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Average Price: $300

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez Roadstar II is a testament to the evolution of electric guitars, offering a blend of classic design and innovative engineering. Known for its versatility, this solid body electric guitar is a favorite among musicians seeking both sound quality and playability. The Roadstar II showcases an HSS pickup configuration that provides a wide range of tones, making it suitable for genres ranging from rock to blues. Its sleek body design ensures comfort during long jam sessions, while the reliable tuning stability makes it a trustworthy companion on stage and in the studio.

Equipped with a 5-way pickup selector switch, the Roadstar II gives players the flexibility to explore different soundscapes. The bridge, featuring a tremolo system, enables expressive playing, allowing for subtle vibratos and dramatic dive bombs. The construction quality is unmatched, with a solid wood body that delivers a rich resonance and sustain. Guitarists will appreciate the smooth neck profile that facilitates fast, intricate playing styles.

For musicians who demand both style and substance, the Ibanez Roadstar II stands out as a remarkable instrument that doesn’t compromise on performance or aesthetics.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • HSS pickup configuration for tonal versatility
  • 5-way pickup selector switch
  • Tremolo bridge for expressive playing
  • Smooth neck profile for fast playability
  • Reliable tuning stability
  • Rich resonance from quality wood construction

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RS135-BK Roadstar II Standard, RS135-RD Roadstar II Standard, RS135-WH Roadstar II Standard
Finish Black, Red, White
Year 1983 - 1985
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Ibanez Roadstar
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Roadstar II, Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez Roadstar II like?

The Ibanez Roadstar II features a comfortable, slim neck profile, which is ideal for fast playing styles and easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

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

The Ibanez Roadstar II is equipped with a single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), offering bright and clear tones perfect for genres like rock, blues, and funk.

Is the Ibanez Roadstar II suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez Roadstar II's solid body and reliable tremolo bridge make it well-suited for live performances, providing stability and versatility on stage.

How does the Ibanez Roadstar II handle different musical styles?

The Ibanez Roadstar II's versatile single-coil pickups and solid construction allow it to handle a wide range of musical styles, from clean jazz tones to gritty rock sounds.

What is the scale length of the Ibanez Roadstar II?

The Ibanez Roadstar II features a 25.5-inch scale length, which is standard for many electric guitars, providing a familiar feel and tension for most players.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Ibanez Roadstar II Made in Japan | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II Made in Japan | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

Ibanez Roadstar II Made in Japan | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II RS440 Review by Dex Deimos

Ibanez Roadstar II RS440 Review

Dex Deimos

Dex Deimos

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II Series 1986 Japan - Test by Pablo Melpignano

Ibanez Roadstar II Series 1986 Japan - Test

Pablo Melpignano

Pablo Melpignano

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II RS-100 NT 1983 Japan made guitar soundcheck by Tamás Pógyor

Ibanez Roadstar II RS-100 NT 1983 Japan made guitar soundcheck

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

Video thumbnail for test  Ibanez Roadstar II by Khakai Santanoi

test Ibanez Roadstar II

Khakai Santanoi

Khakai Santanoi

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II 1983 - Demo/Review by Mats Moland Træen

Ibanez Roadstar II 1983 - Demo/Review

Mats Moland Træen

Mats Moland Træen

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The neck has a beefy D profile, similar to a fattened Charvel San Dimas, with a 12" radius and small vintage frets.

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  • Made in Japan models are highly sought after, often outperforming modern equivalents in quality and going for $400-$500.

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Features and functionality

  • Original 1980s models often have a non-locking tremolo system, with some users modifying the cord input position due to whammy bar interference.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A Roadstar II weighed in at 7lbs 13oz, making it relatively lightweight for its size and contributing to its playability.

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  • Users report bridge alignment issues, with saddles often crooked, suggesting a need for careful inspection and potential replacement.

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User experience

  • Despite having a single coil, one owner reports the Roadstar II excels in versatility but isn't suited for modern metal chugging.

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  • Known for reliability, with guitar shop owners using multiple units as their main instruments.

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  • Owners appreciate the instrument's weight, noting it as having "good weight" contributing to its solid feel.

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Comparisons

  • The Roadstar II is described as offering superior playability over lower-end Fender Strats, particularly Squier models.

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  • Compared favorably to Mexican-made Fenders and outperforms some Gibson LP Custom models in user experience.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replaced the neck single coil and tone knob, opting for a DiMarzio Mega Drive pickup to enhance tonal variety.

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  • A Hipshot bridge is recommended for improved stability and performance, with other options like Gotoh bridges also mentioned as potential upgrades.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently highlight the guitar's suitability across various genres, excluding heavy modern metal, emphasizing its adaptability.

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  • The RB885 model is highlighted for its use by Paul Ryder for classic albums, adding historical significance to its tonal reputation.

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Value and pricing

  • A 1983 model in good condition is a bargain at $150, considering typical market prices.

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  • An owner secured the RB885 for $425, considered a fair price, especially with a case included, compared to higher listings for similar models.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mkn_upa

My first

My first realelectric guitar... and the discovering of distortion...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mark Lettieri uses Ibanez Roadstar II

Mark Lettieri

Guitarist

The Fearless Flyers

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Black Year: 1980s

This Ibanez Roadstar II is owned by Mark Lettieri.

See how John Dieterich uses Ibanez Roadstar II

John Dieterich

Guitarist, Music Producer

Deerhoof

...
Verified via Photo

John live w/ his Ibanez Roadstar circa 2007... in 3 pickup config.

Genre Usage

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

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