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Ibanez RG vs S Series: Guitarist's Guide

This document compares the Ibanez RG and S guitar series. It discusses the history of both series, which were released in 1987. The RG series was Ibanez's flagship model and popular among shredders for its fast necks and pickups. The S series also had a slim "Wizard" neck and offset body that made it suitable for fast playing. The main differences between the two are that the RG has a sharper body shape while the S has a more rounded shape, and S series guitars often use mahogany for a warmer tone. Both are suited for rock and metal, but the S has a lighter body that is comfortable for active stage performances.

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Alex Mandoiu
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81 views3 pages

Ibanez RG vs S Series: Guitarist's Guide

This document compares the Ibanez RG and S guitar series. It discusses the history of both series, which were released in 1987. The RG series was Ibanez's flagship model and popular among shredders for its fast necks and pickups. The S series also had a slim "Wizard" neck and offset body that made it suitable for fast playing. The main differences between the two are that the RG has a sharper body shape while the S has a more rounded shape, and S series guitars often use mahogany for a warmer tone. Both are suited for rock and metal, but the S has a lighter body that is comfortable for active stage performances.

Uploaded by

Alex Mandoiu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

IBANEZ’S RG VS S SERIES

– WHICH IS RIGHT FOR


ME?

by Corin Allen /
18/02/2022
GUITARS & BASS, REVIEWS
Table of Contents
The coveted Ibanez. A name that needs no introduction to any guitarist. It’s no secret
that most of their slick, streamlined instruments are built with one thing in mind: rock
and metal.
Ibanez rose to prominence with their legendary RG. However, since then, many more
series have been released by the legendary guitar makers, and today we’ll be looking at
two powerhouses: the RG and S Series.
Naturally, both these series are geared toward rock and metal, but there are plenty of
subtle differences which make them stand apart. Prepare to dive deep into the inner
workings of these guitars, and find out what really makes them tick.

WHAT’S THE STORY?


First, let’s take a look at how and when both
these legendary series came about. After all, who doesn’t love a little history lesson?
The RG series has long been Ibanez’s flagship range, and undoubtedly contains the
instruments they’re most famed for. RG is considered to mean ‘Roadstar Guitar’ with
the first model being released in 1987, named the RG550.
Blossoming during the rising shred movement in the ’80s, it was incredibly popular
amongst musicians looking to play hard, fast, and furiously.
The silky necks and powerful pickups lend themselves incredibly well to fleet-fingered
technical musicians, with artists like Steve Vai regularly donning the guitars onstage.
It has also been suggested that the RG550 was largely based on Vai’s
legendary JEM777 signature.
The S Series could easily be called a close cousin of the RG. Initially standing for Saber
(this was shortened to S to avoid conflict with another manufacturer), the first guitar of
this family was also released in 1987.
It was renowned for its now-famous Wizard neck design – which was much slimmer
than anything else around at the time – as well as the sleek offset body. This meant that
it, too, was great for fast-paced playing and electrifying riffs. But what separates each of
these esteemed models?

THE BODY
One of the key differences between the RG and S is the styling of the bodies. The first
thing you’ll notice is the sharper shape of the RG in contrast to the more rounded points
of the S, which makes for two very unique aesthetics.

S SERIES
Delve a little deeper and you’ll find that the
tonewood used for most of the S Series guitars is mahogany.
However, you’ll find some that utilise nyatoh and okoume for the body’s construction.
This adds a touch of warmth to their resonance and helps notes sound rich and full.
S Series guitars also have very sleek, lightweight bodies, making them perfect for
swinging around the stage like a maniac.
Additionally, they have a contoured top and back for an incredibly comfortable hold –
they don’t dig into your body.
In essence, they’re great for those who like to move and groove on stage.

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