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Average Price: $750

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$1001+

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Description

Discover the Ibanez RG520, a solid body electric guitar designed for musicians who crave precision and performance. Built for speed and comfort, this guitar features a sleek double-cutaway body for easy access to upper frets, making it a favorite among shredders and rock enthusiasts alike. The RG520 is equipped with a pair of high-output humbuckers, delivering a versatile range of tones from articulate cleans to aggressive overdrives. Its Wizard III neck is renowned for its slim profile, offering fast playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard. The expertly crafted rosewood fingerboard provides a rich, resonant tone, enhancing each note with clarity and sustain.

Perfect for stage and studio alike, the RG520's locking tremolo system ensures stable tuning even during the most dynamic performances. The intricate hardware and meticulous design detail reflect Ibanez's commitment to quality and innovation, making this guitar a reliable choice for musicians of all levels. Whether you're diving into intricate solos or laying down a solid rhythm, the Ibanez RG520 is equipped to handle it all with style and precision.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with double-cutaway design
  • High-output humbucker pickups for versatile tone
  • Wizard III neck for fast, comfortable playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard for enhanced tonal richness
  • Locking tremolo system for stable tuning
  • Quality hardware ensuring durability and performance
  • Ideal for rock, metal, and versatile musical styles

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG520QS-TB Standard, RG520QS-TK Standard
Finish Transparent Black, Transparent Blue
Year 1998 - 2001
Made In Japan
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, 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
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Quilted

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG520?

The Ibanez RG520 features a slim and fast-playing neck profile, typical of the RG series, which is designed to facilitate quick and comfortable playing, ideal for shredding and technical styles.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez RG520 suitable for metal music?

Yes, the Ibanez RG520 is equipped with a humbucker pickup configuration that delivers powerful and aggressive tones, making it well-suited for metal and hard rock genres.

Does the Ibanez RG520 have a locking tremolo system?

The Ibanez RG520 features a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even with extensive use of the whammy bar, which is perfect for dive bombs and other dynamic playing techniques.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez RG520?

The Ibanez RG520 has a mahogany body with a quilted top, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a combination of durability and tonal richness.

Is the Ibanez RG520 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RG520 is designed with advanced players in mind, offering high-quality components and a versatile sound that accommodates a wide range of playing styles and techniques.

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

My Ibanez RG Collection Part 2

Video thumbnail for My Ibanez RG Collection Part 2 by Cameron Johnson

My Ibanez RG Collection Part 2

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG1570 vs RG520 by Tomasz K

Ibanez RG1570 vs RG520

Tomasz K

Tomasz K

Video thumbnail for 1998 Ibanez RG520QS by Nick Scarfo

1998 Ibanez RG520QS

Nick Scarfo

Nick Scarfo

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG520.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend the Tone Zone/Air Norton combo for a massive sound, particularly suited for 90's Dream Theater tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RG520 features a unique HH configuration with mahogany wood, differing from the typical HSH and basswood setups of other RG models.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts appreciate the inclusion of a floating tremolo system, which is a highlight in new gear discussions.

    Source
  • The RG520QS typically includes the Edge tremolo system, which is preferred over the less durable TRS tremolo found on other models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • This model is often likened to a "poor man’s 3120," suggesting similar quality at a lower price.

    Source
  • The RG420 in Royal Blue may be confused with the RG520QS due to similar finishes, but differs in features such as the tremolo system.

    Source

User experience

  • Multiple users find the V7/V8 pickups to be underrated and satisfactory after adjusting the pickup height.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using a phone flashlight to reveal hidden quilt details on the top, ensuring visibility when assessing guitar condition.

    Source

Build quality

  • The RG520QS with a quilted sapele top often has subdued visibility in low lighting, with quilting more pronounced under direct sunlight.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Ben Eller uses Ibanez RG520

Ben Eller

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Ben can be seen playing an Ibanez RG520 with DiMarzio EVO and Gravity Storm humbuckers.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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