"THE ROADSTAR 2022"

This customized reproduction from the Japan Custom Shop represents a very unique transitional period in the history of Ibanez. A fun fact and something you may not know is that the RG designation actually came into use before the iconic model even existed. There was a brief period in 1987 when the RG name was applied to several models that were, for all intents and purposes, Roadstar guitars. It is one of those guitars, the RG652, that is the inspiration for this new design. All things considered, this is a very faithful reproduction of the original but with a few strategically applied updates, making this a perfect throwback axe for today’s player. Several of these updates include active EMG pickups, a compound 10”- 16” radius, and larger jumbo frets for improved playability. This modern day Roadstar also features the contemporary “All Access” neck rather than the traditional block style joint on the originals. Additionally, fans of the old Roadstar series who also appreciate figured woods, will be thrilled to see the addition of a Flamed Maple top and Birdseye Maple neck, both of which remain visually prominent under a transparent black finish. This look allows the guitar to remain true to the original, while imparting a degree of upscale modern craftsmanship.

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TO THE FLAME

The Roadstar was the quintessential working musician’s axe, and while this custom reissue still fully embodies the spirit of the originals, this build serves to demonstrate the full artistic potential of this model with an added premium-grade Flamed Maple top.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

To further enhance the custom characteristics of this Japanese-crafted ode to the 80’s, our luthiers selected a beautiful piece of Birdseye Maple for the neck, so no matter what side of this instrument is being viewed, there is an extraordinary piece of figured wood center stage and ready to inspire.

MADE FOR MODERN MUSIC

This guitar is outfitted with a set of EMG pickups, a 66 in the neck and 57-F in the bridge positon. The brushed black chrome covers provide an inherently modern look, but this specific set is engineered for a PAF-style sound so the tonal profile of this instrument accurately reflects that of the original.



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JPCS6 - "THE ROADSTAR 2022" BUILD INFO:

  • Neck: Birdseye Maple
  • Neck Width: 42mm @ Nut, 57mm @ 24th Fret
  • Neck Thickness: 21mm @ 1st Fret, 23mm @ 12th Fret
  • Grip Shape: C
  • Fingerboard: Madagascar Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Radius: 10”-16” Compound
  • Inlays: Mother of Pearl
  • Side Dots: White
  • Scale Length: 25.5”
  • Neck Joint: Bolt-On
  • Body: Swamp Ash
  • Top: Flamed Maple and Walnut
  • Pickups: EMG 66 & 57-F
  • Tuners: Gotoh
  • Bridge: Edge
  • Includes Hardshell Case & Certificate of Authenticity

BEHIND THE SCENES

A glimpse into the design and crafting of each spectacular Ibanez Custom Shop build.