Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,200

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ibanez RG2228A Prestige is a powerhouse in the world of extended range guitars, offering an unparalleled experience for musicians looking to push their sonic boundaries. Crafted in Japan, this 8-string electric guitar is part of the prestigious Ibanez Prestige series, known for its superior craftsmanship and innovative design. The RG2228A is equipped with DiMarzio D Activator pickups, delivering a high-output performance with exceptional clarity and articulation, making it ideal for both intricate solos and heavy rhythm sections.

The five-piece maple/wenge neck enhances stability and provides a smooth playing surface that complements the extended range. The guitar features a basswood body that ensures a balanced, rich tone while being lightweight enough for extended playing sessions. Its 27-inch scale length caters to the lower tunings often required by metal and progressive genres, ensuring precise intonation and a comfortable reach across the fretboard.

Whether you're delving into complex jazz arrangements or crafting heavy, downtuned riffs, the RG2228A offers the versatility and reliability you need. With the Edge III-8 tremolo system, you'll experience superior tuning stability and dynamic expressiveness, allowing you to push the envelope of creativity.

Key Features:

  • 8-string electric guitar
  • DiMarzio D Activator pickups
  • Five-piece maple/wenge neck
  • Basswood body for balanced tone
  • 27-inch scale length for lower tunings
  • Edge III-8 tremolo system for tuning stability
  • Crafted in Japan as part of the Prestige series

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG2228A-BK Prestige, RG2228A-WH Prestige
Year 2012 - 2013
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 Black, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
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 RG2228A Prestige like?

The Ibanez RG2228A Prestige features a Wizard-8 neck profile, known for its thin and fast design, providing excellent playability and comfort for complex fingerings and fast playing on an 8-string guitar.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Ibanez RG2228A Prestige?

The Ibanez RG2228A Prestige is equipped with EMG 808 pickups, which are designed to deliver a powerful and clear sound, ideal for heavy music genres requiring tight low-end response and high output.

Is the Ibanez RG2228A Prestige suitable for a beginner guitarist?

The Ibanez RG2228A Prestige is more suitable for advanced players due to its 8-string configuration and specialized features, which may be challenging for beginners not yet accustomed to extended range guitars.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG2228A Prestige affect tuning stability?

The locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG2228A Prestige provides excellent tuning stability, allowing for aggressive playing and dive-bomb techniques without significant tuning issues, which is essential for extended range guitars.

What genres of music is the Ibanez RG2228A Prestige best suited for?

The Ibanez RG2228A Prestige is best suited for metal and progressive genres, where the extended range and powerful pickups can be fully utilized for complex riffs and heavy tones.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG2228A Prestige.

Mods and upgrades

  • The Cort KX508MS is recommended with Fishman pickups and a better fretboard layout (26.5-28" scale) compared to the RGDMS8.

    Source
  • Lundgren M8 pickups are praised for clarity and note separation in complex chords on the RG2228.

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  • Stock pickups in the Prestige S5521Q (V7/V8) are often replaced for better sound quality; users suggest considering alternative pickup brands.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Neck twisting and intonation issues reported with heavier strings on the RG2228; some suggest frequent truss rod adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RG2228's straight 27" scale is favored over RGDMS8's multiscale, which some find awkward due to neutral fret placement.

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  • S540 models with "Custom Made" stamp are comparable to Prestige models, offering similar build quality without the Prestige branding.

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  • Some users find the transition from 6 to 7-string guitars difficult, noting the RG2228A's neck width can feel cumbersome compared to standard 6-string models.

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  • A user compared the RG2228A to the 28" scale Agile 7 string, suggesting the latter for those who prefer drop F tuning for extended range.

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User experience

  • The RG2228 may need fret replacement after approximately 10 years of use due to wear.

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  • Owners of the S470 and S520EX note issues with trem arms and sustain, suggesting careful consideration before purchase.

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  • Players with smaller hands report issues with comfort, emphasizing the wider neck of the RG2228A makes traditional thumb-over techniques challenging.

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Build quality

  • Prestige models are reinforced with dual titanium truss rods, stabilizing the neck despite its thinness—only 17 mm thick at the first fret.

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Value and pricing

  • Prestige models are noted for superior craftsmanship and are recommended to buy used to save costs, with significant quality differences over Standard models.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners mention that the RG2228A is ideal for playing complex metal riffs, specifically citing bands like Meshuggah as inspiration.

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  • Experienced players note the RG2228A is suited for technical and djent styles, but requires practice to adapt from 6-string techniques effectively.

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Artist usage

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See how John Browne uses Ibanez RG2228A Prestige

John Browne

Guitarist, Composer

Monuments

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Verified via YouTube

In the description of this YouTube video, John Browne confirms using the Ibanez RG2228A Prestige.

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 RG2228A Prestige, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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