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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.

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

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  • 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 Brian Patton uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Brian Patton

Guitarist

EyeHateGod

...
Verified via Photo

Brian Patton used an Ibanez Roadstar II Series guitar with Eyehategod during the 1990s. According to an Instagram post by Patton, "A kid jumped off the PA and the tower fell on me and ripped frets out," referencing an incident on the EHG/Chaos UK tour.

SOURCE AUTHOR: brian_patton_soilent_ehg SOURCE CAPTION: Came across the fossil. My first “real” guitar. The EHG/Chaos UK tour took it out. Kid jumped off the PA and the tower fell on me and ripped frets out.

See how Cristóbal Briceño uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Cristóbal Briceño

Singer, Guitarist

Ases Falsos

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 3:38 mark in the YouTube video "FOTHER MUCKERS - 2022" by chicleclip, Cristóbal Briceño is seen playing an Ibanez Roadstar II Series guitar, featuring three single-coil pickups, likely in black.

See how Nora Cheng uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Nora Cheng

Singer, Guitarist

Horsegirl

...
Verified via YouTube

During Horsegirl's live performance on KEXP, Nora Cheng, the guitarist and vocalist for the band, was observed playing an Ibanez Roadstar II Series guitar. This performance, documented in the "Horsegirl - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)" video, includes songs such as "Anti-glory," among others, where Cheng's use of the Ibanez Roadstar II is evident. The detailed recording from July 16, 2022, hosted by KEXP, provides clear visual confirmation of Cheng's gear choice for this event.

See how Greg Norton uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Greg Norton

Bassist, Composer

Hüsker Dü

...
Verified via Thirdav

According to Hüsker Dü's equipment notes on Thirdav, Greg Norton used an Ibanez Roadstar II Series bass guitar.

See how Trond Holter uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Trond Holter

Guitarist, Composer

Wig Wam

...
Verified via Photo

Trond Holter is seen with an Ibanez Roadstar II Series guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Fbcdn, illustrating his use of this solid body electric guitar.

See how Marty Mcfly uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Marty Mcfly

Singer, Guitarist

The Pinheads

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Mark and Joe identify that he used an Ibanez roadster ii and describe the history behind it.

See how Marko "Nuclear Holocausto" Laiho uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Marko "Nuclear Holocausto" Laiho

Singer, Guitarist

Beherit

...
Verified via Photo

Played this guitar in the debut 90's

See how Scott Martinez uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Scott Martinez

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via audiocaverecording

Martinez' bass from the 1980's used in Autumn Cathedral

See how Andy Falco uses Ibanez Roadstar II Series

Andy Falco

Guitarist

Infamous Stringdusters

...
Verified via andy falco

Seymour Duncan pickups: SSL-5 neck and middle(rw/rp), JB humbucker for the bridge. Guitar has 5 way switch, 1 Volume (push pull for single coil/humbucker toggle) and 1 tone. This was the first guitar that was bought for me as a Christmas present from my parents, and the guitar I learned on. I stripped the thick red finish off and put a black lacquer finish on it. Once I replaced all the electronics with high end pots, switch and wiring along with the Duncan P/U’s, this guitar became a really amazing instrument that I still use today.

G

Graham Weir

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Muzines

Graham Weir (trombone, guitar, keyboards) bought a Japanese Fender Telecaster the day of OMD's Edinburgh gig in February. Panic had occurred when his own Ibanez Roadstar guitar suddenly produced a loud and unrepairable earth buzz. It was the end of the tour, so he bought a new one. "I fancied another cleaner sounding guitar," he says. "I love the shape and the sound of the Tele, it's good for all ranges of stuff. So I got one, and played it that night — it caught the spotlights very well in my home town."

Used With

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

Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson SG Standard
Gibson SG Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
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

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stuntguitarist

stuntguitarist

Gear IQ 105

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