Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,101
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez RGR5221". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ibanez RGR5221 is a powerhouse electric guitar that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, tailored for the discerning guitarist. As part of the renowned Prestige series, this guitar is crafted in Japan with meticulous attention to detail. Its African mahogany body topped with ash ensures a resonant tonal palette, offering a delightful mix of warmth, brightness, and sustain. The 5-piece Super Wizard HP neck, constructed from maple and wenge, is perfect for lightning-fast runs and intricate fingerwork, providing both speed and comfort.
The RGR5221 is equipped with Bare Knuckle Brute Force humbuckers, delivering a high-output, saturated tone ideal for metal and hard rock. These pickups are hand-wound in the UK, ensuring exceptional quality and performance. The unique Alter Switch expands your tonal options, allowing for a wide array of pickup combinations. Its bound Macassar ebony fretboard, adorned with offset Mother of Pearl dot inlays, enhances both playability and aesthetics.
Further enhancing its playability, the guitar features a Gibraltar Standard II bridge, which promotes optimal string vibration transfer for maximum sustain and tuning stability. The Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads ensure reliable tuning and make string changes a breeze, while the Graph Tech nut contributes to its exceptional intonation. For those who play in dimly lit venues, the Luminlay side dots provide enhanced visibility on stage. Complete with a hardshell case, the RGR5221 is not just an instrument, but a statement of craftsmanship and innovation.
Key Features:
- African mahogany body with ash top
- 5-piece maple/wenge Super Wizard HP neck
- Macassar ebony fretboard with offset Mother of Pearl dot inlays
- 24 Jumbo stainless steel frets
- Bare Knuckle Brute Force humbuckers
- 3-Way switch with Alter Switch for extended pickup combinations
- Gibraltar Standard II bridge
- Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads
- Graph Tech nut
- Includes hardshell case
- Made in Japan
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Prestige RG |
| Body Material | African Mahogany |
| Top Material | Ash |
| Body Finish | Satin Polyester |
| Neck Material | 5-Piece Maple/Wenge |
| Neck Shape | Super Wizard HP |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 16.9" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Offset Mother-of-Pearl Dots |
| Number of Frets | 24, Jumbo Stainless Steel |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.692" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech Black Tusq |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Gibraltar Standard III |
| Tuners | Gotoh MG-T Locking Machine Heads |
| Neck Pickup | Bare Knuckle Brute Force Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Bare Knuckle Brute Force Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 1 x mini toggle coil-tap switch, 3-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Ibanez RGR5221 feature?
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The Ibanez RGR5221 is equipped with Bare Knuckle Brute Force Humbucker pickups, known for their high output and aggressive tone, making them ideal for heavy rock and metal genres.
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How does the Super Wizard HP neck on the Ibanez RGR5221 affect playability?
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The Super Wizard HP neck is ultra-thin and flat, providing fast playability and easy access to all 24 frets, which is perfect for shredding and technical playing styles.
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Is the Ibanez RGR5221 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its solidbody construction, locking tuners, and high-output pickups, the Ibanez RGR5221 is well-suited for live performances, offering stability and powerful sound.
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What is the coil-tap feature on the Ibanez RGR5221 used for?
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The coil-tap switch on the Ibanez RGR5221 allows you to split the humbuckers into single-coil mode, providing a wider range of tonal options from thick humbucker sounds to brighter single-coil tones.
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Does the Ibanez RGR5221 come with a case?
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Yes, the Ibanez RGR5221 includes a hardshell case, ensuring safe transport and storage of the guitar.
Videos
TVGuitarCenter
Ibanez RGR5221 TFR | Wacław „Vogg” Kiełtyka | Guitar Center PL
Reviews
PROS
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Bare Knuckle humbuckers deliver powerful, versatile tones from clean to heavy distortion
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Impeccable craftsmanship with high-quality woods and flawless build
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Smooth, fast neck enhances playability and comfort
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Fixed bridge allows quick restringing and stable tuning
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Vibrant color with visible wood grain adds visual appeal
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Versatile three-way switch prevents confusion during performance
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Superior fretwork and ebony fingerboard for precise playing
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Heavy and resonant unplugged sound
CONS
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Split coil feature lacks noticeable tonal difference
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Neck markings may be smaller than preferred
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Finish texture may feel different compared to typical RG models
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Heavier weight may not suit all players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RGR5221.
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
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It's suggested that tone shaping can be more effectively achieved with EQ adjustments via devices like the Fractal FM9 rather than swapping pickups.
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The Bare Knuckle Brute Force pickups are described as having a crisp and neutral sound with more mid-range, suitable for high-gain settings and Drop A tuning.
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Comparisons
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The RGR5221's neck is compared favorably to 90s and 2000s MIJ Ibanez, noted for being slightly thinner than 2000s era Prestige models.
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It's noted that the neck feels thinner than 2005-2009 Prestige models, offering a different playing experience while retaining the solid feel of the neck.
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It shares the Wizard II neck profile with the RG550 but does not include a Floyd Rose, enhancing playability for some.
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User experience
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An owner reports the RGR5221 has been their main guitar for daily use over two years, with the pickups being the only cited weakness.
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Owners appreciate the guitar's ability to play effortlessly after minimal out-of-the-box tweaks, enhancing their playing experience in various tunings.
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Owners highlight its suitability for maintaining lower tunings and delivering a heavy tone, often compared favorably to other RG models.
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Features and functionality
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The coil tap on the RGR5221 is effective, providing decent clean tones despite being a guitar typically favored for high-gain settings.
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The Ibanez RGR5221 includes Bare Knuckle Brute Force pickups with coil splitters and Gotoh locking tuners.
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The input jack is located on the side of the guitar body, avoiding interference with the knobs.
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Value and pricing
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Purchasing used models can offer significant savings, with prices as low as $1,100 for mint condition units, compared to full retail pricing.
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Setup and maintenance
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The saddle height adjustment on the bridge allows easy customization of string action for each string, enhancing playability.
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Build quality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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