Updated 2020.
This is a list of all Ibanez guitars that currently come equipped with EMG pickups, EMG pickups are exceptional for achieving great metal/rock tones. I went to Ibanez’s website and looked through all of their current models to create this list.
Only the current Ibanez models with EMGs are included in this list, older models have not been added.
(The type of EMG will be specified in the description for each model)
If you’re interested in other guitars with EMGs, I’ve made a list that I’ll put at the end of the article. Thanks for reading, and please let me know if I’ve missed any current Ibanez models equipped with EMGs.
Let’s get Started.
RGIb6
This particular model of Ibanez is the only six string in the RG series with an EMG……and one of only two six strings made by Ibanez equipped with one.
(Which is actually kind of surprising considering so many metal/rock guitarists played on Ibanez guitars.)
The RG series has been popular for years and goes all the way back to 87, so you know this line has been perfected. This is the guitar most people think of when they hear Ibanez.
The line has 6 different models as well. The custom, prestige, genesis, premium, iron label, and standard. The RGIb6 is from the “iron label” series of RG guitars. They made this series of only four guitars specifically designed for metal.
With super thin necks, and insane amounts of work testing every aspect to make this guitar perfect for the metal guitarist, I’d say this is a great guitar and pretty affordable.
The EMGs are active with an 81 in the bridge and a 60 in the neck.
(More Details and pricing info on Amazon)
RGIM7MH
This particular guitar is absolutely perfect for some serious bone crushing metal.
You’ve Got:
- Fanned Frets
- Mono Rail Bridge
- EMG 808s
It sounds phenomenal, and they also added a tone knob (not on other Ibanez Iron Label models) which is also nice.
Like other models, this one has an Ultra thin “Wizard Neck” that makes things easier.
Also, if you’re not familiar with fanned frets, This simply means that the frets on the lower strings are spaced further apart than on the higher strings. Which gives the bass tones more depth and clarity. It’s a brilliant idea, that more people need to try to play on.
Yes, before you ask……this guitar does in fact “Djent”. lol.
I probably should add, the ultra thin necks on all of the “iron label” guitars are extremely thin.
I’d definitely play one before deciding to buy one because they do take awhile to get used to. I personally played one of their slim neck profiles on one of their s series guitars for awhile and while it did improve playing it took about a month before I was comfortable playing on it. I was transitioning from playing a lot of guitars with larger necks, so the transition might not be much different if you’re used to playing on a smaller neck. This, paired with the fact that the frets are fanned might get some getting used to. Of course, there are tons of benefits to playing on a guitar with fanned frets (Also called a multi scale guitar), so it can be worth it.
Great guitar, this review is worth checking out as well. Guy looks kind of like Elon Musk.
Note: I mentioned the Mono Rail bridge earlier, in case you don’t know what these are here’s a brief explanation:
Basically these diminish what is called “Crosstalk”. When you’re chugging and absolutely slamming your pick as aggressively as you can sometimes other strings will vibrate since your bridge connects those strings. The mono rail bridge simply connects string by string rather than altogether so you can avoid the issue.
(More Details and Pricing Info on Amazon)
FRIX6FEAH
This is a very popular sleek model that sounds incredible, and is actually pretty inexpensive.
Following the trend of metal style tele guitars, this guitar definitely outshines many that I’ve seen personally when it comes to the look and feel, with jumbo frets and their ultra thin (Ibanez calls theirs wizard necks) these guitars are one of a kind.
(More Details and Pricing info on Amazon)
For the EMGs on this model you’ve got an 81 and a 60. With the 81 in the bridge and the 60 in the neck.
Oh, and my favorite part about this guitar? The killswitch option. Absolutely sick. I do question though why the killswitch is below the volume and tone knobs however, seems like that wouldn’t be the best spot. Of course, this probably has to do more with how it’s made than necessarily convenience.
Listen to it for yourself, I am kind of disappointed I couldn’t find a video of someone playing it in a key other than drop D. It would be nice to hear this much lower.
FRIX7FEAH
Again, this should be obvious but in case it isn’t….this is the seven string model of the FRIX6FEAH. As far as I can tell, both models are almost exactly the same except this model has an extra string.
RGIM8MH
I’m sure you’ve figured out that this is the same as the model before just with another string added. I tried to look through everywhere I could on the internet to find any differences and other than of course they are using a 909 rather than a 808 for the EMG pickups.
Note: In case you were wondering, yes the 808s are meant for 8 strings and 909s are meant for nine string guitars. So, why is an 808 on a 7 string and a 909 on a 8?
The fanned frets do make the neck width get larger and larger as you go down the neck towards the body, making the need for larger pickups essential.
Other guitar brands with EMG pickups
If you’re looking for guitars that come with built in EMGs and don’t necessarily care if you’re getting an Ibanez or another brand, there are brands that have many more models that come equipped than Ibanez.
In fact, I’ve made a list of every guitar with EMG pickups (does include past models as well). The brands that have the most models with EMGs are definitely Shecter and ESP by far.
But…..Dean, Epiphone, Kramer, Jackson, and some others offer equipped models as well. If you’re on the hunt to find a really nice guitar with EMGs all of those models are great options.
However personally I’d check out Shecter and ESP first since those guitars not only have more options, but are meant for that metal/rock form of playing.
A lot of models I’ve seen from them that do include EMGs are usually a great deal and will last a long time. Again, that’s a personal opinion. Kramer, Epiphone, Dean, and Jackson are great brands to check out.
Note: This article doesn’t contain any guitars other than the current models of Ibanez available. I did not include past models that included EMG pickups, if you would like for me to add a section for older models please leave a comment below.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, there simply aren’t that many guitars made by Ibanez that come equipped with EMGs, fortunately the ones that do come with EMGs? Absolutely sick. Getting options like fanned frets and killswitches in their guitars does mean Ibanez is stepping up their game. I’ll definitely be staying a fan of them. Hopefully they put out some more models with EMG pickups pretty soon.