The Ibanez RG line remains one of the best-selling guitar models in history, more than 20 years after it was introduced. Favored by metal and shred heads like Steve Vai for their wicked good looks, lightning-fast necks and incredible tone, RG guitars also lend themselves well to just about any style of music, having been used to great effect by everyone from prog-rockers like Dream Theater’s John Petrucci to alternative darling Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction fame. The RG line began in the 1980s as the Roadster Guitar, designed be workhorse instruments that would appeal to the metal players of the burgeoning shred scene of the time, well-suited to studio work as well as touring. The RG guitars of today continue that tradition, and have evolved into various models, fine-tuned for the ever-changing needs of the modern working musician, ranging from the top-of-the-line RG Prestige and Premium to the more affordable RG Tremolo and RG Fixed models, as well as 7- and 8-string guitars, the RGD drop-tuned metal monsters, and the recent RG 25th Limited Edition line.
While Ibanez RGs are available in a wide variety of configurations, a few elements common to most guitars in the line are the super-thin, ultra-fast Wizard necks, loaded with 24 jumbo frets for two full octaves of shredding madness, and, in keeping with the so-called super-Strat tradition, a divebomb-worthy whammy system, such as the Edge Zero II. The RG Fixed series, however, as the name implies, is loaded with a fixed bridge, for improved sustain and tuning stability. Pickup configurations are generally either dual humbuckers, or humbucker-single coil-humbucker, and the RGA guitars feature arched tops. Beyond that, looking at the model name will give you a clue as to the various features. The RG Prestige is the top of the line, crafted in Japan with the highest-quality materials and workmanship. The Premium line is also crafted in Japan with premium-quality materials and complemented with choice features like USA-made DiMarzio pickups for plenty of screaming tone, hand-rolled fret edges, with some models also boasting a visually stunning quilted maple top. The RG 25th Limited Edition series features many of the most popular RG design elements over the years, such as the Wizard neck, the Edge Zero II whammy, high-output pickups, and an 80s-worthy fluorescent pink finish is even available, if you’re so inclined! The RGD models are designed for down-tuning, and feature a longer 26.5” scale length neck and pickups designed to get the most growl out of that bottom end. The RG Tremolo and Fixed are lower-cost versions of the Japanese-made guitars, with either a fixed bridge, or a Floyd Rose-style whammy, as the name indicates. The RG 7- and 8-string guitars are among the best-selling models of their type on the market, and with choice axes like the RG7321 7-string and RGA8QM 8-string with quilted maple top, it’s easy to see why. And don’t forget the Mikro, a high-quality RG-inspired short-scale guitar, perfect for young shredders, or as a trusted travel companion. So whether you are a seasoned shredder from way back looking to update your arsenal, or you’re just looking for a high-quality, fast-playing and cool-looking two-octave axe to swing around at home, you can’t go wrong with an Ibanez RG. Order one today!
