IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar Review: The Budget-Friendly Relic That Punches Way Above Its Weight Class

In my two decades of playing, I’ve been through the ringer of guitar ownership. I’ve owned the $3,000 “case queens” that I was too afraid to take to a dive bar gig, and I’ve owned the $100 “plywood specials” that wouldn’t stay in tune for a single chorus. The modern guitarist faces a unique challenge: we want a guitar that looks like it has stories to tell—a “relic” aesthetic—but we also need the precision of modern manufacturing so the instrument actually plays. Most of the time, “affordable” means “corners cut.” We find ourselves searching for a middle ground that rarely exists, often ending up with instruments that require another $200 in professional setup work just to be playable. When I first encountered the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar, I was skeptical. How could a guitar at this price point offer a CNC-machined build, a “relic” finish, and a versatile HSH pickup configuration? I decided to dive deep to see if this was a legitimate hidden gem or just another “guitar-shaped object.”

What to Consider Before Buying a Solid Body Electric Guitar

A Solid Body Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for musicians looking for sustain, high-gain stability, and a canvas for sonic experimentation. Unlike hollow or semi-hollow instruments, a solid body guitar like the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar minimizes feedback at high volumes, making it the industry standard for rock, metal, and blues. The solid construction allows for a more direct transfer of string vibration to the pickups, providing that “punch” and “bite” that defines modern music. Choosing the right one means finding a balance between ergonomic comfort and the tonal characteristics of the wood and electronics used.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the high costs of “name brand” instruments but who still demands a professional-feeling neck and reliable hardware. It’s perfect for the intermediate player looking for a second “workhorse” guitar, or the seasoned pro who wants a cool-looking relic they can toss in the back of a van without a second thought. However, it might not be suitable for those who are strictly brand-loyal or those who require a guitar that is “perfectly polished” and shiny right out of the box, as the relicing process intentionally adds wear. For those players, a high-gloss, pristine alternative might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Body Material and Weight: Solid body guitars vary wildly in weight depending on the wood used. Basswood, as found in this model, is known for being lighter and more resonant than heavy mahogany, which is a lifesaver for long sets. Look for a weight that balances comfortably on a strap without causing shoulder fatigue.
• Neck Profile and Tapering: The neck is your primary interface with the music. You should look for a “good tapering” that feels consistent from the nut to the higher frets. CNC-machined necks are generally superior in this price bracket because they ensure the dimensions are exact to the original design, reducing the “dead spots” often found in hand-sanded budget guitars.
• Fretboard Material: While Rosewood was the old standard, sustainable alternatives like Jatoba Wood offer similar density and feel. Ensure the fingerboard is “strong” and lacks “bedding” (dips or soft spots), as this directly impacts how easily you can bend strings and how long your notes will sustain.
• Pickup Configuration (H-S-H vs H-H): Consider your genre needs. A standard Les Paul-style guitar usually has two humbuckers. The IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar uses an H-S-H (Humbucker-Single-Humbucker) setup, which offers much more tonal variety, allowing you to bridge the gap between “strat-like” quack and “LP-style” roar.

Understanding these technical nuances is essential before you make a purchase. While the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide: To ensure you are making the most informed decision, you can see its full feature set and user reviews on the official product page.

First Impressions: Unboxing the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar

When I first pulled the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar out of the box, the first thing that hit me was the finish. The “Cherry Sunburst” is more muted and tasteful than the overly glossy, plastic-looking finishes you usually see in this price range. Because it is “relic’d,” it has a matte, satin feel that is incredibly comfortable against the skin. Unlike a sticky poly finish, your arm slides right over the top. We found the weight to be surprisingly light—closer to a chambered body or even a heavy SG than a traditional 10-pound Les Paul. This is largely due to the basswood body, which is a smart choice for a budget instrument as it offers consistent resonance without the back-breaking weight.

The CNC machining is evident the moment you run your hand down the neck. Often, budget guitars have “sprouting” frets or a neck that feels like a baseball bat that wasn’t quite finished. Here, the “perfect neck” claim holds weight; the tapering is smooth, and the Jatoba fingerboard feels dense and fast. I did notice that the strings were a bit oxidized out of the box, which is common for overseas shipping, and the frets could use a quick polish to really make them shine. However, the initial “look and feel” easily competes with instruments twice its price. You can check the latest price and availability to see why this has become such a hot topic in the guitar community.

Deep Dive: Putting the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar to the Test

Precision Manufacturing: The CNC Advantage

The manufacturing process is where the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar truly separates itself from the pack. IYV (Inyen Vina) utilizes advanced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine technology, and it shows. When we evaluated the neck, we looked for inconsistencies in the carve—a common issue in mass-produced budget guitars. We found almost zero defectiveness in the neck’s geometry. The computer-programmed tapering ensures that the “C” shape profile remains consistent as you move toward the body. This precision translates to a lower possible action (the height of the strings from the frets) without the dreaded “fret buzz” that plagues cheaper models.

This precision isn’t just about the neck; it extends to the bridge placement and the pickup routing. The Tune-O-Matic bridge is seated perfectly, allowing for accurate intonation. In my testing, I found that even after aggressive playing, the guitar held its tuning remarkably well for a stock instrument. This build quality provides a solid foundation that makes this guitar an ideal “modding platform.” If you ever decide to upgrade the pickups or tuners, you are starting with a chassis that is structurally sound and accurately built, which is why we think this specific Cherry Sunburst model is such a smart investment for both beginners and hobbyists.

Tonal Versatility: The H-S-H Configuration

Most guitars in this body style opt for two humbuckers. The IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar breaks the mold by including a single-coil pickup in the middle position. In our sound tests, the bridge humbucker provided plenty of “crunch” for classic rock riffs, while the neck humbucker offered a warm, buttery tone perfect for jazz or blues leads. However, the real magic happens in positions 2 and 4 on the selector switch. By combining the single-coil with one of the humbuckers, you get a thinner, “glassier” tone that is perfect for funk or clean pop rhythm tracks.

We confirmed this versatility through user feedback as well. One player mentioned they swapped the wiring on the neck pickup to create a “Greeny” style out-of-phase tone, similar to Peter Green’s legendary Les Paul. This level of tonal experimentation is only possible because the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar comes with such a capable electronics layout. Even with the stock pickups, the “good sounds” mentioned in the specs are a reality. They aren’t the highest-output pickups on the market, but they are clear and responsive to the volume and tone knobs. You can see more details and secure your own ILS-300D today to start exploring these sounds yourself.

The “Relic” Aesthetic and Playability

Relicing is a polarizing topic in the guitar world, but IYV has handled it with surprising subtlety. The satin finish isn’t just for looks; it significantly improves playability. Many budget guitars use a thick, sticky “poly” gloss that can make the neck feel slow during fast passages. The matte finish on the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar feels “broken in” from day one. It has that vertical grain look that mimics a vintage nitrocellulose finish. While some users have noted that the knobs are a bit darker and “uglier” than the stock photos, the actual body and neck finish are universally praised.

We found the Jatoba fingerboard to be a highlight. It’s a very hard wood, which means it doesn’t “bed” or wear down easily under heavy use. It provides a bright, snappy attack that complements the warmth of the basswood body. One thing we should note is that because of the relicing process, the guitar feels “safe” to use. You aren’t worried about the first scratch or ding because it’s already part of the aesthetic. This psychological freedom actually makes you play better—you’re more relaxed. This makes the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar a fantastic gigging guitar. To see how the finish looks in real-world lighting, the IYV ILS-300D is currently listed online with several high-resolution images.

Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance

Over time, budget guitars often reveal their flaws through warping necks or failing electronics. However, the use of CNC technology combined with a well-designed Tune-O-Matic bridge suggests that the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar is built for the long haul. The nickel strings it comes with are standard, but we recommend a fresh set of high-quality strings and a quick “spot level” of the frets to really unlock the guitar’s potential. Maintenance is straightforward; the Jatoba board only needs a light oiling once a year, and the satin finish can be wiped down with a simple microfiber cloth without needing expensive polishes.

We found that the bone nut (or bone-like material) is cut well, which is rare. Usually, this is the first thing that needs replacing on a cheap guitar because it causes tuning issues. On the ILS-300D, the strings glide through the nut slots without “pinging,” which is a testament to the factory’s quality control. Even if you receive a unit with a minor flaw—as one user did with a damaged tuner—major retailers are generally excellent at making it right. For the price, the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar offers an exceptional value proposition that is hard to ignore.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the community is one of genuine shock. Many users who have “played guitar forever” and owned high-end instruments find themselves blown away by the “bang for the buck.” One veteran player noted that they originally bought it just to have something “cool hanging in the living room” due to the low price, but ended up being impressed by the build. Another user highlighted that while it isn’t a $1,000 guitar, it “plays as well as any Epi Les Paul out there,” which is high praise considering those competitors often cost double or triple the price.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are “lemon” stories. One user mentioned their guitar was a “dud” with poor workmanship, highlighting that while the CNC process is precise, human quality control can still miss things. Another noted that the frets arrived unpolished and the knobs didn’t match the golden ones in the promotional photos. These negative reviews are important because they remind us that at this price point, you are paying for the “bones” of the guitar. Most users agree that even with these minor flaws, the guitar is “worth every penny” and a “sweet LP copy.”

Comparing the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar to the Competition

To give you the full picture, let’s see how this IYV model compares to other popular entry-level and intermediate guitars.

1. Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA

The Jackson JS22 is a completely different beast, aimed squarely at the “shredder” and metal community. While the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar focuses on a vintage, relic’d aesthetic and tonal variety with its HSH setup, the Jackson features high-output humbuckers and a tremolo bridge. The Jackson’s neck is much thinner and flatter, designed for speed. If you want a guitar for high-gain metal and want to perform dive bombs, the Jackson is the better choice. However, if you want a classic look, more “soulful” tones, and a more substantial neck feel, the IYV wins out. The IYV also feels more “expensive” due to the carved top and relic finish compared to the Jackson’s more utilitarian satin black.

2. Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar

The Squier Affinity Telecaster is the gold standard for many beginners. It offers that classic Fender “twang” and a very slim, easy-to-play neck. Compared to the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar, the Squier feels much more “standard.” It doesn’t have the unique relic look or the warmth of the IYV’s basswood/jatoba combination. The Telecaster is limited to two single-coil pickups, making it less versatile than the IYV’s HSH configuration. If you specifically want that “country twang” or indie rock vibe, the Squier is the way to go. But for rock, blues, and anything requiring a bit more “meat” in the tone, the IYV offers a more sophisticated palette for roughly the same price.

3. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX Electric Guitar

The Yamaha Pacifica 012 is often cited as the best-built budget guitar on the planet. Its quality control is legendary and incredibly consistent. In a head-to-head with the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar, the Yamaha is the “safer” bet—you are almost guaranteed to get a perfect unit. However, the Pacifica can feel a bit “sterile” and generic. The IYV ILS-300D has much more character. It looks like a vintage instrument and feels like it has a personality. The IYV also offers a Tune-O-Matic bridge, which many players find easier to maintain and intonate than the Yamaha’s vintage-style tremolo. Choose the Yamaha if you want 100% reliability; choose the IYV if you want an instrument that inspires you with its looks and unique feel.

Final Verdict: Is the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar Worth It?

After a deep dive into its construction, tone, and user feedback, we can confidently say that the IYV ILS-300D Electric Guitar is one of the best values in the current market. Its strengths lie in its high-precision CNC-machined build and its surprisingly sophisticated aesthetic. While you might encounter some minor QC issues like unpolished frets or dark knobs, the “bones” of this guitar are better than almost anything else at this price point. It’s a versatile, lightweight, and visually stunning instrument that serves as both a great starter guitar and a reliable backup for seasoned pros.

If you’re willing to do a basic setup—maybe a quick fret polish and a fresh set of strings—you will have an instrument that punches way above its weight class. We highly recommend it for anyone who loves the look of a vintage relic but needs the reliability of modern manufacturing. Don’t let the low price fool you; this is a serious musical instrument. If you’re ready to add a unique, high-value piece to your collection, click here to check the current availability and grab yours before the secret is out!