Ibanez: RGIR270F

I'm still appraising the new (2013) Ibanez Iron Label (IL) series & here's the RGIR27F, a 7-string version with a non-whammy bridge. The instrument also features a pair of EMG pickups so the manufacturer does live up to its all metal affair claim. This is just a reiteration of how well-made the IL models are, absolutely no-frills guitars with a little more QC focus than the other standard series Ibanez. Well, the 'extra' here is of course the Kill Switch which is a love-hate affair for us (Do you really need 2 volume controls in  there?). 

The 6-stringers among us would be a little anxious of how a 7-string neck would feel, the overwhelming expectation is there but it's more perceived than anything else. We do NOT need to re-learn the guitar just because there's an extra string in there & whatever you would pull off (no pun intended) on the high B-string, you could replicate that on the low B so there you go, a simple adaptation anecdote. However the blank fretboard means you need some getting used to in terms of navigation up & down the neck but the side dots would prove to be of some help to many of us, yours truly included. A gentle reminder pertaining to the 'Nitro Wizard' neck profile- it's just the typical Ibanez Wizard neck, not the thinnest in history but for the IL series, there's a slight difference in finish so it makes playing more inviting. Back at the manufacturer's homepage, it's made to be of a certain reputation but that's commercial hype until you get to know Ibanez's hallowed history when it comes to skinny necks & it's not undergoing a renaissance of sorts. No, not this time.

Tone wise, it's an EMG extravaganza, all active & distortion frenzy with limited appeal when it comes to clean & other non-metal applications. The good thing about having actives in an instrument peddling lower than standard notes is assured inherent clarity (unless you choose to desecrate proceedings by plugging this guitar into an amp with a small speaker... *sheesh*). In combination with that addictive neck, the RGIR270F is a super player.

Ibanez RGIR27F

Price: $869 NETT (bag not included)

Available at: Swee Lee Co

Thanks: Brother Faizal for the set-up assistance