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Ibanez

collapse expand iconDescription

The Ibanez RGA42FM solidbody electric guitar is built for shredding. Featuring a fast maple Wizard III neck and jatoba fingerboard with a 15.7" radius, this ax is purpose-built for high-speed, low-drag playing. It all starts with a perfectly balanced mahogany body topped with gorgeous figured maple. You'll love how this guitar feels as soon as you pick it up. And it sports two hot Quantum humbucking pickups, ideal for rock, blues and metal. If you want a guitar that won't hold you back, look no further than the Ibanez RGA42FM.

Wizard III Maple Neck Enables Lightning-Fast Fretting

The Wizard III maple neck on the RGA42FM is thin, fast and comfortable. Its flat 15.7" radius and jumbo frets make it easy to bend notes and rip through solos at breakneck speed. The smooth jatoba fingerboard enhances playability, while an offset dot inlay adds visual flair. For the modern metal guitarist, the Wizard III neck is the perfect mix of form and function.

Quantum Pickups Provide Thick, Articulate Distortion

The RGA42FM features a Quantum humbucker in the neck and bridge position. These pickups produce rich, full distortion that retains note clarity and definition. Roll back the volume or tone for a crunchier classic rock sound, or crank the gain for an all-out sonic assault. The pickups are also coil-tappable, offering single-coil tones at the flip of a switch.

Fixed Bridge Delivers Solid Intonation and Tuning Stability

Instead of a whammy bar system, the RGA42FM has a fixed bridge. This provides rock-solid tuning stability and intonation for precise pitch. Without the added components of a tremolo, the fixed bridge also allows more vibrational energy to transfer to the body, producing a lively, resonant tone. For many metal guitarists, a fixed bridge is the ideal option.

Premium Components and Innovative Design

From its contoured mahogany body and flamed maple top to its black hardware and offset dot inlays, every detail of the RGA42FM is premium and performance-focused. Its forearm contour creates an ultracomfortable playing surface for shredding at high speeds. Overall, the RGA42FM brings together innovative design and powerful pickups for a truly exceptional metal guitar experience.

Ibanez RGA series RGA42FM Electric Guitar Flat Blue Lagoon Burst
Ibanez RGA series RGA42FM Electric Guitar Flat Blue Lagoon Burst
Ibanez RGA series RGA42FM Electric Guitar Flat Blue Lagoon Burst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Wizard III Maple neck
  • Flamed Maple top
  • Mahogany body
  • Jatoba fretboard
  • Off-set white dot inlay
  • Jumbo frets
  • Fixed bridge
  • Quantum (H) neck pickup
  • Quantum (H) bridge pickup
  • Black Hardware
  • Case sold separately

collapse expand iconWarranty

Warranty terms vary. Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.33

6 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Guitar is good, Guitar Center failed
Guitar is good, Guitar Center failed
Guitar is good, Guitar Center failed

Filters

Best Uses

  1. Jamming5
  2. Practicing5
  3. Recording4
  4. Rock Concerts2
  5. School Bands2

Cons

  1. Poor Pick Up1

Describe Yourself

  1. Experienced5

Pros

  1. Good Feel5
  2. Fun To Play4
  3. Good Pick Up3
  4. Good Tone3
  5. Solid Electronics2

Reviewed by 6 customers

  • Great guitar for the money

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byPhil

    fromPhoenix, AZ

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Super thin and light weight. Came perfect right out of the box. Just a new set of strings and it was good to go. I love the finish as well. My only complaint is that the dot inlays are at the top instead of the center. Took awhile to get accustomed but was able to adapt. #sweepstakes

  • The wizard 3 neck rocks

    4

    submitted4 years ago

    byMika Y

    fromAnderson IN

    The Quantum pups are lacking in the high end, lows are OK, not muddy. I noticed when I pulled them for the upgrade, the coils are only HALF the height of a normal humbucker. There was a small crack in the wood next to one of the strap buttons, bad QC. Ok, now the good. This thing is a joy to play. Fast, difficult licks on my strat are fast, easy licks on this RGA. This is built for speed. Oh, and the setup was surprisingly good.

  • Guitar is good, Guitar Center failed

    3

    submitted5 years ago

    byAG

    fromMcHenry, IL

    Guitar itself is a quality guitar for the price. Would recommend the guitar for sure.

  • The best purchase i have made to date!

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byRoN dOgG

    fromWest Columbia, SC

    First off, let me say that without seeing this in person, once I received it the transparent purple burst is gorgeous. I was hoping it would be gloss finish like my rga42fm from 2010, but they've changed a few things with the new model, and I actually like the satin finish on the new ones. The upper horns are routed out on the front (think Paul reed Smith or the higher priced axion series), to allow for a more natural contour to the hand while fretting the higher frets. The frets are a little taller than I'm used to, but it gave the fretboard a feel like playing on a scalloped guitar, easier to move around. The best and most important thing about the new models is how light it is!!! I have never felt a lighter guitar and didn't know they could be this light. I never liked les pauls because of their weight and steered more towards hamer, jackson, and previous years of ibanez. It blew my mind just how light and comfortable this thing felt to hold and play. The only con I found is because of the satin finish with no clear coat to add protection, it's more prone to scratching and dinging. This thing has more than a joy to play. I hope this review helped someone make an educated purchase.

  • it's a looker..but can it work?

    4

    submitted6 years ago

    byJcmfer

    fromNaples ,Me

    the hardware is the main down fall of this instrument . Ibanez cheaped out on the tuners and bridge. A novice would not probably tell or care .The stock pick-ups are fine but like the hardware cheap .

  • Would definitely recommend this

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    bySivalalith

    fromundisclosed

    Highly satisfied with the weight, playability, neck and aesthetics. Tone is fantastic just what I was looking for.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 months ago

    asked byAri

    fromMonsey ny

    What's the difference between Ibanez Rga42fm vs the rga42ex?

    What's the difference between Ibanez Rga42fm vs the rga42ex?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The difference is the finish.

  • submitted10 months ago

    asked byDrewski

    fromVirginia

    Is the string spacing a little wider on this model than on most other guitar manufacturers? That's what I'm looking for

    Is the string spacing a little wider on this model than on most other guitar manufacturers? That's what I'm looking for

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I’m sorry, I don’t know what your references are. You need to play it.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byRoberto

    fromel paso texas

    where is it manufactured?

    where is it manufactured?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Ibanez RGA series RGA42FM is made in Indonesia.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byRoberto

    fromel paso texas

    where is it manufactured?

    where is it manufactured?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Ibanez RGA series RGA42FM is made in Indonesia.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byYoung Money

    fromBaltimore MD

    Does this guitar have a 3 way or 5 way switch?

    Does this guitar have a 3 way or 5 way switch?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    5

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked bymimi

    fromLos Angeles, CA

    how much would it cost to add a wammy bar to this guitar

    how much would it cost to add a wammy bar to this guitar

    Open Reply - Thomas
    You need to have a guitar tech look at it.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byMark

    fromMN

    Do you ship to APO?

    Do you ship to APO?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes we do.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byEric

    fromNashua NH

    Can you use a whammy bar with this model? And does it come with one?

    Can you use a whammy bar with this model? And does it come with one?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    You would have to swap out the bridge which would take bodily modifications.

  • submitted8 years ago

    asked byJONA

    fromundisclosed

    Hi, I would like to put EMG 81/85 active pickups on this guitar, i need to know please if the model RGA42FM is compatible with this kind of pickups. (the space where is located the pickups) Regards

    Hi, I would like to put EMG 81/85 active pickups on this guitar, i need to know please if the model RGA42FM is compatible with this kind of pickups. (the space where is located the pickups) Regards

    Open Reply -
    The pickups themselves fit, but the only problem would be where to put the battery pack for the pickups.