Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Average Price: $1,602
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* 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
Unleash your creativity and expand your musical horizons with the Ibanez RG2228, an eight-string powerhouse that redefines the boundaries of electric guitar performance. Designed with the discerning metal guitarist in mind, this instrument is part of the iconic RG Series, renowned for its sleek playability and cutting-edge sound. The Wizard neck profile, crafted from a robust 5-piece maple/wenge combination, ensures effortless playability whether you're shredding solos or laying down heavy riffs.
The RG2228 is equipped with EMG 808 active humbucking pickups, expertly engineered to deliver an articulate and aggressive tone. This makes it an ideal choice for genres ranging from metal to progressive rock, where clarity and punch are essential, especially when navigating the lower registers that an eight-string facilitates. A fixed Edge III-8 bridge offers superior tuning stability, allowing you to explore the depths of low tunings without the hassle of constant adjustments, making it a reliable partner on stage and in the studio.
Built with a basswood body and a rosewood fingerboard, the RG2228 provides a warm tonal foundation, complemented by a good degree of attack, perfect for both intricate chord progressions and fast-paced runs. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement, a tool for musicians eager to push the envelope and explore new sonic territories.
Key Features:
- 8-string electric guitar from the renowned RG Series
- EMG 808 active humbucking pickups for powerful, clear sound
- Fixed Edge III-8 bridge for enhanced tuning stability
- 5-piece maple/wenge Wizard neck for fast playability
- Basswood body with rosewood fingerboard for warm tone and attack
- Made in Japan for superior craftsmanship and quality
Product specs
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | RG2228-GK Prestige |
| Finish | Galaxy Black |
| Year | 2007 - 2016 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Black |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Ibanez RG |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple, Wenge |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 8-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 27" |
| Series | Ibanez Prestige |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RG2228?
-
The Ibanez RG2228 features a Wizard-8 neck, known for its thin and fast profile, making it ideal for players who require quick and comfortable access across all eight strings.
-
Are the pickups on the Ibanez RG2228 suitable for metal music?
-
Yes, the Ibanez RG2228 is equipped with EMG 808 pickups, which are renowned for their clarity and power, making them particularly well-suited for high-gain metal and djent styles.
-
Is the Ibanez RG2228 suitable for beginners?
-
The Ibanez RG2228 is a professional-grade instrument designed for advanced players, especially those familiar with extended-range guitars. Its 8-string configuration and specific setup may pose a challenge for beginners.
-
How does the Ibanez RG2228 handle tuning stability?
-
The Ibanez RG2228 comes with a fixed bridge and locking tuners, which provide excellent tuning stability, even with aggressive playing styles and extended range tunings.
-
What is the scale length of the Ibanez RG2228, and how does it affect playability?
-
The Ibanez RG2228 features a 27" scale length, which helps maintain string tension and clarity on the lower strings, essential for an 8-string guitar, while still allowing comfortable playability.
Videos
Rough Sugar TV
Ibanez RG8 VS RG2228 Comparison | Fractal Audio Axe Fx II
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG2228.
Other
-
Consider Lundgren M8s for improved note clarity on lower strings compared to stock EMG 808s.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Cort KX508MS offers a better fretboard layout with a 26.5-28" scale and Fishman pickups, providing an alternative to the RG2228.
Source -
Abasi 8-string models reportedly have necks that feel closer to 7-string necks, offering a potential alternative for those struggling with the RG2228's width.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
The RG2228 may face neck twisting issues with heavier strings, requiring frequent truss rod adjustments and careful tuning.
Source
Build quality
-
RG2228's fixed edge bridge includes fine tuners, which facilitate precise tuning adjustments for extended range guitars.
Source
User experience
-
Owners with smaller hands may find the RG2228's neck width challenging, despite its tight string spacing being among the narrowest for 8 strings.
Source -
The RG2228 is celebrated for its historical significance as one of the first commercially available 8-string guitars, enhancing its appeal beyond just playability.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Some users replace stock tuners with Hipshot locking tuners for improved tuning stability.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings
403
How did I live without 8 strings.
You will forget you are playing an 8 string. The neck is just right. The sound i get out of this beast is incredible! This is my go to guitar. I can play everything on. If you are ready for a mans guitar this is the one.
120
8 Strings of shred
This is my main 8 string, mine has Deactivator pickups. It's a really incredible guitar for all kinds of 8 string applications. I don't exactly see myself playing any other 8 strings.
105
An absolute beast of a guitar
My main 8 string guitar,since late 2007,been used in all of my ambient noise songs.
Artist usage
Add artist
Before Tosin had partnered with Ibanez to make a signature guitar, he used to play on .strandberg* guitars as well as Ibanez guitars from the RG range. This particular one is the 2228 model.
Misha sent his RG2228 for refinish to one of the guys on this forum. After the second round of paint visible on page 5, the guitar is a match with this one seen in the Periphery II studio updates video at timestamp 13:47, albeit with replacement white pickup covers: https://youtu.be/8qsFAYNjWQ4?si=ocpNsP7WFThS-y-g&t=827
According to the DragonForce Wiki, Herman Li includes the Ibanez RG2228 in his guitar collection.
In this post jake shows off somw of his ibanez guitars. Amongst these guitars is his rg2228 8 string
Javier states in the description the brand and model of the guitar he can be seen playing throughout the video.
The main guitars I use live and in the studio include 2 Ibanez RG2228’s, one custom Ibanez 8 string, featuring a body similar to that of the RG2228 with a maple fingerboard
Album Usage
The Ibanez RG2228 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez RG2228, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Ibanez Extended Range Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Extended Range Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
narcistGear IQ 17214
-