Ibanez has unveiled an all-new electric guitar family officially dubbed the Alpha Series, and it may stand as one of the most significant launches in the company’s modern history. Available in seven- and eight-string configurations, the Alpha guitars represent a decisive move toward contemporary progressive design, positioning Ibanez squarely within the evolving world of forward-thinking metal and prog rock instruments.
In both form and philosophy, the Alpha Series echoes the design language popularized by players and builders at the forefront of progressive metal. Names like Tosin Abasi, Strandberg, Kiesel, Aristides and even Ibanez’s own Quest series loom large over the concept.
Abasi in particular feels like a spiritual reference point, given his earlier work with Ibanez before founding Abasi Concepts and later collaborating with Ernie Ball Music Man on the Kaizen. The Alpha Series feels like Ibanez’s clearest answer yet to that design movement.
According to Ibanez, the Alpha models were “engineered from the ground up,” blending cutting-edge features with a strong focus on comfort, balance and tonal optimization. At the heart of the guitars is a Basswood body shaped for extreme ergonomics, complete with a forearm contour and an innovative lower-body carve designed to remain comfortable whether seated or standing.
The body is paired with a Parallel Wizard AS neck, constructed from five pieces of Walnut and Maple. This neck design is built for stability and speed, while a newly developed three-bolt neck joint improves upper-fret access and overall joint strength.
A back-mounted output jack further cleans up the instrument’s stage profile, reinforcing the Alpha’s sleek, modern aesthetic.
Electronics are handled by Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers across both models, delivering the clarity, output and consistency that have become a hallmark of contemporary metal tones. A dedicated Fluence Voicing switch expands the tonal palette, allowing players to move between aggressive high-gain voices and more articulate, refined sounds without changing guitars. Jumbo Stainless Steel frets ensure durability and smooth playability, while Gotoh MG-T locking tuners provide rock-solid tuning stability.
True to modern prog expectations, the Alpha Series also embraces multi-scale construction. The seven-string model spans from 27.2″ to 25.5″, while the eight-string extends from 27.5″ to 25.5″, offering tighter low-end response and improved string tension balance across extended ranges.
Visually, the Alpha guitars lean fully into their futuristic identity. Finish options include Iron Pewter, Nebula Shift and Coral Mirage, each reinforcing the series’ contemporary aesthetic. Get the Ibanez Alpha Series here for $1,899 and $1,999, and keep up with all our Ibanez coverage right here!
