Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Ibanez RG170DX Standard is a testament to the brand's commitment to high-performance guitars at an accessible price point. Perfect for musicians who thrive on speed and precision, this model is a staple in the world of solid body electric guitars. It features a classic double-cutaway design that ensures easy access to the upper frets, making it a favorite among shredders and lead guitarists.

Equipped with Ibanez's proprietary Infinity R pickups, the RG170DX delivers a versatile tonal palette, ranging from tight, punchy rhythms to soaring leads. Its 5-way pickup selector switch offers an array of tonal options, allowing you to tailor your sound to any genre. The sleek maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard is designed for fast playability, featuring a 24-fret setup that encourages expressive soloing.

Whether you're jamming in your garage or performing on stage, the RG170DX is built to withstand the rigors of the road. The reliable Ibanez T102 tremolo bridge ensures stable tuning while allowing for expressive pitch modulation. This guitar not only looks good but plays even better, offering a balanced feel that appeals to both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Key Features:

  • Classic double-cutaway solid body design
  • Infinity R pickups for versatile sound options
  • 5-way pickup selector switch
  • 24-fret maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Ibanez T102 tremolo bridge for tuning stability and pitch modulation

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG170DX-BK Standard, RG170DX-CE Standard
Year 2003
Made In Indonesia
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
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.656"
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez RG170DX Standard suitable for?

The Ibanez RG170DX Standard, with its HSH pickup configuration and basswood body, is versatile and well-suited for rock, metal, and shred styles. Its fast-playing neck and tremolo bridge make it ideal for genres requiring technical playing and dynamic tonal expression.

How does the neck profile of the Ibanez RG170DX Standard affect playability?

The Ibanez RG170DX Standard features a slim, fast neck profile that enhances playability, making it particularly comfortable for fast solos and complex chord progressions. This design is favored by guitarists who prioritize speed and dexterity.

What is the benefit of the HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez RG170DX Standard?

The HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez RG170DX Standard offers a wide tonal range, allowing for thick humbucker tones and bright single-coil sounds. This versatility makes it ideal for players who need a variety of sounds from one guitar.

Is the Ibanez RG170DX Standard suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez RG170DX Standard is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck and versatile sound options. Its affordable price point and quality construction make it an excellent choice for those starting their guitar journey.

Does the Ibanez RG170DX Standard come with a tremolo bridge, and how does it affect the guitar's performance?

The Ibanez RG170DX Standard features a tremolo bridge, which allows for pitch modulation and vibrato effects. This feature is perfect for players who want to incorporate expressive techniques into their playing style.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG170DX Standard.

Features and functionality

  • Floating tremolos on entry-level guitars, like the GRG170DX, may cause tuning instability; users often prefer hardtail bridges for beginners.

    Source
  • The GRG121SP offers a five-way blade switch and HSH pickup configuration, providing more tonal versatility compared to the GRG170DX.

    Source
  • The GRG170DX's T102 bridge can be set up as a floating trem with reduced upward range, but it’s more often set for dive-only use.

    Source
  • The GRG170DX features Infinity RS pickups, which are comparable to IBZ-6, with some users noting a preference for Infinitys in mahogany-bodied guitars for a richer tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's common to block the tremolo with a wood piece to stabilize tuning on the GRG170DX, particularly when alternate tunings are frequent.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner reported maintaining tuning stability by removing the whammy bar; floating tremolos without locking nuts are less reliable.

    Source
  • Some users report that the GRG170DX's two-point tremolo system remains stable even after two decades of use, indicating potential longevity.

    Source
  • A 2010 GRG170DX owner reports the neck remains stable over time with only a fret level required after seven years, indicating durability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The GRG170DX and GRGR131EX have similar pickups despite a 17-year release gap, suggesting minimal hardware changes over time.

    Source
  • Users compare the GRG170DX's bridge favorably against the Jackson JS22, noting slightly better quality in the Ibanez for maintaining tuning with moderate tremolo use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners who frequently play alternative tuning songs find it time-consuming to retune with a floating tremolo system on the GRG170DX.

    Source
  • The GRG121SP is recommended for beginners due to its hardtail bridge, which simplifies alternate tunings and minimizes maintenance.

    Source
  • The HSH pickup configuration on the GRG170DX offers tonal versatility from metal to jazz, with the middle single coil adding extra tonal options not available in HH setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • A user noted that the GRG170DX has a resilient neck, remaining straight even after 10 years in a tropical environment.

    Source
  • The GRG121SP features a roasted maple neck, which multiple users note as being more stable, particularly beneficial for beginners.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The GRG170DX's semi-floating bridge, similar to a traditional Fender Strat style, can be set flat on the body to improve tuning stability without using the tremolo bar.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides