Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (6)
$479.99
Thomann
4.6 (51)
$389.00 $385.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£345.00

Average Price: $434

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Ibanez RGA42". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Rev up your shred game with the Ibanez RGA42, a solid body electric guitar designed for speed and precision. With its sleek Wizard III maple neck, this guitar offers a thin, fast profile that’s perfect for high-speed solos and intricate riffs. The jatoba fretboard, featuring 24 jumbo frets, ensures smooth playability with a touch of flair from its white inlays.

Underneath its flamed maple top lies a robust meranti body, delivering a balanced tone that’s both powerful and resonant. This guitar is armed with Quantum humbucking pickups at both the neck and bridge positions, providing thick, articulate distortion perfect for rock, blues, and metal. Whether you're dialing in a crunchy classic rock sound or unleashing a full-on metal assault, these pickups ensure your notes ring through with clarity and definition.

The RGA42's fixed bridge offers solid intonation and tuning stability, making it a reliable partner during intense performances. With its 5-way switch, you have the flexibility to explore a range of tonal possibilities, from rich humbucker tones to crisp, single-coil sounds. This is a guitar that won’t let you down, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Flamed maple top with meranti body
  • Wizard III maple neck with jatoba fretboard
  • 24 jumbo frets with white inlays
  • Scale length: 648 mm; Nut width: 43 mm
  • Dual Quantum humbucking pickups
  • 1 x Volume, 1 x Tone control, and 5-way switch
  • Fixed bridge with black hardware

Product specs

Available since January 2017
Colour Blue
Body Meranti
Top Maple
Neck Maple
Fretboard Jatoba
Frets 24
Scale 648 mm
Pickups HH
Tremolo None
incl. Bag No
incl. Case No

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Ibanez RGA42?

The Ibanez RGA42 features a body made from Meranti wood, which is known for its balanced tone and affordability.

How many frets does the Ibanez RGA42 have?

The Ibanez RGA42 is equipped with 24 frets, offering a wide range for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Ibanez RGA42 come with a tremolo system?

No, the Ibanez RGA42 does not include a tremolo system, which provides greater tuning stability for players who prefer fixed bridge setups.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Ibanez RGA42?

The Ibanez RGA42 is equipped with HH (humbucker-humbucker) pickups, delivering powerful and versatile tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Ibanez RGA42 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez RGA42 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for those starting their guitar journey.

What is the scale length of the Ibanez RGA42?

The Ibanez RGA42 has a scale length of 648 mm, which is standard for many electric guitars and provides a familiar feel for players.

Jarred

Jarred

Ibanez RGA42

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RGA42 by Jarred

Ibanez RGA42

Jarred

Jarred

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RGA42.

Other

  • Owners recommend swapping the stock Quantum pickups due to poor sound quality; DiMarzio pickups are a popular replacement choice, though installation may require cavity routing.

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Build quality

  • Some users report quality control issues, specifically with neck construction, indicating potential factory oversights in certain units.

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  • Some owners report the satin finish becomes glossy in high-contact areas like the palm rest after extended daily use, indicating wear but not detracting from aesthetics.

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Features and functionality

  • The white body stripe is actually the lower border of the maple cap; some find this aesthetic element wider than traditional binding preferences.

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  • The guitar is noted as a good option for metal, with recommendations to opt for a model with a fixed bridge for improved stability.

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Comparisons

  • Quantum pickups are often considered inferior compared to the Infinity pickups found in cheaper Ibanez Gio models.

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  • The RGA42FM is compared favorably to more expensive Japanese Ibanez models, with some owners noting similar playability after setup.

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User experience

  • Despite pickup issues, the Wizard neck profile is praised for its thinness and playability, appealing to those who prioritize neck feel.

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  • The guitar is praised for its light weight and comfort, with specific mention of stable tuning and well-functioning machine heads across multiple users.

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  • Owners describe the RGA42FM as having exceptional ergonomics, with some preferring its arch top design over other Ibanez models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • EMG 85 and 81 pickups are popular upgrades for those aiming to enhance tone, particularly when tuning to D for heavy riffing.

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  • Although fine for bedroom use, replacing pickups is recommended for improved gigging performance, enhancing versatility beyond metal.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RGA42 is favored for metal genres, with users highlighting its capability as a "riff monster" when properly modified and tuned.

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  • The guitar is deemed suitable for gigging with minimal modifications, such as adding locking straps for increased security.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some initial setup is necessary out of the box, but minimal adjustments are needed for optimal playability.

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5.0 out of 5

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Genre Usage

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