Transparent Red Burst over quilted maple is a classic combination, and the GRX70QA wears it beautifully. The grain of the quilted art-grain top shows through the finish with real depth and dimension, giving this budget-friendly guitar a premium look. The HSS pickup arrangement is the same versatile setup across the GRX70QA line -- two humbuckers for power and warmth, a single-coil in the middle for clarity and twang.

The playability is where Ibanez really earns its reputation with the Gio series. The neck feels fast and smooth, the frets are well-dressed, and the action comes set up comfortably from the factory. The Transparent Red Burst finish has a warm, fiery quality that looks especially good under stage lighting. A guitar that plays above its price class and looks like it costs twice as much.