Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Ibanez Roadstar II Series is a testament to the era of innovation and design that brought us a new wave of electric guitars. Crafted for the serious guitarist, this solid body electric guitar offers a blend of classic style and modern performance. Known for its versatility and reliability, the Roadstar II is well-suited for a variety of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and pop.

With its Super 6 pickups, the Roadstar II Series delivers a powerful and clear sound, providing an impressive tonal range that can easily adapt to your playing style. The sleek, contoured body ensures comfort during long sessions, while the responsive maple neck allows for smooth and fast playability. The double-locking tremolo system offers exceptional tuning stability, enabling you to experiment with dive-bombs and vibratos without fear of going out of tune.

Whether you are performing on stage, recording in the studio, or jamming with friends, the Ibanez Roadstar II Series ensures you have the tools you need to express your musical creativity. Its durability and high-quality craftsmanship make it a reliable choice for both emerging and seasoned guitarists.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Super 6 pickups for a wide tonal range
  • Maple neck for fast playability
  • Double-locking tremolo system for stable tuning
  • Versatile sound suitable for multiple genres
  • Contoured body for comfortable playing
  • High-quality craftsmanship for long-lasting performance
Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

1984 Ibanez RS130 Roadstar II Guitar Review By Scott Grove

Video thumbnail for 1984 Ibanez RS130 Roadstar II Guitar Review By Scott Grove by Groovy Music Lessons

1984 Ibanez RS130 Roadstar II Guitar Review By Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

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 Series 1984 Serie Deluxe RS1300 NT Made in Japan by WelcomeGuitars

Ibanez Roadstar II Series 1984 Serie Deluxe RS1300 NT Made in Japan

WelcomeGuitars

WelcomeGuitars

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 series 1986 (japan) "SLOW BLUES" by Koksziz Jam Track

Ibanez Roadstar II series 1986 (japan) "SLOW BLUES"

Koksziz Jam Track

Koksziz Jam Track

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II 1986's Guitar Test. by ชิตชัย Channel

Ibanez Roadstar II 1986's Guitar Test.

ชิตชัย Channel

ชิตชัย Channel

Video thumbnail for 1985 Ibanez Roadstar II Series RS430  Made in Japan by WelcomeGuitars

1985 Ibanez Roadstar II Series RS430 Made in Japan

WelcomeGuitars

WelcomeGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Roadstar II features a beefy D neck profile, likened to a fattened Charvel San Dimas, with a minimum 12" radius and vintage frets.

    Source
  • It's noted that models from 1983 are likely made in Japan, suggesting a higher build quality compared to other regions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Weighing 7lbs 13oz, the guitar's thinner body contributes to its more manageable weight.

    Source
  • It's noted that some Roadstar II Basses feature a PJ pickup configuration, offering a blend of P and J bass characteristics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Noted for being lightyears ahead of cheaper Fender Strat models in playability, especially for non-metal genres.

    Source
  • Owners suggest that these guitars can outperform modern Gibson models in terms of quality, particularly if they're Japanese-made.

    Source
  • The Ibanez Roadstar II Bass is likened to a P-bass in feel and sound, with DiMarzio pickups noted for their hot and punchy tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of over 25 guitars consistently return to the Roadstar II for its superior playability and versatility.

    Source
  • A local shop owner reportedly uses these as his main guitars, owning six in different colors, highlighting their reliability and appeal.

    Source
  • A bass player mentioned borrowing a Roadstar II when their Rickenbacker was in the shop, appreciating its well-made feel and great tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some models feature aftermarket official Floyd Rose installations, indicating adaptability for more personalized setups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Roadstar IIs from the early '80s often fetch between $400-$500, indicating a $150 asking price is a bargain.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
L

Great guitar.

Got this guitar from my dad about three years ago almost four now and it's been great. I've played all my favorite songs on it and it's the best guitar I've ever used (even though it's my own guitar).

myndlis

My first pro guitar... I got it in 1986

What can I say? You have a Fender and a Gibson in a single guitar. It's a Japan 1986, and sounds better every year.

perry_the_platypus

yes

Super rad guitar.... I use it live all the time

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thurston Moore uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

According to the Sonic Youth website it is said:

Used by Thurston: 1987-1988 1987 -- F#F#GGAA (Schizophrenia, Tom Violence, White Kross) 1988 -- D#D#AAEE (Rain King) NOTES:

Black body 2 black single coils, 1 humbucker Rosewood fretboard White pickguard 1 slider 2 knobs 1 unknown square sticker

See how Moby uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Moby

Music Producer

Vatican Commandos

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is, of all the things I'm selling, this is the one that I was possibly tempted to hold on to 'cause it has such sentimental value. I bought this guitar, this Ibanez guitar, in nineteen-eighty... three. Up until about 1998 I didn't use a different guitar so, when I was recording Play I used this, when I toured for Everything Is Wrong, for Animal Rights, this was pretty much the only guitar that I used."

See how John Scofield uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

John Scofield

Guitarist, Composer

Medeski Martin & Wood

...
Verified via Sfjazz

In an article titled "John Scofield's Outside-In Approach To Jazz" on Sfjazz, a photo by Jan Persson captures John Scofield performing with Miles Davis in 1984, playing a black Ibanez Roadstar II SSS, circa 1984.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Red

in the very early days of Sum 41 Deryck used to use an Ibanez Guitars Roadstar II Series. but unfortunately, it was stolen after a gig and Deryck never found it again :(

See how Andreas Kisser uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Andreas Kisser

Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via YouTube

4:20 into the video, Andreas can be seen playing on an Ibanez Roadstar II RS RG440.

See how Brian Bell uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Brian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified

Brian Bell claims that the Ibanez Roadstar II Series was his first guitar, as documented on Weezerpedia.

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video Fluff goes over all of his gear. At 7:45 he picks up his 1988 Roadstar, mentioning it is in HH rather than HSS.

See how John Dieterich uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

John Dieterich

Guitarist, Music Producer

Deerhoof

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Fullmoonzine, John Dieterich is seen with an Ibanez Roadstar II Series guitar.

See how Midge Ure uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Midge Ure

Guitarist, Singer

Ultravox

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

According to this article from Vintage Guitar magazine, in the 1980s, "Ure relied on an Ibanez Roadstar. 'It was stock until I had everything onstage painted grey for the Return to Eden tour--flooring, backdrop, and back line,' he explained. 'It looked fantastic, and the color remained on the guitar after the tour. It became not only my signature guitar, but my favorite. You know how an instrument can feel just right?'

See how Jeff "Mantas" Dunn uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Jeff "Mantas" Dunn

Guitarist

Venom

...
Verified via Photo

Jeff "Mantas" Dunn played an Ibanez Roadstar II Series electric guitar during the 1980s, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Ultimate Guitar.

See how Skay Beilinson uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Skay Beilinson

Guitarist

Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota

...
Verified via Musiquiatra

Usada en los 80 con Patricio Rey y sus redonditos de ricota

See how Dado Villa-Lobos uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Dado Villa-Lobos

Guitarist, Composer

Legião Urbana

...
Verified via Photo

In this video clip (https://youtu.be/x7huOn110KQ), Dado Villa-Lobos is seen playing an Ibanez Roadstar II Series guitar, specifically a Stratocaster-style model.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Roadstar II Series, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson SG Standard
Gibson SG Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Source Audio Vertigo Tremolo
Source Audio Vertigo Tremolo Tremolo Effects Pedals
1
Collings D1
Collings D1 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
AMS Neve 1073DPA
AMS Neve 1073DPA Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Drybell Vibe Machine V-1
Drybell Vibe Machine V-1 Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
stuntguitarist

stuntguitarist

Gear IQ 105

More Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars

Similar

Gear Guides