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Average Price: $979

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez RG521 is a nod to the legendary late-1980s RG models, renowned for their sleek design and powerful performance. This solid body electric guitar is crafted for those who crave speed and precision, thanks to its 5-piece Super Wizard neck made from maple and walnut. This neck design ensures effortless playability, allowing you to execute fast runs and intricate solos with ease. The contoured basswood body not only delivers a warm, growling tone but also sits comfortably against your body, making it a joy to play for extended sessions.

Outfitted with dual humbucking pickups, the RG521 offers a vast array of tonal possibilities. The V7 neck pickup provides tight, biting tones perfect for rhythm work, while the V8 bridge pickup offers warm, articulate sounds with rich overtones. Whether you're diving into rock, metal, or exploring other music genres, this guitar's versatility won't disappoint. The Gibraltar Standard II bridge and Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads ensure your tuning remains stable, even during the most aggressive play.

Part of the Ibanez Genesis Collection, the RG521 pays homage to its iconic predecessors while offering modern enhancements. Its classic-style tilt neck joint and eye-catching black hardware add to its appeal, making it not just a tool for musicians, but a statement piece.

Key Features:

  • Basswood body for warm, growling tones with defined mids
  • 5-piece maple/walnut Super Wizard neck for enhanced playability
  • Classic-style tilt neck joint with stamped metal plate
  • Dual humbuckers for a wide range of harmonic-rich tones
  • Gibraltar Standard II bridge for rock-solid intonation
  • Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads for stable tuning
  • Striking black hardware

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG521 Genesis Collection Double Cutaway
Finish Black, Jewel Blue
Year 2017 - 2018
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, Blue
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Frets Medium Jumbo
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple, Walnut
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Genesis Collection
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Ibanez RG521 have?

The Ibanez RG521 features a Wizard III neck profile, known for its slim and fast design, which is ideal for players who prefer rapid playability and comfortable access to all 24 frets.

What type of pickups are equipped in the Ibanez RG521?

The Ibanez RG521 is equipped with a pair of Ibanez V7 and V8 humbucker pickups, offering a versatile tonal range suitable for genres like rock and metal, providing both clarity and power.

Is the Ibanez RG521 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RG521 is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality Japanese craftsmanship, fast neck profile, and versatile pickup configuration, making it ideal for intricate playing styles and demanding techniques.

What is the body material of the Ibanez RG521, and how does it affect the sound?

The Ibanez RG521 has a basswood body, which is known for its balanced tonal properties, providing a smooth and even sound with good midrange response, making it versatile for various music styles.

Does the Ibanez RG521 feature a tremolo bridge?

No, the Ibanez RG521 features a fixed bridge with a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and tuning stability, making it a reliable choice for players who prefer a non-tremolo setup.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG521.

Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez RG521 has Gotoh locking tuners and a comfortable Gibraltar fixed bridge, though the close proximity of the volume knob can be inconvenient.

    Source
  • The RG652 features an ergonomic All Access Neck Joint, providing superior access to the highest frets compared to the square heel joint on the RG521.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently recommend swapping the stock pickups for Seymour Duncan Nazgul or DiMarzio X2N for improved tone.

    Source
  • The V8 pickups on the RG550 reissues are described as "wonky," with some preferring the tonal quality of older V1/V2 pickups on models like the RG570.

    Source

Build quality

  • The five-piece neck is praised for making setup easy and providing an excellent profile for metal genres.

    Source
  • Some owners report that the fretwork on the Genesis RG550 can be inconsistent, with issues like a wonky neck and off-center nut, leading to a need for careful inspection before purchase.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users feel the RG521 is overpriced compared to 90s models, citing better materials and construction in older guitars.

    Source
  • Despite being a Japanese-made guitar, the Genesis RG550 is among the cheapest from a premium builder, making it a cost-effective option for a well-made instrument.

    Source

User experience

  • The Genesis series is perceived as a modern reissue of 90s models, appealing to those who prefer new guitars over vintage ones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RG652's DiMarzio pickups are noted for their higher quality compared to the Ibanez VH pickups in the RG521, which are considered more rock-oriented.

    Source
  • The RG6UCS, with a Lo-Pro Edge bridge, is compared as a higher-priced alternative, emphasizing the cost difference for similar specs.

    Source
  • The Prestige line often features birdseye maple fretboards and binding, which are not present on the Genesis models, contributing to a perceived higher quality and craftsmanship.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RG652 is highlighted as more suitable for metal with its stock DiMarzio pickups, which offer higher output and better tonal characteristics for the genre.

    Source
  • The RG550 is noted for its late 80s voiced pickups, which may appeal to those seeking a vintage rock sound but could be a downside for those desiring modern tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It’s mentioned that the Prestige models, like the RG652, offer nearly perfect fret access, ideal for advanced techniques and shredding.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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Nikita Kamprad

Guitarist, Music Producer

Der Weg einer Freiheit

...
Verified via Metal1.info

From a german interview: "For example, I played the Ibanez RG3521 at every concert since 2013. I have a feeling it matures sonically, the more I play it. Unfortunately it just looks like a black standard super-strat. I still like it very much."

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 RG521, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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