, quality build, and sharper designs that are suited to the genre.

I have tried several Ibanez axes they have all proved their worth, but the RG series has been the best. Since I am always suggesting electric guitars for smaller hands, it would be a shame not to mention the Ibanez GRGM21 MIKRO. This guitar first produced in 2006, is aimed at younger players with shorter arms and smaller hands, but don’t mistake this machine with a toy, because it is extremely capable despite its 3/4 size.

In recent years, this guitar has seen excellent updates and is now almost perfect, and not just for children.

This small guitar has the RG-style body shape and finish, it is set up exactly like the full-sized guitar, so if you are familiar with the design you will not feel strange.

It gives the same hard rock and metal vibes, with its looks and its sound, so consider this if you are buying this as a gift. I think this is important because this can ruin a child’s musical experience and may cause him or her to quit.

The body of this guitar utilizes a basswood tonewood and it comes in several finishes you can choose from like the Black Night, Beam Blue, Candy Apple, Jewel Blue, White, Yellow, Vivid Orange, and Walnut Sunburst, all look excellent and are viable options depending on your preference.

As I mentioned this is a 3/4 sized guitar and features a scale length of 22.2-inches on its bolt-on maple neck as of 2019, this tonewood and neck combination provides lengthy sustain and great distortion. On top of the neck, you will find the jatoba fretboard with 24-frets and shark tooth inlays.

Overall, the Ibanez GRGM21 MIKRO is very lightweight and has a pretty solid build for its price, and most of the time the guitar comes in tune right out-of-the-box so you can start shredding immediately.

Electronics wise, the Ibanez GRGM21 MIKRO is equipped with a pair of Ibanez Infinity R humbucking pickups placed at the neck and bridge position. As of 2019, they are connected to a five-way pickup selector switch to provide amazing versatility, other than that a master tone knob, and a master volume knob.

In terms of hardware, the Ibanez GRGM21 MIKRO uses an F106 fixed bridge, a black plastic nut, and standard tuning machines, despite being pretty standard and stock this layout provides excellent stability and will ensure that your guitar stays in tune at all times.

The sound of this guitar is heavier thanks to its dual humbucking pickups, punchy and strong sound without becoming muddy.

It is perfect for heavy metal and hard rock genres and thanks to its playability, everybody can enjoy it regardless of age and size.