Ibanez April 2026: S721

There is this series in the Ibanez lineup that supposedly caters to all things metal - the Iron Label Series. This new S721 is a new member in this Series of instruments & as you can see, it's blacked out. I totally understand the inevitable association of black with doom & gloom but there are some things in a guitar that should facilitate playing, not merely visual dominance. I believe such colour scheme does not help the beginners out there in terms of visual reference. The ebony fretboard has no position indicators & the dark colour scheme facilitates being lost more than being elegant. Black pickups against a black body - you'd be hitting the pickups while playing instead of being aware they are there in that particular playing space where you should avoid playing over to avoid hitting them. 

It's quite the opposite for seasoned players. Fretboard reference is second nature after years of playing. All this compounded by the dark stage presence; visual reference is nothing anymore. The instrument had become too familiar for you to mess up your playing fundamentals. Anyway, this blacker than black S721 is now available at Swee Lee ($1,299) & it sports my favourite DiMarzios in there - the D Activator.

Pic: Swee Lee

Ibanez 2022 (4)

New black guitar for Ibanez, the AZ42P1... perhaps the first AZ to feature a body binding. Nothing new feature-wise.

Another new black guitar for Ibanez, the RGRTB621. An Iron Label member & the first to be a neck through model. Pickups are DiMarzio Fusion Edge humbuckers. If these pickups are supposed to propel the instrument in terms of distortion aggression then I don't see the objective. The Fusion Edge pickups are in other models as well, not exclusive to something that would be used in heavy music.

Are you actually excited to see these guitars? Hmm...

Pics: Ibanez

Black iron

It's mid year. Under normal, non-pandemic circumstances, the guitar community will be stirred by some excitement in the form of Summer NAMM. Regardless of its absence, manufacturers are perpetuating the tradition of releasing new gear to the masses at this time of the year but limited to their own domain. Ibanez, it seems, is trying its best to appeal to that elusive cohort who are not as detailed in their gear obsession but showing keen interest nevertheless. The conception of the Iron Label logo (above) in an extreme visual format is its mark on that intention.

It is actually a precursor to the launch of some instruments designed to further extreme music. Seen here is the new XPTB620 in a very black, foreboding presence.

The XPTB720 is the obligatory 7-string version for the rest in the metal domain who wish to dwell deeper in sonic extremity. 

The all black format is not a fresh bid to re-kindle interest, the LTD Black Metal series had been there with some degree of success. Ibanez should re-consider the inclusion of whammy bridges (in this case, the ZRII) for guitars in this offering because if we listen closely to the bands plying this trade, they don't embrace it much. For those who do, they invest in good money to ensure reliable units like the Floyd Rose or even Ibanez's own Edge are in their instruments. 

This brings us to the more sensible offering - the ICTB721; a no frills fixed bridge affair (mono rail) in an equally menacing finish. 

Ibanez re-launching the Xiphos model in this series is a smart move. It had proven to be successful in its heyday & died a natural death due to a lack of commercial propulsion. The Iceman had been there all along & giving it a new lease of life now is also a sensible move. As opposed to the Iceman, I expected the Destroyer to be a formidable member here as its outline is more in tune with the extreme mentality. Ebony fretboard for all models seems to be the best in this case in view of its very dark nature. I'm also happy DiMarzio's D'Activators are the default pickups here, I believe this is DiMarzio's extreme performer together with the X2N. I can vouch for the D'Activator's clarity when it comes to down tuning & large servings of distortion. The trio here are 25.5" scaled instruments & equipping them with 10-52 gauge & detuning a whole step from the factory might not be a wise thing to do. 

In closing, I would say Ibanez appealing to the extreme masses is an uphill task. The metal heads out there have already embraced the RG to deliver their bidding & the X-Series being expunged from the catalogs repeatedly is enough proof. The good thing though - Ibanez did not stop trying.

Pics: Ibanez

Ironed

Re-string adventure continues- Ibanez SIR70FD. Pickups on board are DiMarzios: Tone Zone (b)/ True Velvet (m)/ Air Norton (n).

I'm somehow thankful that Ibanez has the Iron Label range albeit my gripe with it in terms of purpose. The guitars in this range were given the alternative treatment without ending up as costly proto-customs. I was particularly drawn to this model due to its blank fretboard. That's my quirk- I have more confidence playing an unmarked fretboard. The SIR70FD is part of the pioneer Iron Label releases. The RGs at this point in time, featured EMG pickups while the S-Series were given the passive, gain friendly DiMarzios instead. 

The S-Series in this range had evolved to feature a reverse headstock & some fancy body caps but the DiMarzio & fixed bridge features stay put. I sincerely hope the Iron Label series won't go out of hand because as it is, it's a little fuzzy when it comes to being identified as a definite tier in terms of offering. Then again, this year the Axion Label became the branch-off which threatens to push the Iron Label into extinction.

Low ebony

Last year, I talked to a few people (both in store & online) about the re-intro of the RGD. Now that they are offered in a non-Prestige (more affordable) range with DiMarzio pickups, would they venture into the extended scale length territory & buy one? Most of them answered the negative. In addition to the non-standard scale length, they disliked the maple fretboard. So this 2017, Ibanez offers the RGDIX6 with an ebony fretboard & we'll see if this is enough enticement for people to change their mind. 🤔

Single 7s

From the Jackson camp- the new Telly 7-string.

Camp Ibanez has this- Iron Label FR 7-string.

It's interesting to note singlecut offerings from non-Fender models (Fender owns Jackson by the way...), both in 7-string format. Notably, both brand names are also known for their aggression-inclined music association so the singlecut path is an interesting path to tread on.

Coming back to domestic applications, we are more likely to see the Ibanez FR in the stores here. My observation- they sell more than Jacksons (compounded by the fact that the distributor has a poor Jackson inventory/ update).  If I were the distributor, I would have commercial underpinnings to keep sales up there than worry about satiating the few who are clamouring for attention as they don't keep my business afloat. 

None to come by

A little bummed because was told that none of the new reverse headstock Ibanez S-Series will make it here. Or someone's plain lazy so the webpage remains disregarded.

In any case, happy October, everyone.

Price rant

Here's something new at the stores- Ibanez RGIF8. Iron Label series, primed for distortion & colossal bottom end, for SGD1.8K...

An instrument's worth is somewhat personal but what else can you get for $1.8K?

• A reputable tube amp with $900 change
• An American-made guitar with a higher re-sale value & $200 change
• A multi-FX/ modelling floor unit with $400 change

What am I driving at, really? I'm of the opinion that Ibanez's Iron Label guitars are bordering on deceit. You don't get a higher tier series model & the re-sale value is arguably comparable to a standard series Ibanez. Having said that, I'm still an Ibanez fan & I do own Iron Label models (which are not hyped for looks & feeding the current bearing).   Hmm...

Iron 8

I might be a little late in knowing that the RG8 is offered in an Iron Label, though neck option- RGIT28. On that note, as Ibanez continues to offer the 8-string in more affordable makes, the RG2228 had been discontinued. 

Fresh Iron

I'm not a fan of the Ibanez Iron Label series because I see these guitars as variations of the standard model, just souped up with active electronics.

The finish is a little different as well.

The release of the models you see here, are at best, nothing special.

It's a little overblown when the media labelled them as 'new'.

Nothing new, really. Ibanez had been working with this formula before. Even before the Iron Label models came along, the 8-string RG2228 features a pair of EMG pickups. Do I own any Iron Label guitars? Yes, but I'm with the S-Series version with passive pickups. 

Iron FR

More Iron Label in the catalog- this time, the FR (seen here: FRFRIX6). I'm still not into Ibanez guitars having EMGs in their system. Also, that kill switch is unnecessary. Nevertheless, the ash cap & ebony fretboard are awesome inclusions.

Iron S

Awesome releases by Ibanez this summer.

These are from the Iron Label series, featuring DiMarzio's Fusion Edge pickups which are currently in the RGD range of this series. 

That reverse headstock- it's a welcomed change. Looking forward to their availability here.

Seen on this page, top-bottom:

• SIX6D- 6 string, EZII bridge
• SIX6FD- 6 string, fixed bridge
• SIX7FD- 7 string fixed bridge

Ibanez: RGDIX7MPB

This year, Ibanez resurrected the RGD model (together with the RGA) into the Iron Label series (it was discontinued in some parts of the world). Being neither a Premium nor a Prestige model means the instrument is affordable (whatever that means) but feature some souped up details unlike the Standard offerings.

Construction/ fit/ finish

It is beyond doubt that the RGDIX7MPB here is a well-made instrument. This refers to the above average construction & overall finish which feel very inviting to the hands. There was also no minor spotting of imperfections in both wood work & hardware. The bare ash body here needs some highlighting; it features two layers of solid body material with a sandwiched poplar in between. This is a very thin layer & to the careless eye, it looks like the manufacturer did a binding-like surround instead of making it clear there's a sandwiched piece of wood in between the gorgeous blocks of ash.  The captivating feature here is definitely that green-ish poplar cap which covers the flat top surfaces, leaving other bevelled areas exposed. You might think this is a brilliant idea but it's a re-hash; other manufacturers were there before Ibanez got it going. The unmarked fret board makes sure the instrument looks flushed in its overall glory. The laminated headstock, despite being separated from the body's colour theme, ensured a matching finish which adds to the continuity theme. Unlike standard models, this RGD7 is equipped with Gotoh locking tuners, strangely not mentioned over at the manufacturer's homepage unless you handle this guitar personally.

Playability/ tone

If this is your maiden exposure to an RGD, be informed that it features an extended scale length of 26.5" so standard tuning is not something you'll employ here. That said, the playability factor  remains desirable due to Ibanez's trimmed neck profile but this isn't the thinnest the manufacturer has to offer (check out the Super Wizard profile). 

Playability is also enhanced by the bevelled cutaway edges (nothing new if you own some older RGD models) plus the fact that RGD bodies feature slimmer cutaway horns as well. The gloss-less feel might put some of us off (especially you heretical Les Paul campers) but the comfort handling is undeniable. This also means that the instrument dings easily at the slightest of knocks so some care here, yes?

Moving on to tone, the extra low string would mean the RGD is synonymous to heavy metal but that's to appease the myopic retards out there. Leaving the low B alone is absolutely fine, use it sparingly if you need to go low at times. There is no compulsion of transposing your current ideas to accommodate that extra string unless you've been poisoned by conventional thinking. This in mind, the default DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups did well in maintaining clarity despite the inclination of churning out scooped tones. The ash body did well to check some acoustic presence so nothing goes excessively boomy & undefined once a tremendous amount of distortion gets dialled in.

Conclusion
The RGDIX7MPB isn't an extravagant instrument by any means. The manufacturer had cleverly given it some outstanding cosmetics so you feel good after buying one. This is especially so when you pay an excess of $1K for it considering it's neither a Premium nor a Prestige unit. The fact remains that this guitar is a successful representative of its pedigree; an all out heavy metal arsenal you can trust to deliver some furious tone. The passive pickups in there means it's perfectly adaptable to other genres as well- smooth fusion tones can be found here.

Rating: 79%

Availability: Swee Lee
Price: $1,199

PS: Thank you Brother Faizal & Swee Lee for the review invitation.

Iron through

In case you missed it, the Iron Series Ibanez RG now has a 7-string through neck version for 2016- RGIT27FET. 

Ibanez 2016: More ironing

Ibanez came up with the Iron Label models in 2014 to much fanfare. These instruments were touted to be no-frills models equipped to maximize your distortion tolerance. However, it's unclear if the Iron Label category itself serves to be a series of its own or mere variation of existing models. Despite being an Ibanez fan, I personally find the Iron Label misleading & unnecessary especially so when the manufacturer added visual considerations to mark the price up (RGIX20 is an example). So we have Iron Label models costing more than Premium models & the lower tier Prestige selections; it's confusing & just doesn't make sense.

Seeing what Ibanez offers this year it seems that the Iron Label camp is here to stay but with a little twist; active electronics are non-obligatory features. The new member here is an RGD (so the RGD joins the Iron Label series) with a stunning finish but we know this isn't the first, conceptually. It's good to see a maple fretboard making its way into standard production.

And a 7-string version if you think an extended scale length just doesn't get you low enough.

If an extended scale length is not your thing, then be informed that the RGA models are in this Iron Label twist as well. Both the RGA & RGD feature DiMarzio Fusion Twist pickups. Good because you get quality tone for the money. Not so good because it will factor into the price.

Ibanez: Xiphos Iron Label

Totally unexpected- the Ibanez Xiphos returns this year, now in the Iron Label fold. This means, the instrument gets an active make-over in terms of electronics & finished in a dark tinge, em... black. The guitar also gets an EZ2 bridge & an ebony fretboard so instead of just re-hashing some jaded features, the instrument moves up (albeit a little bit) in terms of features.

Ibanez: RGIT20FE

I was at Swee Lee last week (or was it the week before?) to check this guitar out- Ibanez RGIT20FE. Awesome QC & looks to match.

It's a little 'special' because the RG in question features a maple through neck so it differentiates itself from its other bolt-on siblings. Together with the ebony fretboard & ash body, this guitar should be a menace tone-wise. However, the active pickups in there mean that the inherent acoustic properties would be overpowered by the EMGs & that's what I heard throughout my time spent with this guitar. I even switched amps to convince myself that the EMGs would somehow do good to this superb build & feel but it's a negative. One more thing- do you need a kill switch?

Ibanez: RGIX20

Ibanez released a batch of new Iron Label guitars at the final quarter of 2013. The guitars in question were not particularly new in design but the features were given some makeover to reflect a move up.

The RGIX20 you see here is a member of the new Iron Label family featuring 3 distinct revisions (among others):

• maple top
• ebony fretboard
• Gibraltar Standard 2 bridge

The RGIX20 is an RG through & through, very robust in manifesting high octane rock & anything beyond. The Nitro Wizard neck is particularly thin by the manufacturer's standards but it's definitely slimmer than the average Super Strat make. Pickups in question- EMGs 60/81 in the neck/bridge respectively. 

In terms of feel, the playability factor is indisputable; great fretting experience for those of us adventurous enough to tread the 24th end of the neck. Do note the guitar is devoid of a tone control, in its place is a kill switch, may/may not be useful to some of us, depending on our needs.

Two things here for me- firstly, the ebony fretboard. Touch-wise, if you're accustomed to anything else, the solid ebony feel would present a difference but not necessary a superior offering. Personally, the 'board feels great, in fact, I favour less porous wood material for this but that's a personal quirk. The Gibraltar Standard 2 bridge here is an excellent revision. Ibanez simply trimmed down the height of its frame so the edges of the bridge sit more flushed against the body. This makes great palm placement comfort, definitely. Thimbs up to this.

All in all, the RGIX20 isn't a more extroverted offering in view of the Iron Label considerations but it's a great move-on in terms of subtle additions. Recommended :-) 

Thanks, Swee Lee for the test time- much appreciated, as always!

Ibanez: RGIX20

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

Price: TBA

Ibanez 2014: Amp!

Ibanez amps are there for the taking. They might not be the best the manufacturer has to offer but they won't be excluded from the addition. This 2014, Ibanez has 2 for your considerations. The Iron Label IL15 is a tube offering for us high gain dweebs. True to its 'Iron Label' tag, the amp offers more gainful pleasure than nice cleans. OK, let's not dismiss the cleans entirely but I've played Ibanez tube amps before & let's just say that the outcome was acceptable in this light. The amp sports a pair of EL84s in its power section so expect something more Brit than American. Together with a 12" Celestion Seventy 80 driver, the IL15 should be it for many of us in terms of intensity & acceptable domestic volume.

Moving on to some likable cleans, would be this very retro-looking TSA5TVR; the new Tubescreamer amp. There's a Jensen 8" C8R driver in there so 'clean' is something we can be happy with. On a personal note, I prefer Jensen to any other drivers for cleans & that includes providing good cleans to propel my favourite pedals. The fact that there's a Tubescreamer circuitry in there means we can cascade some of our preferred pedals into the amp's drive channel for serious tone works. Those legs might not win over fans in terms of looks.

I'm definitely gonna check these amps out, more often than not, investing in amps are more fruitful for me as opposed to adding another guitar to the premises. Hmm...

Ibanez: Iron Label +

 

Much was said about these Ibanez Iron Label series when their debut was leaked just before fall. Ibanez already had the Iron Label models going so a second generation of Iron Labels should manifest more than their predecessors otherwise, why add any more to a selection that is already reputable. So here they are, the much talked about change was the inclusion of an ebony fretboard instead of the standard rosewood units. The rest of the add-ons are cosmetics, namely the gold hardware as well as the quilted maple tops (headstock veneer included). I have not handled one personally so I won't know if the added quilted caps do add to the overall weight significantly to influence tone. In case of the models featuring active pickups, this won't matter much.