The Ibanez Prestige Series: Serious Prestige

Currently Ibanez offers 19 different models in their Prestige Series which is not only moderately affordable but packs some punch in performance. From their solid shape and design to the fine glossy finish they wear, Ibanez guitars are among the best and the Prestige lines prove it.

Not many Ibanez models are stocked on shelves at rock bottom prices but, because they last forever, you get more than what you pay for. Plus Ibanez are also known for their diversity and versatility in purchasing power.

FR Prestige
The FR Prestige is only one model–a serious axe for those who just want tradition. No whammy bar, no strange shapes or special necks. Just a solid body made of Ash, 22 standard Jumbo frets, a Rosewood fingerboard, a CCR1 neck pickup and a CCR2 bridge pick up. This baby comes in black or red and runs around $950 online. It’s an axe that will last a long time.

RG Prestige
The RG Prestige offers many solid body electric guitar models, mostly made of Basswood, to satisfy the differing needs of the artists who demand them. One is never better than the next–only different in price, shape, features or hardware. So here are all of them for you to decide yourself which is best for your own needs:

• RG1527: This 7 string, solid Basswood body guitar has serious sound and play in mind. It features 22 Jumbo frets and a Rosewood Fingerboard but is particularly special for its Edge Pro 7 bridge, Ibanez custom pickups; IBZ V7 and V8 neck and bridge pickups, and comes in a wicked blue color. They run around $850 online, which is a deal.
• RG1570 and RG1570L (for lefties): Another solid Basswood body style with extraordinary feel, this axe also bares the Jumbo frets, a Rosewood fingerboard, an Edge Pro bridge and Ibanez custom pickups. The difference: 3 pickups–the IBZ V7 neck, IBZ S1 mid and the IBZ V8 bridge. It comes in Candy Apple, Black and Mirage Blue. You can get one online for $750 to $800.
• RG2228: This 8 string guitar is another beautiful solid body axe made of Basswood with Jumbo frets and Rosewood fingerboard. It also has, however, a Fixed Edge III-8 bridge, EMG 808 pickups and comes in black only. Magnificent. They cost between $1400 and $2000 online.
• RG2550Z: This unique solid body Basswood features a Bound Rosewood Fingerboard instead of standard, and has so much to offer. It comes with an Edge Zero bridge and custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck, mid and bridge. It’s a gorgeous sounding, almost vintage guitar and shines in Galaxy White and Galaxy Black. They range in price between $900 and $1800 online, some used, some new, some customized.
• RG2570Z: This is another great guitar featuring the solid Basswood and Bound Rosewood fingerboard and the Jumbo frets. Another unique feature are the Wedge sharktooth inlays instead of the pearl dots. Made for serious shredding, this axe comes with custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck, mid and bridge. The 2570Z is also very attractive and comes in both Vital Gold and Vital Silver. You can get one online for around $900.
• RG2610: Very similar to the 2570Z, the 2610Z comes in the standard Basswood body, Jumbo frets and bound Rosewood. It’s quality, however, is in it’s Edge Zero bridge and Seymour Duncan TB10 bridge pickup. Because it’s made to scream and shout, it only comes in black. They cost between $1000 and $1400 online and in stores.
• RG3520Z: For a change of pace in wood, this axe is a solid body made of Mahogany and a tripple-flamed Maple top. It sports the standard Prestige Jumbo frets, a Rosewood fingerboard, Edge Zero bridge and custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck and bridge. The sound of this guitar, I am told, is like wailing in the mountains. Perhaps that’s why it only comes in Himalayan Black. These axes start at $1800 online and can cost up to $2200 in stores.
• RGR1570: Another solid Basswood body with Jumbo frets and a Rosewood fingerboard, you would expect the ordinary. This awesome axe, however, features the Edge Pro bridge, custom Ibane pickups: IBZ v7 at the neck, IBZ S1 at mid and IBZ V8 at the bridge. To show that it stands out from the rest, the finish is called Suede Black because it is not a high gloss finish. Thrilling. They cost around $850 online, making them a steal.
• RGT320Z: For those who want the high end equipment but without needing 3 pickups, the T320Z is perfect. It comes in a Mahogany solid body with triple flamed Quilted Maple top, Abalone Small Dot inlays, an Edge Zero bridge and custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck and bridge. The finish is a gorgeous red with splashes of cat-like stripes lightly scattered throughout the finish. Very nice and priced at around $2300.

RGA Prestige
This line of guitars focuses on the solid Mahogany body and offers only Gibralter bridges. Gibralter bridges are known for being sturdy, long lasting and having a very Ibanez-standard sound in tone, clarity and resonance.

• RGA121: Besides the Mahogany body and Maple top with Jumbo frets and a Rosewood fingerboard, this axe comes with the Gibralter Plus bridge and custom IBZ V7 and V8 pickups at the neck and bridge. It comes in a very interesting Natural Flat and Violin Flat color. You can find one online for $900.
• RGA121H: Another beautiful Mahogany body with Jumbo frets and the Rosewood fretboard, this axe seems normal. Then you realize it comes with a Gibralter Plus bridge, V7 and V8 IBZ pickups at the neck and bridge and sports a gorgeous burgundy color called Crushed Dark Ruby. It’s absolutely gorgeous and feels good in your hands. Most sites sell them at $950.
• RGA321F: A little fancier than it’s sister, this guitar comes with a Mahogany body, tripple flamed Maple top, a Rosewood fingerboard, Gibralter Plus bridge and custom DiMarzio IBZ pickups at the neck and bridge. Wow. And it only comes in Black Onyx. $1500 online.

S Prestige
The S Prestige line makes you wonder if the S is for strange. They come in incredibly interesting makes and colors which enhance the actual grain of the wood used for making the guitar. Their hardware, of course, is top notch and most of the S Prestige line come with DiMarzio custom Ibanez pickups.

• S2170FB: Equipped with a Mahogany solid body, Figured Bubinga top, Jumbo frets and bound Rosewood fingerboard, this guitar is still anything but standard. It is a beautiful auburn color and sports the grain of the wood amidst custom DiMarzio IBZ pickups at the neck, mid and bridge. The color is called Natural Flat. Wonderful. $1300 online.
• S2170FW: What sets this guitar apart is the Poplar Burl top that makes this Mahogany solid body with Jumbo frets and DiMarzio IBZ pickups at the neck, mid and bridge, so beautiful. The finish is still called Natural Flat. Also $1300 online.
• S2170SE: Just the same as it’s sister above, the only thing that differs in this guitar is the Swirled Ebony top. The same natural grain can be seen in the wood when looking closely at this beautiful black guitar. Sells like its sisters for $1300 online.
• S5470: The usual Mahogany body, Jumbo frets and Rosewood fingerboard are not what set this lovely piece apart. In fact, this guitar is strangely different from the rest in it’s line. It sports the natural Mahogany finish, which they call Satin Oil, though it also comes in Transparent Black Sunburst, but it doesn’t stop there. The S5470 comes with a ZR2 bridge, an HGD1 neck pickup, ST1 mid pickup and HGD2 bridge pickup. Interestingly odd but awesome nonetheless. I played on one of these at a buddies house and fell in love with it.

SV Prestige
The SV Prestige line is incredibly special because of how much amp it puts out. This is a machine made for the more serious shredder or effects player. They resonate like no other you’ve heard and sounds quite unique.

• SV5470A: This axe has a Mahogany body and natural Ash top which gives it a unique yellow wood look. It has the usual Jumbo frets with Bound Rosewood. The bridge, however is a SynchroniZR bridge and the pickups are amazing. The neck comes with an IBZ True-Duo Blast pickup, the mid comes with an ST1 and the bridge is an IBZ True-Duo Blast pickup. The finish is called Honey Gold. $1100-$1400 online and in stores.
• SV5470F: There is no real difference between these two axes than the finish and top. The F version is fitted with a flamed Maple top and a Blue finish called Natural Blue. $1300 online.

Ibanez
With so much selection and great hardware, the positive reputation of Ibanez is not surprising. What is, however, is the crisp, clear and sometimes warm sound of their amazing axes.

I admit that there are bigger, better guitars out there with a heftier price tag and a famous name on them. But nothing beats the tried and true reliability of an Ibanez guitar with your needs in mind. For more information about Ibanez or the Prestige Series, check out their site at www.ibanez.com.

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