Matsujiro Hoshino founded Hoshino Gakki, a sheet music and musical products distribution company in Nagoya, Japan. In the 1920s, the company began importing classical guitars made by Spanish guitar craftsman Salvador Ibáñez. Hoshino Gakki began manufacturing their own guitars in 1935 using the brand name of the renowned Spanish maker.
Ibanez came to prominence in the 1950s, their sales driven largely by the popularity of rock and roll. By the 60s and 70s, the company had transitioned to producing high-quality replicas of iconic American brands like Fender and Gibson. Ibanez’s relatively inexpensive high-quality guitars are played by Pat Metheny, Kiss’ Paul Stanley and the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.
