General
The Ibanez Iron Label series includes some quite impressive instruments, such as this RGIX28FEQM-BGW. This is an 8-string solid-body, equipped with two active EMG pickups, an ebony fretboard (for more bite and depth), a bound, basswood body with a top of quilted maple and a nice-looking warm red Burgundy Wine finish. Each component has been adapted to suit the extra strings. Nevertheless, the Nitro Wizard-8 neck and Gibraltar Standard II-8 bridge still have a familiar feel and really cater for the speed demons among guitarists.
Ibanez RGIX28FEQM-BGW: 8 strings?
Compared to a conventional 6-string solid-body, this 8-string Ibanez offers far more playing options. Many heavy metal bands (such as Meshuggah) use 8-string guitars, applying multiple playing techniques (hybrid picking, string thumping on the lower strings) at once. Also, the recent djent metal sound can be made with an 8-string solid-body guitar and when it comes to tuning, this guitar offers many options. All in all, the RGIX28FEQM is the perfect instrument for virtuoso players and creative guitarists.
EMG 808 & Kill Switch
The active 808 is closely related to the ultra-strong EMG 707, and was the first pickup in its series for an 8-string guitar. This humbucker is placed at the bridge and the neck of the Ibanez RGIX28FEQM. The Alnico V-coils produce a tight sound in the trebles as well as the bass tones, even reaching the frequencies used by bass guitars. Whether you are playing muted chords or enthusiastic solo parts, the EMGs will manage their own. Of course, a 3-way switch is present, as well as a Kill Switch for intense, short mutes.
