Originally the Destroyer was an exact copy of the original korina Gibson Explorer. This first appeared in the mid seventies and the quality of this model helped fuel the lawsuit fire that burned in Gibsons belly. Also produced were equally quality copies of korina Flying V's and the Gibson Moderene from 1958. This Ibanez trio of Gibson korina copies are highly sought after.

The Destroyer II is based on the classic shape of Gibson's Explorer model, and the Rocket Roll model was based on the Flying-V. Around 1981, after the lawsuit, Ibanez simply added a slight "over-hang" in a couple of spots and dubbed them the "Rocket Roll II" and "Destroyer II" models.

One of the first notable celebrities to play the Destroyer II (and endorse it in advertisements) was Phil Collen, lead guitar player of the band Def Leppard. Although Phil started playing the Destroyer II while still in the band Girl, it wasn't until he joined Def Leppard that he started getting international attention and that helped get the Destroyer II model noticed by a legion of adolescent teens.

Those adolescent teens are now in their 30s, and looking for good, genuine instruments of the era! Whether it is for this reason, or just the fact that a great design never dies, Ibanez has just re-released the guitar after a 20-year hiatus, but these are not Made in Japan, making the originals even more desirable among collectors and musicians alike.

This beautiful example is in Metallic Red finish, and has its original case and original pickups, knobs and hardware. Totally original, totally collectable, totally usable.

GROUSE!

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