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Description

The Ibanez RG420 Standard is a solid body electric guitar that blends precision engineering with effortless playability, making it a fantastic choice for both novice players and seasoned professionals. Known for its sleek design and high-performance components, the RG420 offers a versatile sound palette that caters to a wide range of musical styles.

At the core of this guitar's dynamic sound is the Quantum pickup system, which delivers a balanced tonal response with a high-output edge, perfect for crunchy riffs and soaring solos. The Wizard III neck, a staple in the Ibanez lineup, ensures a fast and comfortable playing experience with its ultra-smooth finish and ergonomic design. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down complex chord progressions, the RG420's double-locking tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining rock-solid tuning stability.

Every element of the RG420 is crafted with the player's needs in mind, from its contoured body that fits snugly against you during long sessions, to the precise fretwork that facilitates effortless bending and vibrato techniques. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a gateway to unlocking your full creative potential.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for durability and enhanced sustain
  • Wizard III neck for fast, comfortable playability
  • Quantum pickups for versatile sound across genres
  • Double-locking tremolo bridge for stable tuning and expressive play
  • Contoured body design for ergonomic comfort

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG420-WK Standard
Year 2016 - 2017
Made In Indonesia
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material 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 RG420 Standard?

The Ibanez RG420 Standard features a Wizard III neck profile, which is known for being thin and flat, providing fast playability and easy access to all 24 frets, ideal for shredding and technical playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ibanez RG420 Standard?

The Ibanez RG420 Standard has an HSH pickup configuration, offering versatile tonal options suitable for rock, metal, and more. The humbuckers deliver powerful, full-bodied tones while the single-coil pickup provides brighter, cutting sounds.

Is the Ibanez RG420 Standard suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Ibanez RG420 Standard is suitable for both intermediate and advanced players, thanks to its fast neck and versatile pickup configuration. Beginners may also find it accessible, but the locking tremolo system may require some setup experience.

Does the Ibanez RG420 Standard's locking tremolo bridge affect tuning stability?

Yes, the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG420 Standard enhances tuning stability, especially during heavy tremolo use, making it ideal for players who frequently use dive bombs and other tremolo effects.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez RG420 Standard?

The Ibanez RG420 Standard features a mahogany body for warm tones, a maple neck for stability, and a rosewood fretboard for smooth playability. These materials contribute to the guitar's rich sound and durable construction.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG420 Standard.

Mods and upgrades

  • The Gotoh 1996t bridge is a direct fit upgrade for the stock tremolo, enhancing divebomb capabilities without extensive modifications.

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  • The Schaller tremolo, similar to the Ibanez EDGE, features hardened steel knife edges and a brass block, enhancing tuning stability and tonal sustain.

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Build quality

  • Roasted neck offers increased stability and a smoother fretboard-to-neck transition compared to other RG420 models.

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  • The fret ends on Wizard necks, including the RG420r, are noted as plain and unpolished but level and not sharp, offering practicality over aesthetics.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Factory spec action can be difficult to achieve without adjustments; some owners find playability challenging above the twelfth fret without setup tweaks.

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Features and functionality

  • Dimarzio pickups in this model provide a significant upgrade over the standard Quantum pickups found in other RG standard guitars.

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  • The Lo-TRS bridge on the RG420r has hardened knife edges but lacks the refinement of the Edge bridge found on other MIJ Ibanez models.

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  • Schaller tremolo's design closely mirrors the EDGE tremolos, offering a significant tonal and playability upgrade over stock options.

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Comparisons

  • The RG420HPFM is considered superior to other RG420 series guitars due to craftsmanship and advanced switching, though some users still compare it to older Japan-made models for value.

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  • The Ibanez RG550 Genesis offers the same pickups and better bridge compared to the RG420r, with a thinner, more premium neck.

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  • Owners transitioning from Gibson Custom Shop guitars may find the Wizard III neck's slimmer profile and longer scale length require an adjustment period.

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User experience

  • Some players have noted that the Wizard 3 neck, being the thinnest and wider than other Wizard variants, provides a distinct feel that may not suit everyone.

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Value and pricing

  • The RG420r, initially priced at $679 in 1998, is considered overpriced at $650 used today, with recommendations suggesting a $300 value for like-new condition.

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  • A used 2021 RG420 HPFM with a Schaller tremolo is considered a good deal around 550€, though negotiation could lower it to 480-500€.

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