1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer Natural Made in Japan Electric Guitar, (Used, Comm)

The 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer in Natural is a fantastic example of early Japanese electric guitar craftsmanship, combining traditional Stratocaster-inspired styling with distinctive Ibanez design, innovative electronics and premium features from the company's celebrated early-1980s period.

Manufactured in Japan, the BL-300 belongs to the original Ibanez Blazer Series, introduced at the beginning of the decade as a versatile alternative to established American electric guitar designs.

Featuring a solid ash body and a one-piece rock maple neck, the BL-300 combines classic construction with the punchy, articulate response associated with vintage Japanese electric guitars.

Its natural finish highlights the character of the ash body, while the contrasting black pickguard and distinctive hardware create a wonderfully authentic late-1970s and early-1980s aesthetic.

The original BL-300 specification features three Ibanez Blazer SB single-coil pickups, offering a versatile range of sounds for blues, rock, funk, country and classic pop.

Unlike conventional Stratocaster wiring, the model also incorporates a dedicated phase-reversal switch for the middle pickup, allowing players to explore distinctive out-of-phase tones alongside more traditional single-coil sounds.

The early BL-300 was equipped with Ibanez's substantial brass Accu-Cast fixed bridge and Velve-Tune Mini II tuning machines, reflecting the company's emphasis on practical engineering and tonal performance during this period.

With a comfortable 25.5-inch scale length, 22-fret maple fingerboard and traditional bolt-on neck construction, the BL-300 provides a familiar playing experience with its own distinctive Ibanez character.

This particular 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.7 lbs (approximately 3.95kg) and comes complete with a hardcase.

The guitar carries serial number 1800601.

No tremolo arm is included. The standard 1980 BL-300 was originally a fixed-bridge model, so the fitted bridge should be checked to establish whether it retains the factory arrangement or has been altered.

For players seeking an interesting Japanese-made vintage guitar with distinctive styling, versatile single-coil sounds and an appealing early-Ibanez heritage, this BL-300 is an excellent choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Ibanez
Model	BL-300 Blazer
Year	1980
Finish	Natural
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Serial Number	1800601
Weight	8.7 lbs / 3.95kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer Natural is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership and the age of the instrument.

Dating from the early production period of the Blazer Series, the guitar offers the distinctive styling and construction associated with vintage Japanese Ibanez instruments.

As an instrument dating from 1980, it has several decades of history and should be assessed with appropriate expectations regarding age-related cosmetic wear.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for a closer assessment of its individual condition, including the body, finish, neck, fingerboard, frets and hardware.

Serial Number & Manufacture

Serial Number: 1800601

Year: 1980

Country of Manufacture: Japan

The guitar has been identified as a 1980 Japanese-made BL-300 Blazer. Its supplied seven-digit serial number is recorded here for reference rather than used independently to establish an exact production month.

Bridge & Tremolo Arm

No tremolo arm is included.

The original 1980 Ibanez BL-300 specification features a fixed Accu-Cast bridge, rather than a tremolo system.

Consequently, a tremolo arm would not ordinarily be required on a factory-specification BL-300.

The bridge fitted to this individual instrument should be checked against the original specification before publication, particularly if there is any indication that the hardware has previously been changed.

Weight – 8.7 lbs

This example weighs 8.7 lbs (approximately 3.95kg).

Its substantial solid-body construction provides a reassuring playing feel, while the traditional contoured body shape makes it comfortable for rhythm and lead guitar.

Hardcase Included

This Ibanez BL-300 comes complete with a hardcase, providing valuable protection for storage and transportation.

What's Included

• 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer Natural Electric Guitar

• Hardcase

Not Included: Tremolo Arm.

Service & Setup

The Ibanez BL-300 features an adjustable truss rod and a bridge designed to allow appropriate adjustment of string height and intonation. Regular attention to neck relief, fret condition, nut slots, tuning machines and electronics can help preserve consistent performance in a vintage instrument. Any replacement hardware should be evaluated to ensure it is correctly adjusted and compatible with the guitar. As with all guitars, setup can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer: Early Japanese-made vintage electric guitar.

• Original Blazer Series: A distinctive chapter in Ibanez's electric guitar history.

• Natural Finish: Showcases the appearance of the ash body.

• Solid Ash Body: Traditional construction with articulate tonal character.

• One-Piece Rock Maple Neck: Classic Japanese Ibanez specification.

• Maple Fingerboard: Traditional playing feel and vintage appearance.

• 22 Frets: Original 1980 model specification.

• 25.5-Inch Scale Length: Familiar string tension and note articulation.

• Three Blazer SB Single-Coil Pickups: Versatile vintage-style electric guitar tones.

• Five-Way Pickup Selector: Traditional pickup combinations.

• Middle Pickup Phase Switch: Additional out-of-phase tonal possibilities.

• Master Volume & Tone Controls: Straightforward adjustment.

• Original Accu-Cast Fixed Bridge Specification: Substantial vintage Ibanez hardware design.

• Velve-Tune Mini II Tuning Machines: Original 1980 model specification.

• Contrasting Black Pickguard: Distinctive retro styling.

• Made in Japan: Associated with an important period of Japanese guitar manufacture.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An appealing vintage instrument.

• 8.7 lb Weight: Substantial traditional solid-body feel.

• Hardcase Included: Practical protection for storage and transportation.

Why You'll Love It

The 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer offers an attractive alternative to more familiar vintage Stratocaster-style guitars.

Although its design draws inspiration from traditional American electric guitars, the Blazer incorporates several distinctly Ibanez features that give it a character of its own.

Its solid ash body and one-piece maple neck follow a classic construction philosophy, providing an articulate response suitable for a wide variety of musical styles.

The three single-coil pickups offer the familiar versatility required for clean rhythm guitar, blues leads and classic rock.

However, the dedicated middle-pickup phase switch gives the BL-300 additional flexibility, producing thinner, more cutting sounds that can be particularly effective for funk, rhythm guitar and experimental tonal combinations.

The original brass bridge design and distinctive hardware also reflect Ibanez's creative approach to instrument manufacturing during this period.

For collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese electric guitars, the BL-300 represents an interesting early-1980s model that deserves attention alongside more familiar vintage Fender-inspired designs.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Early Ibanez Blazer Series Design

The BL-300 was introduced during the original Blazer Series era, when Ibanez was developing a wider range of original instruments alongside its established guitar designs. The Blazer combined traditional double-cutaway styling with unique hardware, practical electronics and an emphasis on versatility. Its distinctive headstock, pickguard and construction details give the instrument an identity beyond that of a conventional Stratocaster copy.

Solid Ash Body

The original BL-300 features a solid ash body, a material closely associated with classic electric guitar construction. Ash is often favoured for its clear, articulate response and strong note definition. The Natural finish highlights the appearance of the wood, adding to the instrument's vintage appeal.

One-Piece Rock Maple Neck

The 1980 BL-300 was designed with a one-piece rock maple neck and fingerboard, offering traditional construction and a familiar playing feel. Maple provides a durable playing surface and contributes to the instrument's classic appearance. The bolt-on design follows the practical construction philosophy that became popular among Japanese electric guitar manufacturers during this period.

Original 22-Fret Configuration

One useful detail for identifying early BL-300 guitars is the original 1980 model's 22-fret fingerboard. Later versions of the BL-300 were produced with 21 frets, making the earlier configuration an interesting point of distinction for collectors. The two-octave playing range is useful for guitarists who enjoy extended lead passages and higher-register melodic playing.

Three Ibanez Blazer SB Single-Coil Pickups

The BL-300 was originally fitted with three Ibanez Blazer SB single-coil pickups, providing a versatile selection of traditional electric guitar sounds. The neck pickup offers warm, rounded tones, the bridge pickup provides additional bite and attack, and the middle pickup contributes to balanced rhythm sounds. The configuration makes the instrument particularly well suited to blues, rock, funk and clean guitar playing.

Dedicated Middle Pickup Phase Switch

One of the BL-300's most distinctive features is its dedicated phase-reversal switch for the middle pickup. When combined with another active pickup, reversing the middle pickup's electrical phase produces a characteristically thinner, more nasal sound with reduced low-frequency content. This offers unusual tonal possibilities beyond a conventional three-single-coil guitar and is especially useful for funk, rhythmic guitar and experimental playing.

Five-Way Pickup Selection

The BL-300's original electronics provide a five-way pickup selector for accessing individual pickups and combined settings. Alongside the phase switch, this offers a broad range of sounds without requiring complicated modifications. The arrangement makes the guitar particularly appealing to players who enjoy exploring different pickup combinations.

Distinctive Accu-Cast Fixed Bridge

The standard 1980 BL-300 features a substantial Ibanez Accu-Cast fixed bridge incorporating brass hardware. Its construction reflects Ibanez's interest in stable string anchoring and precision-engineered components during the early 1980s. A fixed-bridge layout is particularly useful for musicians who prefer straightforward tuning and string changes without the additional complexity of a tremolo system.

Vintage Ibanez Hardware

The original BL-300 features Ibanez Velve-Tune Mini II tuning machines and distinctive control hardware, contributing to the instrument's unmistakable early-1980s appearance. These components reflect the company's design approach during a period of experimentation with alternative materials and hardware configurations.

Classic Natural Finish

The Natural finish complements the BL-300's solid ash body and contrasts beautifully with the guitar's black pickguard. Its understated appearance is especially appealing to musicians who appreciate traditional wood finishes and vintage Japanese styling.

Excellent for Blues & Classic Rock

The Blazer's single-coil configuration makes it particularly effective for blues and classic rock, where clarity, articulation and dynamic response are essential. The neck pickup provides expressive clean and lightly driven sounds, while the bridge pickup offers additional presence for rock rhythms and melodic leads. The phase-switching feature adds further character for players seeking more unusual tones.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Japanese Guitar Enthusiasts: An early Ibanez Blazer from 1980.

Ibanez Collectors: A distinctive model from the company's early original-design period.

Blues Guitarists: Traditional single-coil tones and expressive playing response.

Classic Rock Players: Versatile pickup sounds for clean and driven guitar.

Funk & Soul Musicians: Additional tonal possibilities through phase switching.

Recording Guitarists: An interesting alternative to conventional Stratocaster-style instruments.

Players Seeking a Vintage Instrument: An appealing combination of Japanese construction and unusual hardware.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Ibanez BL-300 Blazer is particularly suitable for blues, classic rock, funk, soul, country, pop, indie and vintage-inspired music.

The neck pickup provides warm, rounded sounds for blues and melodic playing.

The bridge pickup offers greater presence and attack for rock rhythms and lead guitar.

The phase-reversal switch introduces distinctive combined pickup tones, making the instrument particularly useful for funk, clean rhythm playing and more experimental sounds.

Its traditional scale length and familiar double-cutaway design provide versatility across a wide range of musical styles.

How It Compares

Ibanez BL-300 vs Ibanez BL-350

The BL-300 and BL-350 are closely related models from the original Blazer range.

The principal distinction is the bridge arrangement.

The BL-300 was originally a fixed-bridge guitar, while the BL-350 offered a tremolo-equipped configuration.

This is particularly relevant when identifying vintage examples and assessing any changes to the original hardware.

Ibanez BL-300 vs Fender Stratocaster

Both guitars share a traditional double-cutaway design and three-single-coil configuration.

The BL-300 distinguishes itself through its original Ibanez hardware and middle-pickup phase switch, providing additional tonal possibilities.

Players seeking familiar Stratocaster-style versatility with a different vintage identity may particularly appreciate the Ibanez.

Ibanez BL-300 vs Later Ibanez Blazer Models

The Blazer Series evolved during its production period, with changes to neck specifications, hardware and available pickup configurations.

The original 1980 BL-300 is notable for its 22-fret maple neck, early tuning machines and original hardware design.

These details make it an interesting model for guitarists and collectors studying Ibanez's development during the early 1980s.

Ibanez Blazer Heritage

The Ibanez Blazer Series was introduced in 1980, during a particularly important period in the company's development.

Following its earlier success with instruments inspired by established American designs, Ibanez increasingly focused on producing guitars with their own distinctive character and engineering.

The Blazer Series combined familiar electric guitar styling with innovative electronics, distinctive hardware and carefully selected construction materials.

Produced in Japan, the original range included several pickup and bridge configurations, allowing players to choose instruments suited to different musical styles.

The BL-300 became one of the most distinctive models in the range, combining three single-coil pickups, phase switching and traditional solid-body construction.

Today, early Japanese-made Blazer instruments remain interesting examples of Ibanez's transition towards its own influential electric guitar designs.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Electric Guitar
Brand	Ibanez
Model	BL-300 Blazer
Year	1980
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Finish	Natural
Serial Number	1800601
Body Construction	Solid Body
Original Body Material	Ash
Original Neck Material	One-Piece Rock Maple
Original Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Original Fingerboard Material	Maple
Original Number of Frets	22
Original Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Original Pickup Configuration	SSS
Original Pickups	3 × Ibanez Blazer SB Single-Coil
Original Pickup Selector	Five-Way
Original Additional Switching	Middle Pickup Phase Reverse
Original Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Original Bridge	Ibanez Accu-Cast Fixed Bridge
Original Tuning Machines	Ibanez Velve-Tune Mini II
Original Pickguard	Black
Number of Strings	6
Weight	8.7 lbs / Approx. 3.95kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included
Tremolo Arm	Not Included

Original model specifications are based on the 1980 Ibanez BL-300. Installed components and originality should be verified against this individual instrument, particularly the bridge arrangement.

Power Requirements

The original Ibanez BL-300 uses passive single-coil electronics and does not require a battery or external power supply.

It connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer Natural is an excellent example of early Japanese electric guitar design, combining familiar playing characteristics with distinctive Ibanez engineering.

Its solid ash body, one-piece maple neck and traditional three-single-coil configuration provide a versatile foundation for blues, rock, funk and vintage-inspired music.

The original middle-pickup phase switch is a particularly interesting feature, introducing tonal possibilities that distinguish the BL-300 from conventional Stratocaster-style instruments.

Its vintage Japanese heritage and early Blazer construction make it an appealing instrument for players and collectors alike.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.7 lbs, carries serial number 1800601 and comes complete with a hardcase.

No tremolo arm is included. The factory BL-300 was a fixed-bridge model, so the installed bridge arrangement should be checked to clarify whether this is relevant to the individual guitar.

Best Suited For: Vintage Japanese guitar enthusiasts, Ibanez collectors, blues, classic rock and funk players.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Modern Stratocaster-style instruments, entry-level Ibanez guitars and contemporary single-coil electrics.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender-style valve amplifiers, vintage overdrive pedals, compression, chorus, delay and reverb.

Our Tip: Experiment with the middle-pickup phase switch when combining pickups. The out-of-phase settings can produce distinctive, cutting rhythm sounds that work particularly well for funk and clean guitar.

Showroom Advice: Early Japanese Ibanez guitars offer an interesting alternative to more familiar vintage Fender designs. On an instrument of this age, the originality and condition of the electronics and hardware are particularly worth assessing.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a vintage Ibanez guitar from Fair Deal Music offers an opportunity to own an instrument from an important period of Japanese electric guitar manufacture.

Our experienced team understands the importance of clear condition descriptions, accurate model information and transparent details about included accessories.

This 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.7 lbs, carries serial number 1800601 and comes complete with a hardcase.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a vintage pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

The included hardcase offers valuable protection during storage and transportation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including vintage Japanese guitars, Ibanez instruments, Fender and Gibson guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this 1980 Ibanez BL-300 Blazer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Ibanez BL-300 in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

How much does the guitar weigh?

8.7 lbs, approximately 3.95kg.

What year is the guitar?

It has been identified as a 1980 model.

Where was the BL-300 manufactured?

Japan.

What is the serial number?

1800601.  

What finish does it have?

Natural.

What is the body made from?

The original BL-300 specification features a solid ash body.

What is the neck made from?

One-piece rock maple.

How many frets does the 1980 BL-300 have?

The original 1980 specification features 22 frets.

What is the scale length?

25.5 inches.

What pickups did it originally use?

Three Ibanez Blazer SB single-coil pickups.

Does it have phase switching?

The original BL-300 specification includes a phase-reversal switch for the middle pickup.

What does phase switching do?

It changes the phase relationship between pickups, creating thinner, more nasal tones when used in combination with another pickup.

Does the BL-300 have a tremolo?

The original 1980 BL-300 was designed with a fixed bridge. The related BL-350 was the tremolo-equipped model.

Is a tremolo arm included?

No.

What bridge did the BL-300 originally use?

An Ibanez Accu-Cast fixed bridge.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. Its single-coil configuration is well suited to traditional blues tones.

Can it be used for classic rock?

Yes. The guitar's versatile pickup configuration makes it suitable for clean and overdriven classic rock playing.

Is it suitable for funk?

Yes. The single-coil sounds and phase-switching options are particularly useful for bright, articulate rhythm guitar.

Is this considered a vintage guitar?

Yes. As a 1980 instrument, it belongs to Ibanez's early vintage Japanese production era.

Are all the components original?

The originality of individual pickups, electronics and hardware has not been confirmed.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Ibanez?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.