TLDR Review: Ibanez GRGM21M Electric Guitar, Metallic Purple
Pros
- •Excellent workmanship with smooth fret ends and no snags after minor setup
- •Surprisingly goouality humbuckers for the price, offering versatile tone options via a 5-position pickup switch
- •Stable tuning once acclimated, with comfortable string action and relief right out of the box
- •Lightweight and smalized design makes it ideal for beginners, younger players, or those with smaller hands
- •Delivers impressive sound quality that can satisfy even experienced players in some contexts, especially when using effects
- •Great overall value considering its features and price point
- •Kiized and perfect for children around 9 years old starting to learn guitar
- •Ready to use immediately with minimal adjustments required
- •Easy to fix minor fret sprout and finish imperfections with simple tools
Cons
- •Some buzzing issues likely caused by grounding problems may require internal soldering repairs
- •Factory setup often needs adjustments including new strings, neck truss rod tuning, bridge height, and intonation for optimal playability
- •Pickup installation can be flimsy; pickups may wobble and require custom mounting fixes
- •Rough fret ends and leftover casting stubs may cause initial discomfort and need smoothing
- •Factory neck nut dampens vibration and sustain; upgrading to materials like TUSQ is recommended
- •Paint finish is cheap and prone to chipping or scratching easily
- •Tuners have noticeable play and can benefit from upgrades for better tuning stability
- •Short scale size limits appeal for players seeking a fulize guitar without extra modifications
Bottom Line
The Ibanez GRGM21MMPL is a solid choice for beginners and younger players who want a lightweight, easy-to-handle guitar with impressive sound options on a budget. However, expect to invest some time upgrading strings, smoothing frets, and adjusting setup to get the most out of it. Its small size and good tonal versatility make it a standout among entry-level guitars, but durability concerns like paint chipping and tuner play might bother more serious players. If you want a guitar that’s ready to play right out of the box with fewer setup hassles or better hardware, you might also want to explore other budget models with higher-end factory setups.
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How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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