Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$3,799.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$3,799.99
Amazon
$4,997.21
Reverb
$3,799.99 2 available New
Musician's Friend
$3,799.99
Thomann
5.0 (4)
$3,377.00

Average Price: $3,929

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez RG8870 Axe Design Lab". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of high-performance guitar craftsmanship with the Ibanez RG8870 Axe Design Lab. Precision-engineered for those who demand speed and versatility, this solid body electric guitar is a true testament to Ibanez's dedication to innovation. The 5-piece Super Wizard AS neck, crafted from maple and wenge, is designed for effortless playability, featuring a Velvetouch finish for an ultra-smooth feel. The Macassar ebony fingerboard, with its 24 jumbo frets, ensures that every note is as precise as it is powerful, allowing for intricate solos and complex chord progressions with ease.

The RG8870's chambered alder body is topped with stunning flamed maple, delivering both aesthetic appeal and enhanced resonance. Its trio of DiMarzio pickups – the Tone Zone, True Velvet, and PAF 36th Anniversary – offers an expansive tonal palette. Whether you're after crisp cleans or searing leads, the coil-tap switch provides additional tonal flexibility, making this guitar a versatile tool for any musical style.

Equipped with the Lo-Pro Edge tremolo system, the RG8870 allows you to explore expressive techniques without sacrificing tuning stability. Gotoh locking tuners and strap lock pins add to the guitar's reliability, ensuring it stays secure during performances. From the studio to the stage, the Ibanez RG8870 is ready to deliver.

Key Features:

  • Flamed maple top on a chambered alder body for light weight and extra resonance
  • 5-piece maple/wenge Super Wizard AS neck with a Velvetouch finish
  • Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and J Custom fret edge treatment
  • DiMarzio Tone Zone, True Velvet, and PAF 36th Anniversary pickups
  • Coil-tap switch for expanded sonic versatility
  • Lo-Pro Edge tremolo for stable tuning and expressive play
  • Gotoh locking tuners and strap lock pins for added security

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape J Custom RG
Body Material Alder
Top Material AAA Flamed Maple
Body Finish Gloss Polyester
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Wenge
Neck Shape RG j.custom Super Wizard AS
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 16.9"
Fingerboard Material Macassar Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Tree of Life
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Locking
Bridge/Tailpiece Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge
Tuners Gotoh
Neck Pickup DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary Humbucker
Middle Pickup DiMarzio True Velvet Single-coil
Bridge Pickup DiMarzio Tone Zone Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG8870 Axe Design Lab?

The Ibanez RG8870 features a RG j.custom Super Wizard AS neck profile, which is designed for fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for shredders and technical players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ibanez RG8870?

The DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary humbucker in the neck provides warm, vintage tones, while the DiMarzio True Velvet single-coil offers clear, bright sounds. The DiMarzio Tone Zone humbucker in the bridge delivers powerful, punchy tones, perfect for rock and metal.

Is the Ibanez RG8870 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RG8870 is designed with professional-grade features such as a 5-piece maple/wenge neck, jumbo frets, and high-quality DiMarzio pickups, making it an excellent choice for advanced and professional guitarists.

How does the Ibanez RG8870 perform for different music genres?

The versatile pickup configuration and tonewoods of the Ibanez RG8870 make it suitable for various genres, including rock, metal, and jazz, offering both rich cleans and aggressive overdriven tones.

Does the Ibanez RG8870 come with a case?

Yes, the Ibanez RG8870 comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

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Video thumbnail for Axe Design Lab RG8870 | Simon Eichinger | Ibanez by Ibanez Guitars

Axe Design Lab RG8870 | Simon Eichinger | Ibanez

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Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional neck comfort and smooth playability

  • Superior tonal variety with HSH configuration

  • Harmonically rich sound that resonates well

  • High-quality craftsmanship reminiscent of high-end Ibanez models

  • Inspiring design that encourages frequent play

  • Significant upgrade over previous Prestige models

  • Ideal for rock and metal genres

  • Reliable performance with no regrets even after a year

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG8870 Axe Design Lab.

Build quality

  • Jescar nickel silver frets are noted for their exceptional hardness compared to other nickel alloys, offering durability without stainless steel's drawbacks.

    Source
  • Indonesian models reportedly have softer wood, which can be indented with fingernails, unlike the more robust FujiGen builds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compare the Ibanez RG to Suhr guitars, highlighting different playing experiences despite some similarities in design philosophy.

    Source
  • The JEM7V's neck profile is slightly flatter compared to the Wizard necks, with Indonesian models lacking the JEM profile entirely.

    Source
  • Owners often find FujiGen models to offer superior craftsmanship and hardware quality over Indonesian lines, despite the latter's affordability.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find stainless steel frets smoother for bends, though it's debated if they offer significant benefits for the typical shred style associated with Ibanez.

    Source
  • A user reported consistent string slippage with the Edge system during simple bends, necessitating hardware replacement.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The absence of stainless steel frets in high-end Ibanez models is critiqued, especially when cheaper brands like Harley Benton include them.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Stainless steel frets are often preferred for blues or expressive playing styles, but their necessity for shredding is questioned.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend replacing the Indonesian Edge trem systems with standard FR drop-ins for better tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some Indonesian models have trem springs that cause excessive noise, similar to a built-in spring reverb effect.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez unveils all-new experimental Axe Design Lab series with radical 8-string, 9-string and 27-fret models | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Ibanez RG8870 from the Axe Design Lab is a high-end beast that impresses with its J.Custom foundation enhanced by features like a Lo-Pro Edge bridge and an asymmetrical Wizard neck. Its chambered body and scooped lower horn cater to those seeking playability and tonal clarity. The HSH pickup configuration with DiMarzio humbuckers promises versatile sound options. However, the premium craftsmanship comes at a steep $3,299, which could be a hurdle for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it's a luxury item for those who crave superior playability and sound.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Ibanez	RG8870 Axe Design Lab

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 2025

In the YouTube video titled "MY NEW IBANEZ J CUSTOM," Ola Englund confirms his use of the Ibanez RG8870 Axe Design Lab by unboxing and testing the guitar, which he purchased in Tokyo in October 2025.

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