Description
IBANEZ RG220PA1 – Transparent Brown Black Burst
The Ibanez RG220PA1 takes the familiar speed and aggressive styling of the RG and adds a seriously good-looking poplar burl top with a Transparent Brown Black Burst finish.
Underneath the figured top is everything that makes an RG an RG: a fast maple neck, 24-fret fingerboard, excellent upper-fret access, dual humbuckers and a tremolo bridge. It's a straightforward modern electric that feels immediately at home playing rock, metal and heavier styles, but with a finish that gives it considerably more visual character than your average solid-colour RG.
For players stepping up from their first electric guitar, or anyone looking for an affordable RG with a tremolo, there's a lot to like here.
Poplar Burl Top
The poplar burl top is the obvious visual highlight of the RG220PA1.
Burl figuring has an irregular, almost swirling grain pattern, meaning the appearance naturally varies from guitar to guitar. The Transparent Brown Black Burst finish allows that figuring to remain visible while giving the guitar a darker, more understated look.
Combined with the sharp lines of the RG body, it strikes a nice balance between a modern metal guitar and something a little more refined.
Classic Elite Humbuckers
A pair of Ibanez Classic Elite humbuckers gives the RG220PA1 a full, powerful voice with plenty of low-end weight.
The bridge position has the punch and attack needed for distorted riffs and power chords, while the neck pickup provides a warmer, rounder response for leads and cleaner sounds.
There's plenty of output for rock and metal, but you're not locked into high-gain playing. Back the gain off and there's enough range here for blues, alternative, indie and general-purpose electric guitar duties as well.
T106 Tremolo Bridge
Unlike the fixed-bridge RG121SP and GRG121DX, the RG220PA1 features an Ibanez T106 tremolo bridge.
This gives you the ability to add vibrato, chord movement and expressive pitch effects without stepping up to the more complicated setup of a double-locking tremolo system.
Each saddle can be individually adjusted for string height, allowing the guitar to be properly dialled in for comfortable action and accurate setup.
For a player who wants a tremolo but doesn't necessarily need extreme divebombs and locking hardware, it's a practical middle ground.
Classic RG Playability
The RG has built its reputation around playability, particularly for players who like to move around the neck.
A maple neck and 24-fret jatoba fingerboard provide a comfortable modern playing surface, while the deep double cutaways give easy access right through to the upper register.
Whether you're working on your first lead parts or already playing faster, more technical material, the RG design gives you plenty of room to develop.
Key Features
- Classic Ibanez RG double-cutaway design
- Transparent Brown Black Burst finish
- Figured poplar burl top
- Maple neck
- Jatoba fingerboard
- 24 frets
- Dual Ibanez Classic Elite humbuckers
- T106 tremolo bridge
- Individually adjustable saddles
- Ibanez Mono-unit output jack
- Excellent upper-fret access
- Well suited to rock, hard rock and metal
Who Is the Ibanez RG220PA1 For?
The RG220PA1 is a strong option for developing and intermediate guitarists looking for a modern electric with a tremolo and dual humbuckers.
It makes particular sense for rock and metal players, but you don't need to be a shredder to enjoy an RG. The comfortable neck, 24 frets and versatile humbucker configuration make it a very usable all-round electric guitar.
It's also worth considering if you like the straightforward approach of models such as the RG121SP but want the added expression of a tremolo bridge and the visual impact of a figured burl top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ibanez RG220PA1 good for metal?
Yes. The combination of dual Classic Elite humbuckers, 24-fret RG design and comfortable upper-fret access makes it particularly well suited to rock, hard rock and metal.
Is the poplar burl top real wood?
Yes. The RG220PA1 features a poplar burl top. Because burl is a naturally figured material, the exact grain pattern and appearance can vary between individual guitars.
Does the RG220PA1 have a locking tremolo?
No. It uses an Ibanez T106 tremolo, rather than a double-locking system. This makes everyday restringing and setup more straightforward while still allowing you to add vibrato and pitch movement.
What's the advantage of the T106 tremolo over a fixed bridge?
The tremolo allows you to manipulate the pitch of notes and chords using the tremolo arm. If you don't use tremolo effects and regularly change tunings, a fixed-bridge RG may be a better choice.
How many frets does the RG220PA1 have?
The RG220PA1 has 24 frets, providing a full two-octave range on each string and the extended upper register associated with the RG series.
What are Classic Elite pickups?
Ibanez Classic Elite humbuckers are voiced for a full, rich response with plenty of low-end presence. They're particularly well suited to rock and heavier sounds while remaining useful for cleaner playing.
Looking to buy the IBANEZ RG220PA1 in Transparent Brown Black Burst? Visit us at Coleman's Music in South Melbourne to try one for yourself, or shop online with fast shipping Australia-wide.
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