2012 Ibanez RG3-XXV "25th ANNIVERSARY" Limited Edition + OHSC

2012 Ibanez RG3-XXV "25th Anniversary" Edition in Laser Blue finish.

Like-new condition with only low hours of playing time. All original and comes from smoke/pet free house. Guitar has been kept inside hardshell case when not played.

The "25th Anniversary" was released ONLY in 2012 to mark the 25th year anniversary of the Ibanez RG series. They released 2 color ways only: Laser Blue and Candy Apple Red.

Ibanez also decided to make a really cool and unique matching blue headstock with the body.

Another subtle feature is the dot inlays... they are a light blue..... you can't really tell from far away... but if you look close, its a blue color instead of black. Gives it a nice touch to the guitar that only the player might be able to tell.

Really easy neck to play with both up and down the frets. 5-way selector switch like a Strat. Stock DiMarzio pickups gives it a really balanced tone.

24 jumbo frets, 3 piece maple neck, maple fretboard.

I also bought a matching molded Ibanez Hardshell case with Blue Interior to match the guitar color.

Comes with original Floyd Rose tremolo/whammy bar and also case key. Missing the metal nut locks but easy and simple replacement.
———————————-
Payment must be completed 48 hours upon purchase.

______________

The Ibanez RG Series is one of the most iconic and popular lines of electric guitars, known for its fast playability, sleek design, and versatility. Originally introduced in 1987, the RG series was designed to meet the needs of rock, metal, and shred guitarists who wanted a high-performance instrument. The RG series has since become a go-to choice for guitarists seeking a guitar that combines cutting-edge features with an aggressive, modern aesthetic.

Key Features of the Ibanez RG Series

1. Body and Construction

• Body Style: The RG series is known for its sharp, contoured body shape, which is highly ergonomic and designed for maximum comfort. The body is often double-cutaway, providing excellent access to the higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitar playing and shredding.
• Body Material: The RG series guitars typically feature basswood or mahogany bodies. Basswood is lightweight and offers a balanced tone, while mahogany provides a warmer, richer sound with more sustain. Some higher-end RG models feature ash or poplar bodies for different tonal characteristics.
• Finish: The RG series is available in a wide variety of finishes, including glossy, matte, and satin finishes. Common colors include black, white, red, blue, and custom graphics. The guitars often feature eye-catching designs, such as flamed maple tops or graphic art finishes that make them stand out visually.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: The RG series features maple necks, which contribute to the guitar's bright, cutting tone and sustain. Some models, especially higher-end ones, use 5-piece maple/walnut necks for added strength and stability.
• Neck Profile: The RG series is known for its thin, fast necks, which are ideal for shredding and fast lead playing. The neck profile is typically a Wizard or Wizard II, which is slim and flat, allowing for quick movement along the fretboard. This makes the RG a favorite among players who need a neck that can handle complex solos and fast picking.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is often made from rosewood or Jatoba (on some lower-end models) and features 24 frets for extended range. The 12-inch radius (or flatter) allows for easy string bending and fast playing, making it ideal for technical solos and chord work.
• Inlays: RG guitars typically feature dot or shark fin inlays, which are easy to see while playing, especially in low-light environments.

3. Electronics

• Pickups: The RG series comes equipped with high-output humbucking pickups, which are perfect for heavy distortion, shredding, and high-gain playing. Ibanez uses a variety of pickups, including their own Ibanez-designed pickups and DiMarzio pickups (on higher-end models).
  • The DiMarzio pickups are often found in signature models, providing a more articulate, aggressive sound with clarity at high gain.
  • Active pickups (like EMGs) are also available on some RG models, providing a higher output and more clarity in heavy, high-gain situations.
• Pickup Switching: The RG guitars typically feature a 5-way switch or 3-way toggle switch, depending on the model. This allows players to select between the neck, bridge, or both pickups, offering a wide range of tones from smooth cleans to aggressive high-gain sounds.
• Tone Controls: RG guitars usually feature two tone knobs and one master volume knob, which allows players to shape their tone, especially when using distortion or overdrive.

4. Hardware

• Bridge: The RG series is known for its locking tremolo systems, such as the Ibanez Edge or Lo-Pro Edge bridges. These bridges allow for extreme pitch bends and whammy bar use without affecting tuning stability, making them perfect for metal, shred, and rock guitarists.
  • The Edge bridge is a double-locking tremolo system, which ensures that the guitar stays in tune even with heavy whammy bar use.
  • The Lo-Pro Edge is a lower-profile version of the Edge bridge, offering even more comfort and ease of use.
• Tuners: Ibanez RG guitars are equipped with high-quality tuners that are designed for tuning stability, especially when using the tremolo system.
• Pickguard and Hardware: Some RG models feature no pickguard, giving the guitar a cleaner, more modern look, while others have a single-ply or multi-ply pickguard for added protection. The hardware is usually finished in chrome, black, or gold, depending on the model.

Sound and Tonal Characteristics

The Ibanez RG Series is known for its high-output, aggressive tone, making it perfect for genres like metal, hard rock, shred, and progressive rock. The key tonal characteristics include:

• Heavy, High-Gain Sound: The RG's humbucking pickups (especially the DiMarzio or EMG options) provide a high-output, tight, and punchy sound that excels in high-gain settings, making it ideal for metal, thrash, and hard rock.
• Articulation and Clarity: Despite the heavy tones, RG guitars maintain a level of clarity and articulation, which is especially noticeable when playing fast solos or complex riffs.
• Versatility: While the RG is known for its aggressive tones, it is also capable of producing clean and dynamic sounds, especially when using the neck pickup or engaging the coil-split options on some models.
• Whammy Bar Expressiveness: The locking tremolo system allows for extreme pitch bending and dive bombs, giving players the ability to explore a wide range of expressive sounds.

Playability

• Neck and Scale Length: The RG series' thin necks and 24 frets make it easy to play fast solos, complex arpeggios, and rapid alternate picking. The Wizard neck is one of the thinnest neck profiles in the world, designed for shredders and technical players.
• Action and Setup: RG guitars are typically set up with low action, which allows for fast playing and smooth string bending. The locking tremolo system also ensures that the guitar stays in tune even with aggressive playing.
• Ergonomics: The contoured body of the RG series provides a comfortable fit, especially for players who perform standing up. The body shape is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver during fast playing.

Who Is the Ibanez RG Series For?

• Shredders and Technical Players: The RG series is designed for shredders and technical guitarists who need a guitar that can handle fast, intricate playing. The thin neck and low action make it perfect for complex solos, fast scales, and rapid alternate picking.
• Metal and Hard Rock Guitarists: With its high-output pickups and aggressive tone, the RG series is a favorite among metal and hard rock players who need a guitar that can handle high-gain, heavy riffs, and screaming leads.
• Progressive and Modern Rock Musicians: The RG series is also well-suited for progressive rock and modern rock musicians who want a guitar with a wide tonal range, fast playability, and the ability to produce complex, dynamic sounds.
• Guitarists Who Use Tremolo Systems: The locking tremolo systems on RG guitars are perfect for players who want to incorporate whammy bar effects, dive bombs, and pitch bending into their playing.

Conclusion

The Ibanez RG Series is a high-performance line of electric guitars designed for guitarists who need speed, precision, and power. With its thin neck, high-output pickups, and locking tremolo systems, the RG series is ideal for metal, hard rock, shred, and progressive rock players. Whether you're a shredder, a metalhead, or a modern rock musician, the Ibanez RG offers the features and playability you need to take your playing to the next level.