The Ultimate History of the Ibanez RG | Ibanez’ Best Guitar

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This is the ultimate history of the Ibanez RG!

This is the quintessential metal guitar that has a very interesting story. Coming out of the Japanese lawsuit era, Ibanez has developed into a powerhouse within the metal scene. After fleshing out their super-strat design, Steve Vai and Ibanez really created one of the greatest metal machines that is still used by thousands of guitarists today. It can be argued that the RG is the guitar of choice for most metal and rock players.

Let me know what you think in the comments! Also, please subscribe if you like the content and want to see more guitar history!!

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—CREDITS—

[murdock]

The best Ibanez video out there fellows! been in the industry 33 years this video is precise, quick all history of these models! Thanks for the video now my nephew understands what I was trying to explain the Ibanez RG series.

[thrashmetalfan]

At one point, some rumors had said the ibanez RG was named after Rocky George, guitarist of Thrash/Hardcore band Suicidal Tendencies. Rocky was primarily a Ibanez player during the start of metal era of the band in 1987 and was soon endorsed by Ibanez in the late 80's or early 90's too.

The rumors of the RG's being named after rocky happened to not be true unfortunately :( Rocky George is still an underrated player, still playing Ibanez to this day.

[JL-efbh]

I started playing guitar 3 weeks ago and I choose the black open pore Ibanez RGRT421 as my starter. I freaking love it!

[ianedmonds]

The roadstar rs 440 was an amazing guitar and felt really close to my 91 RG570 when i got it in late 92.

[DeathMetalGuitar]

killer history lesson - thank you dude! FU+CKING LOVE Ibanez - my favorite guitar brand

[martinronningyt]

Great stuff, man.
Recently ordered my first Ibanez in a J.Custom RG8570z so i'm reading up on all things Ibanez and this did the trick haha!
Cheers, man!

[JohnLloydDavis]

I think you're right about the Roadstar Guitar being the origin of the RG moniker. I can remember them being about in the mid 80's and seeing adverts in the guitar magazines for them. In 1985 Casio made a MIDI guitar that was so similar to the Roadstar (even the headstock) and I later found out that they were made in the same Fujigen factory as Ibanez.
I got my first RG550 in 1987, it was white with a black headstock. Loved it to bits but sold it to fund another guitar. I then got a Jem 77FP in the 90's and it was hands down the best guitar I've ever owned. I sadly don't have it any longer but I was so impressed by all the reviews of the Genesis reissues that I bought one and it's due for delivery soon. Great video and interesting too.

[supersonicnomad]

New sub! Killer video, I love the RG series! The '87 RG 550 in Desert Sun Yellow is forever the most iconic "metal" guitar in my most humble opinion. I look forward to more interesting, informative and down right cool vids! Rock on! \m/

[edwinstovall]

I ain't no excuse for a shredder, but I have not only my own RG, but also one of the EX series guitars that predated and opened the door for Ibanez' Korean-built RGs. They had cheap hardware, but have provided good bones for me to mod onto, and I have! They now have brass and steel Floyds and they ROCK!

[BillyBlaze]

back in the day Charvel was putting out some cool neon colored rock machines before Ibanez. I remember the first time seeing one in neon pink, a buddy had it and i was like wow! The neon colors back in the 80's went with the wild look of everything back then. It was a great time to be alive and live through as a young man.

[TheFissionchips]

I picked up an original RG760 17 years ago, listed on ebay in the wrong category, so I was the only bidder. The best 250 quid I've ever spent. I paid 300 to have it refretted with steel frets and I've not looked at another guitar since. amazing guitars.

[freeed]

I owned several RG 550 with maple necks an fretboard back in the day and none had a 1 piece neck. All of them had a 3 piece neck, consisting of the neck back, fretboard and headstock.

[B-Dubba-U]

One correction. the Older RGs didn't use 1 piece necks. They were at least two pieces with a scarf joint that attached the headstock and later they began adding the bubinga "skunk Stripe".

[daddygoose]

Just bought my first guitar a RG450ex. I was happy when a guitar player friend of mine called dibs on it cause he loved the way it played.

[bondalero]

My first real guitar was in 89’ a Ibanez RG 570 (JB), then bought a (white) RG 470 DX in 97’ from a friend for two bills, finally I ordered my 20’ Ibanez RG 550 (NP) “Genesis” and have never been happier to find RG series!

[cederickforsberg]

they should make more white RG550s
why only that one limited while they keep making yellow red purple

[ThePedroDB]

Nice overview but you got your Trems confused at one point. Original Edge from 1987. Lo Pro from 1991. Edge Pro replaced both 2003-2009. The OG Edge & Lo Pro returned in 2010 (to the relief of many) folowing expiry of Floyd Rose Patents. Current J Customs tend to either use the Edge Zero or Edge Lo Pro.

[cheenu]

I didn't get why people harp on about Ibanez but then I decided to buy a gorgeous 2008 rg2550z and it is perfect. The only little complaint I have is the trem bar design (I think gotoh does the best one) but everything else is perfect. The recessed edge zero trem is so comfortable and I almost feel like I'm playing a guitar with a standard trem. The neck is incredible as well.

[johnwstruhar]

Don't forget the USA Custom guitars of the late 80's through the mid 90's before the custom shop was moved to Japan.

[bigsauce]

Dude the white genesis 550 is super rare i want one so bad