What Happened to the Ibanez RG?

[@deconline1320]

They are so easy to play and to maintain. I'm always surprised how effortless they are to play when switching from one of my "vintage" style guitar to my RG. A very good design.

[@Ottophil]

LolI play a gibson, a fender. And many RG’s its the best for what they aren’t

[@keithrushmore9809]

I agree 110 percent!

[@spitfireaace]

This is exactly what I'm trying to do right now. I have my old 57 Strat type guitar and now I'm 62 and my hands hurt a bit. I just want something that is going to be easier to play.

[@matrags]

For me the RG he earned classic guitar status. The design was seminal back in the day and defined the market. Every company catering to the rock/metal player has taken something from it over the years.

[@adamlee011]

True. The rg and saber were the most innovative solid bodies since the strat and g&l guitars, which ibanez likely borrowed from heavily. But they pushed boundaries and actually changed standards. Before that everything was a fender or Gibson (which I call overpriced replicas of antiques) or direct copies of them.

[@Islandsoundzz]

I have an RG7420 and I love it, dealing with the trem doesn't bother me much, but Ibanez should have created video tutorials with essential tips for RG owners to setup their trem at home with no hassle.

[@johnnathancordy]

Great idea

[@sboy1955]

Finally sold my beautiful and well built HSH Prestige RG because of the fiddly trem and the hot pickups just didn’t cut it for me. Loved that Wizard neck the most..

[@moto238]

Yep. I have a 421 Floyd Rose trem. Changing strings can be a scary nightmare if you're used to a standard bridge. Even now if i snap a string, always the same one, it goes to the luthier for a reset. Those guys must love me and get a good laugh. But I love my baby and that is that. String bending is so much fun on Ibby's it spoils it's player flat fretboard and super thin neck it's like shooting heroin. Easy to love. I chose my RG over a Strat. Thin neck, flat fretboard with 24 frets, baked maple super smooth,, i dig humbuckers and coil switch lots of guitar for the money and super light weight. Also Ibanez guitars are so beautiful. That being said, my next one will be an American Strat, all coils. They are so small you cant resist picking them up. Solid body electrics say it all for me. I know people with dozens of guitars. It's a disease, a wonderful sickness. Two things I can never get enough of, Harleys and guitars.

[@marceloyoshida5507]

Set the trem with no hassle? You mean adjusting de truss rod, the string height, the tension in the back of the guitar with your tuning and the intonation? Even if you see youtube videos of how to set them, it's not an easy task, specially if you are a beginner and/or get one with bad adjustment from the factory.

[@adamlee011]

I have a mij rg7421. It's in pieces atm but I got it for a video game, barely used, covered in dust. I'm going to restore it and maybe put some green pups and knobs as a universe tribute. It has a solid black finish. I don't mind the trems, but I don't need them, especially on a 7. But I've been caught using my sz necks as whammy bars too so... Lol. I think I'm happiest with my rx350 and Wilkinson. As long as they hold tune, and mine does so better than my double locking zr2's.

[@aglees2b]

I'm a big RG fan, and recently got a HH fixed bridge version, and it's great. I love the neck profile, and as ever the sounds of those in between positions are great for a pointy guitar. I think it's one of the best aging super strats too.

[@nicolaswoolstenhulme191]

When I clicked on this video about the Ibanez RG I didn't realize I would get an awesome ballad jam to start out, beautiful song, nice work.

[@mdavis2703]

I bought a brand new RG 521 genesis in 2018. I immediately liked it. Since then at different times I've ordered a 50s les paul standard and a 60s. I returned both of the pauls within the return window of time because the Ibanez really sounds better. Way more frequency range of the pickups and warmer sounding. And it has those v7 v8 pickups that people love to change out but I don't mind them.

[@masterbuilder3166]

John. The intro to this video is some of the most beautiful playing I’ve ever heard.

[@EgoFilotto]

Amazing playing and control of melody. Always a great inspiration for me.

[@sixwheelcarlisle8491]

Playability and looks are some reasons I play and love them. I love the Ibanez RG guitars. Their smooth fast playability is unmatched by any other manufacturer.

[@LMND-Music]

I only play RG's, specifically the ones with HH config and a floating trem system. For me it all started with the JPM model. RG is kind of a classic nowadays because of Ibanez is pushing new AZ and Q series as well as Steve Vail himself also trying to change the design of RG shaped JEM's. But this guitar is lean, versatile, easy to play and a symbol of rock/metal for the last 30+ years. I hope they keep producing.

[@petert1207]

Wonderful emotional playing man!

[@wastingtime]

Got my first RG prestige last week and am In love, having always had more classic designs it makes fast playing effortless. Ibanez needs to bring out some more guitars with wizard necks.

[@andreil1234]

Hehe, they already have tons and tons of models, new and used, available to try and fall in love with. Some of their double locking offerings are cheekier than others. Also, I'd argue the Wizard-like necks ARE also classic designs. Just from a more recent time. Though, 34 years since '87 is already not that recent.

[@AlmostLakai94]

@@andreil1234 I'm thinking of going with a RG652fx or RGA121 if I can find one for a reasonable price. Gonna be my first prestige but something about them really caught my attention recently

[@mesarosmm]

I play RG because I love using the trem and bending. On Gotoh / PRS / Music Man style tremolo, the bent string always goes flat until tremolo is used. That can get a bit annoying. On my PRS the tuning stability is amazing even with trem use but still the floyd is just locked in and in tune.

[@Soloist1983]

The answer is there isn't anything wrong with it, it's still fantastic and mainly all I play. The RG, RGA (the newer one), the R (Radius), and S (Sabre) were really game changers. Fantastic playing and sound btw!

[@freshestemo]

I just got an RG550 Desert Yellow for my first Ibanez.. I haven’t played my other 3 guitars. By far my favorite I own, very versatile. My next guitar will be another Ibanez..

[@pablo9364]

Japanese quality too

[@pauly414]

Just bought a rg565 genisis, immaculate and a dream to play, prefer it to my js1200

[@frantisca]

One of the nicest and most melodic legato sequence I've heard... !

[@echopoint8817]

I learned on an RT. Even though thru the years I have owned many brands and models, i keep on coming back to the RG. It feels like home... Guitars are well balanced and just do all the things I need them to do. I am not a shredder, the guitars tackle all other styles which works for me!

[@FoxyD6985]

Got an RT250 a few month ago and it’s really a killer guitar!

[@ChristopherBuenviaje]

I still use my RG1820X till this day and it still plays and sounds like a dream.

[@craigharrison5406]

I have 2 RG's, a 2004 RGT 42 neck thru and a 2005 RG 350. I love them both but I did change out the pickups as the mid range ibanez's at that time had the infinity's which I don't like. I prefer the edge low-pro to the current Ibanez floating trems. Other than that I think they are still great guitars. The one thing I love about all my Ibanez guitars is that I never have to adjust the truss rod, the necks are incredibly sturdy and the frets are always perfect (I have never got an Ibanez that needed any fret leveling at all). I am currently trying to get a hold of a purple RG 550 Genesis but they are out of stock across the globe right now.

[@SophicGuitar]

I have a white pearl essence RG540R 1987 with the original Edge whammy that I love, I have to replace bushings as all do but, plastic grocery bag clip wrapped around the end or plumbers' tape too, works pretty well to hold the arm in place, so it's more static which I prefer. I love it and will always keep a hold of it. It's one of my most precious babies. Your playing always makes me feel better, mentally and physically. I have health issues that cause some trauma with life and playing these days and I love to hear you play, it's magical and healing. Thank you Mr. Cordy. Your're extremely talented and a very kind soul. Blessings to you and all you love.

[@andreil1234]

Well they do fixed bridges of various types (including Prestige and J-Custom models) and they also have chunkier neck offerings such as the AZ/AZS series. The JS models also feature chunkier fendery necks, then there are the AT models with classic tremolos. Also, these RG necks come in a variety of thickness/width options. A 17-19mm (1st-12th) with a max width of 56mm will definitely feel different than a chunkier (as if) 19-22mm with 58mm width and so on. It really depends on the exact finish, carve, binding/no binding. For those loving a thicker and narrower feeling neck, the AT has it nailed and they could go JS. AZ is quite beefy especially for an Ibanez, so, yeah, there are tons of options. Now they're also serving nice headless models. But, ya know, a proper throwback RG with stupid thin neck is really something of a collector's item. You might not take it out to play daily, but when you do, it'll be fun :)

[@johnnathancordy]

The AT model (and the RT preceding it) have a Viper neck right?

[@andreil1234]

@@johnnathancordy I wouldn't think so, the at necks are much narrower at the nut (40.5 vs 42 mm). Otherwise 21mm thick 1st fret to about 23mm @12th with generally 56/56.5mm width @12th. I know that at least for his personal guitars (but I assume also for higher spec production models) Ibanez laser scanned his stratele mutt neck he used to enjoy and reproduced even the usage marks, basically every aspect. If anything it should feel more like a worn in tele neck or like a proper high spec Yamaha Pacifica.

[@theericbeaty]

Just started watching this vid, and from the first couple of notes I thought, “Now THAT’S what a true Ibanez sounds like!” Also, many congrats on your marriage. It’s going to take some getting used to seeing that shiny ring on your finger 😆 but it suits you. Here’s to the next season of your channel. I love my RGs. My first Ibanez guitar is an RG4EX1, and my latest is an RGEW521MZW, both of which are absolute BEASTS! I don’t think they’re obsolete by a long shot; they’re just seeing a lot of success with the AZ because of marketing and to appeal to a wider base of players instead of niching down like with the RGs.

[@TobyKBTY]

I've owned many lovely RGs, and the one that's stayed with me is sorta like the rarer cousin (a 1990 green dot which is essentially a 7 string Jem). What you can expect from a good MIJ RG is the consistent feel of the neck profile, light body, very balanced tone, and incredible playability. I've since moved on to preferring ESPs and other Japanese brands but that Universe and old Ibanez models will always have a place in my heart as a player. And seriously, that old Universe never goes out of tune. There really was some mojo in those old UVs. Actually, this video made me want to sell one of my strats for an old 550. I hope I find one soon!

[@owlperchedsilo3745]

i have an RG655, which has been discontinued , and i am so glad i got it when i did.

[@scott_an]

I’ve had many guitars over the years, but nothing beats my RG42DX - it’s a neck-thru, and I swapped the stock pickups with a Crunch Lab & LiquiFire 👍 Yes, the floating bridge/locking nut is a pain - but I like having my options open 😂

[@LeonardoPadroni]

Came here for the title, stayed for the tune: so beautiful!

[@samb2538]

I actually got my first ever RG a couple of months ago, the 'Premium' RG6PKAG, which has a similar finish to that lovely guitar in your hands in this vid John. It's got the original edge trem and EMG 81 SA SA's in it and I absolutely love it. I think it's one of those guitars I always wanted as a youngin, and finally got around to getting one. It's my first guitar with a floating trem and first set of active pickups, and I am really enjoying them. Very surprised at the versatility of the EMGs!

[@eka721983]

Have 3 RG... Love it so much

[@Alvin_C_York]

I recently bought an Ibanez RG652AHM-AWD RG Prestige, best guitar I have ever owned! I was never an Ibanez fan, now I can't put the guitar down. The Edge Tremolo is the best bridge.

[@tigrast]

I'm lefty and playing an RG1570z now for some time. It has the same zero trem as yours, but it flutters not that niceley like a real edge trem. So i got myself an old rg550 last week from 87'. I'm so happy now. Both doesn't have a neck-thru like yours, but they're really fun to play. I think the famous HSH config is still my way to go.

[@jhmusic1]

The Edge Zero flutters pretty well if you remove the stop bar from the ZPS system in the back. It's there to help tuning stability but it will completely kill the flutter. Takes like 20 seconds to remove and you can put it back on whenever you want

[@tigrast]

@@jhmusic1 I’ve tried that, but in my case in comparison with a strat it doesn’t hold the flutter long. Maybe i have to remove the heavy strings with lighter ones, or change blades on the trem, idk. But thanks for the feedback!

[@mirror2madness]

The first guitar I bought new was a 92 RG570 in jewel blue (alongside a BC Rich Bich NJ Series-don't judge haha). The most recent new guitars I've bought were the RGD6Mifm(multiscale) and RG6LTDPFB (I can't remember the model and my phone normally autocompletes it). I'm looking at the new neckthru Premium and have been setting money aside for a specific premium. That all said, I own more S series and usually, given an RG and S sitting there, I'll usually reach for the S. Not even conscious of why, except maybe the weight. I have however been extremely soured on the entire Jackson brand in the last few years due to abysmal and apparent lack of QC.

[@dragnasty540]

I have 6 RG's and love every one of them!

[@cincypiper]

Within 11 seconds, I'm affected. Wow, man. Thank you for even just those first notes.

[@DaveDurango]

You nailed it when you said they are just not fashionable anymore. Shame, because they are great guitars.

[@davman115]

If they did not sell, then Ibanez would tell fujigen gakki and Cort to stop making them.

[@DaveDurango]

@@davman115 don't think anyone is saying they don't sell. Theyrr just simply not as popular anymore.

[@davman115]

@@DaveDurango I disagree.

[@ukguitarnoodle]

i bought a Genesis 2 years ago and still LOVE it

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I grew up listening to Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. The Floyd Rose and locking system is a must for me. Again I do own a fixed bridge RGIB21. If I get another electric then it will be a 7 string Ibanez. I have heard good things about the RG series 7 strings.

[@johnnathancordy]

I grew up playing an RG7620 in my Satriani/Vai days - really liked that guitar!

[@futuresynth4261]

That guitar, and the playing sounds gorgeous.

[@markmcdonald2421]

I've owned Fenders, Gibsons and PRS's. And, coincidentally enough, I recently purchased the same guitar model you're playing in this video. (RGT220A Prestige) Without a doubt it's the best guitar I've ever played ...bar none. Tone...check. Playability...check. Appearance...who cares! I absolutely love this guitar!

[@brandoncooper3436]

I’m with you on the Floyd being the turn off. I’ve owned 4 Ibanez guitars over the years and the only one I’ll never part with is the RGA 121 because it doesn’t have the locking setup. The flat neck and the pickup switching still are a treat to play for me. I haven’t had a chance to try the AZ line yet but it does seem to tick a lot of boxes in what I look for in a guitar these days.

[@Crabfather]

What is it about the floyd that you don't like?

[@brandoncooper3436]

@@Crabfather It’s the locking system that isn’t ideal for me. I change tunings frequently when playing with my band and the Floyd always took me too long to get it set. I used to think the locking nut was necessary for strings to stay in tune when aggressively using the whammy bar but I have since found that many guitars when properly setup can stay in tune.

[@Crabfather]

@@brandoncooper3436 oh good point. Didn't think about alternate tunings, lol

[@timmatteson7897]

RG's are the "quintessential" rock guitar! I've owned a lot of em, from an RG-7CST to the tried and true RG550. Ibanez got off track a bit in the early 2000's up till a few years ago but seeing what they are offering on some of the new models (stainless steel frets, ebony fb's, lo-pro trems), I picked up an RGT. All i can say is im in love with the brand all over again!

[@jesuzleonardo]

RG is my favorite guitar! if I could, I would buy one every year.

[@MeesterJoey]

Came across your channel when I was looking into the ampero 2. I can't believe you've got the exact same guitar as my first guitar that I bought myself (2008).

[@L3THALFORC3]

I have had many many guitars over the decades from esp to schecter, Jackson , Ltd, Cort, and the main reason I use rg Ibanez models is the thin wizard neck they are simply the best necks on the market . 🤘🏾

[@Justin_-id3bt]

Had a blue sparkle (570?) In the 90s. The Floyd Rose kept snapping strings. Think it was soft saddle metals that was easily burred. Restringing them is painful but now they have mostly got rid of the Floyd Rose bridges I have considered getting another

[@rentblop8070]

I think this is just a perception thing. They still seem to be quite popular which is evidenced by the fact that there are so many RG models in the Ibanez catalogue. And they still release multiple new RG models every year. The AZ line basically bridges the gap when it comes to the demand for a more classy, less outrageous looking guitar with a 2-point non-locking vibrato system. I personally prefer the RG. To me it's the best guitar design ever made. I love the current iterations of the Wizard necks and the excellent locking vibrato systems, both the Edge and the Edge Zero II. I currently own 3 RGs and a forth one will join the party this year. ;) It's the S and SA lines that seem to have gone somewhat out of fashion. Great playing in your intro tune!

[@echopoint8817]

I learned how to play on an RG. 30 years later it is still home for me and I always go back. For me they fit any style of music and are universal.

[@johnnypatterson77]

During the pandemic I found an RG 550 on sale for like 400 bucks and I had to buy it, and it's the best guitar I've ever played, it was made in the year 2000 it's black with a chrome pick guard, with a maple neck, and the sound of this guitar is everything I've ever wanted out of a guitar. I can't say enough about it, the craftsmanship it off the charts it, and the wizard neck it's like this guitar was made for me, I love it.

[@johnnathancordy]

That's a great deal!!

[@johnnypatterson77]

@@johnnathancordy Especially since the guy I got it from bought it new and never played it, hardly ever, it was like it was brand new with no staining on the neck the steel frets were like new I couldn't believe it I had to buy it, the most elegant guiatar I have ever owned.

[@jackprice7828]

Incredible articulation out of those pickups. Agreed the humbuckers don't have that typical quackyness. That guitar has very good intonation. You can hear it doing the beautiful open chords at the top of the neck.

[@esranie]

Awesome guitar and playing Sir!

[@shane011471]

The very first guitar I picked up and started to learn on in the late 80's was an Ibanez RG 550 and still own it to this day! Just purchased a 2022 RG Premium RGT1221PB DTF and is everything I wanted in an RG. It has neck through construction, stainless steel frets, Gotoh MG-T locking turners and a Monorail bridge. The only thing that threw me off at first was the block inlays as it was strange to see on an RG but I have grown to also love them. Ibanez will always have a special place in my heart as it's just one of those stupid things.

[@johnnathancordy]

Those block inlays from the Pat Metheny PM35 and Art series stuff? I love those

[@skyhorseprice6591]

Funny you'd mention the Floyd. I do in fact use the Floyd Rose or a Kahler system on every guitar I own. I'm not at all fond of the standard stop bar tailpiece; if the Floyd is set up properly (and mine are, I make sure of it), the audience will never see me cranking away at the tuning keys because my non-Floyd guitar has gone out of tune. The Floyd, once I've dialed it in, can easily go two or three _days_ before I even need to hit the fine tuners. So, I figure it's better to have the locking tremelo/whammy bar set up, because I can still play stuff that doesnt use the bar. But if I have a stop tailpiece and need the Floyd, then I'm S.O.L. That said, I do understand that there are lots of guitarists who just don't gravitate to the Floyds and the Kahlers. The option should be there for them to purchase an RG or S Series with either a stop bar fixed bridge, or a trem system with locking tuners & a brass or graphite nut. I've seen plenty of guitarists use a system like that and stay in tune as well as I do with my Floyd. I think it's just about options. Not everyone wants a Floyd Rose. Neither does everyone desire a fixed bridge (like me. I gotta have my Whammy From Hell). If the guitar manufacturers ever realize that there is a type of guitar for every player out there, and a type of guitar player for every _guitar_ out there, they might finally start manufacturing guitars that are not all just minor variations on the same thing. Let's hope they start over with making a variety of guitars for a diverse group of musicians, because that is what will sell a lot more guitars.

[@vmx23]

I have bought and sold a bunch of guitars over the years and the only one I never sold is the RG. I still have a decent number of guitars in my collection and all different styles (classic strat, LP, V, explorer, etc) but I always go back to the RG and that gets the most play time. More than any of the other guitars combined. There is just something about the comfortable body shape, the ease of playing the thin and flat neck, the versatility of the five way switch with the H-S-H configuration, and most importantly the stability of the Edge series trem. I don’t really use the whammy bar much but I really enjoyed the tuning stability no other guitars can give. The LP on the other hand needs retuning every time I picked it up. Cant even stay in turn even with a locking tuners.

[@spitfireaace]

Lol.. ya, I just bought an RG. I had considered LP, Jackson, I think it has to be Ibanez, RG5440c.

[@richardjones2811]

Bought an RG550 Genesis this year and it feels clinical

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

My first ‘proper’ guitar was an RG T42. Thru-neck. Non-Prestige, just a mid-range guitar in the mid-2000s. I really wanted an RG1550 - as it was called back then - black with maple fretboard 🤤🤤. I had the Ibanez catalogue on a family holiday and being a typical teenager I ignored my family for a week and scanned that catalogue cover to cover. I deeply regret selling my T42. It introduced me to the wonder of the Wizard neck and the Edge Pro tremolo that I still maintain is significantly superior to the Floyd Rose. I miss that guitar so much. And yet, there isn’t an RG that I really WANT right now - not been a fan of any of the finishes recently. I worry they’ve focused too much on the AZ (understandably) which are bringing home that bacon for Ibanez right now. But the finishes on the RGs over the last 3-4 years have been pretty dire in my opinion. I’m going for a Charvel DK24 instead. But I’ll forever be an Ibanez guy because of that stunning RG T42. And as you’ve stated, a lot of us (including myself) have moved on from the true floating trems, and gone in favour of fixed bridges for easy drop-tunings, and Gotoh/Wilkinson bridges for light fluttering à la Andy Timmons. Just my thoughts. Love your content.

[@glenwoytek4079]

Sounds great, love it!!!👍👍👍

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

You should find a RG or a AZ you really like... I thought your intro sounded incredible one of best you've done. Have a blessed Sunday dude 😎👊

[@picksalot1]

Interesting that you play the RG a little differently than your Strat type guitars. It seems to illicit a more intergalactic vibe. I like that.😎

[@cleansingchapel8305]

I have the same guitar. It will never be sold.

[@dougsteeleguitar]

Call me Dive Bomb Doug, lol..

[@Oath95]

oh man that playing was beautiful

[@YaYousef5]

My favorite neck of all time is the Ibanez Super Wizard HP on the Prestige RG guitars (17mm at first, 19mm at 12th). I love it thin. It's on my 2017 RG652fx and 2022 RG5121. I've thought about getting an AZ but I tried one at a guitar store and the neck felt CHONKY compared to my RG's. The super thin neck is what makes the RG (and S) guitars special, but it seems like nowadays everyone is going for the modernized classic style start lookalikes like Suhr guitars and popularized by Guthrie Govan.

[@Ottophil]

Ive owned 7 or 8 RG’s over the years. I used to play them live “smash” them, buy new parts, and keep playing them for years. They took many attempts to kill, and were fun to rebuild. I currently only play fixed bridge guitars so I have rg321mh and rg7621 and those guitars are my babies. I have a usa strat,(i wish was hardtail.but is only decked) usa SG, but i love my wizard necks for heavy stuff. I think the RG is timeless. It will live forever like the les paul and the telecaster

[@silvergriz]

What pickups are in your rg? I just bought an rg652ahm and it plays amazing but I don't care for the air norton/tone zone pickups that came stock. They're just lacking a little top end for my taste. Your playing is incredible by the way.

[@neuroscope9052]

I own 2 RGs and find myself wanting more of them, with different pickups and tunings as I've found them to be dependable and stable, the neck width is a plus for me as I can play more articulately. The shape and look is timeless, the next step up would be a Caparison Horus / Dellinger for me but they're significantly rarer and more expensive in my area.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I have 4 RGs and love them so much, I've never found a guitar I like more (I do want a JEM and a JPM, but they're essentially almost the same thing).

[@Stoffendous]

Are these the Fusion Edge pickups? I just love the tone man!

[@johnnathancordy]

These are Dimarzio/ibanez ones - but I really dig them

[@TheWaveFiles]

Man.. i love that playing .Top class feel , tone from start to end. Music everywhere .cheers

[@MattGregoryGuitar]

Goodness me that opening jam was tasty! I love RGs. Went off mine for a while, mostly for image reasons regrettably, but gradually bringing it back out again 🎸🎶

[@olafburgermann806]

After growing up playing an RG and recently going all around the houses trying other guitars I am now going back to an RG. I don't like the Floyd rose, but given they don't seem to do a Prestige with and fixed bridge and passive pickups I am going to put up with the Floyd but block it for dive only. I get far less fatigue in my thumb with the flat D shape neck.

[@albertodjento2197]

Fabulous playing brother ⚡⚡👍

[@shane011471]

Sorry forgot to say that I enjoyed your playing as it was very relaxing and just wished it was longer.👍

[@fernandes5986]

I'm left-handed and Back in the late 80s Ibanez was the only brand that could offer you a nice quality shredding machine. I own 4 RGs 2 Japanese and 2 Korean. I have other guitars ( Strats, Pauls, etc. ) but I love the RG most of all beacause of its versatility. Playing wise although I have tiny hands the RG neck fits me like a glove and also the the shape of the body with its deep rib contour. I din't use the Floyd as much as I used too, but I'm glad its there and I enjoy the locking nut two as it helps to keep the guitar in tune, when you do those SRV style bends. The jumbo frets combined with the wizzard neck and smooth poly finnish, makes this guitar a killing machine, able to make a close imitation of all other axes excepting the Telecaster. Asthetics wise, I think Ibanez should keep some models with 80s looks with the original logo, not the premium one, but at the same time keep evolving like they are doin' now, tryin to reach other kinds of players. As to it's decline in popularity, I agree with you and further I believe it's due to the fact that the shredding guys went out of fashion, becoming more a kind of niche players. New guys are choosing other kinds of axes like those headless stuff. The time have changed but I stick to my guns.

[@johnnathancordy]

For left handed folks, are Ibanez still the main option?

[@fernandes5986]

@@johnnathancordy Well, now there are other brands, mostly chinese like Harley Benton, but the kuality is inferior to Ibanez

[@section8usmc53]

@@johnnathancordy Schecter offers more lefties than anyone else I think. Not just more models, but colors within those models too. It's a no brainer really. Once you eat a few bucks on the setup at the factory, it's no different than a right handed guitar, and you can crank out as many as you can sell.

[@creativenords]

I am getting an RGT220! After years of playing strats I’m going back to my roots🤩 was so close to buying an MM1 but the neck was too thick for me so I went 180 degrees in the opposite direction 👍

[@MaddesG1]

The az gotoh bridge is a good remedy for the rg floyd nut. I can't wait to see how they reinvigorate the RG the rest of this decade.

[@jimgordon2290]

The RGs can be hit or miss, especially after the beginning of the 2000s. I have 3 Prestige RG3120s because they pretty much got so much right with them. The pickups were actual DiMarzio premium pickups that DiMarzio sold separately, the neck was thin and comfortable, but not too wide and flat, the body wood was the classic Les Paul maple top/mahogany body combo, and the flamed colorful finishes combined with the "natural binding" were great. At the time, the price was also not insane, as there was no artist endorsement involved. The locking trem was, of course, something that could over-complicate things, and oddly enough, I probably don't really need that much at this point in my playing. By the mid-2000s, Ibanez seemed to start having worse pickup selection. Sometime in the 20-teens, I tried one of their newer Prestige models, and the neck just felt weird compared to my older Ibanezes. I've moved on to being willing to play the "classic" guitars like the Tele, Strat and Les Paul, and have been able to adapt to the thicker necks. That said, my "go-to" guitar is often still the RG3120, even if those other classic guitars have a much more distinctive signature sound.

[@iganpparamarta8813]

2010 onwards Prestige comes with super wizard (43mm 58mm, 17mm 19mm), RG3120 was 43mm 56mm, 17mm 20mm. I believe the added 1mm in widht and thickness may have changed the overall neck feel for a good player like you. I have 2 MIJ RGs with different neck profile (17&19mm and 18&20mm, with same width) and I do feel the difference but no problem switching between the two. Me being not that good of a player seem to be an advantage haha And then I bought me a MIA strat, sold it after 3 months.

[@loren7570]

I have a 92 RG470. It's such a great player, though I am not. The neck is so fast and smooth, low action, stays in tune for ever. I would never part with it.

[@pieflies]

I’ve had an old RG550 for about 20 years that I still really like. Although I guess since I grew up with the thin neck I enjoy it a lot. The trem can be a little annoying though. I also have an RGT42FX, which is a mahogany winged neck-through with a fixed bridge. The rg550 has an original wizard neck that’s very thin and the rgt42 has a wizard II that is a little thicker and a little less flat. I like both and I don’t think I’d want to sell them. I also recently picked up an Ibanez gio rg131dx and put in some EMGs as an experiment as I hadn’t tried their entry level guitars or EMGs before and I like the red shark tooth inlays 😆. After some time setting it all up nicely I’m amazed at how well it plays for such a cheap guitar. I have taken a liking to my old 4-knob ESP eclipse neck but I think I’ll always love the feel of an RG.

[@ja1212az]

Wonderful sound, play and guitar, great work man

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I have two and I love them both. My first one is a RG470 that I bought brand new in 1993 as a junior in highschool. It still has all original parts and plays like new. I do plan on changing the neck and Bridge pickups out with DiMarzio Titans. Mark Holcomb has amazing tone. About a year ago, I bought an RGIB21 (baritone), it sounds amazing. The neck is a little thicker but I have had to get used to it. The active EMG's sound great, clean and overdriven. I might change them out for passive pickups at some point.

[@Ibanezmusic1]

I’m a huge Ibanez fan and love your playing. What pickups are you using?

[@johnnathancordy]

These are the Dimarzio/Ibanez ones

[@realbluemeanie]

Rg's feel like home to me. My absolute favourite guitar model.

[@jonathanmanalo3266]

Recently, i bought RG 550 reissue.. but i already have RGR321ex BK and S420 BBS for almost 10 years, i love ibanez guitars, plays like butter☺️☺️☺️

[@salildeshpande7]

ooh I have the RGR321 too. How do you like the S compared to RGs? is it more comfortable to play sitting down?

[@devious.instinct]

Loved the video! Just wanted to remark you should embrace the RG as an extreme-music oriented shred machine, there are newer models to satisfy your preferred specs. RG has never aimed to be a replacement for Suhr or Tom Anderson styled super strats.

[@scatdaddy3790]

Beautiful playing sir. What pick ups do you use?

[@sublyme2157]

I grew up playing Ibanez guitars, primarily S Prestiges. Through out my teens, 20s, and 30s I loved their thin necks. Once I got into my 40s, I really started to appreciate thicker profiles. Getting older changes things for sure!

[@TomTrones]

Beautiful playing!

[@jimmcdougall9973]

I still have one. A bit of a chunky neck for my liking, so it doesn’t get played a lot. Yes, the second position, from the neck pickup up, gives a lovely 80’s clean.

[@jakollee]

Really beautiful intro jam! That guitar sounds great, in your hands.

[@ryanvergara3603]

Great video. I still play my RG 1820x because of the ease of playing, specially since I have a small hand and the neck thickness is perfect for me. It will still be my main go-to guitar in the near future. Lovely instrument.

[@raptorphantom9996]

Beautiful playing

[@orbergurmarsigursson8425]

What effects are you using for this awesome clean sound?

[@felimeister1]

i have that model (rgt220a), it's awesome and kind of rare

[@741246]

I've currently got two RG variants. Get the £40 Ibanez locking trem intonation tool. Stretch your strings properly when you change them. Then they're easy to maintain and sound good. The Jem neck, sightly narrower and thicker than the thinnest Wizard is perfect. I play everything from ambient & post rock, alt stuff, blues, etc really versatile.

[@vox1962]

I love everything about the RG except the neck shape, I’m a thumb over the top player and those thin flat necks are painfully uncomfortable for me. I’ve ended up selling every RG that I’ve owned for this one thing

[@saadshah7857]

Easy fix.. just lower the thumb :p Just joking! Play on man, whatever works for you. Let's all make amazing music :)

[@MaestroJericho]

Same, I'm 5'4" with small hands but prefer 50s style necks lol and wrap my thumb as well. RGs make my hands cramp along with Ernie Ball necks. I do wish I kept my RG550 Genesis though, I sold it for a bargain and really underestimated how hard they are to find used now.

[@ernsmile579]

Can we get the BGM of the beginning of your video , seems a good practice .

[@slayerx2000]

I bought an RG5320 prestige a year and a half ago and I bought it specifically to give the floating bridge game a try. I do love it. I then bought an Axion SA61AL for the hard tail bridge and reverse headstock. Love the hell out of both! Ibanez makes a great product at their mid and high end levels. Probably even the low tier but I never played one to compare.

[@damienhelmold6978]

Been playing rg 7 strings for about 14 years. I love them.

[@bryanbrubaker3414]

The original locking tremolo on the rg series is a fantastic system one of the best ever made . Playing styles have changed from using locking them. But I still love them

[@nafis6668]

The only ibanez that i will buy are japanese made RG before year 2000, PIA and Japanese JEM. Reason: better bridge, rear mounted locking nut,for longevity, performance and serviceability.

[@junahvideoplayer]

I have a PGM, which is basically an RG but with a more rounded neck profile and it has a standard non floating trem. I don't have Paul Gilbert's huge hands, so I can't play it for long without risking injury. But its a super strat and it does that really well. I think the RG has just never escaped the hair metal vibe and that puts people off. The PGM has a middle pickup thats quite unique sounding I think. My mexican tele is still my favourite guitar to play. I've managed to shield the electronics such that its super quiet and you can gain it up and play far more comfortably than a super shredder. I'd never sell the PGM, but I'd never play it in public either. I couldn't live up to the expectations it conjurs.