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Average Price: $262

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ibanez RG170 is a versatile and reliable solid body electric guitar that caters to both beginners and seasoned players. Known for its sleek design and quality craftsmanship, this guitar is a part of the iconic RG series, which has been a staple for rock and metal musicians since its inception. With its classic double-cutaway body, the RG170 offers easy access to the highest frets, allowing for seamless playability across the neck.

Equipped with a trio of Ibanez Infinity pickups, this guitar provides a wide range of tonal options, from crisp, clean tones to heavy, overdriven sounds. The HSH pickup configuration is perfect for those who want versatility in their sound, whether they're playing smooth rhythms or shredding leads. The thin and fast Wizard II neck profile ensures comfortable playability, making it easier to navigate complex riffs and solos. Plus, the reliable Ibanez tremolo bridge allows for expressive playing while maintaining tuning stability.

The RG170 also features a durable basswood body, known for its balanced tonal quality and weight, making it an excellent choice for extended playing sessions. Whether you're hitting the stage or jamming in your bedroom, the Ibanez RG170 is designed to inspire creativity and enhance your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar from the iconic Ibanez RG series
  • HSH pickup configuration with Ibanez Infinity pickups
  • Wizard II neck profile for fast, comfortable playability
  • Reliable Ibanez tremolo bridge for expressive performance
  • Durable basswood body for balanced tone and lightweight feel
  • Classic double-cutaway design for easy access to higher frets

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG170-BK Standard, RG170-BLD Standard, RG170-BST Standard, RG170-JB Standard, RG170-MG Standard, RG170-RST Standard, RG170-SM Standard
Finish Black, Blue Shadow, Blue Sunburst, Jewel Blue, Metallic Green, Red Sunburst, Silver Metallic
Year 1997 - 2002
Made In Japan, Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Red, Silver
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG170 Black?

The Ibanez RG170 Black features a slim, fast neck profile that is designed for easy playability and quick access to all 24 frets, making it ideal for shredders and players who enjoy intricate finger work.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ibanez RG170 Black?

The RG170 Black comes with an HSH pickup configuration, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for rock, metal, and blues. The humbuckers provide powerful, full-bodied sound while the single-coil pickup adds clarity and brightness.

Is the Ibanez RG170 Black suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez RG170 Black is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck, versatile pickup configuration, and lightweight basswood body, making it easy to handle and play for extended periods.

Does the Ibanez RG170 Black come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Ibanez RG170 Black is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and dynamic playing techniques.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez RG170 Black?

The Ibanez RG170 Black features a basswood body, maple neck, and either a maple or rosewood fretboard, contributing to its lightweight feel and balanced tone.

Lee Kempster

Lee Kempster

1997 Ibanez RG 170

Video thumbnail for 1997 Ibanez RG 170 by Lee Kempster

1997 Ibanez RG 170

Lee Kempster

Lee Kempster

Video thumbnail for 1997 Ibanez RG170 by JOHN’S GUITAR, MUSIC AND DEMOS

1997 Ibanez RG170

JOHN’S GUITAR, MUSIC AND DEMOS

JOHN’S GUITAR, MUSIC AND DEMOS

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG170.

Build quality

  • The Wizard II neck and AANJ (All Access Neck Joint) are highlighted for making the RG170 a great base for project customization.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Hybrid slinky strings are recommended for achieving a low action of around 1.25mm with minimal relief, suitable for tunings from standard to drop C#.

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  • It's noted that the Ibanez Edge tremolo system, when set up correctly using the reference bar on the plate, maintains excellent tuning stability.

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Features and functionality

  • The RG170 features a strat-style tremolo, which is noted to be preferable over a licensed Floyd Rose for some users.

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  • The Ibanez Wizard neck, with its flat 16" radius, is appreciated by shredders for ease of fast playing, though not favored by all.

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User experience

  • The slim D-shaped neck is praised for its comfort, particularly for shredding, even by those not typically playing in that style.

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  • A user recounted that their RG170 from the 90s had quality standards perceived as higher than recent models, emphasizing its enduring playability.

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Value and pricing

  • A user found an RG170 in a thrift store for $75 CAD, including a Fender gig bag and a 15-foot cord, emphasizing its affordability.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note that the Ibanez Gibraltar bridge on fixed models is highly praised for playability, surpassing many other fixed bridge designs.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend replacing stock pickups with DiMarzio ToneZone for improved bridge tone, highlighting its versatility across genres.

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Use cases and applications

  • An owner of an Ibanez AZ model describes it as excelling in achieving both Metallica and John Mayer tones due to its HSS pickup configuration.

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Artist usage

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See how Kirk Hammett uses Ibanez RG170

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1993 live performance in Basel, Switzerland, Kirk Hammett is seen playing an Ibanez RG 170 Black, as captured in a video by Metallica Bootlegs on YouTube. This model, part of Ibanez's solid body electric guitars, features a humbucker-single coil-humbucker pickup configuration and a double locking tremolo, making it a versatile choice for Hammett's dynamic playing style.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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