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Description

The 442R is a Radius series solid body electric guitar model introduced by Ibanez in 1992. It was made in Japan by FujiGen.

The 442R leans more toward a traditional Fender Stratocaster than most other Radius models. It features an alder body bolted to a maple neck with a 22-fret maple fingerboard with black dot position markers. Components include Ibanez pickups with a humbucker at the bridge and single-coils in the neck and middle positions and a TZ synchronized tremolo bridge.

It was replaced in late 1992 by the R355GF and R334.

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model 442R-TB Radius, 442R-TC Radius, 442R-TR Radius, 442R-TS Radius
Finish Tobacco Sunburst, Transparent Blue, Transparent Cherry, Transparent Red
Year 1992
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 Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Ibanez Radius
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"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez 442R suited for with its HSS pickup configuration?

The HSS pickup configuration on the Ibanez 442R offers versatility for various genres. The humbucker provides a thick tone ideal for rock and metal, while the single coils offer bright, clear sounds suitable for blues, funk, and pop.

How does the basswood body of the Ibanez 442R affect its sound?

The basswood body of the Ibanez 442R contributes to a balanced tone with a warm midrange. It’s lightweight, making it comfortable for long playing sessions, and it helps deliver a sound that complements a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Ibanez 442R's tremolo bridge suitable for dive bombs and other whammy bar techniques?

Yes, the tremolo bridge on the Ibanez 442R is designed to handle dive bombs and other whammy bar techniques, providing smooth operation and maintaining tuning stability when used properly.

Does the Ibanez 442R's maple fretboard affect playability?

The maple fretboard on the Ibanez 442R offers a smooth, fast playing experience with a bright tonal quality. It’s ideal for players who prefer a snappy response and articulate note definition.

How does the bolt-on neck construction of the Ibanez 442R influence its sound and playability?

The bolt-on neck construction of the Ibanez 442R provides a snappy attack and bright tone. It also allows for easier neck adjustments or replacements, contributing to its playability and maintenance.

Chris Tompkins

Chris Tompkins

Dimarzio Dominion Bridge pickup and Lockit Strap

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio Dominion Bridge pickup and Lockit Strap by Chris Tompkins

Dimarzio Dominion Bridge pickup and Lockit Strap

Chris Tompkins

Chris Tompkins

Video thumbnail for Ibanez 442R Review! by Cameron Johnson

Ibanez 442R Review!

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Video thumbnail for Neck single coil comparison (22 frets): Fender Strat vs Tele vs vintage Ibanez vs Gibson Les Paul by Giulio Donato

Neck single coil comparison (22 frets): Fender Strat vs Tele vs vintage Ibanez vs Gibson Les Paul

Giulio Donato

Giulio Donato

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez 442R.

Features and functionality

  • The 442R features a fat neck and HSS configuration, offering a distinctive playing experience compared to other models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ibanez 442R is noted for its rounded sides and thinner body, akin to the Joe Satriani signature models.

    Source
  • Although the AZ series is often considered a modernized version of the Roadstar, the 442R is more closely related to the Radius series.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the maple neck with a natural headstock, which contributes to the unique aesthetic of the 442R.

    Source
  • The color of the 442R is difficult to photograph accurately, often looking tacky in pictures but reportedly stunning in person.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have swapped the stock bridge pickup for a DiMarzio Tone Zone, though it's noted to be a "one trick pony" in a 22 fret Alder body.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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crusherdestroyer

A cool, though slightly dated, guitar

These guitars were only made for a short time in the early 90's, just in time for grunge to take over popular music and make shred guitars -- and Ibanez, by extension -- extremely undesirable to most new guitarists at the time. (Until nu-metal made 7 string guitars popular, at least.)

I bought my 442R in 1994, and while a lot of my attachment to it is sentimental, it plays amazingly well, especially when you consider its price point. It has a small, contoured body, almost identical to the Joe Satriani signature models that came out the same year, and features a HSS pickup configuration. The stock pickups sound good enough, though I swapped my bridge pickup out for a Dimarzio Super Distortion and it really brought the guitar to life. It has an alder body, a maple neck, and locking tuners, and is a great guitar for its price.

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