Ibanez RGT1220PB-ABS

Ibanez RGT1220PB-ABS review

The Ibanez RGT1220PB-ABS is a neck-through electric guitar with a striking Antique Brown Stained Flat finish, gold-plated hardware, and a poplar top. It has the kind of specification sheet that promises flexibility: two DiMarzio humbuckers, an Edge tremolo, and Ibanez's dyna-MIX10 switching system. Reports from players support that promise, while also pointing to a significant caveat: quality control can vary from one instrument to another.

At $1,319, this model sits in a range where buyers can reasonably expect careful finishing and setup. Some examples have arrived with excellent fretwork and clean bodywork. Others have shown visible or functional defects that required correction or a return. The guitar's strengths are real, but it is worth checking the individual instrument closely on arrival.

Construction and feel

The body is basswood with a poplar top, paired with a seven-piece maple and walnut neck that runs through the body. The ebony fingerboard carries acrylic and abalone block inlays, and the neck has Ibanez's Wizard III profile. Its stated thickness is 19 mm at the first fret and 21 mm at the twelfth, with a 400 mm radius and a 43 mm nut width.

The 648 mm scale and 24 jumbo stainless steel frets suit fast, precise playing. Player feedback on the frets is especially positive: they are described as exceptionally smooth and well polished, making bends feel easy. The neck profile is slim, though one owner found it slightly thicker than some older RG necks. That is a matter of preference, and the reported playing feel was still comfortable.

The neck-through design gives access to the upper frets without a heel getting in the way. It also changes the feel of the guitar around the body. One owner found the strings higher above the body than on other RG models, with the Edge tremolo sitting farther out as a result. This did not impede playability for that player, but the position can feel unfamiliar if you are used to a conventional RG or S model.

Sound and switching

The bridge pickup is a DiMarzio The Tone Zone, and the neck pickup is a DiMarzio Air Norton. Together with a five-way switch, volume and tone controls, and the dyna-MIX10 system, they offer a useful spread of humbucker and coil combinations. Owners describe the pickups as familiar, capable performers, with the additional switching particularly helpful for clean tones. The guitar also provides ample sustain, though that alone does not prove a neck-through design is responsible.

The Edge tremolo is paired with a locking nut and Gotoh tuning machines. Once set up and locked down, players report strong tuning stability. The tremolo arm can be stiff to insert, and balancing the bridge takes patience, especially when changing string gauges. The guitar ships with D'Addario EXL120 strings in.009 to.042 gauge. One owner who moved to heavier strings replaced the springs to accommodate the change.

Finish and quality control

The top and gold hardware give the RGT1220PB-ABS a distinctive look, and players often praise the grain and overall visual impact. The matte finish also lets the wood grain show through. It offers less protection from dents and marks than a thicker, harder finish, so careful handling is sensible.

Finish consistency is the main concern. One returned example had an unevenly thin top, visible adhesive around knots, rough pickup cavities, and a misaligned pickup. Other reported issues include a broken, poorly machined tremolo screw, rough spots on the neck and body cutaways, and residue on the fingerboard. Some residue came off easily, and owners report that the neck and fretwork can be excellent. Still, these defects are too significant to dismiss as cosmetic preferences. Inspect the top, pickup alignment, cavities, tremolo hardware, and neck finish before accepting the instrument.

Value and verdict

The RGT1220PB-ABS includes a gig bag, not a hard case. For a guitar at this price, that may disappoint buyers who want more substantial protection for transport. Its weight is another consideration, as players describe it as relatively heavy. On the positive side, the neck-through construction, stainless steel frets, DiMarzio pickups, and Edge tremolo make for a compelling package, and the guitar can be comfortable and versatile once properly set up.

This Ibanez is worth considering if you want its specific appearance, upper-fret access, and broad switching options. Its strongest examples deliver an enjoyable playing experience and a distinctive sound. The risk is uneven finishing and assembly, so buying from a seller with a straightforward return policy is prudent. At $1,319, the value feels fair when the instrument arrives clean and well adjusted, but the inconsistent reports keep it from being an automatic recommendation.