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Average Price: $514

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Description

The Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe is a classic solid body electric guitar that captures the essence of 1980s rock and roll flair. With its sleek design and versatile sound, it’s an instrument tailored for both vintage enthusiasts and modern players. The RS440 is equipped with a unique combination of pickups, including the Super 6 single coil and the Super 58 humbucker, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. This guitar excels in delivering clear, articulate notes and punchy, dynamic sounds, making it perfect for genres ranging from blues to hard rock.

Designed with a comfortable maple neck and a smooth rosewood fretboard, the RS440 ensures excellent playability, allowing for fast, intricate solos and steady rhythms alike. The double-cutaway body not only enhances access to higher frets but also contributes to its distinctive, sharp look. The guitar features a reliable tremolo bridge system, perfect for expressive dive bombs and subtle vibrato, ensuring your performance is always captivating. Ibanez's attention to detail in craftsmanship and components makes the RS440 a durable and reliable choice for both gigging musicians and studio artists.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Super 6 single coil and Super 58 humbucker pickups
  • Double-cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
  • Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
  • Reliable tremolo bridge system
  • Known for its versatile tonal range, suitable for various music styles
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RS440-BK Roadstar II Deluxe, RS440-FR Roadstar II Deluxe, RS440-RV Roadstar II Deluxe, RS440-WH Roadstar II Deluxe
Year 1984 - 1985
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Purple, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez Roadstar
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Roadstar II
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe?

The Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe features a slim, comfortable neck profile that is ideal for fast playing and easy access to all 22 frets, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ibanez RS440's HSS pickup configuration?

The HSS pickup configuration on the Ibanez RS440 offers a versatile range of tones, from warm, full-bodied humbucker sounds to bright, clear single-coil tones, suitable for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Is the Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its solid basswood body, locking tremolo bridge for stable tuning, and versatile pickup configuration for a wide range of tones.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RS440 affect playability?

The locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RS440 provides improved tuning stability and allows for expressive pitch modulation, making it ideal for players who incorporate dive bombs and other tremolo effects into their playing.

What makes the Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe a collectible guitar?

The Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe, produced in Japan during the mid-1980s, is considered collectible due to its high build quality, distinctive design, and historical significance as part of the iconic Roadstar series.

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Ibanez Roadstar II Series RS440 Deluxe Black

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadstar II Series RS440 Deluxe Black by johnnyangel69

Ibanez Roadstar II Series RS440 Deluxe Black

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest using Maas or Brasso sparingly to clean rust on pickups; start with mild methods like finger oil before escalating to #0000 steel wool.

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  • Chrome bubbling due to rust can be addressed, but pitting may remain; careful cleaning is vital to restore shine.

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  • A player modified their RS440's cord input from the top to a more traditional position due to interference with the whammy bar, initially using a plastic cover.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A combination of a tele-style lipstick tube on the neck, single coil in the middle, and blade humbucker at the bridge can offer diverse tonal options.

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User experience

  • The RS440's thicker neck prompts players to lean towards blues styles, differing from modern shredding Ibanez models.

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  • The RS440's build is described as a workhorse, capable of enduring significant use while maintaining performance.

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  • A user who owned an RS440 reported snapping a bridge piece during tuning, highlighting potential fragility in the bridge components.

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Value and pricing

  • Keeping the RS440 original maintains its value as part of the Deluxe line, which appreciates over time compared to modified models.

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Features and functionality

  • Some users experienced input jack issues, often resolved by resoldering loose connections, hinting at common maintenance needs for vintage models.

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Comparisons

  • The RS440's beefy D profile neck is likened to a fattened Charvel San Dimas carve, distinct from modern spindly Ibanez necks, with at least a 12" radius.

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  • The RS440 is noted for its bird's eye finish, which some owners find more visually appealing than modern RG models.

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Build quality

  • The Roadstar II is known for its thinner body, weighing approximately 7lbs 13oz, with potential materials being "basswood or alder" coupled with a maple top.

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Artist usage

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See how Chuck Schuldiner uses Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe

Chuck Schuldiner

Guitarist, Singer

Death (Metal Band)

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Year: 1986

Chuck Schuldiner used the Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe guitar during his brief tenure with the Canadian band SLAUGHTER. This is evidenced by a photograph showing a guitar identical to the one Schuldiner is known to have played at that time.

See how Ethan Kath uses Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe

Ethan Kath

Music Producer

Crystal Castles

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: White Year: 1984

In the provided image, Ethan Kath is visibly using an Ibanez RS440 Roadstar II Deluxe guitar, which was exclusively produced between 1984 and 1985.

Genre Usage

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