Ibanez RGT1220PBKCOL

Ibanez RGT1220PBKCOL review

The Ibanez RGT1220PBKCOL brings together a neck-through construction, two DiMarzio humbuckers, and an Edge tremolo in a six-string electric guitar. Its specifications point to a versatile instrument for players who want access to both full humbucker sounds and thinner, single-coil-style options. Owner feedback adds a useful practical perspective: one player reports clean workmanship, comfortable handling, strong sustain, and a broad range of usable tones, while another flags the setup demands that can come with the tremolo.

Construction and playability

The body is basswood with a poplar burl top, finished in Cosmic Blue with a low-gloss appearance. A seven-piece maple and walnut neck runs through the body, and the ebony fingerboard carries acrylic and abalone block inlays. The neck-through design is a central part of the guitar's construction, rather than a decorative detail. One owner specifically valued the combination of that build and the available switching options, and described the guitar as exceptionally well finished, with no visible flaws.

The Wizard III neck measures 19 mm thick at the first fret and 21 mm at the twelfth. Its 400 mm radius, 43 mm nut, and 24 jumbo frets give the instrument a clearly specified, modern playing layout. The 648 mm scale is a familiar full-length scale for electric guitar. One reviewer found the guitar comfortable and easy to handle, and noted that it was not excessively heavy. That report also described the supplied guitar as playable straight out of the box after tuning, with acceptable intonation and a workable neck curve. The same player measured the low E string height at 3 mm and the high E at 2.7 mm, so players who prefer lower action may want to make an adjustment.

Pickups and switching

The bridge pickup is a DiMarzio The Tone Zone, paired with a DiMarzio Air Norton at the neck. Both are humbuckers. Volume and tone controls provide the basic adjustments, while the five-way selector and dyna-MIX10 system with Alter switch expand the available pickup configurations. According to one owner, each selector position produced a noticeably different sound. They described the range as useful from clean playing through distorted tones, with both humbucker and single-coil-style sounds available.

That range makes the RGT1220PBKCOL a plausible choice for players moving between different parts in a set without changing guitars. The feedback is positive, but it is still one player's assessment rather than a guarantee that every setting will suit every rig or playing style. That owner tried the guitar with an Engl Rockmaster and a Tonex, and reported particularly impressive sustain. They described notes as continuing for a long time, a quality they associated with the instrument's feel and construction.

Edge tremolo and setup considerations

The Edge tremolo is paired with a locking nut and Gotoh tuners. This hardware gives the guitar a locking tremolo setup, but it also affects routine maintenance. One owner cautioned that changing strings can take time for players who are unfamiliar with adjusting an Edge system. That is a practical consideration for anyone who often changes tunings, replaces strings in a hurry, or has not previously balanced a locking tremolo. The owner's assessment was that, once properly adjusted, the guitar performed very well.

The guitar ships with a gig bag. The listed string gauges are.009,.011,.016,.024,.032, and.042. Players considering a different gauge should expect to check the tremolo balance and setup rather than assuming the instrument will remain unchanged. A case is not included.

Finish, value, and verdict

Cosmic Blue gives the guitar a distinctive visual identity, and one owner said the finish matched their taste particularly well. Their instrument arrived ready to play after tuning, with only a tiny ding near the strap button noted as a cosmetic blemish. Another player reported no defects at all. Individual instruments can vary, but the supplied feedback is encouraging on fit and finish.

At a listed price of $1,444, the RGT1220PBKCOL offers a detailed hardware and pickup package, plus the distinctive construction of a seven-piece neck-through design. Its strongest points in the available reports are comfortable handling, varied pickup sounds, and long sustain. The main caveat is the Edge tremolo, which rewards familiarity and patience during string changes and setup. Players who want a versatile guitar and are comfortable maintaining a locking tremolo have good reasons to consider it. Those seeking the simplest possible restringing routine should factor in the learning curve.

Key specifications

• Body and top: Basswood body with a poplar burl top
• Neck and fingerboard: Seven-piece maple and walnut neck, ebony fingerboard
• Frets and scale: 24 jumbo frets, 648 mm scale
• Pickups: DiMarzio The Tone Zone bridge humbucker and Air Norton neck humbucker
• Hardware: Edge tremolo, locking nut, Gotoh tuners, Cosmo Black finish
• Included: Gig bag