Ibanez RG470PB REB

Ibanez RG470PB REB review

The Ibanez RG470PB REB is a 24-fret electric guitar with an HSH pickup layout, a double-cutaway body, and an Edge-Zero tremolo. Listed at 544, it is aimed at players looking for a flexible, performance-focused instrument without moving into a higher price bracket. Owner feedback is strongly positive about its playability and appearance, though reports on fret finishing, setup, and pickup balance are less consistent.

The body is meranti with a grained poplar top, finished in Red Eclipse Burst. A maple neck meets a jatoba fingerboard, which has white dot inlays and a 400 mm radius. The scale length is 648 mm, or 25.5 inches, and the nut measures 43 mm wide. Ibanez equips the guitar with 24 jumbo frets, black hardware, and D'Addario EXL120 strings in.009 to.042 gauges. No bag or case is included.

Playability and construction

Several owners describe the guitar as comfortable from the first playing session. Comments mention a pleasant neck feel, low action, and easy access to the upper frets. One player compared the neck favorably with those on more expensive Jackson and Charvel guitars. That is an individual comparison rather than a guarantee of matching setup or feel, but it gives a useful sense of how highly that owner rated the instrument.

There are also reports of uneven finishing. One buyer noticed tool marks near the fret ends, while another found adhesive residue along the fingerboard edges and considered the fret-edge work mediocre. Other feedback praises the rounded fret ends and overall construction. Taken together, the accounts suggest that the guitar can feel polished and comfortable, but buyers should inspect the frets and fingerboard edges on the specific instrument they receive.

The jatoba fingerboard drew a separate criticism: one owner found that fingerprints remained visible and felt the wood needed oil to improve its appearance. That is a subjective maintenance and cosmetic observation, not evidence that every fingerboard will look the same. The guitar's Red Eclipse Burst finish, by contrast, received repeated praise, with owners saying the design looked especially good in person.

Pickups and switching

The pickup arrangement combines two passive ceramic Quantum humbuckers, at the neck and bridge, with a passive alnico Quantum single-coil pickup in the middle. A five-way switch selects the available pickup combinations, and separate volume and tone controls provide straightforward adjustment. This gives the RG470PB REB a familiar range for moving between fuller humbucker sounds and the more cutting character of a middle single coil.

Owners generally considered the pickups capable, especially at this price, and one noted that modern guitar processors and amplifier simulations can help shape the sound. Another reviewer reported a substantial difference in output between the neck humbucker and middle single coil, making quick changes between them difficult without adjusting the guitar or amplifier gain. Pickup balance can depend on height and setup, so checking the levels in person, or having them adjusted, may be worthwhile.

Edge-Zero tremolo and value

The Edge-Zero tremolo is a prominent part of the package, and feedback on it is divided. One owner praised its sensitivity and compared its performance favorably with tremolos on more expensive guitars. The same player found it difficult to set up and said tuning became a chore. A floating tremolo can demand more adjustment than a fixed bridge, particularly when changing strings or tuning, so players who want simple maintenance should factor that into their decision.

At the listed price of 544, the RG470PB REB offers a distinctive finish, 24 frets, an HSH configuration, and a tremolo system. Buyers do not get a case or gig bag in the box. Its strongest points in owner reports are the comfortable playing feel, upper-fret access, and appearance. The main cautions are inconsistent finishing details, possible pickup-output imbalance, and the time needed to set up the tremolo.

Verdict

The Ibanez RG470PB REB is a compelling option for players who value a playable neck, a broad pickup layout, and a striking burst finish. Reports of excellent feel and quality for the price sit alongside specific complaints about fret ends, fingerboard residue, and tremolo adjustment. Inspecting the individual guitar and allowing time for a careful setup are sensible steps. If those checks go well, the feature set and positive playability feedback make it an appealing choice for rock and other styles.