1983 Ibanez Destroyer II DT500CS – MIJ FujiGen – Cherry Sunburst Flame Top – X Series – Vintage Explorer

Title
1983 Ibanez Destroyer II DT500CS – MIJ FujiGen – Cherry Sunburst Flame Top – X Series – Vintage Explorer

Overview

Awesomeness in all his vintage greatness! What we have here is a 1983 Ibanez Destroyer II (DT500CS) built at the renowned FujiGen factory in Japan, part of the early Ibanez X Series era. These early-80s Japanese Destroyers represent a transitional period in Ibanez history when the company was producing some of the finest instruments of its vintage period. Today, FujiGen-built Destroyers from this era are increasingly sought after by collectors for their craftsmanship, materials, and distinctive Explorer-style design.

This example features the Cherry Sunburst finish over a flame maple veneer top, set-neck construction, gold hardware, and the distinctive Short Stop bridge system used on higher-end Destroyer II models.

Model Identification

• Model: Ibanez Destroyer II DT500CS
• Year: 1983
• Factory: FujiGen, Japan (MIJ)
• Series: X Series
• Serial Number: B832982

The Destroyer II designation refers to the second generation of Ibanez Destroyer guitars introduced in the early 1980s. The DT500 represented the upper-tier specification within the Destroyer II lineup, replacing earlier DT400 models and incorporating upgraded hardware and cosmetics.

Construction & Specifications

• Body: Mahogany with flame maple veneer top
• Finish: Cherry Sunburst (CS)
• Neck: Set neck construction
• Fingerboard: Bound rosewood with large pearl block inlays
• Bridge: Ibanez Short Stop bridge/tailpiece system
• Hardware: Gold plated
• Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone, 3-way selector switch
• Headstock: Ibanez X Series logo – “The Ultimate Expression of Craftsmanship”

Pickups

This guitar features the typical early-80s Ibanez configuration:

• Super 58 humbucker (neck, covered)
• V2 humbucker (bridge, cream bobbins)

This pairing was commonly used on higher-end Ibanez models produced at FujiGen during this period.

Condition

Very good vintage condition for a guitar over 40 years old.

• Finish retains strong gloss and flame figuring
• Light cosmetic wear consistent with age
• Minor edge and surface marks typical of vintage instruments
• Hardware shows natural patina from age
• Neck is straight and plays well
• Electronics function properly

Please review all photos for a complete representation of condition.

Why Collectors Seek These

Early Made-in-Japan Ibanez Destroyers have become increasingly collectible due to several factors:

• Production at the highly respected FujiGen factory
• Limited early-80s production numbers
• Distinctive Explorer-style Destroyer body design
• High-quality Japanese craftsmanship during Ibanez’ “golden era”
• Increasing demand for vintage MIJ Ibanez instruments

The flame maple Cherry Sunburst examples are particularly attractive and less commonly encountered than solid color variants.

Shipping

Shipping to the lower 48 states only.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for additional photos. Thanks for looking.