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Description

The Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard is a staple in the world of solid body electric guitars, renowned for its reliability and craftsmanship since its introduction in the 1980s. This classic model combines a vintage aesthetic with modern playability, making it a versatile choice for musicians across genres. The RS205 is equipped with Ibanez's proprietary Super 70 humbucking pickups, which are known for delivering a warm and full-bodied sound, perfect for both clean and overdriven tones.

Crafted with a sleek and contoured body, the RS205 offers exceptional comfort for long performances or practice sessions. Its maple neck is known for its smoothness, enhancing playability and allowing for fast, effortless movement across the fretboard. The addition of a rosewood fingerboard further enriches the tone, providing a balanced high-end response. The guitar's hardware is both rugged and reliable, ensuring stable tuning and intonation.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard is an instrument that delivers both style and substance. Its blend of traditional design and modern features ensures it will remain a cherished part of any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar design
  • Super 70 humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Contoured body for enhanced playability
  • Reliable hardware for stable tuning and intonation

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RS205-BS Roadstar II Standard, RS205-BY Roadstar II Standard, RS205-WH Roadstar II Standard
Year 1983 - 1984
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 Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Ibanez Roadstar
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.656"
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Roadstar II, Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard best suited for?

The Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard, with its SSS pickup configuration and basswood body, is versatile and well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and pop, delivering bright and clear tones.

How does the tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RS205 affect its playability?

The tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RS205 allows for pitch variations and expressive playing, making it ideal for styles that benefit from vibrato effects, such as rock and surf music.

Is the Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard suitable for beginner guitarists?

With its comfortable bolt-on maple neck and 21 frets, the Ibanez RS205 is accessible for beginners while offering quality features that satisfy more experienced players.

How does the basswood body of the Ibanez RS205 influence its sound?

The basswood body of the Ibanez RS205 provides a balanced tone with a good mix of warmth and brightness, making it versatile for various musical styles.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard like?

The Ibanez RS205 features a comfortable, slim neck profile, making it easy to play for extended periods and suitable for fast playing styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RS205 Roadstar II Standard.

Build quality

  • The neck features a beefy D profile, reminiscent of a fattened Charvel San Dimas carve, with a flat radius of at least 12 inches.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RS205 Roadstar II is reported to be thinner than most guitars, weighing approximately 7lbs 13oz, contributing to a more balanced feel.

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Comparisons

  • Users compare the RS205 to other vintage guitars, noting its superior playability over cheaper Fender Stratocasters, especially for non-metal genres.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the durability and aesthetic appeal, particularly the bird's eye wood finish, which is noted for its beauty.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have added DiMarzio Mega Drive pickups, removed the neck single coil, and modified the input jack position to enhance playability.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A common modification includes routing the input jack to a "normal" position, as the original placement interfered with the whammy bar.

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Critic Reviews

Ibanez Roadstar guitars (12T Jan 83)

muzines.co.uk

Ibanez's RS205 Roadstar II Standard is a competent contender against rivals like the Fender Squier and Tokai ST series, offering a slightly lower price point. Its sunburst finish and vibrato arm shine, but the tone controls are awkwardly placed, and the knobs' cosmetics are a letdown. The neck is a standout feature, smooth and easy to play, despite the setup issues leading to buzzing strings. Sound-wise, the single coils offer a sharp, thin tone, lacking the fullness of competitors, though some might appreciate its edgy character. While not groundbreaking, it's a solid, affordable choice with a few quirks.

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