TEST: Ibanez RG A42HPT

 What could be written about the RG series from Ibanez that hasn't already been tried countless times? As one of the first independent models, but certainly the Japanese manufacturer's biggest sales driver, the most successful Powerstrat of all time shaped and popularized entire generations of shredders. There was hardly a noodle king of the eighties who wasn't traveling with a subspecies of this model type, usually with a finish that was only just below physical damage. With the Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM, the Japanese are sending an instrument into the race for buyers' favor that brings with it many RG trademarks, has some interesting innovations and feels stuck in the three-digit range when it comes to retail prices. Here we go!

The concept of the Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM

Why does the image of blue Elise, the legendary anteater who was brilliant in the Pink Panther cartoons, spring to mind? Marianne Wischmann's reproachful, spinster voice (including Miss Piggy) achieved legendary status? Well, the finish of the Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM, which the company calls “Laser Blue Matte”, could hardly be more striking. The finish, especially in combination with the gold hardware, has something pretentious about it, with a tendency towards American kitsch. A matter of taste, but definitely an eye-catcher.

At first glance, the Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM offers all the trademarks that one is used to from this type of instrument. A contour body with two expansive cutaways, which apart from a few body corners has almost no hard edges. Almost every area where a part of the body rests on or against the instrument is pleasantly rounded and minimizes frictional resistance. What is striking, however, is the body wood called Nyatoh, which is structurally similar to mahogany. Why the same?

Because the Ibanez strategists are not stupid and apparently have read the commercial primer of America's model entrepreneur and Oberknauser Leo Fender intensively several times. Just as Leo Fender chose the wood for his ingenious moves such as the Telecaster and Stratocaster simply based on what was available cheaply on his doorstep, Ibanez also chooses wood from the sapote family, which is native to Southeast Asia, for the model made in Indonesia is. Someone says again that Asians don't care about the environment, on the contrary. Short transport routes make one or two manufacturers on the other side of the Pacific look significantly older.

The second unusual choice of wood follows immediately. The fingerboard, which has 24 jumbo frets, is made of Jatoba, which comes predominantly from Brazil, partly also from the Caribbean and West Indies. Visually it comes very close to the rosewood family with its medium brown color and its large pores, but we'll see in terms of sound. The fingerboard inlays are simple dots, arranged on the sides.

Yes, and then there is a brownish, almost caramelized neck wood, which is structurally strikingly reminiscent of maple, but the color seems far too dark. You've probably already guessed, yes, it's maple, but toasted. Anyone who thinks about their breakfast with spread is not that far removed from the “roasting” that is currently making its rounds as the latest sales driver.

Roasted aroma?

The purpose of roasting/baking or similar is, as always, to improve the vibration behavior of the wood. In an additional heating process, the wood is literally baked, i.e. a kind of “caramel layer” (pardon the expression) is placed around the individual wood fibers, which improves the vibration behavior of the wood in terms of attack and sustain and also makes the wood more resistant to water absorption. i.e. swelling, power. Maple necks in particular benefit from this treatment, which is why the name Fender is often mentioned in connection with this process.

The dimensions of the neck are also very user-friendly. With the preferred long scale length of 648 mm, we have a fingerboard radius of 400 mm and a nut width of 43 mm. The neck profile is described as “Wizard”, a tasteful “D” with enough “meat” to the touch, which should suit the majority of users. What always pleases me, even after many years at Ibanez, are the small details regarding problem solutions, such as: B. the side fold-out cover for the truss rod. So simple, so effective. Yes, I know how often you have to readjust something on this part of the instrument, but just last week an extremely annoying tinkering with this exact part by another manufacturer drove me crazy.

When it comes to hardware, Ibanez now relies almost entirely on its own production. The principle of the vibrato system is still from Floyd Rose, but the patent seems to have expired, so that Ibanez can now also obtain the knife edge principle from its own production. This also applies to the tuners and the clamping saddle of the guitar. The vibrato system is free floating, which means you have all the advantages and disadvantages of the system. The advantage of maximum artistic expression in terms of vibrato and bending is counteracted by the impossibility of double bends or two-tone sounds with a pulled string. Ever seen a country guitarist playing a Floyd Rose system? No? Even!

When it comes to choosing a pickup, Ibanez is once again relying on DiMarzio products, a collaboration that has lasted for I don't know how many decades. I would like to see the mountain of probably several hundred thousand pickups that DiMarzio has already delivered to Ibanez. With the present Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM it is once again the Fusion Edge humbuckers, which are switched via a three-way switch along with a single coil mini switch.

The Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM in practice

OK, let's start with some bullying. The guitar is actually very well adjusted from the factory in terms of string position and neck angle, but what's that scratching noise on the frets when you start finger vibrato? In fact, the polishing here should have been a bit cleaner in order to match the level of the other finishes. It may be that the vibrato system relieves a player of some of the finger vibrato, but it is essential for personal expression.

What is particularly noticeable in the sound is the roasted neck. Of course, it would be presumptuous to attribute the entire vibration behavior only to the baked neck, but it is very obvious that the attack and release phase of the instrument is of a significantly higher quality than what these components can normally deliver. The sound starts unusually quickly and holds the voltage exceptionally long, significantly longer than what the average RG series has up its sleeve.

As is well known, the neck is primarily responsible for the vibration and sound behavior of an instrument, which means that this is exactly the right point. The Floyd Rose system, which is often criticized as a sustain killer, has no chance of negatively influencing the vibration behavior. Rather, you have the feeling that the instrument is close to the sustain behavior of a continuous neck, which is known to be the best design so far if you focus on a tone that lasts as long as possible.

The practical pickup circuit allows you to get 6 consistently good sounds, which further supports the flexible character of the instrument. From clean funk to distorted crunches to the typical high gain based on a passive pickup, the instrument offers all the nuances that you would expect from a flexible tool. Once again, all that remains is the reference to the well-booked cover band, where the instrument can show off its full range in combination with the right amplifier over a 2-3 hour set. With this look, however, it could also be AIDA's house band or Andrea Berg's backing band.

But what you should always keep in mind is that when delivered from the factory, Floyd Rose instruments are structurally unsuitable for high gain - staccato / palm muted playing styles. The springs of the vibrato system work like a reverb spiral and resonate accordingly, resulting in a completely blurred, undifferentiated sound. Create a remedy e.g. B. foam pads, which are clamped between the springs and the body.

Conclusion

With the Ibanez RGA42HPT-LBM, the Japanese company has a visually and acoustically outstanding instrument in its ranks. The roasted neck proves to be a real advantage in terms of the attack and decay behavior of the instrument, as it pushes the attack and sustain forward significantly. In true RG style, the instrument is very flexible in terms of application and once again impresses with its very good ergonomics.

The only flaw remains the poorly polished, slightly scratchy frets, which could have just been a one-off outlier in the product chain. After several hours of match practice, this point should have worked itself out.

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of electric guitars, few brands command as much respect and admiration as Ibanez. Renowned for their innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and versatile sonic capabilities, Ibanez electric guitars have left an indelible mark on the world of music, shaping the sound and style of generations of musicians. In this comprehensive article, we embark on a journey through the rich history, diverse lineup, and enduring legacy of Ibanez electric guitars, uncovering the secrets behind their continued popularity and unwavering appeal.

**Origins and Evolution**

The story of Ibanez electric guitars begins in the early 20th century in Japan, where the Hoshino Gakki company first started importing musical instruments. In the 1950s, Hoshino Gakki began producing their own guitars under the Ibanez brand, drawing inspiration from classic American designs while adding their own unique twists.

Throughout the decades, Ibanez electric guitars have undergone numerous iterations and refinements, reflecting the ever-changing needs and preferences of musicians. From the vintage-inspired models of the 1960s to the cutting-edge instruments of the modern era, Ibanez has remained at the forefront of guitar design and innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

**Iconic Designs and Signature Models**

One of the hallmarks of Ibanez electric guitars is their diverse lineup of iconic designs and signature models. From the timeless elegance of the RG series to the legendary status of the JEM series, each model offers a distinct combination of features tailored to the needs of different players and musical styles.

The RG series, characterized by its sleek body shape and high-performance features, has become a go-to choice for shredders and metal players seeking speed, precision, and sonic versatility. Meanwhile, the JEM series, designed in collaboration with virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai, has attained legendary status for its bold aesthetics and unparalleled playability.

In addition to these flagship series, Ibanez offers a wide range of signature models developed in partnership with some of the world's most influential guitarists. From Joe Satriani's versatile JS series to Paul Gilbert's fiery Fireman models, these instruments embody the unique playing styles and sonic preferences of their namesakes, inspiring players to unlock new levels of creativity and expression.

**Innovative Features and Technology**

Central to the success of Ibanez electric guitars is their relentless commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Whether it's the fast-playing Wizard neck profile, the versatile pickup configurations, or the cutting-edge tremolo systems, every aspect of an Ibanez guitar is meticulously engineered to deliver maximum performance and sonic excellence.

For example, the Edge and Edge Zero tremolo systems offer unparalleled tuning stability and precision, allowing players to execute extreme whammy bar maneuvers with confidence and control. Meanwhile, the versatile pickup configurations, including humbuckers, single-coils, and combinations thereof, provide a wide range of tonal options suitable for any musical genre or playing style.

Moreover, Ibanez has embraced modern manufacturing techniques and materials to enhance the playability, durability, and overall quality of their guitars. From exotic tonewoods and innovative construction methods to state-of-the-art electronics and hardware, Ibanez electric guitars are designed to meet the demands of professional musicians and discerning enthusiasts alike.

**Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy**

Beyond their technical prowess and sonic capabilities, Ibanez electric guitars have left an indelible mark on popular culture, appearing on stages, in music videos, and on album covers as symbols of innovation, expression, and creativity. Their distinctive aesthetics, unmistakable sound, and legendary playability have made them a favorite among musicians across genres and generations.

Moreover, Ibanez electric guitars have become a staple in the worlds of rock, metal, jazz, fusion, and beyond, shaping the sound and style of countless artists and bands. From virtuosic shredders to soulful blues players, Ibanez guitars continue to inspire and empower musicians to push the boundaries of their craft and forge their own musical identities.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, Ibanez electric guitars represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation, and sonic excellence in the world of musical instruments. From their humble beginnings in Japan to their global prominence today, Ibanez guitars have stood the test of time, earning the respect and admiration of musicians worldwide.

As they continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the musical landscape, Ibanez electric guitars remain a beacon of creativity and expression, empowering players to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of their musicality. Whether on stage, in the studio, or at home, an Ibanez guitar is more than just an instrument – it's a gateway to endless possibilities and a catalyst for artistic discovery.