Ibanez QX52B Weathered Black

The Essentials to Know About the Ibanez QX52B Weathered Black Guitar

• "Quest" Headless Concept: ultra-compact, designed from the ground up for modern performance (not just a "shortened" guitar).


• Ergonomics Tailored for Technical Playing: very thin and consistent Parallel Wizard neck (19 mm / 0.75"), frets angled inward (8 degrees), and 24 jumbo stainless steel frets.


• Immediate Sonic Versatility: 2 Q58 humbuckers + dyna-MIX10 system with Alter Switch to multiply combinations (up to 10 variations).


• Dedicated Headless Hardware: Ibanez Mono-Tune bridge and custom string locks for tuning stability, broad intonation adjustment, and simplified string changes.

Quest Series: Ibanez's Vision of Next-Generation Headless Guitar

The Q (Quest) series represents a unique approach at Ibanez: instead of adapting an existing model to a headless format, the brand redesigned the instrument "from scratch" to meet current guitarists' expectations. The goal is clear: to offer a guitar that is more lightweight, portable, and high-performing, without sacrificing tonal richness or comfort. In this logic, the QX52B is positioned as a version focused on technical playing, with design choices centered on ergonomics, stability, and versatility.

Who Is the QX52B For? A Guitar Designed for Precision

The Ibanez QX52B is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert guitarists seeking a fast playing feel, full access to the upper frets, and a clear response under the fingers. Its headless format and Parallel Wizard neck are particularly suited for styles involving demanding passages: modern metal, prog, fusion, shred, djent, as well as contemporary pop/rock whenever a responsive and easy-to-transport guitar is desired.

Thanks to the dyna-MIX10, it remains relevant for studio or stage musicians who need to switch between registers (tight rhythm, precise leads, clearer tones) without changing instruments.

Tone and Electronics: Q58 + dyna-MIX10, Controlled Thickness to Exploitable Snap

At the heart of the QX52B is a pair of Q58 humbuckers (H-H) designed for headless guitars: they aim for very clear definition, with powerful yet clean lows, structured mids, and clear highs without harshness. The result: chords remain articulated, each note stands out, and distortion stays precise even on dense riffs or complex voicings.

The electronics emphasize versatility: 1 volume, 1 tone, a 5-position selector, and the dyna-MIX10 system with Alter Switch for quick access to multiple configurations (including "single"/split modes and clarity-oriented variations). This architecture works especially well with both digital and analog effects: the signal is balanced and usable for both stage and recording.

The craftsmanship also contributes to the instrument's response: the okoumé body provides a sharp attack and solid tonal character, while the ebony fingerboard enhances precision, quick response, and rich sustain. Add the jumbo stainless steel frets: the attack becomes more immediate, bends are smooth, and longevity is a real asset for an intensive playing guitar.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The QX52B comes with a gig bag, as well as useful tools (hex wrench and truss rod adjustment bar). Regarding consumables, you can stick to the original gauge .010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046: any 6-string electric guitar string set in this gauge is compatible (for example, the factory-installed D'Addario EXL110), ideal for maintaining the balance and feel intended by the setup.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Body	Okoume
Category	Headless	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Left handed	No	Electronics	Passive
Strings	Steel	Color	Black
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Satin
Fingerboard	Ebony	Hardware	Black
Nbrs of frets	24

Type	headless electric guitar	Scale length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number of strings	6	Nut width	42 mm / 1.65"
Wood	okoumé	Fingerboard width at end	57 mm / 2.24"
Finish	satin polyurethane	Radius	20" / 508 mm
Total length	800 mm / 31.50"	Number of frets	24
Body thickness	34 mm / 1.34"	Fret type	jumbo stainless steel
Body length	413 mm / 16.26"	Inlays	mother of pearl step off-set dot
Body width	304 mm / 11.97"	Side dots	luminescent side dot inlay
Neck type	Parallel Wizard	Bridge	Ibanez Mono-Tune
Neck/body joint	bolt-on	String spacing	10.8 mm / 0.43"
Construction	3-piece roasted maple/bubinga	Nut	plastic
Neck finish	satin polyurethane	String locking (headless)	Ibanez Custom String Lock
Neck thickness (1st fret)	19 mm / 0.75"	Hardware color	black
Neck thickness (12th fret)	19 mm / 0.75"