Reacting to the New Ibanez 2025 Guitars

[@beaf8411]

I think the RG prestige line could use a refresh. It's all either solid color or ash tops. Throw in some figured maples for old time's sake? Love me a flamed maple top RG. :(

[@HighZ]

Would love to see that!

[@salildeshpande7]

4:41 ooh, your stratocaster is beautiful!

[@salildeshpande7]

looks like I am in the minority here, I love all the new reverse headstock models!

[@HighZ]

Thank you!

[@HighZ]

That's great! To be fair there are some cool things here. The evertune model, the blue hardware one, very neat

[@TK96]

They should have made a Genesis version of RG560 HSS pickup configuration for this year.

[@HighZ]

That would be really cool!

[@avidia_music]

Dude, props to you for such a detailed video description!!! It looks a bit like programming code though lol!

[@HighZ]

Thank you! I wanted to make it easy to find exactly what someone would be looking for. Definitely agree those model names are utterly insanity

[@Consolous]

We need to see a playthrough of that bass, now that's epic. I love my PRS but I've always liked the sound and look of Ibanez and this video may tempt me to get one. Can't hurt to at least have one Ibanez. Great video man!

[@HighZ]

Thank you! I don't think the world is ready to hear that just yet. But yes, Ibanez is pretty cool 🎸

[@stoogel]

Already know I'm getting that flat black Talman and throwing the EMG Geezer PJ set in there.

[@HighZ]

Nice! That's gonna be a sweet bass

[@mylogify]

Cool guitars... I am not fully against black guitars, but some colourful designer fret inlays would be cool on a complete black Ibanez.

[@HighZ]

That would be very cool! I would even love to see swirl finishes but maybe that would be too much

[@mylogify]

@@HighZ It's gonna cost 7000 USD for ya. Thanks for shopping with us!

[@shinokugt]

The biggest problem with the SML721 is that they didn't slant the pickups! You need to match the slant of the multiscale or you run into the same tone problem of the Schecter Black Ops where the bridge pickup sounds more like a middle pickup - and it looks so bad!

[@HighZ]

I have to agree with you there. Not seeing the pickups follow the slant is a deal breaker for me personally too

[@ryansheldon6046]

I’ve been patiently waiting for a Prestige S with fixed bridge that’s not green in color. Guess I’ll have to hold on for another year or so 🙃.

[@HighZ]

Me too. Feels like it's been 500 years

[@TerryBarclift]

Thanks!

[@HighZ]

Thank you so much!

[@SpeedbeetleV2]

Surprised we didn’t see any new headless guitars

[@HighZ]

Same. I wonder if they're saving them for NAAM or if they're back off on them for now

[@nicholastotoro7721]

Really digging that RG565R and the RGR52ET, but part of me knows I'll get over the GAS shortly... 😂

[@HighZ]

Oh definitely! That yellow is striking and you know I'm a sucker for black and gold guitars 🐈‍⬛️😺 maybe you're right and we'll be distracted by other guitars tomorrow

[@Draguitar]

It would be much better if AZ standard series has recessed tremolo bridge.. but it looks kinda cool for having price range between AZES and AZ premium.. just one thing I'm worried is not sure how good those Ibanez modern custom pickups.

[@HighZ]

Yeah Ibanez stock pickups aren't always the best. Maybe they'll be surprisingly good though, one can hope! The fusion edges in my rg5320 don't sound half bad for example, I've kept them

[@MustangBasssman]

I love my RG Iron label all black through neck. The best Metal guitar I own

[@HighZ]

That's a fantastic guitar!

[@HarryBall-fw7pv]

I've been looking at the AE390 acoustic with flamed maple back and sides stained blue. With a natural spruce top. If it plays as good as it looks, its mine this year

[@HighZ]

It does look pretty nice!

[@alexminser1482]

Waiting on an MIJ RG with a roasted maple neck or an AZ with a floyd... maybe later this year 🤞

[@HighZ]

That would be really cool!

[@akshayseller73]

It’s crazy that they haven’t released any RG prestige

[@HighZ]

Right? Can hardly believe it

[@akshayseller73]

@ seems like the AZs really sell well. Possibly a sign of the times to come. The outside chance maybe that Ibanez showcase new prestige RGs at NAMM or maybe part of their monthly release.

[@Dreadlocker3]

Hoping for a new K7 (KoRns 30th Anniversary this year and "Head" returning to Ibanez) and a Knocked Loose Signature Iceman, their guitarist Isaac posted a few super cool Icemans on Instagram, who knows if those were LA Custom Shops or prototype signatures. Maybe some guitars are still to be announced, maybe at NAMM?

[@HighZ]

Those would be awesome! We can hope they're saving the best for NAAM

[@taambul1603]

i really like them especially the 565 wish there was a lefty, but it isnt like my parents gonna let me get another guitar...i got the 550 3 months ago (565 has a blade humbucker not single coil in the neck)

[@HighZ]

The 565 is pretty cool! Congratulations on the 550 too, those are really good

[@WailingRaven]

The S-Tech Wood, from what I could find on the internet, is a copyright/trademark own by Emachu Mokuzai/Emachu Timber, that looks to be specialising on anything wood. They do the roasting in a nitrogen rich atmosphere, for extra stability and weather resistant. These woods are for outdoor and indoor uses, and Ibanez (or probably Fujigen in this case, being the Prestige models manufacturer) is just one of their customers. Probably the reason why S-Tech Wood are only employed in the Prestige AZ and SR model. (This is just what I could find through basic internet search, so don't quote me on this.) As for the stainless steel frets, I'm gonna guess that Prestige and Premium AZs (and other higher ended models) uses Jescar's Stainless frets. As for the AZ Standard and Quest series, they are probably Blacksmith's Stainless frets, which is what Strandberg uses on their Boden Essential model (same price as the Q54 and Q52, which is 999 freedom coins). These are cheaper and might not be as tough as Jescar's. (These are just guesses though, based on the pricing of the aforementioned guitars. Ibanez didn't list what type of Stainless frets they use, but Strandberg does so on their site.) Edit: Just found out that they are using S-Tech Wood on the SR Prestige basses.

[@WailingRaven]

I was happy when I saw the AZ Standard, but then I noticed the 6 screws vibrato bridge. _My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined._

[@HighZ]

Great to know! This is all some pretty good information. It would make sense for them to use blacksmith stainless steel frets to help keep the cost down. I wonder if over time as more people have long term access to guitars with stainless steel frets if their reputation of being indestructable will start to change. And yes definitely disappointed about that trem 😆

[@edsalman8258]

Hey man, happy new year and thanks for the video. I'm thinking about getting an RG550, but I'm a bit concerned about the neck joint (or heel) since it's squared off like the original RG models, rather than rounded and sculpted like the modern ones. I know you have a Prestige and an RG550, so I was wondering if you could share your opinion. I tend to play a lot of high notes, and I'm worried that the blocky heel might get in the way. What do you think?

[@edsalman8258]

Just watched your review 😅 thanks!

[@HighZ]

I hope the review was helpful! The square heel isn't the end of the world but it did take some getting used to and I do prefer the AANJ. I've since blocked the bridge for now. It's one of my favorite guitars to pick up and just play, it plays really well! At this point the only thing I dislike is the road flare red doesn't show up that well on my current video lighting setup

[@CorumBryant]

I converted my 550 to HH with fishmens, it absolutely rips now. The heel joint really isn’t too bad, the aanj is “better” but it’s not the end of the world. Also just preordered the rg565r. Holy smokes that thing is beautiful 😮

[@HarryBall-fw7pv]

I'm hoping they restart making their art core models in Japan. Very disappointed with only far east manufacturing as far as I can tell from their website. I also wish they would put out more varieties in the prestige S lineup

[@HighZ]

That would be cool! And I absolutely agree about the S prestige. I remember when there used to be more of them. There was this red one with flamed maple on top I really wanted. Oh well!

[@thewebhead6977]

@@HighZ I have a Prestige S6521Q with Bareknuckle Ragnaroks and it surprises me to this day, 7ish years after buying it, that there arent many options like it.

[@synchosis9209]

Im disappointed the second year in a row. Not a lot of prestige models, only RGR52ET was a pleasant sight. Axe design really never design bad guitars. I wonder, if they could make more, but they won't probably.

[@HighZ]

Inclined tk agree. Wanted to see some cool prestiges, maybe even an rga. The et was neat one though

[@Crms-like-Crims]

Disappointing release for my tastes but if that RGD 7 had stainless steel frets they might have sold me lol. I was hoping for more RGA/RGD/RG models so that kind of sucked but hopefully some cool stuff releases throughout the year. I'm in the market for a 7 right now so that new RGD was so close to something perfect.

[@HighZ]

Ah yeah that is a pretty big bummer. Would have loved to see the RGA and S models get more love. I hope you can find something that will check all your boxes!

[@Crms-like-Crims]

​@@HighZ yeah been trying to find a used RGR5227MFX even though I don't love the green finish lol but because it's the only Ibanez 7 I can find with SS frets. Also been thinking about taking a chance with my first ESP with an E-II or maybe Solar or Legator for a cheaper option, too many decisions! Was hoping the 2025 reveal would solve my indecisiveness 😅

[@Evolji228]

I felt so disappointed after today's presentation. I definitely remember that in 2021 and 2023 they announced at least 2 very much interesting things and I was hoping to see at least more than one new color for S series. At least the brought 7-string RGD here, but what is the point if we had and RGIXL7 all this time and it literally the same thing but a little bit longer and with different DiMarzios. I just hope that in the middle of the year they will announce some more Axe Design and Axion label stuff

[@HighZ]

We can hope! Maybe they'll even have some secret other things at NAAM.. one can dream

[@samizdat113]

As usual Ibanez has placed the volume knob too close to the bridge pickup on most solid bodies models for me.

[@HighZ]

Certainly would like to see the pots moved farther away

[@samizdat113]

@HighZ A half inch would make a world of difference. I have a very animated picking hand and I inadvertently roll the volume down on the vast majority of Ibanez guitars. It sucks because I really like the RG series guitars otherwise. But I'm not changing my playing style.

[@MustangBasssman]

@@samizdat113I thought it was just me, but every time I hit the volume and turn it completely off. I was thinking of removing the knob and just setting it to full.

[@samizdat113]

@MustangBasssman That would work. I wish someone made a conical volume knob.

[@TerryBarclift]

I totally agree with your opinion of the new models….. meh Was stoked when I saw the 565 as I love the pup configuration but the inlays really don’t do it for me. The shark fin on rosewood? Looks like what we all had as our first high school metal guitar. I’ll pass. It’s still a great guitar but it’s a shame Ibanez didn’t put a better fretboard on it. I guess this is the guitar gods way of telling me to look more closely at the Charvel, Schecter and Solar guitars.

[@HighZ]

Agreed it does kind of give off that feel. I've been pretty pleased with my solars so far!

[@AntHellMusic]

LIKE77💜👀👍AWESOME PRESENTATION 👏