Is the GRG220PA1 worth it for a beginner?

Yes, if you budget for a setup. The neck and body are comfortable, and the price leaves room for a better nut and strings.

Is the top real burl wood?

No. It is a poplar burl art-grain veneer over okoume, so the pattern is printed rather than a solid burl cap.

How does it compare with the GRG121DX?

The GRG220PA1 adds the art-grain top, roasted maple neck and purpleheart fretboard. The GRG121DX is plainer but similar in playability.

What strings does it come with?

It ships with .009 to .042 strings. Phosphor bronze is listed, but electric guitars normally use nickel-plated steel, so check before buying replacements.

The best new price is $349.99 at Sweetwater as of November 4, 2026. Holiday sales and bundle deals are the usual times for a lower price.

Where is the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar cheapest?

At Sweetwater, for $349.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 45 ratings.

Where can I buy the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar?

10 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, American Musical Supply, Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers.

Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar

4.8

Best price now

$349.99at SweetwaterObserved at 11:48 PM

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Sweetwater

Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar

4.8

Best price now

$349.99at SweetwaterObserved at 11:48 PM

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Sweetwater

Ask our shopping agent

Our take on the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar

The Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 is a budget RG-style solidbody electric with a poplar burl art-grain top over an okoume body, a roasted maple neck and a purpleheart fretboard. It has a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale, a 43 mm plastic nut, white body binding and chrome hardware. The best new price is $349.99 at Sweetwater as of November 4, 2026, with three stores listing it new.

Best forBeginners and first-time electric buyersPlayers who want an RG look on a budgetRock and metal rhythm playingA second guitar for drop tunings or practice

Pros

Poplar burl art-grain top looks costlier than the price
Roasted maple neck resists humidity shifts better than plain maple
25.5-inch scale and RG body suit fast, aggressive playing
White binding and gloss finish give a finished look
Lightweight okoume body is comfortable standing or seated

Cons

Art grain is a printed veneer, not real burl
Plastic nut and stock strings are the first weak points
Purpleheart fretboard looks unusual and darkens over time
Stock pickups and setup are basic at this price

Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar prices at every store

eBayNew
In stockSold by sweetwatersound
$349.99Observed at 11:48 PM
Visit store
SweetwaterNew
In stock
$349.99Observed at 11:48 PM
Visit store
Guitar CenterNew
Out of stock
$349.99Observed at 11:48 PM
Visit store

Also available at

eBayCheck price at eBay
American Musical SupplyCheck price at American Musical Supply
Johnstonbaugh's Music CentersCheck price at Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers
Music MakersCheck price at Music Makers
ProAudioStarCheck price at ProAudioStar
ReverbCheck price at Reverb
Robert M. SidesCheck price at Robert M. Sides
zZoundsCheck price at zZounds

Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar price history

Lowest price we've seen: $349.99 on Nov 4 at Robert M. Sides. Tracked across 11 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 from 45 ratings, with most praise going to looks and playability for the money. Common complaints are setup out of the box and the plastic nut.

Pros

Finish and top look far above the price
Neck feels fast and comfortable
Good value as a first RG

Cons

Needs a setup and sometimes fret work out of the box
Plastic nut and stock strings limit tuning stability

Specifications

Handedness: Right-handed
Instrument Type: Guitar
Sub Type: Electric
Number Of Strings: 6
String Gauge: .009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042
String Material: Phosphor Bronze
Nut Width: 43 mm
Nut Material: Plastic
Body Orientation: Right-Handed
Body Type: Solid body
Back Material: Okoume
Body Material: Okoume
Side Material: Okoume
Top Material: Poplar Burl Art Grain
Body Color: Black, Transparent black
Body Construction: Solid Body
Body Scale Length: 648 mm
Body Shape: RG
Body Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Body Semi-Hollow: No
Body Binding: Yes (white body binding), No
Neck Material: Roasted Maple
Fingerboard Material: Purpleheart
Bridge Material: Chrome

Questions and answers

Is the GRG220PA1 worth it for a beginner?: Yes, if you budget for a setup. The neck and body are comfortable, and the price leaves room for a better nut and strings.
Is the top real burl wood?: No. It is a poplar burl art-grain veneer over okoume, so the pattern is printed rather than a solid burl cap.
How does it compare with the GRG121DX?: The GRG220PA1 adds the art-grain top, roasted maple neck and purpleheart fretboard. The GRG121DX is plainer but similar in playability.
What strings does it come with?: It ships with .009 to .042 strings. Phosphor bronze is listed, but electric guitars normally use nickel-plated steel, so check before buying replacements.
When is it cheapest?: The best new price is $349.99 at Sweetwater as of November 4, 2026. Holiday sales and bundle deals are the usual times for a lower price.
Where is the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar cheapest?: At Sweetwater, for $349.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar?: Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 45 ratings.
Where can I buy the Ibanez GIO GRG220PA1 Electric Guitar?: 10 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, American Musical Supply, Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers.

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