SRV guitars are made by Ibanez and sold through music retailers, both online and in stores
SRV stands for Stevie Ray Vaughan, the blues guitarist Ibanez honored with a signature model. The guitar is a semi-hollow body electric with a warm, resonant tone designed to match Vaughan's playing style. You can find SRV models at major music retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, and Thomann, as well as through Ibanez's official website. Local music shops often stock them or can order one for you.
The SRV line includes several versions at different price points. The standard SRV is the most common model, but Ibanez also makes limited editions and artist signature variants. Prices range from around $800 to $2,500 depending on the specific model and whether it's new or used. Availability varies by retailer and region, so checking multiple sources before buying gives you the best chance of finding the exact version you want.
Key Takeaways
- SRV guitars are Ibanez signature models named after blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan and sold through music retailers worldwide.
- You can buy new SRV models from Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, Thomann, and local music shops, or directly from Ibanez.
- Used SRV guitars appear on Reverb, eBay, Craigslist, and local classified sites, often at lower prices than new stock.
- Prices for new models typically fall between $800 and $2,500, while used examples may cost $400 to $1,800 depending on condition and age.
- Semi-hollow body construction and warm tone make the SRV suited to blues, jazz, and classic rock styles rather than high-gain metal.
New SRV guitars from major online retailers
Sweetwater and Musician's Friend stock SRV models regularly and offer fast shipping, usually within one to three business days. Both retailers display detailed specifications, sound samples, and customer reviews on their product pages. Sweetwater includes a 55-day return window and free shipping on most orders over $99. Musician's Friend offers similar policies and often runs sales on Ibanez products.
Guitar Center carries SRV models in many of its physical locations and through its website. Buying in-store lets you play the guitar before purchase, which matters because semi-hollow bodies can vary in feel and resonance between individual units. If you order online, Guitar Center offers in-store pickup at most locations within one to two days.
Thomann, based in Germany, ships worldwide and often prices SRV guitars lower than US retailers. Shipping times are longer — typically one to two weeks — but the savings can be substantial if you are outside the United States or willing to wait.
Used SRV guitars and where to find them
Reverb is the largest online marketplace for used guitars and has hundreds of SRV listings at any given time. Sellers range from individual musicians to established shops, and Reverb's buyer protection policy covers most transactions. You can filter by price, condition, year, and seller location. Shipping costs vary but are usually $20 to $50 within the United States.
eBay hosts used SRV guitars from private sellers and dealers. Auction-style listings sometimes offer lower opening bids, but "Buy It Now" listings let you purchase at a set price when ready. Check the seller's feedback rating and return policy before bidding or buying.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace connect you with local sellers, which means you can inspect the guitar in person and avoid shipping costs. Meet in a public place, bring a small amplifier or headphones to test the guitar, and ask about its history — whether it has been repaired, refinished, or modified. Local music shops sometimes accept trade-ins and resell used SRV models at fair prices.
What to check when buying an SRV guitar
Examine the neck for straightness by sighting down it from the headstock end. A slight forward bow is normal, but a back-bow or severe forward bow means expensive repair. Check the frets for wear, especially on the first five frets where most players spend time. Worn frets can be leveled and crowned, but that costs $200 to $400.
Test all tuning machines to make sure they turn smoothly and hold pitch. Look at the pickups and electronics — original Ibanez pickups are standard, but some players swap them out. Ask the seller whether the pickups are original or aftermarket, because that affects both the sound and resale value.
Play the guitar through an amplifier if possible. Semi-hollow bodies are sensitive to feedback at high volumes, which is normal, but the tone should be warm and clear without buzzing or dead spots. If you are buying used, ask about any repairs, refinishes, or modifications — these lower value and may affect playability.
SRV models and their differences
The standard SRV Prestige is the flagship model, made in Japan with premium hardware and electronics. It typically costs $1,800 to $2,500 new. The SRV Standard, made in Indonesia, offers similar tone and playability at $800 to $1,200. Both have the same semi-hollow body shape and pickup configuration.
Limited editions and artist signature variants appear periodically. These may feature different finishes, hardware upgrades, or commemorative details. They often cost more than standard models and hold their value well if kept in good condition. Check Ibanez's official website or contact retailers to learn about current special editions.
Older SRV models from the 1990s and early 2000s are sought after by collectors and players. Vintage examples in good condition can cost as much as new Prestige models, but they are also more likely to have been played hard and may need fret work or electronics service.
Alternatives if the SRV is out of stock or budget
If you cannot find an SRV in stock, the Ibanez Artcore series offers semi-hollow body guitars at lower prices ($400 to $800) with similar tone characteristics. The Artcore is made in Indonesia and lacks some of the SRV's premium hardware, but it is a solid choice for blues and jazz.
The Epiphone Dot and Epiphone Casino are semi-hollow alternatives made by Gibson's budget brand. Both cost $300 to $600 new and have warm tones suited to blues. They are easier to find in stock at most retailers because they are more common than the SRV.
If you want a guitar specifically modeled on Stevie Ray Vaughan's tone, the Fender Stratocaster — Vaughan's original instrument — is widely available used and new. A used American Strat costs $800 to $1,500, while a new Mexican-made Strat runs $400 to $700. The Strat is brighter and more versatile than the SRV but requires different amp settings to achieve Vaughan's signature sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new SRV guitar cost?
New SRV models range from about $800 for the Standard version to $2,500 for the Prestige. The Standard is made in Indonesia and the Prestige in Japan. Prices vary slightly between retailers and may be lower during sales.
Can I find an SRV guitar in a local music store?
Many local music shops stock SRV models or can order one within one to two weeks. Call ahead to ask about availability, as stock varies by location. Buying locally lets you play the guitar before purchase and avoid shipping costs.
Is a used SRV guitar a good deal?
Used SRV guitars typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than new models if they are in good condition. Check the neck, frets, and electronics carefully, and ask about repairs or modifications. A well-maintained used SRV can last decades and is often a better value than a new budget model.
What is the difference between the SRV Standard and SRV Prestige?
The Prestige is made in Japan with higher-grade hardware and electronics, while the Standard is made in Indonesia with simpler components. Both have the same semi-hollow body shape and tone character. The Prestige costs about $1,000 more and holds resale value better.
Does the SRV work for styles other than blues?
Yes. The semi-hollow body and warm tone suit jazz, classic rock, and soul as well as blues. The SRV is less suited to metal or high-gain styles because the semi-hollow design feeds back easily at high volumes, but it works well for any style that values tone over distortion.