Ibanez x Dragon Ball Z: A Made in Japan RG Leads the Collaboration
Hoshino Gakki, the Japanese company behind Ibanez, announced the official Ibanez Dragon Ball Z collaboration on October 27, 2026, at 07:00 JST. The announcement followed a social media teaser on October 25. More than 10 items are planned, led by a Made in Japan RG, with a worldwide release through authorized Ibanez dealers from early 2027. The official English tagline is "Pushing the Boundaries," meaning going past your own limits.
The Made in Japan RG with Goku and Gohan
The lead instrument is an RG built in Japan. Its design pairs Dragon Ball Z artwork with familiar Ibanez hardware and an ultra-thin neck.
Goku and Gohan flying with Buku-jutsu
The artwork shows Goku and Gohan flying through the sky with Buku-jutsu, the flight technique from the series. Ibanez connects their flight with the light, free playing feel of the RG.
Super Wizard neck, Edge tremolo and Gotoh tuners
The Super Wizard neck is an ultra-thin maple and walnut neck intended for fast, technical playing. The guitar also has the original Ibanez Edge tremolo and Gotoh tuners, a combination chosen for tuning stability.
Hardshell case, certificate, strap and picks
The RG comes with a hardshell case fitted with a special design plate. It also includes a certificate of authenticity, an exclusive strap, and matching picks.
The RG line began with the RG550 in 1987. Ibanez originally sold it as part of the Roadstar series, with RG meaning Roadstar Guitar. The series adopted the RG name in 1992.
Practice and training: why Ibanez chose Dragon Ball
Ibanez describes the project through challenge, growth, and the effort needed to push past personal limits. Its statement frames practice as returning to a phrase that you could not play the day before, then working on it again.
The central line is "Practice & Training: Different Paths, The Same Spirit." Practicing an instrument and training as a fighter are different paths driven by the same determination.
Dragon Ball was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 for over 10 years. The manga has sold more than 260 million copies worldwide.
Super Saiyan-themed electric guitar and bass for beginners
Both instruments are intended for players of all levels, including beginners.
- The electric guitar depicts Goku's first Super Saiyan awakening. It has a slim maple neck, a single bridge humbucker, and a T106 tremolo bridge.
- The electric bass depicts Vegeta's first Super Saiyan awakening. It has a compact body, a slim maple neck, a single bridge humbucker, and a B10 bridge.
Ukulele, piccolo guitar and a TS808 Tube Screamer
Concert ukulele and piccolo guitar
Both instruments have side sound ports and a preamp with an onboard tuner. The concert ukulele shows Goku and Gohan riding Kintoun (Flying Nimbus) near Kame House.
The piccolo guitar uses Piccolo's Majin symbol. Its body is smaller than a standard guitar, and it is tuned higher.
Tube Screamer TS808 special edition
The special-edition TS808 Tube Screamer has a custom collaboration logo and a One-Star Dragon Ball LED. It comes with exclusive packaging and a sticker.
Bag, strap, picks, cloth and T-shirts
- The POWERPAD gig bag has 15 mm padding, a neck belt, four pockets, and colors based on the Kame School uniform.
- The polyester strap has leather ends and adjusts to about 1,700 mm. Design A uses the Dragon Ball Z name, while Design B pairs Shenron with the Ibanez logo.
- The 7-pick set uses 1.0 mm celluloid Short Teardrop picks. The characters are Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Buu.
- The 300 x 300 mm microfiber cloth shows Goku flying on Kintoun and tracing the Ibanez V logo.
- The 100% cotton T-shirts come in Goku and Kintoun or Frieza designs.
Price and release date still to come
Ibanez has not announced prices, production numbers, model numbers, or an exact on-sale date. The company has also withheld the pickups and body color of the Made in Japan RG. Sales are scheduled to begin in early 2027 in countries including Japan through authorized Ibanez dealers. Ibanez will post further details on its official site and social media.
(Compiled)