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.