Ibanez LS305 Traditional Violin Acoustic Guitar, (Used)
The Ibanez LS305 Traditional Violin is a rare and increasingly sought-after acoustic guitar from Ibanez's Lonestar Series, produced in Japan during the mid-1980s. Designed as an acoustic guitar for electric players, the LS305 combined traditional acoustic construction with a slimmer, faster neck profile and distinctive 6-in-line headstock styling, making it a unique offering within the Ibanez catalogue.
Finished in the striking Traditional Violin finish, the LS305 offers vintage Japanese craftsmanship, excellent playability and a distinctive appearance that stands apart from more conventional dreadnought acoustics. Featuring a spruce top, mahogany back and sides and a Venetian cutaway, it delivers a balanced acoustic voice suitable for singer-songwriters, home recording and general acoustic performance.
This pre-owned Ibanez LS305 is presented in good condition with cosmetic wear consistent with its age and previous use. It remains fully playable and offers an excellent opportunity to own a relatively uncommon piece of Ibanez's 1980s acoustic guitar history.
Condition Overview
Good Condition
This guitar shows noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with regular ownership and use but remains fully functional.
Professionally checked and ready for its next owner.
What's Included?
✔ Fully Checked & Tested by Fair Deal Music
✘ No Hard Case Included
✘ No Gig Bag Included
✘ Original Documentation Not Included
✘ Original Box Not Included
Condition Notes
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Good overall condition
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Cosmetic wear consistent with age and use
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Fully functional
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Hardware functioning correctly
Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment
Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Ibanez LS305 to ensure it is fully functional and ready for its next owner.
Checks completed include:
✔ Neck inspected
✔ Frets checked
✔ Fingerboard assessed
✔ Tuners tested
✔ Bridge inspected
✔ Saddle checked
✔ Structural integrity assessed
✔ Hardware verified
✔ Playability evaluated
✔ Overall condition verified
Service / Setup Work
Prior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.
Work completed includes:
✔ Neck relief checked
✔ Action checked
✔ Frets inspected
✔ Hardware assessed
✔ General playability evaluated
✔ Restrung where required
All pre-owned guitars are set up and checked before leaving the shop. Please note that guitar setup can occasionally shift during delivery due to changes in humidity and temperature, as wood naturally responds to environmental changes.
Why Choose The Ibanez LS305 Traditional Violin?
Rare Japanese-Made Ibanez Model
The LS305 was produced in Japan as part of the Lonestar series and is considerably less common than many modern Ibanez acoustic guitars.
Designed For Electric Guitar Players
The Lonestar series was specifically developed to appeal to electric guitarists, featuring a slimmer neck profile and familiar feel compared to many traditional acoustics.
Distinctive Traditional Violin Finish
The attractive Traditional Violin finish gives the guitar a unique vintage-inspired appearance that stands out from more conventional natural-finished acoustic guitars.
Comfortable Venetian Cutaway
The cutaway body design provides easier access to upper frets, making the guitar particularly useful for lead work and more adventurous acoustic playing styles.
Vintage Ibanez Character
Built during a highly respected period of Japanese guitar manufacturing, the LS305 offers the craftsmanship and individuality that many players seek from vintage instruments.
Excellent Pre-Owned Value
Buying pre-owned provides access to a rare vintage Japanese acoustic guitar at a significantly lower cost than many modern boutique alternatives.
Why Buy Pre-Owned?
A quality pre-owned acoustic guitar can provide excellent value while giving players access to instruments no longer available new.
Benefits include:
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Access to discontinued models
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Vintage character and appeal
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Better value for money
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Reduced depreciation
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Professionally checked before sale
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Sustainable alternative to buying new
Why Choose A Vintage Japanese Acoustic Guitar?
Japanese-built guitars from the 1970s and 1980s have developed a strong reputation for craftsmanship, reliability and value.
Players often choose vintage Japanese acoustics because they offer:
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Excellent build quality
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Unique specifications
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Strong value for money
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Collectable appeal
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Vintage aesthetics
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Distinctive tonal character
The Ibanez LS305 is a great example of the innovation and quality that helped establish Japanese guitar manufacturing on the world stage.
Who Is It For?
Beginners
Suitable for dedicated beginners looking for a quality acoustic guitar with character and history.
Intermediate Players
An excellent choice for players wanting something different from a modern production acoustic guitar.
Advanced / Professional Players
Ideal for collectors, recording musicians, singer-songwriters and enthusiasts of vintage Japanese instruments.
Particularly Recommended For
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Singer-songwriters
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Folk musicians
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Acoustic performers
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Vintage guitar enthusiasts
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Home recording
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Collectors
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Fingerstyle players
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Players transitioning from electric guitar
Product Story / Background / Heritage
The Ibanez Lonestar Series was introduced during the mid-1980s and represented a unique approach to acoustic guitar design. Rather than building purely traditional acoustic instruments, Ibanez created guitars that would feel familiar to electric players, incorporating slim neck profiles and modern styling cues. The LS305 featured a dreadnought body with Venetian cutaway, spruce top and mahogany back and sides and was produced in Japan for a relatively short period.
Today, Lonestar models are becoming increasingly appreciated by players seeking unusual vintage Japanese instruments with genuine character and history.
Associated Artists / Songs / Performances
While the LS305 is not associated with a specific artist or signature model, it represents a fascinating period of Ibanez history when the company was developing innovative instruments that bridged the gap between traditional acoustic and modern electric guitar design.
Product Comparisons
Ibanez LS305 vs Yamaha FG Series
The Yamaha FG offers a more traditional acoustic experience, while the LS305 was designed specifically with electric guitar players in mind.
Ibanez LS305 vs Takamine G Series
The Takamine provides modern production consistency, while the LS305 offers vintage Japanese craftsmanship and collectable appeal.
Ibanez LS305 vs Sigma Dreadnought Models
Sigma models deliver excellent modern value, while the LS305 offers rarity and vintage character.
Ibanez LS305 vs Vintage Japanese Morris Acoustic Guitars
Both provide strong examples of Japanese craftsmanship, though the LS305 stands out through its unique Lonestar design philosophy and cutaway body.
Why Were The Ibanez Lonestar Guitars Unique?
Unlike many acoustic guitars of the era, the Lonestar range was developed specifically to appeal to electric guitar players.
Features included:
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Slimmer neck profiles
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Familiar headstock styling
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Comfortable playability
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Cutaway body options
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Traditional acoustic tone with modern ergonomics
This combination made the LS305 particularly attractive to musicians who wanted an acoustic guitar without sacrificing the feel of their electric instruments.
Looking For Advice?
Looking for advice on choosing the right acoustic guitar, vintage Japanese guitar or singer-songwriter instrument? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ibanez LS305 |
| Series | Lonestar |
| Finish | Traditional Violin |
| Type | Acoustic Guitar |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought with Venetian Cutaway |
| Top | Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 20 |
| Scale Length | 648mm (25.5") |
| Orientation | Right-Handed |
| Made In | Japan |
| Condition | Good |
| Hard Case Included | No |
| Gig Bag Included | No |
Specifications based on documented LS305 model information.
Power Requirements
Not applicable.
This is a fully acoustic guitar and does not require batteries or external power.
Pairs Perfectly With
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Acoustic guitar hard case
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Premium gig bag
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Clip-on tuner
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Capo
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Spare acoustic strings
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Guitar humidifier
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Guitar stand
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Fingerstyle picks
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Acoustic microphone
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Audio interface
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Selected pre-owned acoustic guitars and accessories
Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?
Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer that has been helping musicians find the right gear since 1987. As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we've built our reputation on expert advice, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service.
With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, musicians across the UK trust Fair Deal Music for quality instruments, honest descriptions and knowledgeable support before and after purchase.
We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a Birmingham showroom where you can explore a huge range of new and pre-owned gear. We also buy, sell and trade musical equipment, helping musicians upgrade and discover their next instrument.
Our experienced acoustic guitar specialists can help you find the perfect vintage acoustic, Japanese-built guitar or singer-songwriter instrument for your playing style and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What condition is the guitar in?
This guitar is in good condition with cosmetic wear consistent with its age and use.
Is the LS305 made in Japan?
Yes. The LS305 was manufactured in Japan as part of the Ibanez Lonestar series.
What woods are used in its construction?
The LS305 features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides.
What is the Traditional Violin finish?
Traditional Violin was the original finish designation used for this model and gives the guitar its distinctive vintage appearance.
Why is the Lonestar series interesting?
The Lonestar series was specifically designed to appeal to electric guitar players by offering a slimmer neck profile and more familiar playing feel.
Is it suitable for recording?
Yes. Its balanced dreadnought voice makes it suitable for home recording, songwriting and live acoustic performance.
Can I try it in-store?
Yes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to try available acoustic guitars and speak with our experienced team.