TEST: Ibanez RG3521

 With the Ibanez RG3521, the Japanese company has once again brought a representative of its extremely successful product line onto the market. Curiously, the majority of musicians associate the product line with the music genre “Metal”, although neither an unusual body shape nor any other lightning, thunder or fantasy attitudes adorn the instrument.

A deep black finish along with a whispering reminiscence of the glorious eighties is probably enough to take the inclined user into the world of high gain, sweeping and tapping. The whole thing originally started over 30 years ago, when former and now again Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth secured Zappa pupil Steve Vai as guitarist for his solo band, who worked together with Billy Sheehan on bass and Greg Bissonette on drums hottest metal trio of his time. The guitar/bass parallel on the track “Shyboy” alone must have transformed countless guitar fans into whimpering practice nerds.

Ibanez was the first to recognize the signs of the times and gave Steve Vai a free hand in putting together his dream instrument. He had been desperately searching for a hybrid model for years that would combine the advantages of Stratocaster and Les Paul as intensively as possible in one model, but he always had to resort to saws, glue and chisels himself to get the Stratocaster shape he preferred pimping with more pressure using humbuckers and Floyd Rose vibrato.

The result was the basis of the RG series, which, in addition to Vai-specific Punch and Judy shows such as the Monkey Grip, also had more moderate variants for a wide range of tastes in the warehouse. The success was then unstoppable. The concept of a streamlined version of the Strat, paired with high-output pickups and a neck that was unbeatable in terms of slenderness at the time, hit like a bomb and is still the best-selling horse in the Asian company's stable to this day.

The instrument is delivered in a very high-quality hardshell case, which contains, among other things, a complete guitar tool, similar to a Swiss Army knife, and all important Allen, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers. Exemplary!




construction

Ibanez adopted the basic shaping from the original Stratocaster design, including the belly milling and armrest. However, a rounded version of the neck screw connection has been added, which ensures a much more relaxed playing style in high registers by moving the recessed fastening screws at the base of the neck. In terms of color, a metallic black was chosen, which contains countless small slivers similar to a cloudless starry sky and lives up to its internal name Galaxy Black. The paintwork is applied perfectly, you won't find any flaws in the workmanship.

When it comes to the choice of wood, we also follow the preferences of Mr. Vai, who pays homage to the lime tree, which tends to be softer when it comes to body wood. However, in order to give the overall picture enough attack, a walnut top is glued on, similar to the mahogany / maple principle. By the way, the top has no curvature and, unlike many other guitars, is absolutely flat. When it comes to neck wood, a three-piece maple neck is once again used, which, however, has been blocked with two thin strips of walnut for stability reasons. In order to protect the very slim neck from the infamous skull base fracture, Ibanez uses a truss rod made of KTS Titanium in addition to a subtle thickening at the transition to the headstock, which is intended to ensure maximum stability in addition to being low in weight. Rosewood is used as the fingerboard, and tasteful, subtle Wedge Sharktooth inlays act as inlays.

In addition to standard jumbo frets, this model uses a fixed bridge with the catchy name Tight-End R Bridge, contrary to the very popular Floyd Rose variant. With a little imagination, the massive and very unique construction is visually reminiscent of a fixed version of a Floyd Rose vibrato system. Furthermore, 2 old third-party acquaintances from the Ibanez stable will be called upon again. The tuners once again come from Gotoh, the pickups from DiMarzio with the Air Norton variants on the neck and the Tone Zone on the bridge.

The five-way switch on this double humbucker guitar allows, in addition to the two serial switching of the pickups and the interconnection of the same, in positions two and four, a neck pickup connected in parallel and 2 single coils from both pickups. If you prefer to tap into your humbucker coils individually to pay more homage to the single-coiler in its pure form, you can do this yourself with a little soldering work.

Ibanez also managed to attach the two pickups to the body without any play, despite only having one hole on the left and right of the coils. There is hardly anyone who doesn't think back with horror to the foam wobbly crumbs department of the first personal pickup changer, especially since despite plugging and pressing the foam pressure generator, you could almost never get the top edge of the coil and the string guide to be parallel.

A word about the Collet Knob potentiometers, which are available as master volume and master tone. Ibanez does this in a very stiff version. This is intended to ensure that in the heat of the stage battle the artist does not distort the volume or tone setting of the instrument through an ill-advised action. However, a variant has been chosen that is so resistant that, for example, the violin bow effect, which is very popular with Strat players, can no longer be implemented. Here everyone has to know for themselves what is more important to them in their performance.


Practice

Due to its moderate weight of 3.6 kilograms, pretty much any musician can wear the Ibanez RG3521 without experiencing the feeling of Bundeswehr marching luggage. Similarly, 90 percent of all guitarists will feel at home on the instrument from the first chords or leads. The concept, which has been tried and tested hundreds of thousands of times, leaves only very marginal scope for personal criticism of handling; too often the instrument has been optimized with regard to its suitability for the masses.
The term “almost plays itself”, which is unfortunately used far too often and to the point of being irrelevant, actually finds good breeding ground with this instrument. The wide yet slim neck with a diameter of 430 mmR and a thickness of 17 - 19 mm has become one of THE features of the RG series since the model was introduced and truly offers comparatively low resistance, from which modern playing techniques in particular benefit. Whenever you leave the alternate picking paths and give preference to ergonomics over the individual touch, the Ibanez RG3521 can really shine in its flagship disciplines.

Tappings, sweeps, glides, hammer-ons and pull-offs glide over the fretboard with welcome ease and make many parts easier that sometimes have to be fought for with effort and tears in the land of half baseball bats. In terms of sound, the combination of woods / pickups is a successful mix, which has gained a place in the crowd, especially thanks to its great all-rounder abilities. Important trademarks from the two major guitar worlds Strat / Les Paul were adapted and transferred to the Powerstrats camp with a good dose of independence.


Conclusion

With the Ibanez RG3521, Japan's flagship guitar manufacturer has once again made it to the top ranks of the guild. In a visually unspectacular but tasteful appearance, the company manages to optimize the points that make up the RG series thanks to the model that has matured over decades.

The instrument's workmanship is of a high standard and detailed solutions have been implemented effectively. It is not for nothing that the RG series has developed into a guide for all-round guitars, even among direct or indirect competitors, which knows how to reveal a maximum of tonal flexibility with ergonomic lines.

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Additional Informations:

In the vast landscape of electric guitars, certain series stand out for their iconic status, innovative design, and enduring popularity among musicians. One such series is the RG lineup by Ibanez, renowned for its sleek aesthetics, high-performance features, and versatile sonic capabilities. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the history, evolution, and significance of the RG series, uncovering the secrets behind its enduring appeal.

**Origins and Early Development**

The roots of the RG series can be traced back to the late 1980s when Ibanez sought to create a lineup of guitars tailored to the needs of modern players. Drawing inspiration from classic designs while incorporating innovative features, the RG series emerged as a flagship line that showcased the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, playability, and sonic excellence.

At the heart of the RG series is its distinctive body shape – a sleek, double-cutaway design that offers unparalleled access to the upper frets and ergonomic comfort during extended playing sessions. Crafted from select tonewoods such as basswood, mahogany, or maple, the RG's body provides a balanced blend of resonance, sustain, and tonal clarity, making it an ideal platform for a wide range of musical styles.

**Innovative Features and Technology**

One of the defining features of the RG series is its emphasis on high-performance components and cutting-edge technology. From its fast-playing neck profile and low action setup to its high-output pickups and advanced tremolo systems, every aspect of the RG is engineered to deliver maximum playability and sonic versatility.

The neck profile of the RG series is characterized by its slim, ultra-fast design, which facilitates effortless fretting and nimble lead playing. Coupled with features such as a smooth satin finish and jumbo frets, the neck ensures a comfortable playing experience across the entire fretboard, allowing players to explore their musical creativity without limitation.

In terms of electronics, the RG series offers a wide range of pickup configurations, including humbuckers, single-coils, and combinations thereof. These pickups are specially designed to capture the nuances of the player's performance, delivering crisp cleans, searing leads, and tight rhythm tones with precision and clarity.

Furthermore, the RG series is equipped with a variety of tremolo systems, including the iconic Edge and Edge Zero designs, which provide unparalleled stability and tuning accuracy, even during aggressive whammy bar maneuvers. Whether diving, fluttering, or subtle vibrato, the tremolo systems of the RG series offer a range of expressive possibilities for players to explore.

**Evolution and Iterations**

Over the years, the RG series has undergone numerous iterations and refinements, reflecting the ever-changing needs and preferences of musicians. From the original RG550 introduced in the late 1980s to the latest models featuring exotic tonewoods, multi-scale necks, and extended range options, the RG series continues to push the boundaries of guitar design and innovation.

Moreover, Ibanez has collaborated with renowned artists and players to create signature models within the RG lineup, each tailored to the unique specifications and playing styles of its namesake. From virtuosic shredders like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani to progressive metal icons like Tosin Abasi and Paul Gilbert, the RG series has become a canvas for artistic expression and sonic exploration.

**Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact**

The RG series by Ibanez has left an indelible mark on the world of electric guitars, shaping the sound and style of generations of musicians across genres. Its sleek design, high-performance features, and versatile sonic capabilities have made it a go-to choice for players seeking instruments that can keep up with their musical aspirations.

Furthermore, the RG series has become a cultural icon, appearing on stages, in music videos, and on album covers as a symbol of innovation, expression, and creativity. Its distinctive silhouette and unmistakable sound have become synonymous with the spirit of modern guitar playing, inspiring countless players to push the boundaries of their craft and forge their own musical identities.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, the RG series by Ibanez stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, quality, and musical excellence. From its humble beginnings in the late 1980s to its status as a global icon in the world of electric guitars, the RG series continues to inspire and captivate musicians with its sleek design, high-performance features, and versatile sonic capabilities.

As it continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the musical landscape, the RG series remains 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, the RG series by Ibanez continues to reign supreme as a true titan of the electric guitar world.