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Average Price: $2,544

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Description

The Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom is a testament to the art of guitar craftsmanship, combining meticulous Japanese artistry with modern playability. Designed for discerning musicians who demand both aesthetic appeal and exceptional sound, this J. Custom model offers a sublime playing experience. Handcrafted by Ibanez's most skilled luthiers, the RG-ART1 is part of the highly esteemed J. Custom collection, celebrated for its attention to detail and superior materials.

The RG-ART1 features a 3-piece maple and bubinga neck that enhances stability and reduces warping, providing a smooth and fast-playing surface. The neck is complemented by the rich tones of a mahogany body topped with a stunning figured maple top, delivering a full-bodied sound with impressive sustain. Equipped with DiMarzio pickups, this guitar produces a versatile range of tones, from biting leads to warm, jazzy chords, making it ideal for a variety of musical genres.

The guitar is finished with elegant abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays along the fretboard, adding a unique visual flair. The Edge Zero tremolo bridge ensures tuning stability and precision, while the Gotoh machine heads provide reliable tuning accuracy. With the RG-ART1 J. Custom, Ibanez has crafted a guitar that not only looks beautiful but also plays effortlessly, making it a worthy addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • 3-piece maple and bubinga neck for enhanced stability
  • Mahogany body with figured maple top
  • DiMarzio pickups for versatile tonal options
  • Abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays
  • Edge Zero tremolo bridge for superior tuning stability
  • Gotoh machine heads for accurate tuning
  • Handcrafted in Japan as part of the J. Custom series

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG-ART1 J. Custom
Year 1997
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Orange, Yellow
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez J. Custom
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom best suited for?

The Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom, with its HH pickup configuration and locking tremolo bridge, is ideal for rock and metal genres, offering versatile tones and stable tuning for aggressive playing styles.

How does the basswood body of the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom affect its sound?

The basswood body provides a balanced tone with a strong midrange, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles and enhancing the clarity of the guitar's output.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom like?

The Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom features a thin, fast neck profile that facilitates quick, intricate playing, particularly favored by lead guitarists and shredders.

Does the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, providing excellent tuning stability and allowing for expressive pitch modulation.

Is the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom is designed for advanced players, offering high-quality craftsmanship, a fast neck, and versatile tonal options ideal for professional performance and recording.

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Ibanez J.Custom Art-1 1997 Limited Edition Rare J Custom RG Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez J.Custom Art-1 1997 Limited Edition Rare J Custom RG Guitar by Essex Recording Studios

Ibanez J.Custom Art-1 1997 Limited Edition Rare J Custom RG Guitar

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG-ART1 J. Custom.

Build quality

  • The RG-ART1 model features a 7mm maple top on basswood, which is thicker than current J Custom models with 4mm tops.

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  • The intricate stained pattern appears deeply scribed into the top, showcasing labor-intensive craftsmanship rather than a simple veneer.

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  • The RG-ART1 features a unique, intricate maple fretboard, distinct from the typical dark-colored options like rosewood or graphite.

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User experience

  • Owners report the RG-ART1 plays and sounds superior to Prestige models, highlighting exceptional sanding, finishing, and fretwork typical of J Custom guitars.

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Comparisons

  • Despite its rarity, the RG-ART1 can sometimes be found for less than JPM models, though it often commands a higher price in better condition.

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Other

  • It is believed only about 30 units of the RG-ART1 were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.

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Features and functionality

  • The RG-ART1 has a 5-way switch, allowing for more subtle tone changes compared to typical double humbuckers with 3-way switches.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RG-ART1 delivers a "warmer" sound ideal for non-distorted tones, contrasting with the brighter tones of JPM and Steinberger models suited for distortion.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite its rarity, the RG-ART1 is considered less valuable than other rare guitars like the Steinberger GL2T, due to its unique attributes and collector appeal.

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