#1
Ibanez Prestige RG655
Best overall Ibanez · 24-fret, Wizard III neck, Floyd Rose, DiMarzio pickups, made in Japan$700–$950 usedBest for: Shredding and metal — the definitive fast-neck guitar
The Ibanez Prestige RG655 is the gold standard for modern shredding guitars. Made in Japan, it features the famous Wizard III neck — thin and fast — with 24-fret access, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and DiMarzio Air Norton/Tone Zone pickups. Used Prestige models are significantly cheaper than new while retaining full quality. The RG655 handles everything from prog metal to fusion with equal authority.
What to check used: Floyd Rose maintenance can be tedious for beginners — setting up the floating bridge requires patience. Consider a hardtail model if you avoid whammy bar use.
#2
Ibanez S Series S621QM
Lightweight slim-body shredder · 24-fret, mahogany body, Zero Resistance bridge, Quantum pickups$500–$700 usedBest for: Players who want RG speed in a thinner, lighter body
The Ibanez S Series body is thinner than the RG — carved mahogany with a unique shape that reduces weight significantly. This makes it ideal for extended playing sessions or smaller players. The S621QM has the same fast neck profile as the RG series with a Zero Resistance bridge system and high-output Quantum pickups. The quilted maple top is visually striking.
#3
Ibanez AZ2204
Premium versatile Ibanez · 22-fret, roasted maple neck, Seymour Duncan pickups, Gotoh MG-T bridge$900–$1,200 usedBest for: Players wanting Ibanez playability with Strat-style versatility
The AZ series is Ibanez's answer to players who want Strat-inspired versatility with Ibanez build quality. The AZ2204 features a roasted maple neck for enhanced stability, Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups, and a locking Gotoh bridge. Unlike the RG series' emphasis on shredding, the AZ excels across blues, jazz, rock, and lead work. The 22-fret configuration prioritizes tone over upper-register access.
#4
Ibanez Artcore AS73
Best Ibanez hollowbody · Semi-hollow, mahogany body, Classic Elite pickups, ES-335 style$300–$420 usedBest for: Jazz and blues players wanting Ibanez quality at ES-335 prices
The Ibanez Artcore AS73 is a semi-hollow guitar competing directly with the Gibson ES-335 at a fraction of the price. The mahogany body produces warm, resonant tones ideal for jazz and blues. The Classic Elite humbuckers are articulate and warm. Used AS73 models are excellent value — genuine hollowbody tone without the Gibson premium.
#5
Ibanez RG421
Best budget Ibanez · 24-fret, fixed bridge, maple neck, Quantum pickups$200–$300 usedBest for: Budget shredding — same RG geometry at half the price
The Ibanez RG421 is the affordable entry into the RG series. It shares the same thin neck profile and 24-fret layout as more expensive models but uses a fixed bridge (no Floyd Rose) and Quantum pickups. The fixed bridge actually improves tuning stability and simplifies maintenance. For budget shredders who want RG geometry without the expense, this is the best used buy.
#6
Ibanez Prestige AZ2402
Professional-grade Ibanez · 22-fret, alder body, Seymour Duncan pickups, Japan-made Prestige$1,000–$1,400 usedBest for: Professional players wanting best-in-class Ibanez craftsmanship
The AZ2402 is Ibanez's Prestige-tier AZ model — made in Japan to the highest quality standards. The alder body, roasted maple neck, and Seymour Duncan custom-wound pickups produce exceptional tone across all styles. For professional players who find the RG too aggressive and the AZ2204 too entry-level, the AZ2402 Prestige represents peak Ibanez craftsmanship.
#7
Ibanez RGIX7MPB Iron Label
Best 7-string Ibanez · 24-fret, 7-string, Wizard neck, DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups$600–$820 usedBest for: Extended-range metal and progressive players
The Ibanez Iron Label 7-string brings Prestige-level neck geometry to a lower price point. The RGIX7MPB has the same thin Wizard neck across all seven strings, 24-fret access, and DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups designed specifically for 7-string voicings. For metal players who need the extended low range without paying Prestige prices, this is the best used Ibanez 7-string value.
