14 DAY TRIAL // There are guitar players who simply seem not getting along too cozy with their ordinary, 6 strings guitars. Also there are bands that are seeking for such a heavy bottom end that the heaviest-gauge (same 6) strings and the octaver FX are simply overwhelmed. Thus, the 7-stringed guitar came into being and the players in need have hastily embraced it.
Now, there is another type of players (like math-progressive-rocko-sympho-whatever-metal band Messuggah) who might consider that 7 strings are a real constrain and an impediment in the way of their creative construction.... and I am not kidding at all!
On fact, Messuggah (one of the most complex and complicated bands ever) have been quite close to Ibanez until the first 8-strings prototype guitar was developed and first showcased at the 2007 Winter NAMM. Nevertheless, it isn't only metalheads who require more and more strings from the guitar manufacturers. Names like Alejandro Silva or Rodrigo Garcia (they do not bang heads) are in the business too, just because they like this and want to take profit from the completely new horizon of possibilities an 8-string guitar offers.
Shortly, the Ibanez RG2228 sports a Wizard (classic fast Ibanez neck) 80series neck with jumbo (what else) frets, a basswood body and traditional rosewood fingerboard with dot pearl inlays. The brutal 8 strings-set hangs on a fixed EdgeIII-8 bridge (no tremolo) and through 4 locknuts in the headstock.
The pickups are not DiMarzio (weird, for Ibanez) but EMG, who seem to have been more interested in developing the EMG 808 PU's to fit in the RG 2228. As for the rest, the all-time flawless craftsmanship of Japan, Gotoh tuners and a deluxe special hardcase.
From what I believe (since there is no official data on the Ibanez website), the RG2228 sports the string-array of a 7-stringer (bottom B) but the 8th string is a "thin one" which would most likely make it an A. (I'll just have to check things out again soon for official info).
The price isn't as high as you (maybe) been expecting, as a matter of fact it seems quite reasonable for such a complex and new piece of guitar technology: selling for $1,499.95 (including the case), the Ibanez RG2228 is definitely one affordable axe to end your thirst for more strings on your guitar ; or at least quench it for a decent while. And if this will not do, then go buy a f***ing harp!
