Japanese Icons Collide in Musical Crossover
Two of Japan’s most recognizable cultural brands are joining forces in an unprecedented collaboration that bridges the gap between music and anime entertainment. Guitar manufacturer Ibanez has announced its official partnership with the legendary Dragon Ball Z franchise, unveiling a striking collection of instruments and accessories that bring the iconic universe created by Akira Toriyama to life through music.
The Flagship RG Model Takes Flight
The centerpiece of the collaboration is a premium reissue of Ibanez’s historic RG series, originally introduced in 1987. This Made in Japan RG guitar features a vibrant orange body with a black pickguard, showcasing an intricate white-line engraving depicting Goku and Gohan in their Super Saiyan forms soaring through the air.
Built with Ibanez’s signature Super Wizard neck crafted from maple and walnut, and featuring a maple fingerboard, the instrument includes HSH pickup configuration, gold hardware, Gotoh tuners, and the classic floating Edge tremolo system. The guitar ships in a custom-designed hard case complete with authenticity certificate, themed strap, and picks.
Accessible Options for All Musicians
Recognizing that fans span all skill levels, Ibanez has also developed more accessible mid-range options. The Goku Super Saiyan electric guitar pays homage to the character’s first transformation, featuring a split-color design where one side shows Goku in his base form and the other in grayscale Super Saiyan. The pickup cover is engraved with the mythical Shenron.
Similarly, the Vegeta four-string electric bass replicates this artistic technique, showcasing the prince’s own Super Saiyan transformation with a fixed B10 bridge and detailed artwork.
Acoustic Instruments Channel Anime Spirit
The collection expands beyond electric instruments with acoustic offerings. A concert ukulele displays artwork of Master Roshi’s island home with Goku and Gohan riding Kinton cloud, while a piccolo guitar features Piccolo’s Majin symbol. Both instruments incorporate Side Sound Port openings instead of traditional sound holes, along with built-in preamps and tuners.
Tube Screamer Gets the Dragon Ball Treatment
No collection would be complete without reimagining one of music’s most beloved effects pedals. Ibanez has transformed the iconic Tube Screamer TS808 overdrive into a collectible piece, featuring classic green housing with katakana lettering, a special collector’s box, and a modified LED indicator shaped like the seven-star Dragon Ball.
Complete Lifestyle Collection
The range extends beyond instruments to include themed accessories: POWERPAD protective cases inspired by the Turtle School uniform colors, two polyester strap designs with leather trim featuring the franchise logo and Shenron, two t-shirts showcasing Freezer and Goku artwork, and a set of seven 1.0mm picks displaying the faces of major characters including Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, Freezer, Cell, and Majin Buu.
Global Release Scheduled for 2027
According to Ibanez’s official announcement and reports from Japanese entertainment media, the Ibanez × Dragon Ball Z collection will launch simultaneously across official retailers worldwide beginning in early 2027, marking a significant moment in both music and pop culture crossover history.
Source: fayerwayer.com
