Ibanez has long been synonymous with artist-driven innovation, and the JBBM40 and KIKO300 stand as clear examples of how deeply the company tailors instruments around individual musical identities. While both guitars are unapologetically modern and performance-focused, they approach tone, feel, and functionality from very different angles.
JBBM40: JB Brubaker (August Burns Red)
Designed for crushing low tunings and surgical precision, the JBBM40 is a stripped-back metal machine that prioritizes power and control. Its JBBM 3-Piece Maple/Bubinga Neck delivers rigidity and snap, while the Okoume Body keeps the overall response tight and balanced.
An Ebony Fretboard with a distinctive JBBM Special Inlay spanning the 9th to 13th frets reinforces the guitar’s premium, artist-specific feel. Jumbo Frets and a flat 400mm Radius encourage fast, confident playing across all 24 frets.
Electronics are handled by an EMG 85 in the neck and an EMG 81 in the bridge—an active pairing that has become a benchmark for high-gain clarity and aggressive attack. Paired with the Gibraltar Standard III Bridge and a slightly wider 10.8mm string spacing, the JBBM40 is optimized for stability under heavy riffing and complex chord voicings.
Factory-tuned to D Standard and strung with D’Addario EXL140 (.010–.052), the JBBM40 is clearly aimed at players who live below standard pitch. The Pearl White finish adds a stark, modern visual edge that matches the guitar’s uncompromising sonic intent.
Get the JBBM40 here for $1,299.99.
KIKO300: Kiko Loureiro (ex-Megadeth)
Where the JBBM40 is focused and brutal, the KIKO300 is expansive and expressive. Built around a KIKOS-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple Neck, the guitar offers enhanced stability and a broken-in feel straight out of the case. A Poplar Burl Top over an Alder Body provides both visual depth and a balanced tonal foundation.
The Rosewood Fretboard features a KIKO Special Inlay and 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel Frets with Prestige Fret Edge Treatment, giving the instrument a smooth, refined playing experience that excels in technical lead work. A slightly rounder 305mm Radius reflects its emphasis on fluidity and dynamic phrasing.
Pickup configuration is where the KIKO300 truly separates itself. A trio of DiMarzio KIKO Original pickups offers a wide tonal palette, from articulate cleans to saturated leads. Passive electronics and a Gotoh T1502 Bridge contribute to a more organic response and expressive touch sensitivity.
Standard E tuning and D’Addario EXL110 strings (.010–.046) make the KIKO300 immediately familiar, while details like a Bone Nut and Gold Hardware underscore its premium, polished aesthetic. The Ruby Red Sunburst Flat finish completes the guitar’s high-end, stage-ready presentation.
Get the KIKO300 here for $3,799.99.
