Considered the third biggest guitar brand after Gibson and Fender, Ibanez is one of the most respected and beloved guitar companies in the world. Founded by Hoshino Gakki in 1908 and named after the Spanish Luthier Salvador Ibañez, the brand has stablished itself in the guitar market with a reputation of high quality and innovative products. They were the first to introduce the 7 and 8 strings guitars, for example. After their collaboration with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and their successful JEM series, they gained worldwide recognition.