50 YEARS IN THE USA

Hoshino U.S.A. is celebrating 50 years of business in the American music market, and we’re pulling out all the stops with something truly special to mark the occasion. For the first time in the history of Hoshino and Ibanez, we’re throwing open the doors to two of our most acclaimed and exclusive guitar building facilities, the Ibanez L.A. and Japan Custom Shops.

Between these two facilities, we’ve arranged for the construction of various uniquely-spec’d, custom instruments to celebrate every year Hoshino U.S.A. has been in business. Just as no two years are ever exactly the same, each one of these guitars and basses are totally unique from one another. They are instilled with their own distinctive style and feature set, principally inspired by the master luthiers who built them. This remarkable collection is the single largest run of custom guitars we’ve ever produced, and unlike prior pieces to come from these facilities, they will ultimately make their way to our dealers and be available to the public for purchase.

As a way to share this extraordinary collection with the world, we’ve put together this website so that our fans, followers, and customers can experience the full effect of this momentous project. These exceptional instruments embody the apex of Ibanez design, artistry and musicality, and we invite everyone to explore the originality that went into each and every one of them.

Our Collective Appreciation

Kimihide “Ken” Hoshino

Kimihide “Ken” Hoshino has a long and storied history with Hoshino. He joined the company in 1974, then from 1981 to 1985, he served as president of Hoshino U.S.A. His tenure in the U.S. is widely seen as having been a driving force in building TAMA’s profile and helping propel the brand into what it is today. Upon returning to Japan in the early 90’s, he was heavily involved in various segments of the company’s business, including heading up Pan-Asian manufacturing, managing the electronics division, and becoming President of Hoshino Gakki Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Seto City, Japan. Finally, he was elevated to his current position of President of Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd. In 2015.

Paul Gilbert

Shogo Hayashi has been with Hoshino for 26 years. He started with the company as a sales rep in the Tokyo metro region and eventually his career path let him to Hoshino U.S.A. in 2002. His began his time in the U.S. as a Guitar and Bass Product Manager and would eventually go on to lead all product management for the U.S. market. He was then promoted to company Vice President in 2008 and promoted again to company President &CEO in 2013, a role he still serves in today.

Thoughts from the Artists

Explore These Awe-Inspiring, Custom Creations

Whether you’re a die-hard shredder, life-long blues player, or lean towards the jazz life, there’s a custom in this collection just waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is open the door…

Behind the Scenes