This Ibanez PGM301 Paul Gilbert Signature in White is a Japanese-made performance guitar built around Paul Gilbert's preference for fast playability, powerful DiMarzio pickups and the stability of a fixed bridge.

Produced between 2003 and 2008, the PGM301 combines a basswood body, maple fingerboard, 25.5" scale, 24 jumbo frets and HSH DiMarzio pickup configuration with a string-through Gotoh fixed bridge.

Unlike many high-performance Ibanez models, the PGM301 does away with a floating tremolo entirely. The result is a straightforward, highly stable instrument that works particularly well for precise rhythm work, technical lead playing and alternate picking.

The instantly recognisable White finish is complemented by Paul Gilbert's signature painted f-hole graphics, reverse headstock and minimal control layout.

This example is presented in Very Good Condition, weighs just 7.1 lbs, and is supplied with a hardcase.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Ibanez
Artist	Paul Gilbert
Model	PGM301
Finish	White
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Production Period	2003–2008
Body	Basswood
Fingerboard	Maple
Scale Length	25.5"
Frets	24 Jumbo
Pickup Configuration	HSH
Neck Pickup	DiMarzio PAF Pro
Middle Pickup	DiMarzio JEM Single
Bridge Pickup	DiMarzio PAF Pro
Controls	Master Volume
Switching	5-Way
Bridge	Gotoh GTC101 Fixed
Construction	String-Through
Tuners	Gotoh
Weight	7.1 lbs
Condition	Very Good
Included	Hardcase

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Ibanez PGM301 is presented in Very Good Condition.

It shows some cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

Normal signs of ownership may include:

• Light surface marks

• Fine scratches

• Minor handling wear

• Light hardware ageing

• General playing wear

These are reflected in the Very Good condition grade.

What's Included?

✔ Ibanez PGM301 Paul Gilbert Signature White
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

The supplied case is described simply as a hardcase rather than being claimed as the original Ibanez case.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Ibanez has been checked for general operation and playability.

Assessment includes:

• Neck pickup

• Middle pickup

• Bridge pickup

• Five-way selector

• Master volume control

• Output jack

• Neck condition

• Maple fingerboard

• Frets

• Nut

• Gotoh tuning machines

• Fixed bridge

• Saddles

• String-through ferrules

• General hardware

• Structural condition

• Overall setup

• General playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action

• Neck relief

• Fret condition

• Intonation

• Tuning stability

• Pickup operation

• Electronics

• Bridge adjustment

• General playing feel

What Makes The Ibanez PGM301 Special?

The PGM301 takes the high-performance RG-style platform and strips it down to exactly what Paul Gilbert needs: a fast neck, 24 frets, powerful but versatile DiMarzio pickups and a solid fixed bridge.

Its simplicity is part of the appeal. There is no tone control and no tremolo system, leaving just a master volume and five-way pickup selector between the player and amplifier.

For technical guitarists, that creates an extremely direct and stable instrument with fewer distractions and less setup complexity.

Paul Gilbert Signature Design

Paul Gilbert is known for exceptionally precise alternate picking, wide intervallic playing, string skipping and technically demanding lead guitar.

The PGM301 reflects those requirements through:

• Fast Ibanez neck geometry

• 24-fret access

• Flat fingerboard

• HSH pickups

• Fixed bridge

• Simple electronics

• Lightweight body

White Finish

The guitar is finished in classic White, one of the defining colours associated with Paul Gilbert's PGM signature series.

The understated body colour provides a strong contrast against the black hardware and painted f-hole graphics.

Painted F-Hole Graphics

Rather than genuine acoustic soundholes, the PGM301 features Paul Gilbert's trademark painted f-hole graphics.

They are purely decorative and form one of the most instantly recognisable design elements of the PGM series.

Basswood Body

The body is made from basswood.

Basswood provides:

• Balanced midrange

• Controlled low frequencies

• Smooth upper response

• Quick attack

• Strong compatibility with high-output and medium-output pickups

It also helps keep the PGM301 relatively lightweight.

Lightweight Feel

This individual guitar weighs:

7.1 lbs

That makes it a particularly manageable full-size performance guitar for rehearsals, recording sessions and live use.

Maple Fingerboard

The PGM301 uses a maple fingerboard with black dot position markers.

The maple board contributes to the bright, immediate response associated with this model while complementing the White body and reverse-headstock design.

25.5" Scale Length

The PGM301 uses a:

25.5" / 648mm scale length

This provides:

• Firm string tension

• Clear attack

• Strong note definition

• Familiar modern electric-guitar feel

24 Jumbo Frets

The guitar features:

24 jumbo frets

This gives a complete two-octave range on every string.

The jumbo fretwire is particularly suitable for:

• String bending

• Legato

• Fast alternate picking

• Tapping

• Wide intervallic playing

Reverse Headstock

The PGM301 uses a distinctive reverse Ibanez headstock.

This is another characteristic Paul Gilbert design feature and gives the instrument a particularly aggressive silhouette.

DiMarzio PAF Pro Neck Pickup

The neck position uses a DiMarzio PAF Pro humbucker.

The PAF Pro is known for combining moderate output with excellent articulation.

In the neck position it provides:

• Smooth lead sounds

• Clear note separation

• Warm cleans

• Defined legato

• Strong articulation under gain

DiMarzio JEM Single Middle Pickup

The centre position uses a DiMarzio JEM single-coil pickup.

It adds:

• Brighter attack

• Cleaner rhythm tones

• More open single-coil response

• Useful combined pickup sounds

DiMarzio PAF Pro Bridge Pickup

The bridge also uses a DiMarzio PAF Pro humbucker.

It provides:

• Clear high-gain rhythm

• Tight attack

• Strong upper-mid presence

• Defined lead sounds

• Excellent articulation for fast picking

HSH Pickup Layout

The complete pickup configuration is:

Humbucker / Single Coil / Humbucker

This gives the PGM301 significantly more tonal flexibility than a basic two-humbucker guitar.

Five-Way Switching

The guitar uses a five-way pickup selector.

This provides access to full humbucker sounds as well as brighter combination settings suitable for:

• Clean rhythm

• Funkier passages

• Layered recording parts

• Lower-gain tones

Single Master Volume

One of the most distinctive parts of the PGM301's electronics is its simplicity.

Controls consist of:

• Master Volume

• Five-Way Pickup Selector

There is no tone control.

This creates a direct signal path and keeps operation extremely simple during performance.

Gotoh GTC101 Fixed Bridge

The PGM301 uses a Gotoh GTC101 fixed bridge.

The strings pass through the body before travelling over individual saddles.

Benefits include:

• Excellent tuning stability

• Strong sustain

• Straightforward restringing

• Easy alternate tuning

• Simple intonation adjustment

• Stable palm-muting platform

String-Through Construction

The strings anchor through the back of the body.

This gives a secure mechanical connection between the strings, bridge and body.

Fixed Bridge vs Floating Tremolo

The PGM301 is particularly attractive to players who prefer a fixed bridge.

Compared with a floating tremolo, the fixed system offers:

• Easier string changes

• Faster tuning changes

• Simpler alternate tuning

• Greater stability if a string breaks

• Less setup complexity

• No tremolo spring balancing

Gotoh Tuning Machines

The guitar uses Gotoh tuning machines.

Gotoh hardware is widely respected for accurate tuning adjustment and dependable mechanical performance.

Cosmo Black Hardware

The White finish is contrasted by Cosmo Black hardware, reinforcing the clean black-and-white visual theme.

PGM301 vs Tremolo-Equipped PGM Models

The PGM301 is closely related to tremolo-equipped Paul Gilbert models but differs in one fundamental respect.

PGM301

• Fixed Gotoh bridge

• String-through body

• Easier alternate tuning

• No tremolo setup

• Maximum simplicity

Tremolo PGM Models

• Floating locking tremolo

• Extensive pitch manipulation

• More complex setup

The PGM301 is the obvious choice for players who prioritise tuning stability and straightforward operation.

Who Is It For?

Paul Gilbert fans – A genuine Japanese-made signature model closely associated with his playing style.

Technical guitarists – 24 frets and a fast neck suit advanced lead work.

Rock players – PAF Pros offer plenty of power without sacrificing clarity.

Metal guitarists – Fixed bridge and strong pickup articulation suit tight rhythm work.

Alternate-tuning users – Fixed bridge makes tuning changes much easier.

Studio players – HSH switching provides useful tonal versatility.

Players who dislike floating tremolos – One of the most appealing high-performance Ibanez options for fixed-bridge fans.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Rock

• Hard rock

• Metal

• Progressive rock

• Progressive metal

• Shred

• Fusion

• Instrumental guitar

• Technical lead playing

• Alternate picking

• Studio recording

• Live performance

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Ibanez
Artist	Paul Gilbert
Model	PGM301
Finish	White
Production Period	2003–2008
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Body Material	Basswood
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	5-Piece Maple/Walnut
Fingerboard	Maple
Fingerboard Inlays	Black Dot
Scale Length	648mm / 25.5"
Frets	24
Fret Size	Jumbo
Nut Width	Approx. 43mm
Pickup Configuration	HSH
Neck Pickup	DiMarzio PAF Pro Humbucker
Middle Pickup	DiMarzio JEM Single
Bridge Pickup	DiMarzio PAF Pro Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Master Volume
Switching	5-Way Lever
Bridge	Gotoh GTC101 Fixed
Stringing	Through Body
Tuning Machines	Gotoh SG381
Hardware Finish	Cosmo Black
Signature Graphics	Painted F-Holes
Weight	7.1 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

Production-Year Note

The PGM301 was offered from 2003 to 2008.

Its neck construction changed during that production period:

• 2003–2004: one-piece maple

• 2005–2008: five-piece maple/walnut PGM Prestige neck

A serial number would allow the individual instrument to be placed within the correct specification period.

Pickup Note

The factory specification uses:

• DiMarzio PAF Pro – Neck

• DiMarzio JEM Single – Middle

• DiMarzio PAF Pro – Bridge

This combination provides a deliberately versatile HSH setup rather than an extremely high-output modern metal configuration.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

The supplied case offers useful protection for storage and transport.

Unless separately established, it is not described as the original Ibanez case.

Power Requirements

None.

The DiMarzio pickups and electronics are completely passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The Ibanez PGM301 Paul Gilbert Signature in White is a particularly appealing Japanese signature model for players who want high-performance Ibanez playability without a floating tremolo.

Its basswood body, maple fingerboard, 24 jumbo frets, DiMarzio PAF Pro/JEM Single HSH setup and Gotoh fixed bridge provide a direct, articulate and extremely stable platform for technical playing.

The lack of a tone control and tremolo system keeps the guitar refreshingly simple, while the painted f-holes and reverse headstock make it unmistakably a Paul Gilbert model.

At only 7.1 lbs, this example is also notably comfortable for extended sessions.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, it is an excellent choice for Paul Gilbert fans, Japanese Ibanez enthusiasts and players looking for a serious fixed-bridge performance guitar.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, measured weight and included accessories are clearly represented.

This Ibanez is offered with:

• Very Good condition

• Made in Japan construction

• Paul Gilbert signature specification

• DiMarzio HSH pickup set

• Fixed Gotoh bridge

• 7.1 lbs actual measured weight

• Hardcase included

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.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Expert musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Ibanez guitars

• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed

• Clear condition grading

• Secure ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this PGM301.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Ibanez PGM301.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Ibanez PGM301 in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic signs consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

Is this a Paul Gilbert signature guitar?

Yes. The PGM301 is an official Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature model.

Where was it made?

It was made in Japan.

When was the PGM301 produced?

The model was offered from 2003 to 2008.

What finish does it have?

It is finished in White.

Are the f-holes real?

No. They are painted f-hole graphics, one of the signature visual features of Paul Gilbert's PGM guitars.

What is the body made from?

It has a basswood body.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a maple fingerboard.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 25.5" / 648mm scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 24 jumbo frets.

What pickups does it have?

It uses a DiMarzio PAF Pro humbucker in the neck, DiMarzio JEM Single in the middle and another PAF Pro in the bridge.

Are the pickups active?

No. They are passive.

Does it have a tone control?

No. The PGM301 uses only a master volume and five-way pickup selector.

What bridge does it have?

It uses a Gotoh GTC101 fixed bridge with string-through-body construction.

Does it have a tremolo?

No.

Is it suitable for alternate tunings?

Yes. The fixed bridge makes alternate tuning considerably easier than on a floating-tremolo guitar.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 7.1 lbs.

Does it require a battery?

No.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The supplied case has not been identified as the original Ibanez case, so no claim of originality is made.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and musical equipment.