The Ibanez RG series stands as a cornerstone of modern guitar design, renowned for its playability, versatility, and aggressive aesthetics. Born from a desire to push the boundaries of electric guitar performance, the RG series has evolved into a diverse lineup catering to a wide spectrum of musical genres and player preferences. From groundbreaking innovations to time-tested classics, the Ibanez RG series offers an instrument for every guitarist seeking high performance and cutting-edge design.
RG Axe Design Lab
The RG Axe Design Lab embodies Ibanez’s commitment to innovation, representing a forward-thinking approach to guitar design. This series is dedicated to pioneering features that anticipate the evolving needs of modern guitarists. It’s within the Axe Design Lab that Ibanez explores and perfects innovations that often become industry benchmarks, including advancements in 7-string, 8-string, and multi-scale guitars. Driven by a philosophy of being “Innovative, Cutting-Edge, and Pioneer,” the Axe Design Lab showcases the spirit of experimentation and pushes the boundaries of what a guitar can be.
Features
The RG Axe Design Lab series focuses on incorporating experimental and innovative features. This can range from unique pickup configurations and switching systems to unconventional body materials and neck constructions. Guitars in this line often serve as testbeds for new Ibanez technologies before they are implemented across broader product lines.
Lineup
The Lineup for the RG Axe Design Lab is typically limited and focuses on showcasing specific innovations. Models are often released in limited quantities and highlight particular experimental features.
RG j.custom
The Ibanez RG j.custom series represents the pinnacle of Ibanez craftsmanship. These guitars are meticulously handcrafted by an elite team of highly skilled luthiers, dedicated to producing instruments of unparalleled quality. The j.custom designation signifies the culmination of decades of Ibanez design and technological advancements. From the selection of premium tonewoods to the meticulous fretwork and the integration of top-tier pickups and hardware, every detail of an RG j.custom is executed to the highest standards. The result is an instrument that delivers unmatched sound, exceptional playability, and breathtaking beauty, making it a true masterpiece for discerning guitarists.
Features
RG j.custom guitars are characterized by their use of the finest materials and components. This includes meticulously selected exotic tonewoods, hand-rolled fret edges for supreme comfort, and high-end hardware and electronics. They often feature ornate inlays and finishes, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship involved in their creation.
Lineup
The RG j.custom lineup features a range of models, often with annual limited editions and custom-order options. These models represent the highest expression of the RG design, offering bespoke features and aesthetics.
RG Prestige: Precision Performance Playability
The Ibanez RG Prestige line is built upon three core principles: Precision, Performance, and Playability. This series bridges the gap between cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and traditional Japanese craftsmanship to achieve true innovation in guitar design and construction. The RG Prestige incorporates feedback and insights from professional musicians worldwide, making player input a cornerstone of the production process. The result is a line of guitars that offer professional-level performance and reliability, meeting the exacting demands of serious musicians.
Features
RG Prestige guitars are known for their exceptional build quality and attention to detail. They feature high-performance necks with precise fretwork, premium pickups from brands like DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan, and reliable hardware. The Prestige series is designed for players who demand professional-grade instruments capable of withstanding rigorous use and delivering consistent performance.
Lineup
The RG Prestige lineup is extensive, offering a wide array of models with different pickup configurations, bridge types, and finishes. It caters to professional and serious amateur players across genres, emphasizing high performance and versatility.
RG Genesis Collection
The Ibanez RG Genesis Collection pays homage to the roots of the RG series, capturing the original design and spirit that defined the line. These guitars meticulously recreate the aesthetics and specifications of early RG models, combined with modern Japanese precision and craftsmanship. The Genesis Collection serves as a tribute to Ibanez’s rich history, delivering the same paradigm-shifting features and high-impact performance that made the original RG guitars iconic. It’s a perfect choice for players seeking the classic RG experience with contemporary build quality.
Features
RG Genesis Collection guitars emphasize vintage RG specifications, including classic body shapes, neck profiles, and pickup selections reminiscent of the original models from the 1980s. They are built with Japanese craftsmanship, ensuring high quality and attention to detail while retaining the vibe of the original RG guitars.
Lineup
The RG Genesis Collection typically features reissues and interpretations of classic RG models from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The lineup is focused on capturing the essence of the original RG design and appealing to players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and specifications.
RG Premium: Designed to Inspire
The Ibanez RG Premium series is “Designed to Inspire,” offering instruments crafted with select tonewoods, high-caliber electronics, and hardware, all brought together with meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. These guitars are built to elevate the player’s musical journey, providing a rich sonic palette, stunning visual appeal, and unparalleled playability. The RG Premium series aims to unlock a wellspring of inspiration, empowering musicians to explore new creative territories.
Features
RG Premium guitars are characterized by their use of select tonewoods, often including exotic veneers and resonant body woods. They are equipped with high-profile electronics and hardware, offering enhanced tonal versatility and performance. The series emphasizes refined aesthetics and playability, providing a step-up in quality and features from the standard RG models.
Lineup
The RG Premium lineup offers a diverse range of models with varied finishes, pickup configurations, and bridge options. It targets experienced players seeking high-quality instruments with enhanced features and aesthetics, without reaching the price point of the Prestige or j.custom lines.
RG Axion Label
The RG Axion Label series ventures into “lesser-explored territory,” pushing the established boundaries of modern electric guitar design. Similar to the Ibanez Bass Workshop’s innovative approach to bass guitars, the Axion Label delves into cutting-edge features and specifications. This includes multi-scale designs for extended range and improved tension, ultra-modern pickups from leading brands like Fishman, Bare Knuckle, and DiMarzio, and hardware innovations such as the Evertune bridge for consistent tuning stability. The Axion Label series represents the forefront of RG innovation, exploring the future of high-performance guitar design.
Features
RG Axion Label guitars are defined by their incorporation of ultra-modern and innovative features. This includes multi-scale necks, advanced pickups from boutique manufacturers, and specialized hardware designed for enhanced performance and stability. The series is geared towards players who demand the latest technology and cutting-edge features in their instruments.
Lineup
The RG Axion Label lineup is focused on models featuring innovative and modern specifications, often including extended range instruments and guitars with specialized features. It appeals to progressive players and those seeking guitars with the most advanced technologies available.
RG Iron Label: Metal to the Core
The Ibanez RG Iron Label series is laser-focused on “metal and nothing but metal.” These guitars are specifically modded and tweaked to deliver the heaviest, most aggressive tones Ibanez has ever produced. For unparalleled playability, the Iron Label features the legendary super-thin, ultra-playable Wizard neck, enhanced to a Nitro Wizard specification for increased speed and road-tested durability. Whether in 6, 7, 8, or 9-string configurations, every Iron Label guitar is equipped with American-made EMG or DiMarzio pickups, known for their high output and aggressive tone. Purposefully Spartan in features, every element of the Iron Label is designed to contribute directly to bone-rattling and skull-crushing metal tones.
Features
RG Iron Label guitars are built for high-gain metal genres. They feature high-output pickups from EMG or DiMarzio, fast and durable Nitro Wizard necks, and often incorporate minimalist aesthetics with a focus on functionality and aggressive tone. They are designed for players who prioritize heavy sound and high-speed playability above all else.
Lineup
The RG Iron Label lineup is dedicated to metal-focused instruments, offering models in various string configurations (6, 7, 8, and 9-string) and finishes, all geared towards aggressive playing styles and heavy music genres.
RG Standard
Ibanez RG Standard series guitars are built to cater to players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Regardless of price point, Ibanez strives to offer the best possible sound, style, and playability within each class. The Standard series embodies the core elements that have made the Ibanez brand famous, such as fast necks, floating tremolo systems, and high-output pickups, all packaged in instruments that are accessible to a wide range of players. The RG Standard provides a solid foundation in the RG lineage, offering reliable performance and classic Ibanez features.
Features
RG Standard guitars offer classic Ibanez features at accessible price points. This includes fast Wizard necks (often slightly thicker than Prestige or Iron Label), Ibanez designed pickups, and standard double-locking tremolo systems. They are versatile instruments suitable for a wide range of genres, but particularly well-suited for rock and metal.
Lineup
The RG Standard lineup is extensive, offering a wide variety of models with different finishes, pickup configurations, and bridge types to suit various player preferences and budgets. It represents the core RG experience in an accessible and versatile package.
RG GIO
The Ibanez RG GIO series proves that a quality guitar doesn’t have to be expensive. Developed for players seeking Ibanez quality in a more affordable package, GIO guitars are designed to outperform others in their price range in terms of both playability and sound. Despite their affordability, RG GIO guitars undergo the same rigorous inspection, setup, and warranty processes as Ibanez’s higher-end models, ensuring reliability and quality for entry-level players.
Features
RG GIO guitars are designed to provide Ibanez playability and style at a budget-friendly price. They feature thinner necks for comfortable playing, Ibanez designed pickups, and simplified hardware to reduce cost while maintaining essential performance. They are ideal for beginners and players looking for an affordable entry into the Ibanez RG world.
Lineup
The RG GIO lineup focuses on entry-level models, offering a selection of basic RG configurations with different finishes and pickup options at the most affordable price points in the RG series.
