What is the scale length of the Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M?

The MiKro series features a significantly shorter scale length than standard 25.5-inch guitars. This reduction makes it easier for smaller hands to reach frets and reduces string tension for easier bending.

Which pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with Ibanez Infinity R humbuckers at both the neck and bridge positions. These are designed to provide high output and a clear, modern tone suitable for rock and metal.

What materials are used for the body and neck?

The GRGM21M is constructed with a poplar body and a maple neck. This specific version features a maple fingerboard, contributing to a bright and punchy sound profile.

Is the Metallic Purple finish durable?

The Metallic Purple finish is a polyester-based gloss finish typical of Ibanez production models. It is designed to be hard-wearing and resistant to minor scratches during regular use.

Can this guitar be tuned to standard E tuning?

Yes, despite its smaller size, the Ibanez MiKro is designed to be tuned to standard E (E-A-D-G-B-E). Because of the shorter scale, some players prefer slightly heavier gauge strings to maintain tension.

Who is the Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M intended for?

It is primarily intended for young beginners who find full-sized guitars too heavy or large. It is also a popular choice for adult musicians looking for a portable travel guitar.

How does the GRGM21M sound compared to a full-sized RG?

While it shares the Infinity R pickups and basic tonewoods of the RG series, the smaller body and shorter scale give it a slightly different resonance. It generally produces a bright, warm tone with thick lows.

Does this guitar come with a tremolo bridge?

No, the GRGM21M features a fixed bridge design. This helps maintain tuning stability, which is especially beneficial for beginners or when using the shorter scale length.

What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?

The Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M typically retails for approximately GBP 199. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.

How does it compare to the Squier Mini Stratocaster?

The Ibanez features humbucking pickups and a modern RG body shape, whereas the Squier Mini Stratocaster typically uses single-coil pickups and a vintage-style body. The Ibanez is better suited for high-gain rock styles.

Are the frets smaller on the MiKro series?

The frets are spaced closer together due to the short scale length, but they are standard medium-sized frets. This makes it easier to play chords that require a wide finger stretch.

Is this guitar suitable for professional recording?

While it is an entry-level instrument, its Infinity R pickups provide a clean enough signal for demo recording. Many professionals use them as couch guitars or for specialized high-strung parts.

Gear article

Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M Electric Guitar

The Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M is a compact electric guitar featuring a short-scale design intended for younger players or those requiring a portable instrument. Despite its reduced size, it is engineered to provide the playability and tonal characteristics associated with standard Ibanez RG series models.

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Overview

The Ibanez GRGM21M is part of the miKro series, designed to offer a smaller footprint without sacrificing the core functionality of a professional electric guitar. It is built with a poplar body, a maple neck, and a maple fingerboard, resulting in a lightweight instrument that is physically easier to handle than full-sized alternatives. The Metallic Purple finish provides a modern aesthetic that complements its high-output electronic configuration.

Construction and Design

The guitar utilizes a combination of tonewoods selected for a balanced frequency response. The poplar body serves as a resonant foundation, while the maple neck and fingerboard contribute to the instrument's clarity and 'sparkle' in the higher frequencies. The short-scale neck is particularly beneficial for players with smaller hands, as it reduces the distance between frets, making complex chords and fast lead lines more accessible.

Electronics and Sound Character

Equipped with a pair of Ibanez Infinity R humbucking pickups, the GRGM21M is voiced for modern playing styles, including rock and metal. These pickups are designed to deliver thick low-end response and warm mids, ensuring the guitar can handle high-gain amplification without becoming overly muddy. The humbucking design also aids in noise reduction compared to single-coil instruments.

Target Audience

This model is primarily suited for students, younger beginners, and musicians who travel frequently. Its compact dimensions make it an ideal choice for practice in confined spaces or for use as a dedicated travel guitar. While small, it maintains the structural integrity required for standard tuning, allowing it to function as a legitimate musical tool rather than a toy.

Market Comparison

In the entry-level and travel guitar market, the Ibanez MiKro competes with models like the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster and the Stagg SES-30 3/4 size guitar. While these alternatives often lean toward traditional vintage aesthetics, the Ibanez GRGM21M distinguishes itself with its aggressive RG-style body shape and high-output humbuckers, catering to players who prefer modern rock ergonomics over classic designs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M?: The MiKro series features a significantly shorter scale length than standard 25.5-inch guitars. This reduction makes it easier for smaller hands to reach frets and reduces string tension for easier bending.
Which pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with Ibanez Infinity R humbuckers at both the neck and bridge positions. These are designed to provide high output and a clear, modern tone suitable for rock and metal.
What materials are used for the body and neck?: The GRGM21M is constructed with a poplar body and a maple neck. This specific version features a maple fingerboard, contributing to a bright and punchy sound profile.
Is the Metallic Purple finish durable?: The Metallic Purple finish is a polyester-based gloss finish typical of Ibanez production models. It is designed to be hard-wearing and resistant to minor scratches during regular use.
Can this guitar be tuned to standard E tuning?: Yes, despite its smaller size, the Ibanez MiKro is designed to be tuned to standard E (E-A-D-G-B-E). Because of the shorter scale, some players prefer slightly heavier gauge strings to maintain tension.
Who is the Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M intended for?: It is primarily intended for young beginners who find full-sized guitars too heavy or large. It is also a popular choice for adult musicians looking for a portable travel guitar.
How does the GRGM21M sound compared to a full-sized RG?: While it shares the Infinity R pickups and basic tonewoods of the RG series, the smaller body and shorter scale give it a slightly different resonance. It generally produces a bright, warm tone with thick lows.
Does this guitar come with a tremolo bridge?: No, the GRGM21M features a fixed bridge design. This helps maintain tuning stability, which is especially beneficial for beginners or when using the shorter scale length.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The Ibanez MiKro GRGM21M typically retails for approximately GBP 199. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.
How does it compare to the Squier Mini Stratocaster?: The Ibanez features humbucking pickups and a modern RG body shape, whereas the Squier Mini Stratocaster typically uses single-coil pickups and a vintage-style body. The Ibanez is better suited for high-gain rock styles.
Are the frets smaller on the MiKro series?: The frets are spaced closer together due to the short scale length, but they are standard medium-sized frets. This makes it easier to play chords that require a wide finger stretch.
Is this guitar suitable for professional recording?: While it is an entry-level instrument, its Infinity R pickups provide a clean enough signal for demo recording. Many professionals use them as couch guitars or for specialized high-strung parts.