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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez RG560 is a testament to precision engineering and performance versatility, crafted for guitarists who demand both speed and power. A standout in the world of solid body electric guitars, the RG560 is part of Ibanez's iconic RG series, known for its sleek design and powerful sound. The guitar features a thin Wizard neck, which facilitates fast playability and technical precision, making it an ideal choice for shredders and players who thrive on complex solos.

Equipped with an HSH pickup configuration, the RG560 offers a wide tonal range, delivering everything from rich, warm tones to sharp, cutting highs. The responsive tremolo bridge ensures you can dive into expressive vibratos and pitch shifts with ease, while maintaining tuning stability. The body is crafted for comfort, allowing for extended play without fatigue, and the smooth, contoured shape provides easy access to higher frets for those adventurous leads.

The RG560's design combines aesthetic appeal with functional detail, making it a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live performances. With its high-performance components and classic look, this guitar is suited for a variety of genres, from rock and metal to blues and jazz.

Key Features:

  • Thin Wizard neck for enhanced speed and playability
  • HSH pickup configuration for versatile tonal options
  • Responsive tremolo bridge for dynamic pitch control
  • Contoured body design for comfortable playability
  • Suited for multiple music genres, from rock to jazz

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG560-BK Standard with Maple Fretboard, RG560-BK Standard with Rosewood Fretboard, RG560-CA Standard, RG560-CO Standard with Maple Fretboard, RG560-CO Standard with Rosewood Fretboard, RG560-FA Standard with Maple Fretboard, RG560-FA Standard with Rosewood Fretboard, RG560-GI Standard, RG560-JB Standard, RG560-LR Standard with Maple Fretboard, RG560-LR Standard with Rosewood Fretboard, RG560-PN Standard, RG560-VP Standard with Maple Fretboard, RG560-VP Standard with Rosewood Fretboard, RG560-WH Standard with Maple Fretboard, RG560-WH Standard with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Carotene Orange, Five Alarm Red, Grape Ice, Jewel Blue, Lipstick Red, Purple Neon, Violet Pearl, White
Year 1988 - 1992
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, Blue, Orange, Purple, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ibanez RG560 feature?

The Ibanez RG560 is equipped with an HSS pickup configuration, featuring a humbucker in the bridge position and single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Ibanez RG560 suitable for shredding and fast playing?

Yes, the Ibanez RG560 is designed with a slim, fast-playing neck and 24 frets, making it an excellent choice for shredding and technical playing styles.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RG560?

The Ibanez RG560 features a thin, flat neck profile that provides comfortable playability and allows for quick, precise finger movements, ideal for fast playing and complex solos.

Does the Ibanez RG560 come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Ibanez RG560 is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, which helps maintain tuning stability during aggressive playing and dive-bombs.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez RG560?

The Ibanez RG560 features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a choice of either a maple or rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced tone with good sustain and resonance.

Is the Ibanez RG560 a good choice for heavy metal music?

The Ibanez RG560's HSS pickup configuration, fast neck, and locking tremolo make it well-suited for heavy metal music, offering powerful tones and stability for high-energy performances.

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

1991 Ibanez RG560 in Grape Ice

Video thumbnail for 1991 Ibanez RG560 in Grape Ice by Steve from Boston

1991 Ibanez RG560 in Grape Ice

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for This guitar ISN'T what they said it was....should I keep it? by Steve from Boston

This guitar ISN'T what they said it was....should I keep it?

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG560 w/EMGs and comparison of TH2 and Guitar Rig 5 by Steve from Boston

Ibanez RG560 w/EMGs and comparison of TH2 and Guitar Rig 5

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for LEMMO DEMO: Ibanez RG560 for $649 | "My Affordable Favorites" by Normans Rare Guitars

LEMMO DEMO: Ibanez RG560 for $649 | "My Affordable Favorites"

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Testing my Ibanez RG560 (Japan 93') by nachodedoslargos

Testing my Ibanez RG560 (Japan 93')

nachodedoslargos

nachodedoslargos

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG560 and some stories from years past. by Steve from Boston

Ibanez RG560 and some stories from years past.

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG560 Custom - My Very First 'Big Brand' Guitar!!! Guitar Guru TV by Jay Guitar

Ibanez RG560 Custom - My Very First 'Big Brand' Guitar!!! Guitar Guru TV

Jay Guitar

Jay Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG560 WH/R  #1990 by SuperFrame66

Ibanez RG560 WH/R #1990

SuperFrame66

SuperFrame66

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG-560 (made in Japan) Intensive set-up + appraisal [Part 01]... by Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

Ibanez RG-560 (made in Japan) Intensive set-up + appraisal [Part 01]...

Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG560.avi by guitarsib

Ibanez RG560.avi

guitarsib

guitarsib

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG 560 Review & Channel Updates by The Guitar FretZone

Ibanez RG 560 Review & Channel Updates

The Guitar FretZone

The Guitar FretZone

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG560 Review by Denman's Den TV

Ibanez RG560 Review

Denman's Den TV

Denman's Den TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG560.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners often need to address moisture exposure; soaking the tremolo in WD40 for days and brushing is a common remedy.

    Source
  • A professional cleaning of the fretboard can address dirt accumulation and prevent lasting marks, though fret corrosion might require more intensive care.

    Source
  • A cost-effective painting option involves using a local auto body shop, potentially keeping refinishing under $100 if opting for a single color.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners seek luthiers for repainting, but face difficulty finding professionals willing to refinish due to prep work.

    Source
  • Replacing the neck could be a viable option, with many compatible alternatives available on eBay if the original is too damaged.

    Source
  • Some users replace the volume knob with a plug and utilize a stacked volume/tone knob in the tone position for improved ergonomics.

    Source

User experience

  • The RG560 is sometimes acquired in less-than-perfect condition, prompting DIY restoration efforts like steaming neck dings and repainting.

    Source
  • Owners of the 1988 model appreciate its condition, with emphasis on the rarity of finding 80s and 90s Ibanez guitars in such good shape.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RG560 is noted for its HSS configuration, which some users prefer over other RG500s from that era.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Finding a reasonably priced RG560 can require patience, with some owners negotiating prices on platforms like eBay.

    Source
  • In mint condition, the RG560 can fetch over $1200 USD, but restoration costs could outweigh resale value unless purchased at a lower price point.

    Source

Other

  • The RG560 series likely ended in 1992, after which headstocks were color-matched to bodies in the subsequent R5 series.

    Source

Build quality

  • The fretboard separating from the neck is a significant structural issue that may require professional repair to ensure stability.

    Source
  • The close position of the volume knob near the pickup ring is identified as a distinguishing trait of the 1988 RG560 model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The volume knob's proximity to the bridge pickup is noted as a design feature that some owners find initially bothersome but eventually adapt to.

    Source

Critic Reviews

RG560 Review: I've been playing 13 years and it was bought after I... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Ibanez RG560 shines with its 80s superstrat vibe, offering a great playability and sound, especially for metal and rock enthusiasts. The stock pickups deliver a solid performance, particularly in distortion, despite some muddiness due to the basswood body. Its 24 years of durability impresses, maintaining aesthetics and functionality, although fret wear suggests it's seen its share of shred sessions. While the single coils lack punch for full distortion, the bridge humbucker's growl is commendable. Overall, this guitar, with its reliable Edge tremolo and quality build, is a rare find that stands the test of time, making it a beloved part of any guitarist's rig.

positive

RG560 Review: The 560 was discontinued in 1993, and are hard to find... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Ibanez RG560 is a dream for shred enthusiasts, capturing the essence of metal and speed from the late '80s. With a powerful Seymour Duncan Full Shred pickup, it delivers the signature distortion roar that metalheads crave. While it's not suited for blues or jazz, its durability and action are commendable, though its finish demands careful handling. The guitar's biggest drawback lies in its stock Ibanez pickups, which are described as weak and noisy. Despite this, the RG560 offers exceptional value for its price range, making it a potential collector's item. If you're seeking a budget-friendly, high-speed metal guitar, the RG560 is a superb choice.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Thomson uses Ibanez RG560

Mick Thomson

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, taken at the Knotfest Slipknot Museum, Mick's self-titled-era RG560 can be seen. This can be seen in the Wait and Bleed music video, and most Slipknot performances from 1998 and 1999.

See how Dave Navarro uses Ibanez RG560

Dave Navarro

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the early 90s, I saw Dave Navarro playing an Ibanez RG560 White live with Jane's Addiction. In the Moshcam video "Jane's Addiction - Mountain Song | Live in Sydney," he plays a similar guitar, visible at timestamps 0:20, 1:20, 1:44, and 2:06. I believe it was equipped with Seymour Duncan Quarterpound pickups.

See how Reb Beach uses Ibanez RG560

Reb Beach

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Rebbeach

The Ibanez RG560 was the guitar that convinced Reb to sign up to Ibanez for an endorsement deal in the early 90's. Following the success of the first Winger album, several companies approached Reb with endorsement offers, but it was the RG560 that swung it for Reb.

The following quotes are taken from the October 1990 edition of Guitar World magazine. Reb's guitar tech, Dave Lewis, talks about the RG560 - "Reb has 2 versions of the 560. The Black one is the guitar that made him decide to go with Ibanez. It's fairly Strat-shaped, with a mahogany body." The pickup configuration, consisting of 2 EMG SA single coils and 1 EMG 85 humbucker in the bridge position, offers a smooth, fluid, flat frequency response. "Reb likes to get a lot of crunch, but he doesn't like too much bass or treble. This combination is almost like a Les Paul in the rhythm mode".

See how Blake Schwarzenbach uses Ibanez RG560

Blake Schwarzenbach

Singer, Guitarist

Jawbreaker

...
Verified via Photo

This left-handed silver Ibanez RG560 was used by Blake Schwarzenbach at the very beginning of his career with Jawbreaker - i.e. circa March 1989 - to the recording of their debut album "Unfun", their first tour in support of "Unfun" - "Fuck '90 Tour" and eventually to their brief breakup. The most distinctive feature of it were stickers plastered all over the body. Most of the parts (if not all) have remained stocks. It is not known what has exactly happened to this guitar after Blake switched to Gibson.

See how Marco Sfogli uses Ibanez RG560

Marco Sfogli

Guitarist, Composer

James LaBrie

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses this guitar through the entire video.

See how Yavuz Çetin uses Ibanez RG560

Yavuz Çetin

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Yavuz Çetin is seen using an Ibanez RG560, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Jamie Oldfield uses Ibanez RG560

Jamie Oldfield

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Jamie has a ibanez rg560 in his collection. He likes this guitar because it’s similar to the one mick thomson used to play. The pickups were changed to legendary pickups. He also added fu tone springs to the back

See how Paul Wright uses Ibanez RG560

Paul Wright

Guitarist, Composer

Fields of the Nephilim

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video Paul Wright can be seen using the Ibanez RG560 (black). It was his main guitar during the dusseldorf 1991 gig.

See how Rick Graham uses Ibanez RG560

Rick Graham

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "10 Years of Guitar Progress," Rick Graham is seen using an Ibanez RG560 at the 1:36 mark.

See how Alex Lee uses Ibanez RG560

Alex Lee

Guitarist

DevilDriver

...
Verified via Instagram
Color/Finish: White

In a video posted by Instagram user ibanezguy88, Alex Lee is seen playing an Ibanez RG560 guitar. The video features a Shred Talk challenge lick and is tagged with @officialibanezguitars and @dimarzioinc.

Album Usage

The Ibanez RG560 has been featured on the following albums:

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 RG560, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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evolutionvii

evolutionvii

Gear IQ 1486

evolutionvii

evolutionvii

Gear IQ 1486

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