Ibanez S670QM: Review Complete

So, let's make it clear right away: the Ibanez S670QM is not a boutique guitar. It's not the latest gadget that costs you a fortune. However, if you're here, you've probably already realized that not everyone is looking for a museum piece. You want an instrument that plays, that gives you satisfaction and, perhaps, that also leaves you some room to get your hands on it.

I, who have disassembled and reassembled quite a few guitars in the garage, understand your dilemma very well. You reach a point where your first cheap guitar feels limiting, but you don't want to break the bank for a top model either. You're looking for that sweet spot, that model that gives you a lot without asking for the moon. And often, in this price range, Ibanez has always had something to say. The S series, in particular, with its thin, contoured body, has always had its appeal.

This Ibanez S670QM, or rather, this S with the Quilted Maple top, presents itself as one of those guitars that promise a lot of versatility and a good base for playing a bit of everything, from rock to metal, but without disdaining a decent clean tone. I've had it in my hands, I've thoroughly tested it, and I've also heard a lot about what people who spent their money on it think. Let's see if it's the right guitar for your garage.

Technical Features: What's Under the Hood

Now, after rattling off the specs, let's see what people, the real ones, who shelled out money for this guitar, think. Because if there's one thing I've learned in years of “garage lutherie” it's that technical specifications are one thing, user experience is another.

On forums and online communities, the Ibanez S670QM generally enjoys a good reputation, especially considering the price. Many define it as a reliable “workhorse” for those looking for a versatile and high-performing guitar, without spending a fortune.

Pros Repeated by the Community

n1. Neck Playability: Almost unanimously, the Wizard III neck is the strong point. Fast, thin, comfortable. “It feels like playing on air,” many say. It's the main reason many choose Ibanez, and this guitar does not disappoint in this regard. Access to the upper frets is fantastic.n2. Timbre Versatility: The HSH configuration, even with mid-range pickups, is appreciated for its ability to cover a wide range of genres. From classic rock to heavier metal, passing through clean and crunch tones. It doesn't excel at anything, but it does everything decently. Many see it as an excellent “first serious guitar” precisely for this reason.n3. Aesthetics: The Quilted Maple top, even if veneered, is a real eye-catcher. The guitar is beautiful to look at, and let's face it, that never hurts. The glossy finish contributes to a premium look.n4. Bridge Stability (with reservation): The Edge-Zero II system, once properly set up, holds tuning more than acceptably. Many appreciate the ease of string changes compared to other less “user-friendly” Floyd Rose systems, thanks to the ZPS system. For those who have never had a floating bridge, it's a good starting point.n5. Comfort and Lightness: The thin and light body of the S series is another plus. The guitar is comfortable to hold for hours, balanced, and doesn't strain your back.

The Most Common Flaws (and My Observations)

All that glitters is not gold, and the community is honest about the flaws.n1. Pickups that can be improved: This is the hottest point. Quantum pickups are “ok”, but many users find them a bit generic, lacking character and dynamics compared to higher-end pickups. The bridge humbucker can sound a bit “muddy” under heavy distortion, and the clean tones lack the brilliance or depth found in other instruments.
My experience: I confirm. Quantum pickups are honest, but they won't make you shout for joy. They are a good starting point, but if you already have a specific sound in mind or want more personality, they will be the first upgrade to consider.n2. Cheap Electronic Components: Potentiometers and selectors are sometimes reported as a bit fragile or noisy over time. It's not a surprise for this price range, but it's something to keep an eye on.
My experience: Typical. Often, to keep costs down, internal electronics are skimped on. A good CTS or Alpha potentiometer and a Switchcraft selector make a difference, and they don't cost a fortune. It's one of the first things you can modify to improve reliability.n3. Bridge Sensitivity: Although stable, the Edge-Zero II is still a floating system. Some complain that it feels a bit “rubbery” to the touch compared to an original Floyd Rose and that the ZPS system, while aiding stability, can take away some sensitivity from more subtle vibrato. Furthermore, fine-tuning can be a bit cumbersome for beginners.
My experience: True. The Edge-Zero II is a good compromise. If you've never had a Floyd, it's a great way to start. But if you're used to more “precise” or “direct” bridges, you might feel the difference. It requires patience to set it up the first time.n4. Fretwork: Although Ibanez has good quality control, occasionally specimens are found with slightly protruding frets at the edges or not perfectly leveled. Nothing dramatic, but it may require slight rectification or beveling.
My experience: I've seen worse, but also better. A good luthier (or yourself, with the right tools) can fix these small flaws with minimal expense, making the guitar much more comfortable.

PROS and CONS in Relation to Price

Let's analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Ibanez S670QM, always keeping in mind that we are talking about a guitar in the mid-price range, not a Custom Shop. Price is the fundamental measure of judgment here.

PRO

Quality/Price Ratio (for playability): At a price often ranging between 500 and 700 euros (depending on offers and the market), the S670QM offers a neck and playability that are hard to find in this range. The feel is that of a higher-level guitar.
Fast and Comfortable Handle: The Wizard III is a benchmark for speed and comfort. If you are a shredder or aspire to be one, this neck will give you an extra edge.
Light and Ergonomic Body: The thin shape and low weight make it an ideal guitar for long standing sessions or for those looking for an instrument that isn't a brick.
Reliable Floating Bridge (for the range): The Edge-Zero II, once set up, holds tuning well and allows you to explore the world of extreme vibratos without too much worry. It's a good entry point for Floyd-style systems.
Sound Versatility: The HSH configuration offers a good range of sounds, making it suitable for various musical genres. You won't feel limited until you have very specific tonal needs.
Appealing Aesthetics: The Quilted Maple top and glossy finishes make it a guitar that looks good, both on stage and in the studio.

AGAINST

Generic Pickups: The Quantum pickups are the Achilles' heel for those looking for a sound with more personality. They are functional, but not inspiring. They will be the first upgrade for many.
Basic Electronics: Potentiometers and selector are of standard quality, often the first to cause problems in the long run. An upgrade is recommended for greater reliability.
Body Woods: Meranti and veneered top are economical choices. They work, but they don't have the resonance or tonal depth of more precious woods. Don't expect sonic miracles from the body.
Floating Bridge (Learning Curve): If you've never had a Floyd Rose or a similar system, be prepared for a learning curve. Tuning, changing strings, and intonating a floating bridge requires time and patience. The ZPS system simplifies it a bit, but doesn't eliminate the complexity.
Fretwork: Although generally good, it's possible to find small imperfections that require intervention. It's not an endemic defect, but it's a possibility.

In short, the S670QM is a guitar that excels in playability and ergonomics, offering a premium aesthetic at an accessible price. The compromises are mainly on the tonal front (pickups) and the long-term reliability of some electronic components. But these are all easily upgradeable elements.

Who Is the Ibanez S670QM Suitable For? Who Should Avoid It?

This is the million-dollar question, the one you ask yourself when you have your cart open and your finger on the “buy” button. I understand you perfectly, because I've been there many times myself.

Who Should Absolutely Consider It

The Intermediate Guitarist Looking for an Upgrade: If you started with an inexpensive guitar (a Squier Affinity, an Epiphone LP Special, an Ibanez Gio) and feel that your progress is hindered by an uncomfortable neck or a limited sound, the Ibanez S670QM is a remarkable leap in quality. It will give you a neck that will make you fly and a bridge that will open up new expressive possibilities.
The Shred and Fast Genres Enthusiast: If your daily bread is metal, fusion, progressive rock, or any genre that requires speed, precision, and easy access to the upper frets, the Wizard III neck is a blessing.
Who Seeks Versatility Without Breaking the Budget: Do you want a guitar that can do a bit of everything, from clean to crunch, from lead to heavy riffing? The HSH configuration, despite its limitations, offers you a wide sound palette.
The Modder or DIY Hobbyist: If you like to get your hands on your guitars, the S670QM is an excellent base. With a pickup change, new electronics, and maybe a fine setup, you can transform it into an instrument that sounds and performs like a much higher-end guitar, spending relatively little.
Who Needs a Reliable Second Guitar: Maybe you already have your main guitar, but you need a reliable workhorse for rehearsals, concerts, or simply to experiment without stress. The S670QM is perfectly suited for this role.

Who Should Probably Avoid It

The Vintage or Traditional Sound Purist: If you're looking for the warm, woody sound of a Les Paul, the twang of a Telecaster or the chime of a vintage Stratocaster, the S670QM is not for you. It's a modern superstrat, with a modern sound.
Those Who Can't Stand Floating Bridges: If the idea of having to tune a floating bridge gives you hives, or if you simply prefer the stability of a fixed bridge (tune-o-matic, hardtail), then this guitar will give you a hard time. It takes patience and a bit of practice.
The Absolute Beginner: If it's your very first electric guitar, a floating bridge might be an unnecessary obstacle at first. It's better to start with a fixed bridge to focus on technique without distractions. Then, when you're more experienced, you can tackle the world of Floyd Rose.
Those Who Seek the Top “Out of the Box” Sound: If you want a guitar that already sounds like a dream right out of the box, without needing upgrades or modifications, you might be a bit disappointed by the Quantum pickups. To get an “amazing” sound, you'll probably need to invest in better pickups.
Those with a Very Tight Budget (under 400€): If your budget is really tight, you might find more suitable alternatives in the entry-level range of Ibanez (GRG or GRX series) or brands like Harley Benton, which offer a lot for little. It's not a question of quality, but of price/performance ratio for that specific range.

Final Advice and Alternatives

So, in the end, this Ibanez S670QM is it a good guitar? My answer is: yes, it's an excellent guitar for its price And for its audience.

If you are an intermediate guitarist, or a modder with a careful budget, and you are looking for a versatile and comfortable weapon for modern genres, then buy it without thinking too much. You will have in your hands an instrument with a fantastic neck and a reliable bridge. Its flaws are manageable and often turn into opportunities to customize the instrument.

What to do as soon as you buy it (or if you already have it):

n1. Professional Setup: The first thing. No matter how good a guitar is, a good setup transforms it. Have it adjusted by a trusted luthier or, if you have the tools and the desire, learn to do it yourself. Action, intonation, and pickup height. It works wonders.n2. Fretwork Check: Check the frets. If you feel any protrusions or roughness, a bit of fine sandpaper (1000 grit and up) and a fret file can solve it. Otherwise, a luthier can do a fret level and polish.n3. Electronics Upgrade (Optional but Recommended): If the Quantum pickups don't satisfy you, consider a change. A set of DiMarzio (like the Tone Zone/Air Norton) or Seymour Duncan (JB/Jazz, or Distortion/59) can completely transform the sound. Also, changing potentiometers and selector with quality components will make your guitar last longer and improve signal transparency.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Ibanez S670QM doesn't fully convince you, or you want to explore similar options, here are some ideas:
Ibanez RG Series (similar range): The RGs are the “squarer” sisters of the S, often with Meranti or Mahogany bodies and Wizard necks. They have a slightly different feel (less thin body), but offer the same speed and similar hardware. Models like the RG421 (fixed bridge) or the RG470 (floating bridge) are valid alternatives.
Jackson Dinky/Soloist (JS/X Series): Jackson offers superstrat guitars with a more aggressive aesthetic and often high-output pickups. Fast necks and competitive prices. The JS series is more affordable, the X Series is closer to the S670QM.
Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas/So-Cal: If you can push your budget a bit higher, Charvel Pro-Mod are fantastic instruments, with fast necks, quality pickups (often Seymour Duncan) and original Floyd Rose bridges. They are “ready-to-use” guitars for shredding.
Schecter Omen/Demon Series: Schecter offers guitars with a darker aesthetic, often with thicker but still fast necks, and powerful pickups. Excellent for metal.
Harley Benton Fusion-T/Fusion-III: If budget is your absolute priority and you like the idea of modding, the Harley Benton Fusion series offers unbeatable value for money. They often have flamed maple tops, roasted maple necks, and decent pickups, leaving you plenty of room for upgrades. They are an excellent base for a DIY project.

The choice is yours. But remember, there is no perfect guitar for everyone. There is the right guitar for tea, for your playing style, for your budget, and for your desire to experiment. And if you decide to get your hands on a Ibanez S670QM, know that you have enormous potential in your hands. You just need to know how to bring it out.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ibanez S670QM

After having thoroughly examined the Ibanez S670QM far and wide, it's normal that some questions have come to mind. Here I try to answer those that emerge most often, both in forums and in chats among enthusiasts.

1. Are Quantum pickups really that bad?

“Bad” is a strong word. Let's say they are “average” for their price range. They are versatile pickups, with decent output, but they lack the personality, dynamics, and clarity you find in higher-end pickups (like DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, Bare Knuckle, etc.). For starting out or for playing live in a context where your sound is heavily processed, they are perfectly fine. If you're looking for a distinctive tone, great depth, or crystal-clear cleans, they will probably feel limiting. They are the first candidate for an upgrade, and the good news is that changing pickups is one of the simplest and most effective modifications you can make.

2. Is the Edge-Zero II bridge difficult to manage?

A floating bridge always requires a bit of patience, especially at first. The Edge-Zero II, with its ZPS system, is a bit more “forgiving” than a traditional Floyd Rose. It gives you more stability in case of string breakage and makes initial tuning a bit less frustrating. However, tuning, intonating, and changing strings will still require some practice. It's not like a fixed bridge, where you change the strings and go. If you've never had a floating bridge, watch some tutorials on YouTube (Ibanez itself has excellent ones) or get help from an experienced friend. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes routine.

3. Is the Meranti body a problem?

Absolutely not. Meranti is a sustainable wood with tonal characteristics similar to Mahogany, although often a bit lighter and with a slightly different resonance. Ibanez uses it extensively on many of its mid-range guitars. For a body as thin as that of the S series, the important thing is that the wood is stable and resonant. Meranti does its job more than adequately. It's not a “premium” wood like Honduras Mahogany, but it won't negatively affect your sound experience, especially if you use amplifiers and pedals.

4. Can I install an original Floyd Rose on the Ibanez S670QM?

Technically it's possible, but it's not a plug-and-play modification. The Edge-Zero II has different dimensions and pivots than an Original Floyd Rose. You should carefully check the measurements and probably need to make modifications to the body (routing) to adapt the inertia block and the studs of the new bridge. It's a job for an experienced luthier or a very advanced hobbyist. In most cases, it's not economically worth it. If you don't like the Edge-Zero II, perhaps it's better to look for a guitar that already has an original Floyd Rose.

5. Is the Wizard III neck also suitable for those with small hands?

Absolutely yes, in fact, it's often the preferred choice for those with small hands or those seeking maximum speed. The thin and flat profile reduces strain on the left hand and allows for agile movement on the fretboard. If you come from thicker necks, it might feel strange at first, but it's a matter of getting used to it. Many guitarists of fast genres, regardless of hand size, appreciate the Wizard III for its ergonomics.

6. How much does the Quilted Maple top affect the sound?

Zero, or almost. As specified, it's a veneer, meaning a very thin layer of figured maple glued onto the Meranti body. Its function is purely aesthetic. It serves to give the guitar a more “luxurious” and attractive look, without adding significant costs or changes to the tone. Don't expect the maple to “open up” the sound or add brightness like a solid maple top would. It's pure eye-candy, but honestly, it's a beautiful sight.

I hope these answers have clarified your ideas a bit. The Ibanez S670QM is a guitar with great potential, and with a little attention and perhaps some targeted modifications, it can give you a lot of satisfaction.

See also

• Which Ibanez Electric Guitar Should You Buy? Our Reviews.