Ibanez RGR652AHBF-WK Prestige

First of all I'd like to say this is my first high-class Ibanez guitar.
So I was waiting a lot of it.
But Thomann sent me b-stock with defect, although I ordered brand new one.
Why b-stock? There were no protective films on the tone block covers on the back of the guitar. And there were light fingerprints on the fretboard.
By the way, Ibanez cover the fretboard on that model with paint. Lol)))) Why??? It's still a riddle for me...

The defect was trouble with a switch. One of its position didn't work properly. And it was a reason of loud noise.
After getting the guitar I filmed a video about it and sent it to Thomann customer service.
The manager answered me it's ok, so don't waste our time.
Then I sent additional letters to them.
After that team leader started the dialogue in more pleasant way.
I claimed the partial refund for fixed the defect with electronic in my local workshop.
Thomann transfered money after 7-8 days of negotiation.

After that I started to look for people on internet with the same issues and some people told me Thomann often sent gear with defects to clients from outside Europe (I'm from Central Asia).
So if you're not from EU think twice before make an order with Thomann for expensive or fragile gear. Better try to find it in your place with local warranty. Because the back delivery may cost a lot.
And it was last time I order anything on Thomann.

Regarding Ibanez 652 I can say its a great guitar!
The playing is a pure pleasure.
But Japanese factory of Ibanez or Thomann service should test and check the gear more carefully.

Goodbye Thomann! it was bad experience with expensive guitar.

To start with, this guitar is great! now doubt about that, The neck is absolutely phenomenal. The finish is perfect, the craftmanship between the neck and the body, top notch. The graininess of the body is all over and gives this ruff look and feel at the same time so lean and comfortable. Strange feeling but a good one. Look is 100% metal! Reverse headstock! boy!

The weight is perfect. Not too light but not too heavy, just right in the middle. You can still feel you have an instrument in hand without thinking it is going to beak soon. Just the right weight!

The neck. What can I say? smooth as butter. Flat . Quality neck, absolutely. Frets are very good too. No sharp edge, no buzz. Very good! Just needed to lower the action, that is it.

Pickups! Here we go! Coming from Seymour Duncan, I had to adapt a bit . On the bridge, I think so far it is fine, bright and powerful enough(?) (not crazy distortion but still good). Neck pickups, loud and muddy! Personally, I only play with the bridge pickups. Even if 5 tones switch, still the bridge my preferred one. But be aware of that. Do I want more distortion on the bridge then? yes Just a little bit to give that extra kick. Will I change the pickups? Probably later. (only bridge). It remains to see. Need more time to adapt to this guitar and sound. It is how I feel right now.

Overall extremely great guitar (with a fitted case!, awesome). When you take the case of the wrapping, and open it, it really feels prestige!

I put a minus star on feature because for the price of that guitar, FF frets should have been standard. Pickups are fine but wish they could have put a bit more meat to the bone.

Delivery from Thomann was outstanding. I received the guitar one day before announced so I was surprised when the guys from the delivery company rang at the door! Service from Thomann is 10/10.

C'est ma 5ème RG. Je cherchais un modèle Prestige avec un chevalet fixe et une tête inversée. Le look est simplement superbe, en noir et blanc avec un corps laissant ressortir la texture du frêne.

Je ne reviens pas sur le modèle RG, un classique de chez Ibanez depuis des années, très versatile. La série Prestige offre le meilleur de la lutherie japonaise, la finition ne souffre aucun reproche.

La seule surprise pour ma part vient des micros : les Di Marzio Fusion Edge sont assez bien creusés dans les mediums. Le son est nettement moins rond que sur des V7/V8 Ibanez ou que sur le Tone Zone par exemple. Il faut donc s'habituer. En son saturé cela donne une compression "métal" naturelle, mais en son clair ça peut manquer de chaleur, quoique on peut en sortir une sonorité un peu ES 335. Une fois apprivoisée, elle apporte un vrai renouveau à la série.

Mon exemplaire est très léger et très bien équilibré, nettement moins lourd que mes RG avec vibrato.

In my humble opinion this is one of the best metal guitars at this price range.

From the moment I saw it, I fell in love. It is the perfect guitar for me - I love everything about it. The finish is absolutely gorgeous. I also really like how the white pickups stand out among the black finish. Reverse headstock just gives the extra edge - great visual design by Ibanez. Of course the visuals are all subjective, for me it's 5/5.

As for the hardware: I must say it does an outstanding job. It holds tune very very well, courtesy to the locking tuners and graphtech nut. I wasn't too sure what to expect from the Ibanez branded Gibraltar II bridge, but I must say it feels well made and adequate for a guitar of this price. Only thing im missing is stainless steel frets, but at this price i will forgive it. 5/5

The sound of the pickups is also good. Personally I really enjoy the split coil positions 2 and 4, I find the clean sound lively, bright and warm. The neck pickup sounds absolutely amazing with a distorted lead tone. It's hard for me to describe, but to me it is like a gift I didnt even know I want! It has a very characteristic full and warm sound, a creamy touch even, which I adore. The bridge pickup does well, but I wish it had a bit more aggression in it as I play in a death metal band. It could be because of the lower tuning (drop A). I may swap it out for a Bare Knuckle in the future but Im still evaluating it. Sound is 4.5/5.

And of course the most important thing: Playability. What can I say, it's a classic Ibanez RG and nothing less. This is the most comfortable and best playing neck I've ever touched. It's thinness is the main thing I like about it: it feels like home. The finish on the back is also good: not sticky, not too slippery as well, my hand just glides across the fretboard effortlessly. 5/5

Conclusion: I can't recommend this guitar enough. 1400 euro for an instrument that feels like it should be way more... also comes with an incredible, sturdy case that costs 150 euro on its own... just blows my mind, great price, great deal, great guitar.