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Average Price: $1,299

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Description

Embark on a sonic journey with the Ibanez RG9 Standard, an extended-range electric guitar designed for adventurous musicians seeking new horizons. This nine-string marvel builds upon Ibanez's legacy of innovative design, offering both seasoned shredders and experimental artists a gateway to untapped musical dimensions.

Crafted with a robust basswood body, the RG9 ensures resonance and balance, while its expansive 28-inch scale length allows for rich, deep tuning options that push the boundaries of traditional guitar sounds. The rosewood fingerboard complements the sleek aesthetics with its classic pearl dot inlays, providing both visual appeal and a smooth playing surface. With jumbo frets, your expressive bends and dynamic solos will feel effortless, empowering endless creative exploration.

Central to the RG9's prowess are its proprietary QM-9 humbuckers, specifically engineered to excel in the low-end frequency spectrum. These pickups deliver a dynamic range of thick, distorted tones, perfect for crafting your signature sound. Whether you're delving into progressive metal or exploring ambient soundscapes, the RG9 Standard adapts to your style with ease.

The Ultra-9 neck is a testament to Ibanez's commitment to playability, offering a slim profile that fits comfortably in your hand, inspiring hours of uninterrupted creativity. Experience the unmatched versatility and performance of the RG9—a guitar that doesn't just extend your range, but expands your musical universe.

Key Features:

  • Extended 9-string range
  • 28-inch scale length for deep tuning possibilities
  • Basswood body with rosewood fingerboard
  • Jumbo frets for enhanced playability
  • Proprietary QM-9 humbuckers for thick, dynamic tones
  • Ultra-9 neck for superior comfort and speed

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG9-BK Standard
Year 2014 - 2016
Made In Indonesia
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 9-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez RG9 Standard suitable for?

The Ibanez RG9 Standard, with its 9-string configuration and versatile electronics, is ideal for metal, progressive rock, and other genres that benefit from extended range and complex chordal textures.

How does the Ibanez RG9 Standard's neck profile affect playability?

The Wizard-9 neck profile is designed for speed and comfort, making it well-suited for fast playing styles and complex fingerwork often required in technical genres.

What is the scale length of the Ibanez RG9 Standard, and why is it important?

The Ibanez RG9 Standard features a 28" scale length, which helps maintain string tension and clarity on the lower strings, crucial for extended range tuning stability and tonal definition.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez RG9 Standard active or passive?

The Ibanez RG9 Standard is equipped with passive QM-9 ceramic pickups, offering a powerful and articulate sound suitable for a wide range of tones from clean to aggressive.

Does the Ibanez RG9 Standard support coil splitting?

Yes, the Ibanez RG9 Standard features a 5-way switch with coil splitting, allowing for a variety of tonal options by accessing single-coil sounds alongside the humbucker tones.

Andrew Baena

Andrew Baena

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BATTLE OF THE 9 STRING GUITARS - Ibanez RG9 vs Schecter C9 Hellraiser Review & Comparison

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Andrew Baena

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Albert Houwaart

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Ibanez RG9-BK demonstration with Sam Bell

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IbanezGBI

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NAMM 2014: Ibanez RG9 Nine String Electric Guitar

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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 RG9 Standard.

Setup and maintenance

  • A .125 gauge string on a 28" scale is reported to create excessive tension, with a quick check showing about 28 lbs, suggesting .90-.105 for balanced tension.

    Source
  • Factory string gauge setup ranges from 9 to 90, which some users find too thin for their taste, yet still an improvement over typical out-of-the-box setups.

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  • Some users experience severe buzzing on the 9th string at 3mm action height, suggesting potential issues with Gibraltar II bridge compatibility and truss rod adjustments.

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Comparisons

  • A .135 gauge string is typically used on a 34" bass, highlighting the potential mismatch for the RG9’s 28" scale.

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  • Some players have transitioned to using bass guitars for low tunings instead of extended range guitars, suggesting alternative solutions for achieving desired tonal depths.

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  • In terms of playability, Ibanez RG9 is noted to be significantly easier than the Schecter Hellraiser C8 according to users who have switched between the two.

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Use cases and applications

  • Users experimenting with 10-string setups find .90 for C# and .110 for G# on a 27/30 multiscale can be flubby, implying careful consideration for string gauges on the Ibanez RG9.

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  • The instrument's tone is described as "big and low," which suits djent styles well, though some find the lowest notes can sound "farty" if not handled carefully.

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  • Proper EQ is crucial for managing high overtones and achieving clarity on low notes; boosting lower mids (300-500Hz) can help enhance clarity.

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User experience

  • One user suggested that using a .124 gauge for B0 on a 28" scale seemed excessive, indicating potential difficulty in achieving optimal sound with thicker strings on the RG9.

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  • Players report the neck of the Ibanez RG9 as "ridiculously fast," making it easier to play compared to Schecter Hellraiser C8, even without EMG pickups.

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  • Regular hand size is adequate for playing the RG9, but proper thumb positioning behind the neck is crucial for comfortable playability.

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  • It's suggested to observe precise right-hand technique, like Joshua Travis, for controlling low-register notes, using a 0.88 gauge on low A for precision.

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Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez RG9 uses Ibanez QM-9 pickups, which contribute significantly to its distinct clean tone.

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  • The Fishman pickups are noted as very hot, requiring adjustments like lowering them significantly, though results may vary.

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Software and compatibility

  • Bias FX 2 is commonly used with the RG9, but users report potential clipping issues, recommending careful gain management.

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Critic Reviews

Ibanez RG9 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Ibanez's RG9 Standard is a bold leap into the world of extended-range guitars, offering impressive tonal versatility and solid craftsmanship at an attractive price. The five-piece maple/bubinga neck reinforced with titanium rods ensures durability, while the QM-9 humbuckers and five-way switching system provide an unexpectedly rich palette of tones, from glassy shimmer to deep bass. However, its nine-string setup can be daunting, requiring dedication to master, and it might not be the ideal choice for a casual pub gig. Yet, for adventurous guitarists, it’s a compelling compositional tool.

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