If you’re thinking about getting the Ibanez RGA42HP and you’re not really sure if it’s worth it or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular model. It seems to be perfect for shredding, but is it actually worth it?
The truth is that Ibanez RGA42HP is a fantastic electric guitar designed for high-speed playing. It’s not that cheap, but it’s definitely worth the money! On top of that, it features a killer look as well and it’s really well made.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this modal so good and so popular among the shredders all around the world. Firstly, we’ll have a look at the specs and the main advantages of that model. Of course, there will be a few sound demos included as well, so you’ll be able to hear how it sounds!
Overview – Specs & Pricing
Ibanez RGA42HP features a well-balanced and lightweight Nyatoh body, a really thin maple neck and easy-playing Jatoba fretboard. There’s also a fixed bridge which significantly affects and improves the overall tuning stability.
The manufacturer also equipped this model with two DiMarzio Fusion Edge humbuckers which sound absolutely amazing. These pickups are really versatile, so they’re perfect for various different music styles. However, they sound particularly good in all high-gain settings.
It is also worth mentioning that the RGA42HP model looks fantastic from the outside too. There’s something really special about the combination of that Sea Foam Green Matte color and golden hardware. It looks spectacular!
When it comes to pricing, it’s not that cheap, but at the same time it’s not as expensive as some of the guitars from the Prestige series.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
Ibanez RGA42HP is designed for guitarists of all levels. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re an amateur or a professional player – you will definitely notice and appreciate the uniqueness of that model.
Just like any other guitar from the High Performance Series, this guitar is perfect for all lovers of shredding. If you really enjoy playing fast, this axe will be a great fit for you. It’s an excellent guitar for rock and metal!
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of rock and metal guitarists will really like playing on that guitar. There’s just not much to complain about. It’s a fantastic guitar which exceeds all the expectations!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Disadvantages of Ibanez RGA42HP
Just like any other guitar at this price level, the RGA42HP has its own advantages and disadvantages. Most of them are really subjective, but there’s a few things that you should be aware of before you decide to get it.
Firstly, this model has a plastic nut.
You’d expect something better from a guitar at this level. This is not a big deal though. I don’t think that it should discourage you from getting that guitar anyway.
Additionally, it usually comes without a gig bag.
No case included is not a massive disadvantage, but you just have to be aware of that you’ll have to get it separately. Again, it’s not a huge deal and it’s understandable, because it’s not a guitar from the highest shelf.
Apart from these things, there’s not much to complain about. Overall, it’s a fantastic electric guitar which looks, sounds and feels absolutely amazing. That’s why I highly encourage you to check it out!
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the sound of Ibanez RGA42HP or you simply can’t afford it right now, that’s not a problem! There’s still quite a lot of other really good electric guitars out there. Of course, it all depends on the size of your budget and your own personal preferences.
Here’s a few other great guitars that also deserve a lot of attention.
Firstly, if you’re looking for something even better, make sure to check out the Ibanez Prestige RG5120M. This is an absolutely killer axe. In my opinion, it’s one of the best high-end Superstrats made by this Japanese brand. It’s a pretty expensive model, but it’s definitely worth the money.
Alternatively, you can also consider getting the ESP LTD KH-602. This is a signature model of Kirk Hammett (Metallica), so as you can imagine – it’s perfect for playing really fast. Again, it’s not that cheap, but it exceeds all the expectations. Surely, a lot of shredders will immediately fall in love with it!
Additionally, I highly encourage you to check out my article about 15 Best Superstrat Guitars Under $500, $1000 and $1500. No matter how big your budget is, you’ll definitely be able to find your next guitar for shredding on that list!
Want to find out more about Ibanez?
If you want to learn more about this famous Japanese manufacturer or electric guitars, make sure to visit the official website of Ibanez.
Summary
As you can see, Ibanez RGA42HP is an excellent electric guitar suitable for high-speed playing. Although there’s a few things that could be improved in that model, it’s still definitely worth the money. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!
What do you think about that model? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations for rock and metal music, you may also like:
