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Description

The 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 is an emblem of the late '80s guitar craftsmanship, blending aesthetic appeal with high-performance capability. This solid body electric guitar from the renowned Ibanez Roadstar series is designed for musicians who seek a blend of vintage charm and reliable functionality. Its sleek contours and ergonomic design make it a comfortable choice for extended play, while the versatile pickup configuration allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it suitable for various music genres.

This model is built with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth playing experience with a classic feel. The RG 140's single humbucker and two single-coil pickups provide a dynamic sound palette, ranging from crisp cleans to gritty overdrives. The 5-way pickup selector switch offers easy access to different tonal combinations, catering to the needs of both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Ibanez's attention to detail is evident in the TRS tremolo system, which offers stable tuning and expressive vibrato effects. This guitar is not just a throwback; it's a functional piece of music history that continues to inspire and deliver quality sound to this day.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar from the Ibanez Roadstar series
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Pickup configuration: 1 humbucker, 2 single-coils
  • 5-way pickup selector switch for diverse tonal options
  • TRS tremolo system for stable tuning and vibrato effects
  • Vintage design with modern performance capabilities

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG140-BK Roadstar II Standard, RG140-RD Roadstar II Standard, RG140-SK Roadstar II Standard, RG140-WH Roadstar II Standard
Finish Black, Red, Snow White, White
Year 1986 - 1987
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez Roadstar
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Roadstar II, Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140?

The 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 features a C-shaped neck profile, which is comfortable for most playing styles and provides a smooth playing experience.

What type of music is the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 suitable for?

With its HSS pickup configuration, the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 is versatile and well-suited for genres ranging from rock and blues to jazz and pop.

Does the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for pitch modulation effects and expressive playing.

Is the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 a good choice for beginners?

The 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 is a solid choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to explore different playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140?

The 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140 features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced tone and durable construction.

Kent L.

Kent L.

RG140's original color, RG340 update and closure

Video thumbnail for RG140's original color, RG340 update and closure by Kent L.

RG140's original color, RG340 update and closure

Kent L.

Kent L.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1988 Ibanez Roadstar RG 140.

User experience

  • Owners emphasize that the 1988 RG140 is exceptionally easy to play, rivaling even high-end models like the Ibanez Prestige series.

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  • One owner noted initial disappointment with setup issues but found joy in using the guitar as a project for tinkering and customization.

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Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer the RG140 over a MIM HSS Fender Strat, valuing the RG140’s playability and tone.

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Features and functionality

  • The RG140 features a distinctive knife blade headstock, praised for its unique aesthetic appeal.

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  • Powerocker tremolo systems are proprietary to the RG140, complicating direct swaps with Fender-style tremolos.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RG140’s pickups are noted for their versatility and ability to produce great tones across various musical styles.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest that the push boost button can be easily modified into a kill switch for added functionality.

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  • Replacing a faulty 3-way switch with a 5-way switch aligns with the original configuration and improves functionality.

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  • Fender-style pickguards require custom fitting on RG140 bodies due to non-aligned dimensions and neck pocket differences.

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  • Custom pickguards from brands like Pickguard Heaven are recommended for proper fit on the RG140, avoiding the need for personal modding skills.

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Build quality

  • The RG140 is highlighted for its craftsmanship, particularly as a product of Fujigen, known for their high-quality builds.

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  • Korean-made models from 1987, identified by serial numbers starting with "P7", were produced at the Peerless factory in Busan.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A common fix for low saddles involves adding a shim in the neck pocket, adjusting the neck angle to raise saddle height.

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  • Deaden trem-block springs with fabric or foam to eliminate unwanted pinging/zinging noises, especially noticeable with high-gain distortion.

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  • It's suggested to bring the RG140 body to a local guitar shop to compare pickguard fits with existing Strat models for potential modifications.

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