2002 Ibanez Destroyer - Matte Black - DTX120 - Made in Korea

Description

Ibanez Destroyer DTX‑120, produced in South Korea and offered primarily from 2001 to 2003, especially in matte black finish.

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🔍 Overview

The DTX‑120 is a compact version of the classic Explorer‑style Destroyer guitar, built precisely to blend modern playability with a bold look. It was introduced in 2001 and discontinued in 2003.

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🧰 Specifications
• Production Years: 2001–2003 with matte black finish in 2001–2002.
• Body: Basswood with cream binding on matte black models, bolt-on construction.
• Neck: Single-piece maple “X‑Type” bolt‑on neck, satin finish, slim C‑shaped profile.
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 medium‑jumbo frets, pearl dot inlays.
• Scale Length: 25½″ (648 mm).
• Pickups: Ibanez AH3 at the neck and AH4 at the bridge—Axis series humbuckers (13.5k neck and 14.4k bridge)
• Electronics: Single master volume, master tone, and 3-way toggle switch.
• Hardware: Chrome Tune‑O‑Matic style bridge (Full Tune II) with Quik Change III tailpiece; sealed tuning machines.
• Weight: Around 6 lbs 15 oz (≈3.1 kg), so relatively light for its size.

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🎨 Aesthetic Notes
• The matte black finish is complemented by cream binding, lending a sleek, retro-modern contrast.
• All hardware on matte black units tends to be blacked or chrome but blends smoothly with the finish.
• The body is slightly reduced in size compared to full-size Destroyer models, making it more balanced and comfortable.

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🎧 Tone & Playability
• Neck profile is very playable and fast; great for riff‑heavy or soloing styles.
• The AH3 neck pickup delivers warm, vintage tones, while the AH4 bridge pickup offers bright snarl—versatile from blues to high-gain rock.
• Controls are laid out in a triangular arrangement for intuitive access during play.

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💡 Collector & Community Insights
• Its short production run and distinctive finish (especially matte black) make it fairly rare and collectible.
• While not high‑end, it’s often praised in enthusiast circles for value and character:
“It’s a very nice guitar to play… versatile offering a thick bluesy tone… bright snappy tone…”
And from Reddit:
“I’ve got one just like it… probably my favorite guitar I’ve ever had.”

Feature
Details
Years Produced
2001–2003 (matte black in 2001–02)
Body
Basswood, bolt-on, with cream binding
Neck
Maple, satin finish, slim C-profile
Fingerboard
Rosewood, 22 frets, pearl dot inlays
Scale Length
25½″
Pickups
Axis AH3 (neck) & AH4 (bridge)
Controls
Master Volume, Tone, 3-way toggle
Bridge/Tailpiece
Full Tune II & Quik Change III
Weight
~6 lb 15 oz (approx. 3.1 kg)


The DTX‑120 Destroyer in matte black delivers a potent combination of Explorer-style attitude and streamlined playability. With Korean construction, a manageable size and weight, and Axis series humbuckers, it’s a reliable workhorse that punches above its modest price point—especially in matte black, a rare finish that adds to its collectible appeal.

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