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Average Price: $1,602

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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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.

Rough Sugar TV

Rough Sugar TV

Ibanez RG8 VS RG2228 Comparison | Fractal Audio Axe Fx II

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG8 VS RG2228 Comparison | Fractal Audio Axe Fx II by Rough Sugar TV

Ibanez RG8 VS RG2228 Comparison | Fractal Audio Axe Fx II

Rough Sugar TV

Rough Sugar TV

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG2228 Prestige video review demo Guitarist Magazine by Guitarist

Ibanez RG2228 Prestige video review demo Guitarist Magazine

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG2228 Review by Paul Ouzounov

Ibanez RG2228 Review

Paul Ouzounov

Paul Ouzounov

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG2228 - 8 String Modern Metal by Alex Chichikailo

Ibanez RG2228 - 8 String Modern Metal

Alex Chichikailo

Alex Chichikailo

Video thumbnail for 8 String Groove Metal Djent Mix - Ibanez RG2228 by Alex Chichikailo

8 String Groove Metal Djent Mix - Ibanez RG2228

Alex Chichikailo

Alex Chichikailo

Video thumbnail for 2012 Ibanez RG2228 Prestige. Modded with DiMarzio PAF8's by Brett Kingman

2012 Ibanez RG2228 Prestige. Modded with DiMarzio PAF8's

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Guitar Play Through #3 (Ibanez RG2228) by Stuart Lippincott (stuz0r)

Guitar Play Through #3 (Ibanez RG2228)

Stuart Lippincott (stuz0r)

Stuart Lippincott (stuz0r)

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

Features and functionality

  • The Ultra-8 Prestige neck profile on the RG2228 is praised for its playability and is also used on the RG852 model.

    Source

Critic Reviews

RG2228 Review: If you're a blues, classic rock, or 80's metal kind of... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Ibanez RG2228 is a versatile 8-string guitar that excels in jazz and metal genres, offering a wide range of tones thanks to its EMG 808 pickups and basswood body. While praised for its adaptability and sound quality, it poses a challenge to players not accustomed to 7-string models, demanding time to adjust. The main drawbacks include Ibanez's poor customer support and issues with the EMG pickups' output, which can lead to compressed tones under high gain. Additionally, the guitar's durability is questioned due to saddle issues and non-stainless frets. However, for those willing to navigate its quirks, the RG2228 presents a rewarding playing experience.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
raymosel

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.

Roles:
mightyjake182

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.

elias_kapravelos

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
See how Tosin Abasi uses Ibanez RG2228

Tosin Abasi

Guitarist

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Misha Mansoor uses Ibanez RG2228

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via Harmony Central

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

See how Jared Dines uses Ibanez RG2228

Jared Dines

Singer, Guitarist

SION

...
Verified via YouTube

this is his only 8 string guitar

See how Jason Richardson uses Ibanez RG2228

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Photo

Just spotted this 8-string from Ibanez on Jason's IG.

See how Herman Li uses Ibanez RG2228

Herman Li

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

DragonForce

...
Verified via DragonForce Wiki

According to the DragonForce Wiki, Herman Li includes the Ibanez RG2228 in his guitar collection.

See how Jake Bowen uses Ibanez RG2228

Jake Bowen

Guitarist

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

In this post jake shows off somw of his ibanez guitars. Amongst these guitars is his rg2228 8 string

See how Javier Reyes uses Ibanez RG2228

Javier Reyes

Guitarist, Composer

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via YouTube

Javier states in the description the brand and model of the guitar he can be seen playing throughout the video.

See how Dino Cazares uses Ibanez RG2228

Dino Cazares

Guitarist

Fear Factory

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses here first ever made mass-produced 8-string model RG2228 Prestige.

See how Dean Lamb uses Ibanez RG2228

Dean Lamb

Singer, Guitarist

Archspire

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses here the RG2228 loaded with EMG 808 pickups

See how Per Nilsson uses Ibanez RG2228

Per Nilsson

Guitarist, Composer

Meshuggah

...
Verified via Photo

Chitarra usata fin dai primi album degli Scar Symmetry

See how Justin Lowe uses Ibanez RG2228

Justin Lowe

Guitarist, Music Producer

After The Burial

...
Verified via Kill The Music

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

See how Joshua Travis uses Ibanez RG2228

Joshua Travis

Guitarist

Emmure

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Josh was recording guitar for The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza's 3rd album titled "Danza III A Series Of Unfortunate Events". From the start of the video, he is seen using an Ibanez RG2228 8 String, recording riffs for the song 12.21.12

Album Usage

The Ibanez RG2228 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez RG2228, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez RG927QM
Ibanez RG927QM Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Ibanez S5527
Ibanez S5527 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Ibanez M80M
Ibanez M80M Extended Range Guitars
1
Ibanez RG1527
Ibanez RG1527 Extended Range Guitars
1
Ibanez RG7621
Ibanez RG7621 Extended Range Guitars
1
EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup
EMG 808 8-String Guitar Pickup Electric Guitar Pickups
1
Ibanez RG7620
Ibanez RG7620 Extended Range Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
taylor_jolin

taylor_jolin

Gear IQ 67

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