Ibanez M522S-BS

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Ibanez M522S-BS

Ibanez

M522S-BS

4.7 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 617261
Brand: Ibanez
Model: M522S-BS
Category: Mandolins
Price: $504.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Ibanez M522S-BS is a surprisingly capable mandolin for the budget-conscious player. Its carved top and mahogany neck deliver a pleasant warmth and comfortable feel, making it great for beginners or players wanting an affordable, decent-sounding instrument for folk or Celtic tunes. Don't expect a bluegrass powerhouse, but it's a solid starting point.

Product Description

  • Ibanez M522S-BS
  • Mandolin
  • Design: A-style with carved top
  • Body: Maple
  • Top: Carved spruce
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fingerboard: Laurel
  • Scale: 350 mm
  • Nut width: 30 mm
  • Plastic nut
  • Frets: 24
  • Height adjustable bridge: Laurel
  • Golden mandolin machine heads with acrylic buttons
  • Strings: .010/.014/.024/.034
  • Tuning: 1E
  • Colour: Brown Sunburst high-gloss
  • Includes Allen key
PROS
  • • Carved spruce top offers surprising resonance and projection for the price.
  • • Mahogany neck provides a warm, comfortable feel with good sustain.
  • • Laurel fingerboard is smooth and fast, a nice upgrade from basic rosewood.
  • • Golden machine heads provide stable tuning and a touch of visual flair.
CONS
  • • Plastic nut can be a limiting factor; upgrading is a common first step.
  • • 30mm nut width might feel narrow for players accustomed to wider mandolin necks.
  • • High-gloss finish can be a fingerprint magnet and potentially affect the acoustic tone.

Product Video

Key Features

Body Style A-Style
Top Wood Carved Spruce
Back & Sides Maple
Strings .010/.014/.024/.034 Bronze
Scale Length 350 mm
Weight 1.3 lbs (estimated)

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Frequently Asked Questions

The carved top generally adds a bit more complexity and a slightly warmer tone compared to a flat top, though the maple back and sides will still contribute a bright character.
The mahogany neck has a fairly standard 'C' shape profile; while 30mm is relatively narrow, it’s generally comfortable, but players with very small hands might prefer a thinner neck.
The strings are standard mandolin gauge and easy to replace; for a beginner, sticking with the included .010-.034 set is a good starting point, but experimenting with lighter gauges can ease finger pressure.

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