Ibanez GRG 7-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How each alternative compares

Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

The Leo Jaymz is a 6-string solid body, so it does not give you the extra low string of the Ibanez GRG7221. It shares the same poplar body and maple neck construction, but its fretboard is laurel instead of New Zealand Pine. The Leo Jaymz is a 39-inch guitar, while the Ibanez is a full-size 45.8-inch instrument. If you are a beginner who wants a simple, budget-friendly 6-string and do not need seven-string range, this is a practical pick. If you specifically want to play dropped or extended-range riffs, the Ibanez GRG remains the better choice because it keeps the 7-string layout and the Infinity R pickups.

Ibanez GRX20 Solid-Body Electric Guitar

The Ibanez GRX20 is a 6-string solid body, so it gives up the 7-string configuration of the GRG7221. It is also shorter at 39.5 inches and lighter at 7.5 pounds, compared to the 45.8-inch, 9.81-pound GRG. Both guitars use a solid body and come in white, and the GRX20 keeps the Ibanez build and high-output humbucker tone. The GRG has a New Zealand Pine fretboard, while the GRX20 does not list its fretboard material. If you want an Ibanez solid body with a more manageable weight and do not need the extra low string, the GRX20 is a solid alternative. If extended range matters, stick with the 7-string GRG.

MUSILY MSM7 7-String Solid Body Electric Guitar

The MUSILY MSM7 is a 7-string solid body like the Ibanez GRG7221, so it keeps the extended range. It adds premium features the Ibanez does not list, including an ultra-thin neck, high-output pickups, and a string-through bridge. The MUSILY comes in red, while the GRG is white. The Ibanez specifies a poplar body, maple neck, and New Zealand Pine fretboard; the MUSILY does not list body, neck, or fretboard materials. If you are a metal player who wants a 7-string with a thin neck and string-through design, the MUSILY is the stronger pick. If you prefer the known poplar-maple construction and Ibanez Infinity R pickups, the GRG is the safer choice.

Gstyle TARIO 7-String Poplar Body Maple Neck

The Gstyle TARIO is a 7-string solid body with a poplar body and maple neck, matching the Ibanez GRG7221 on those specs. It adds a burl poplar top, which the Ibanez does not have. The Gstyle is white like the original, but it does not specify its fretboard material or pickup model, so you give up the known New Zealand Pine fretboard and Infinity R pickups of the GRG. The Gstyle is positioned as a budget-friendly option with straightforward controls. If you want a 7-string with a decorative top and are willing to trade the Ibanez pickup and fretboard specs, this is a reasonable alternative. If those specs matter, the GRG remains the better documented choice.

Ibanez RG Gio 7-String Solidbody

The Ibanez RG Gio GRG7221QA is also a right-handed 7-string solid body, so it matches the GRG7221 on the most important specs. It uses the same Infinity R pickups and maple neck, but swaps the New Zealand Pine fretboard for purpleheart. The RG Gio is black instead of white and weighs 11.2 pounds, which is heavier than the 9.81-pound GRG. It also includes a hard shell case and gig bag, which the original does not list. If you want an Ibanez 7-string with a purpleheart fretboard and carrying case included, this is a strong alternative. If weight matters, the lighter GRG7221 is the better pick.

Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner is a left-handed 6-string solid body, so it is the opposite of the right-handed 7-string Ibanez GRG7221 in two key ways. It gives up the extra low string and is built for left-handed players. The Donner has a sunburst finish and a 39-inch size, while the Ibanez is white and full-size at 45.8 inches. The Donner does not list body, neck, or fretboard materials, so you lose the known poplar body, maple neck, and New Zealand Pine fretboard of the GRG. If you are left-handed and only need a 6-string, this is a practical option. If you need seven strings or play right-handed, the Ibanez GRG is the one to choose.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Ibanez GRG7221 7-String Solid-Body

Best for: budget-conscious 7-string beginners and intermediate players

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

New Zealand Pine

Number of Strings

7

Hand Orientation

right-handed

Body Type

solid body

View on Amazon: Ibanez GRG7221 7-String Solid-Body

This Ibanez GRG 7-string solid-body electric guitar is built for players who want extended range without a premium price. It features a poplar body, a bolted maple neck, and a New Zealand Pine fingerboard. High-output Infinity R pickups deliver the power needed for heavy tones. At 9.81 pounds and full-size, it is a practical choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists.

Pros

• 7-string design for extended low-end range
• High-output Infinity R pickups for powerful tone
• Poplar body with maple neck for balanced weight and resonance
• New Zealand Pine fingerboard for smooth playability
• Available in three color options

Cons

• No tremolo bridge or locking nut listed
• Fretboard material is New Zealand Pine, a less common wood than rosewood or maple
• Weighs 9.81 pounds, which may feel heavy during long sessions

Good fit if

• You want an affordable 7-string guitar for metal or drop-tuned styles
• You are a beginner or intermediate player looking for a full-size solid-body electric
• You prefer a simple, no-frills design with passive pickups

Skip if

• You need a Floyd Rose or other locking tremolo system
• You prefer a lighter guitar under 8 pounds
• You want a fretboard made from traditional tonewoods like rosewood or ebony

Verdict: Ibanez GRG 7-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a solid entry-level 7-string that gives you extended range and high-output pickups at a practical price. It is best for beginners and intermediate players who want to explore seven-string playing without breaking the bank.

2 Best budget

Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

Best for: budget-conscious players wanting a simple 6-string solid-body

Body Material

poplar wood

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

laurel wood

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.75 inch

Body Type

Solid Body

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

The Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a budget-friendly 6-string with a poplar wood body, maple neck, and laurel wood fretboard. It has 22 frets, a 24.75 inch scale length, and a 14 inch radius. This guitar suits beginners or players seeking an affordable solid-body option in a variety of color choices.

Pros

• Solid-body poplar wood construction
• Maple neck with laurel wood fretboard
• Available in 9 color options
• 24.75 inch scale length and 14 inch radius

Cons

• 6-string only, not a 7-string like the Ibanez GRG
• 22 frets versus 24 frets on some competitors
• No tremolo bridge or locking nut listed

Good fit if

• You want a budget-friendly 6-string solid-body electric guitar
• You prefer a shorter 24.75 inch scale length
• You value multiple color choices

Skip if

• You need a 7-string guitar for extended range playing
• You require 24 frets for higher note access
• You want a guitar with a tremolo system

Verdict: Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a solid budget 6-string option for beginners, but it cannot replace a 7-string Ibanez GRG for players who need that extra low string.

3 Best 6-string

Ibanez GRX20 Solid-Body Electric Guitar

Best for: 6-string players seeking Ibanez quality and humbucker tone

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Treated New Zealand Pine

Pickup Configuration

Humbucker

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right

View on Amazon: Ibanez GRX20 Solid-Body Electric Guitar

This Ibanez GRX is a 6-string solid-body electric guitar with a poplar body and maple neck. It features a treated New Zealand Pine fretboard and high-output Infinity R humbucker pickups with a 3-way selector switch. It is designed for right-handed players and offers a classic look with a medium gloss finish. This guitar suits beginners or players seeking a reliable 6-string option.

Pros

• Poplar body with medium gloss finish
• Maple neck with treated New Zealand Pine fretboard
• High-output Infinity R humbucker pickups with 3-way selector
• Available in four color options

Cons

• 6-string model, not a 7-string like the GRG alternatives
• No tremolo bridge or locking nut listed
• Only right-hand orientation available

Good fit if

• You want a 6-string solid-body electric guitar from Ibanez
• You prefer a poplar body and maple neck construction
• You need high-output humbucker pickups for driven tones

Skip if

• You need a 7-string guitar for extended range playing
• You are a left-handed player
• You require a guitar with a tremolo system

Verdict: Ibanez GRX 6-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a solid 6-string option for players who value Ibanez build quality and high-output pickups, but it does not offer the 7-string configuration of the GRG alternatives.

4 Best premium

MUSILY MSM7 7-String Solid Body Electric Guitar

Best for: metal players wanting a premium 7-string

Neck Material

Hard Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

Solid Body

Number of Frets

24

Scale Length

25.5"

View on Amazon: MUSILY MSM7 7-String Solid Body Electric Guitar

The MUSILY MSM7 is a 7-string solid-body electric guitar built for heavy metal. It features a 25.5" scale, an ultra-thin C-shape hard maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard with 24 jumbo frets. High-output dual humbuckers and a string-through-body bridge deliver aggressive tone and tuning stability. This guitar suits players who want a premium-feeling instrument for drop-tuned riffs and shredding.

Pros

• Ultra-thin C-shape neck and 2.9mm jumbo frets for fast playability
• High-output dual humbuckers for aggressive high-gain tones
• String-through-body hardtail bridge for stable drop-tuning and sustain
• Full 24-fret access with deep cutaway for smooth soloing
• All-black hardware with unique wood-grain finishes

Cons

• No tremolo bridge for whammy effects
• No included case or gig bag mentioned in specs

Good fit if

• You play heavy metal or hard rock and need a 7-string for low tunings
• You prefer a thin, fast neck for shredding and bending
• You want a fixed bridge for maximum tuning stability

Skip if

• You need a guitar with a tremolo or vibrato system
• You prefer a shorter scale length for easier bending on lower strings
• You want a guitar with active pickups or coil-splitting options

Verdict: MUSILY MSM7 7-String Solid Body Electric Guitar offers premium features like an ultra-thin neck, high-output pickups, and a string-through bridge, making it a strong choice for metal players seeking a reliable 7-string.

5 Also great

Gstyle TARIO 7-String Poplar Body Maple Neck

Best for: budget-conscious 7-string players wanting a decorative top

Body Material

Okoume

Neck Material

Maple

Number of Strings

7

Number of Frets

24

Scale Length

25 1/2

Nut Width

1 7/8

View on Amazon: Gstyle TARIO 7-String Poplar Body Maple Neck

The Gstyle TARIO is a 7-string solid-body electric guitar with an okoume body and a burl poplar top veneer. It has a bolt-on maple neck, 24 frets, a 25 1/2-inch scale length, and a 1 7/8-inch nut width. Controls are one volume, one tone, and a 3-way switch. This guitar suits players looking for a budget-friendly 7-string with a distinctive top wood veneer.

Pros

• Burl poplar top veneer for a unique look
• 24 frets and 25 1/2-inch scale for extended range
• 2-way adjustable truss rod for neck relief
• 7-string configuration for extended low-end

Cons

• Body material is okoume, not poplar as listed in attributes
• No included case or gig bag listed
• Basic electronics with only one volume and one tone control

Good fit if

• You want a 7-string guitar with a decorative wood top veneer
• You are looking for an affordable entry into 7-string playing
• You prefer a simple control layout with a 3-way switch

Skip if

• You need a guitar with a solid poplar or alder body
• You want a 7-string with active pickups or a tremolo bridge
• You require a left-handed model

Verdict: Gstyle TARIO 7-String Electric Guitar offers a budget-friendly 7-string option with a burl poplar top and straightforward controls, suitable for players exploring extended-range guitars.

6 Best right-handed

Ibanez RG Gio 7-String Solidbody

Best for: budget-conscious right-handed 7-string players

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Purpleheart

Pickup Configuration

Infinity R (H) neck and bridge pickups

Number of Strings

7

Hand Orientation

Right-Handed

View on Amazon: Ibanez RG Gio 7-String Solidbody

The Ibanez RG Gio GRG7221QA is a 7-string solidbody electric guitar built for right-handed players. It features a maple neck, poplar body with a quilted maple art grain top, and a purpleheart fretboard. The Infinity R humbucker pickups and F107 bridge are designed for heavy tones. It comes with a hard shell case and gig bag, making it a complete package for budget-conscious players.

Pros

• 7-string configuration for extended low-end range
• Maple neck with purpleheart fretboard for smooth playability
• Infinity R humbucker pickups for high-output sound
• Includes both a hard shell case and a gig bag
• Quilted maple art grain top for visual appeal

Cons

• Heavier than many 6-string guitars at 11.2 pounds
• No coil-splitting or switching options listed for the pickups
• GIO series may have simpler hardware than higher-end Ibanez models

Good fit if

• You want a budget-friendly 7-string guitar from a major brand
• You need a right-handed instrument with included carrying cases
• You prefer a maple neck and purpleheart fretboard for durability

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar for long playing sessions
• You want versatile pickup switching beyond humbucker-only
• You prefer a left-handed orientation

Verdict: Ibanez RG Gio GRG7221QA 7-String Right-Handed is a solid entry-level 7-string electric guitar with a maple neck, purpleheart fretboard, and Infinity R pickups, all backed by a hard shell case and gig bag.

7 Best left-handed

Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: left-handed players seeking a 6-string solid-body electric guitar

Hand Orientation

Left-Handed

Body Type

Solid body

Color

Sunburst

Dimensions

52.8 × 38.2 × 33.5 inches

View on Amazon: Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar is a solid-body model designed specifically for left-handed players. It comes in a sunburst finish and is available in multiple color options. This guitar is a practical choice if you need a left-handed instrument and want a straightforward solid-body electric guitar without extra features like a 7-string setup.

Pros

• Solid-body construction for durability and sustain
• Available in left-handed orientation
• Comes in 6 color options including sunburst, black, red, yellow, sapphire blue, and lake blue
• 39-inch scale length suitable for most players

Cons

• 6-string design, not a 7-string guitar like the Ibanez GRG
• No tremolo bridge or locking nut listed in specs

Good fit if

• You are a left-handed player looking for a solid-body electric guitar
• You prefer a 6-string guitar over a 7-string for simplicity or playability
• You want multiple color choices for your instrument

Skip if

• You need a 7-string guitar for extended range playing
• You require a right-handed orientation
• You want a guitar with a tremolo bridge system

Verdict: Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar is a solid choice for left-handed players who want a simple 6-string solid-body electric guitar, but it lacks the 7-string configuration of the Ibanez GRG.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions