The Ibanez GIO series was introduced in 1998. It is a budget line guitar and although many other brands like Gibson and Fender produce such series under different brands, Ibanez manufactures GIO guitars under its main brand (Ibanez) with a GIO logo above the standard Ibanez logo. These affordable guitars are produced mostly in China and Indonesia; they have slightly different body shape and are equipped with cheaper hardware and electronic components. Music shops do praise GIO series but the feedback of musicians on forums is not so enthusiastic. However Ibanez GIO series may well suit for beginners due to its affordable price.