Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle Review: The Ultimate Southpaw Starter Kit?

If you are a left-handed guitarist, you already know the “lefty tax” is very real. For years, I walked into local music shops only to find a wall of a hundred guitars, with maybe two dusty, overpriced models tucked in the corner for southpaws. It is a frustrating barrier to entry. When you are just starting out, you do not want to “learn upside down” on a right-handed instrument, nor do you want to settle for a sub-par guitar just because of your orientation. Solving this problem is crucial; starting on a guitar that feels unnatural or lacks quality can kill your motivation before you have even mastered your first C-major chord. That is why we were so eager to get our hands on the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle. It promises a professional look, versatile sound, and a complete set of tools to get any left-handed player moving in the right direction without the usual compromises.

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 anyone looking to dive into the world of modern music, whether your heart is set on rock, blues, metal, or even jazz. Unlike acoustic guitars, solid body electrics rely on pickups and amplification, which allows for a level of tonal control and volume management that is essential for practice and performance. By choosing a solid body, you are opting for an instrument that is generally easier to play due to lower string action and thinner necks, making it the perfect gateway for beginners who might find the bulk of an acoustic intimidating.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a beginner or intermediate player who needs a reliable, versatile instrument that can handle various genres. It is particularly perfect for left-handed students who need a dedicated “lefty” build to develop proper muscle memory. However, it might not be suitable for those who are looking for a purely acoustic, unplugged experience, or professional touring musicians who require high-end, boutique hardware. If you are a seasoned pro, you might consider higher-tier Ibanez Prestige models, but for the rest of us, a well-built Gio series guitar provides incredible value for the money.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the weight and the scale length. A standard 25.5-inch scale length like the one found on the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle is great for most adults, but younger children might find a full-sized body heavy during long practice sessions.
• Capacity/Performance (Pickups): Look for a versatile pickup configuration. An H-S-S (Humbucker-Single-Single) setup offers the most flexibility, allowing you to switch between the thick, warm tones of a humbucker and the bright, “twangy” sounds of single coils.
• Materials & Durability: The type of wood matters for both tone and longevity. Poplar and Maple are excellent choices for entry-to-mid-level guitars because they are durable and offer a balanced, bright resonance that cuts through a mix.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: As a beginner, you want a bridge system that is easy to adjust. A tremolo bridge with independent saddles allows you to fine-tune the intonation and string height yourself, which is a vital skill for any developing guitarist to learn.

Choosing your first or next instrument is a big decision, and while the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle 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:

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Visual Stunner

When the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle arrived at our studio, the first thing that caught our eyes was the finish. The Transparent Blue Burst over the Quilted Maple Art Grain top is, quite frankly, gorgeous. It doesn’t look like a “budget” guitar. Ibanez has a reputation for making entry-level instruments that carry the aesthetic DNA of their high-end RG series, and this model is no exception. We found the initial setup to be surprisingly playable right out of the box, which is a rarity for bundles in this price bracket. Before you even plug it in, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to appreciate the level of detail Ibanez has put into the aesthetics.

The neck felt smooth—a satin-finished Maple that didn’t feel sticky, which is a common complaint with cheaper gloss-finished necks. The bundle itself is impressively comprehensive. While many “starter packs” include throwaway accessories, the items here—the clip-on tuner, the strap, and the Austin Bazaar instructional DVD—feel like genuine tools rather than afterthoughts. Compared to previous iterations of the Gio line, the inclusion of the T106 tremolo bridge and the Infinity pickups shows that Ibanez is focusing more on the “engine” of the guitar than just the “paint job.”

Deep Dive: Performance Analysis of the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle

Tonal Versatility and the Infinity Pickup System

In our testing, the most standout feature of the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle was undoubtedly its tonal flexibility. We put the H-S-S (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup configuration through its paces, using a variety of amplifiers and digital modelers. The Infinity R humbucker in the bridge position is a beast. It provides a tight, punchy, and surprisingly high-output sound that handles distortion with impressive clarity. We found that for rock and metal riffs, it maintains its “chunk” without becoming muddy—a common pitfall for entry-level pickups.

Switching to the middle and neck single-coil Infinity RS pickups completely changes the guitar’s character. These pickups offer a bright, glassy tone that is perfect for clean melodies, funk rhythms, or bluesy solos. Having this “best of both worlds” setup means a beginner doesn’t have to buy multiple guitars to explore different sounds. Whether you want to explore the Transparent Blue Burst finish in detail or dive into high-gain shredding, this pickup configuration supports your journey. We were particularly impressed by how quiet the single coils were; while all single coils have some “hum,” Ibanez has done a great job shielding this unit to keep interference to a minimum.

Neck Playability and Ergonomics

For a left-handed player, the “feel” of the neck is everything. We found the Maple neck on the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle to be exceptionally comfortable. It features a slim profile that Ibanez is famous for, which is a godsend for players with smaller hands or those who are just learning to stretch their fingers across the frets. The Jatoba wood fretboard is a nice touch; it has a reddish-brown hue and offers a rich mid-range with a crisp high end.

During our extended playing sessions, we noticed very little hand fatigue. The frets were well-leveled, with no sharp edges protruding from the sides—a sign of good quality control. This level of playability is why we often recommend this specific model over generic brands. When you invest in this high-value starter kit, you aren’t just getting a guitar; you’re getting a neck that encourages you to keep playing rather than fighting against the instrument. The 25.5-inch scale length provides just enough tension to keep the strings feeling snappy and responsive.

Hardware Reliability: The T106 Bridge and Output Jack

Hardware is often where budget guitars fail, but the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle holds its own. The T106 tremolo bridge is a classic six-screw design. We found that it allows for subtle vibrato and “dive bombs,” though like any non-locking tremolo, it requires a bit of finesse. If you are aggressive with the whammy bar, you may need to touch up your tuning. However, the six independent saddles are a major win, allowing you to adjust the height and intonation of each string individually. This is a feature that really sets it apart from guitars with fixed, non-adjustable bridges.

Another small but vital detail is the mono-unit output jack. It is made of solid, durable material and is cross-fixed to the body to prevent internal wiring from coming loose. We’ve all seen guitars where the jack starts “spinning” and the sound cuts out; this design choice significantly minimizes that risk. It’s these “under the hood” features that made us confident in the guitar’s long-term durability. You can review the technical specifications on the product page to see the full breakdown of the hardware used.

The Bundle Value: Everything You Need to Succeed

Let’s talk about the “Bundle” aspect of the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle. Often, buying a guitar is only half the battle; you then have to hunt for a tuner, a strap, and cables. This bundle takes the guesswork out of the process. We found the included clip-on tuner to be accurate and easy to read, even in low light. The Austin Bazaar instructional DVD is a fantastic touch for those who aren’t yet ready for private lessons, providing a solid foundation in the basics.

The polishing cloth and instrument cable are standard but necessary. While the gig bag is essentially a “dust cover” and won’t protect the guitar from a heavy drop, it is perfectly adequate for carrying the guitar to a friend’s house or a lesson. When you calculate the cost of buying these items individually, it becomes clear that this bundle offers significant savings. It is a smart move for parents or new players who want to grab this comprehensive bundle for your first lesson without having to make multiple trips to a music store.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among the community regarding the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle is overwhelmingly positive. One of the most common refrains we encountered was simply, “Great guitar.” While that might seem brief, it speaks volumes about the consistency of this model. Users frequently note that they were surprised by how much “guitar” they received for the price point. One user mentioned that as a lifelong lefty, finding an instrument that didn’t feel like a compromise was a “revelation,” and they praised the finish for being even more vibrant in person than in photos.

There is also a shared appreciation for the bundle’s convenience. Some users noted that the bridge required a small amount of setup out of the box to get the action perfect, but they also mentioned that the instructional materials helped them understand how to do it. On the negative side, a few users pointed out that the strings included on the guitar from the factory are basic and recommend swapping them out for a premium set after a few weeks. Overall, the consensus is that this is a “workhorse” instrument that punches way above its weight class, making it a top recommendation for new lefties.

Comparing the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle to Alternatives

While we are huge fans of this Ibanez model, it is important to see how it compares to other entry-level options on the market. Depending on your age, musical style, and budget, one of these alternatives might catch your eye.

1. Squier Mini Strat Electric Guitar Bundle

The Squier Mini Strat is a 3/4-size version of the classic Stratocaster. We found this to be an excellent alternative for very young children or players with smaller frames who might find the full-sized Ibanez GRX70QAL a bit heavy (the Ibanez is over 10 pounds). However, the Squier Mini lacks the humbucker pickup found in the Ibanez, meaning it won’t handle heavy rock or metal nearly as well. It is a “fun” guitar, but the Ibanez is a more “serious” instrument that a player can grow with into adulthood.

2. Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 Vintage Worn

The Epiphone SG Special offers a very different aesthetic and feel. It features two humbuckers instead of the H-S-S configuration of the Ibanez. If you are a die-hard fan of AC/DC or classic rock and know you want that specific “thick” humbucker sound 100% of the time, the SG is a great choice. However, it lacks the tremolo bridge and the “bright” single-coil tones that make the Ibanez so versatile. We found the Ibanez neck to be slightly faster and more beginner-friendly than the SG’s more traditional profile.

3. Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Vintage Sunburst

The Les Paul Player Pack is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle. It also comes with a full set of accessories. The Les Paul body is iconic and offers a legendary sustain. That said, Les Pauls are notorious for being heavy, and this model is no exception. We prefer the Ibanez for beginners because of its lighter weight and the contoured “RG” body shape, which sits more comfortably against the ribs during long practice sessions. The Ibanez also offers a more modern look compared to the classic sunburst of the Epiphone.

Final Verdict: Is the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle Worth It?

After putting the Ibanez GRX70QAL RG Gio Left-Handed Electric Guitar Bundle through a rigorous evaluation, we can confidently say it is one of the best investments a left-handed beginner can make. It successfully bridges the gap between “toy” instruments and professional gear. Its main strengths lie in its incredible tonal versatility—thanks to the Infinity H-S-S pickups—and its high-end aesthetic that makes you want to pick it up and play every single day. While the tremolo bridge requires some patience for perfect tuning, and you might eventually want to upgrade the gig bag, these are minor quibbles when compared to the overall value provided.

We recommend this bundle to any left-handed player who wants a reliable, stylish, and great-sounding instrument that can handle everything from jazz to metal. It is a complete package that respects the needs of the southpaw guitarist. If you are ready to start your musical journey on the right (or should we say, left) foot, you should definitely check the latest price and availability of this exceptional bundle today. Don’t let being a lefty hold you back—grab the gear that was designed for you and start playing!