Description
Ibanez RG131DX GIO Electric Guitar Black Flat
The Ibanez RG131DX GIO in Black Flat is an affordable electric guitar with the aggressive styling, fast-playing neck and powerful humbucker sound that have made Ibanez RG guitars so popular.
With a poplar body, 24 jumbo frets, dual Infinity R humbuckers and a fixed bridge, the RG131DX is a great choice for players getting into rock, metal and heavier styles, while still offering enough versatility for everyday playing.
The satin-style Black Flat finish, black hardware and distinctive red sharktooth fingerboard inlays give this guitar a particularly striking appearance.
Whether you're buying your first electric guitar or looking for an affordable instrument with a modern playing feel, the RG131DX offers plenty of value.
Classic Ibanez RG Design
The RG shape has been a favourite among rock and metal guitarists for decades.
Its contoured body, comfortable neck and generous upper-fret access make it particularly well suited to lead playing, faster rhythm work and players who prefer a more modern electric guitar design.
The RG131DX follows that familiar formula, with a lightweight poplar body and comfortable GRG maple neck.
It's an easy guitar to get along with, whether you're learning your first riffs or working on more technical playing.
Dual Infinity R Humbuckers
The RG131DX features two Ibanez Infinity R ceramic humbuckers, giving it a powerful, focused sound that works particularly well with distortion and overdrive.
The bridge pickup delivers the attack and definition needed for heavier rhythm playing, while the neck pickup provides a warmer, smoother response for leads and cleaner passages.
A five-way pickup selector provides additional tonal combinations beyond the usual three-way humbucker setup, making the guitar more versatile than its aggressive appearance might suggest.
From clean practice sounds to saturated rock and metal tones, there's plenty to work with here.
24 Jumbo Frets & Fast Playing Feel
The RG131DX features a GRG maple neck with a bound purpleheart fingerboard and 24 jumbo frets.
The jumbo fretwire makes string bending and fretting feel comfortable, while the full two-octave fingerboard gives you plenty of room for lead playing.
The red sharktooth inlays are a particularly nice visual touch, contrasting against the darker fingerboard and Black Flat finish.
It's a classic Ibanez look that suits the guitar perfectly.
Fixed Bridge for Simple, Reliable Performance
The Ibanez F106 fixed bridge is a practical choice, particularly for players who don't need a tremolo system.
Without a floating bridge to adjust, string changes and tuning maintenance are straightforward.
A fixed bridge is also particularly useful if you're experimenting with alternate tunings or simply want a guitar that's easy to maintain.
For beginners and more experienced players alike, it's a sensible, dependable setup.
Black Flat Finish
The RG131DX has a bold, understated appearance with its Black Flat finish, black hardware and red sharktooth inlays.
It's a great combination for players who like the aggressive styling of modern Ibanez guitars without an overly elaborate finish.
Key Features & Specifications
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Model: Ibanez RG131DX
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Series: GIO RG
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Finish: Black Flat (BKF)
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Body: Poplar
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Neck: GRG maple neck
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Fingerboard: Bound purpleheart
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Inlays: Red sharktooth
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Frets: 24 jumbo
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Scale Length: 25.5" / 648mm
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Neck Pickup: Ibanez Infinity R humbucker, passive ceramic
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Bridge Pickup: Ibanez Infinity R humbucker, passive ceramic
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Pickup Selector: 5-way
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Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
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Bridge: Ibanez F106 fixed bridge
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String Spacing: 10.5mm
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Hardware Colour: Black
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Factory Tuning: E standard
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Factory Strings: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
What Does It Sound Like?
The RG131DX has the focused, punchy sound you'd expect from a guitar fitted with ceramic humbuckers.
The bridge pickup is particularly well suited to rock and metal rhythm playing, with plenty of attack for palm-muted riffs and distorted chords.
Switch to the neck pickup and you'll find a fuller, smoother response that works nicely for lead playing and warmer clean tones.
The five-way switching also provides additional sounds for players who want something a little brighter or more articulate.
It's a versatile setup for a guitar at this price point.
Who Is It For?
The Ibanez RG131DX is a great choice for:
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Beginners looking for their first electric guitar
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Rock and metal players
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Guitarists who prefer a fixed bridge
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Players wanting 24 frets for lead playing
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Students developing their technique
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Anyone looking for an affordable second guitar
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Players experimenting with alternate tunings
It's particularly appealing if you want the feel and styling of an Ibanez RG without moving into the more expensive Standard or Prestige ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ibanez RG131DX good for beginners?
Yes. The RG131DX is an excellent beginner option, particularly for players interested in rock and metal. Its comfortable neck, fixed bridge and straightforward controls make it easy to learn on and maintain.
Does the RG131DX have a tremolo?
No. It features an Ibanez F106 fixed bridge, which simplifies tuning, string changes and general maintenance.
How many frets does the RG131DX have?
The guitar features 24 jumbo frets, giving you a full two-octave range on each string.
What pickups does it use?
The RG131DX is equipped with two Ibanez Infinity R passive ceramic humbuckers.
Can the Ibanez RG131DX play clean sounds?
Yes. Although it's particularly well suited to distorted rock and metal tones, the five-way pickup selector provides several useful sounds for clean playing.
Is the RG131DX suitable for alternate tunings?
Yes. The fixed bridge makes alternate tunings more straightforward than on guitars with floating tremolo systems. Depending on the tuning, you may need heavier strings and a suitable setup.
What is the difference between Ibanez GIO and Prestige guitars?
GIO is Ibanez's affordable range, designed to give beginners and budget-conscious players access to the brand's familiar designs and playing feel. Prestige models are higher-end Japanese-made instruments with upgraded hardware, pickups, construction and finishing.
Our Take
The Ibanez RG131DX GIO is a great example of what makes the affordable Ibanez range so popular.
You get the familiar RG shape, a comfortable neck, 24 jumbo frets, dual humbuckers and a practical fixed bridge, all in a guitar that doesn't cost a fortune.
We particularly like the Black Flat finish with red sharktooth inlays. It gives the guitar plenty of character without being too flashy.
For someone getting into electric guitar, especially rock and metal, this is a very sensible place to start. It's also a handy option for experienced players looking for an affordable fixed-bridge guitar.
Looking to buy the Ibanez RG131DX GIO Black Flat? You'll love Colemans Music. Visit us at 266 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, or shop online with fast shipping Australia-wide.
We're a proudly independent, family owned and operated Australian music store that knows gear and backs it up with great service.
A place for players. New, used, traded, upgraded.
