Pricing and availability

Average Price: $750

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

For those who thrive in the world of heavy riffs and soaring solos, the Ibanez RGD420z is your ideal companion. This solid body electric guitar is crafted for the modern metal player, featuring a sleek and aggressive design that ensures both comfort and playability. The 26.5" scale neck gives you that extra edge, perfect for down-tuning without sacrificing tension or clarity. Its sharp body shape not only looks the part but also provides excellent balance and effortless access to upper frets, making it perfect for those who prefer a low-slung style.

Equipped with original CAP-VK pickups, the RGD420z offers a dynamic range and powerful output, allowing you to cut through any mix with clarity and precision. Whether you're delivering crushing riffs or melodic solos, this guitar is engineered to enhance your sonic expression. The double-locking tremolo system ensures your tuning stability, even through the most intense performances.

Join a community of musicians who appreciate the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Ibanez RGD420z, and experience a guitar that's as committed to pushing the boundaries as you are.

Key Features:

  • 26.5" scale neck for optimal down-tuning
  • CAP-VK pickups for dynamic range and powerful output
  • Sharp body shape for improved balance and fret access
  • Double-locking tremolo system for tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RGD420Z-BKF Standard
Finish Black Flat
Year 2012
Made In Indonesia
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
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Model Sub-Family Ibanez RGD
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.695"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the Ibanez RGD420z suitable for down-tuning?

The Ibanez RGD420z features a 26.5" scale length, which provides better string tension and clarity when down-tuning. It comes factory-tuned a full step down to D-G-C-F-A-D, making it ideal for heavy genres that require lower tunings.

What type of pickups does the Ibanez RGD420z have, and what tones can I expect?

The Ibanez RGD420z is equipped with CAP VK1 and VK2 humbucking pickups, offering a versatile range of tones from warm, rich cleans to aggressive, high-gain leads, suitable for rock and metal genres.

How does the Edge Zero II bridge on the Ibanez RGD420z enhance playability?

The Edge Zero II bridge with ZPS3Fe provides excellent tuning stability and smooth tremolo action, allowing for expressive playing styles without sacrificing pitch accuracy.

Is the Ibanez RGD420z suitable for advanced guitarists?

Yes, the Ibanez RGD420z is designed with advanced features like a Wizard III neck for fast playability, a locking tremolo system, and a versatile pickup configuration, making it suitable for experienced players seeking a reliable performance guitar.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RGD420z?

The Ibanez RGD420z features a 3-piece maple Wizard III neck, known for its slim and fast profile, providing comfort and speed for technical playing styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RGD420z.

Comparisons

  • The Ibanez RGD420Z, with its 26.5" scale and humbuckers, offers a distinct difference in playability compared to 25.5" scale guitars with single coils like Mexican Strats.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's 26.5" scale length accommodates lower tunings like Drop B, making it suitable for modern metal and djent genres.

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Features and functionality

  • The minimalistic design with EMG pickups, a simple volume knob, and a switch complements the floating bridge for a streamlined playing experience.

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Build quality

  • Some owners note that these older RGD models are highly regarded in specific music communities, which led to improved quality in subsequent releases.

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Value and pricing

  • The guitar's rarity is highlighted by the fact that only four have been seen for sale on Reverb over two years.

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  • Replacement tremolo arms for the Edge Zero II are found significantly cheaper online than expected, enhancing the value proposition for maintaining this model.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The Edge Zero II bridge can be restored with a replacement tremolo arm, part#2TRX5BD001, available for about $25, much cheaper than the initially assumed $60.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
braedon_clawsey

Stable, reliable and predictable with no frills.

I bought this guitar in mid-2015 and have played it heavily on stage and in the studio ever since. I play in a progressive metal band and I tend to be very demanding towards my guitars. I'm going to start with the pros and then the cons to simplify things.

Pros: This guitar is very predictable and it is never going to go out of tune, the only time I've ever had to tune it is while replacing the strings. I love the simplicity of this instrument, you have your three-way selector and a volume knob and that's it. I added a speed knob and a coil tap for a little extra versatility as a recording guitar, but overall I'm pretty impressed with the fit and finish and I haven't had an issue with the hardware yet. The edge system was a nice touch, but I removed it to make using the tremolo a little more flexible for flutters. It does NOT need it. I've been abusing this guitar since I got it and it hasn't gone out of tune.

Cons: As soon as I plugged it in I knew the pickups would have to be replaced. They were VERY muddy and boomy in the low end and lacked articulation in the high end. I dropped a Seymour Duncan '59 and JB in and it is a great all round guitar, not tonally weak in any area but also does not shine in any area. I had a huge problem changing the pickups over as the switch is VERY strange, I was not able to find any wiring diagrams for it so it was more or less trial and error. I had to switch all the wiring out for a smaller gauge because of how small the internal cavities are. Minor thing, the fret ends were pretty rough when I got it, but I think I paid $450 canadian for this guitar on sale so it's bound to have some minor flaws.

Overall a very dependable main instrument. It is now my secondary instrument as I picked up a Sterling by Music Man JP60. It's nice not having to deal with the double locking system, but it can't take QUITE as much whammy abuse as this guitar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jake Bowen uses Ibanez RGD420z

Jake Bowen

Guitarist

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

IN this post jake shows off his rga420z that was sent to him by ibanez

See how Thomas Betrisey uses Ibanez RGD420z

Thomas Betrisey

Guitarist, Bassist

Sybreed

...
Verified via Photo

Thomas Betrisey used the Ibanez RGD420z guitar during various shows in 2011 and 2012, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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