Ibanez RG vs S Series! - Which Guitar is Right For You? 

I love your tone comparison videos, something about the way you solo is just absolutely mesmerizing

I really love the Ibanez but I’d have to say the Ibanez is the winner. I mean the Ibanez sounded really good but the Ibanez sounded better

That's why I love this channel...I learn so much about guitars that I have zero experience with...very interesting!

The soloing in this video.... MY GOD HOW BEAUTIFUL

The S is a tad more mellow, great sound. The Rg is more agressive. I would choose one of each and then RIP bank account :D

The S sounds phenomenal. I’ve been wanting to buy a Japanese RG for a while but you may have swayed me!

I gigged with a RG550 all through the 1990's. Pulling harmonics out of it is effortless. A pure metal stick with the Wizard neck. What a great piece.

I prefer the S, although none can go wrong with either of these!

Ibanez does not get nearly as much love as they should. I think too many players think of them as Metal or shredder guitars, but they offer a broad range of guitars suited for a variety of genres. Lot's of little innovations in there too as far as how the 5 way switch works, especially on the S series with the dual humbuckers. Rip your head off and feast on your entrails is my favourite quote of the day. Made me laugh out loud.

I will vote for the “S-Series”. Sounded so clean and precise. But that’s just my take. Loved your minute solo with both instruments. Darrell, you are a beast my friend! Loved your style and how you bring to the plate every time you make a video. Cheers from Texas!

Every guitar you play sounds amazing.

I love both guitars, but I have a soft spot in my heart for that s series! 😍 Personly, I don't think you can go wrong with ibanez. I've had a few and loved them all!

Slow lead sounded a lot like Pink Floyd's "Coming Back to Life". Nice 👌

I bless you man for the solo on the final.. man what a sound you create ..you make me High. Lot of respect for you man

That into jam is absolutely beautiful, wow

These films are priceless to us mortals. I cannot thank you enough Sir Braun! I have an RG550 I bought in 1992. Still love it, and it still shows me where the sound is found.

Man... How thin is the S 😱 The strap button is thicker than the guitar 😱😱😱

I was expecting something with that beautiful new grestch but this is just as good! Thanks man.

My two favorite guitars you've demoed so far, nice :)

I've bought a RG370 BMT last year and I really like it overall. Would love to own a S also. You just can't have enough guitars :)

This is exactly the video I needed! I've been trying to decide between these two.

I own 6 Ibanez. 2 S series, 2 RG, one SA, and an acoustic. it depends what mood you're in. S is blues, RG is loud. one thing I can swear by is the necks on all are perfect. as you can see these guitars are beautiful and great craftmanship.

Love the intro and solo on the RG. Really tells a story and makes it cry. You're an amazing player. 🎸🎸

I have been subscribed for over a year, and your soloing during this video has got to be the best I have heard!

This was amazing stuff and you have lovely phrasing. I love the RG’s a lot, but after this I think I might start looking more into the S Series. Considering they have a nice blues type tone or can handle it well. I love variety and Ibanez makes some very versatile guitars. Thanks a lot! 👊😎❤️

9:30 That's an Amazing solo, I would listen to that everyday 👌

I loved this! Great tone, Great player. Had me tearing up with those wide bends, pre bends and some pedal tones OMG. Love that kind of playing. Such a nice, humble guy too. Liked and now subscribed!

Very well done video. Congrats! I own an Ibanez S420-BBS and very happy with it.

Your solos always make me squeal like a pig and bring my hands to my face. Always beautiful. You never fail to make those instruments sing.

Oh my god. The RG guitar looks so beautiful 😍😍😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥 That color is fire.

Love your playing Darrell. Inspirational! I learnt some of your awesome licks so I could incorporate them into my own playing.

I'm a big fan of Ibanez guitars (specifically the RG and S) and your videos! Thanks so much for a great comparo/demo and info! Some great playing, as well!

Oh my gosh!! On the heavy riff comparison!!!! Don’t know if that was intentional or not but that riff sounds amazingly close to end of me by ashes remain. Love those guys

I prefer the S Series. Awesome tone and so stylish, love it.

Entrance is like November rain + a day in the like + coming back to life mixed all together amazing work friend

great comparison. really appreciate the different tone, pickup combinations.

I used to play S series guitars almost exclusively... then switched to RGs. I prefer RGs.

I love the S! Been tossing around the idea of getting an S, either in the Dragon’s Eye Burst or Nita Strauss’ JIVA in Black and Blonde Burst, but idk... really like that one you’ve got right there. May have to see if I can find one of them.

Great comparison, Darrell! Thanks!

Thank you Darrell for posting up these great Ibanez guitar.

Played clean, the S does sound to me considerably more clearly defined. Then again, I don't suppose anyone would buy an RG to play it clean. Great video - as always, Darrell.

Beginning solo is like a reimagined version of Seize The Day’s solo 🔥

I love your videos. Watching your stuff made me decide to start playing again. Picked up an Ibanez S670QM-DEB and am loving it!

Hey thanks for the help as ever always fantastic videos. :]

S: super RG: Really Good

I just bought my first electric guitar... Ibanez S series HSS. I LOVE IT!!!

Darrell, Thanks for this review. This really helped me in my choice of guitars. I went with the S521 and love it! Thank you.

Yeay! So great to see this comparison! Awesome playing as always; rock on🤘

The S Series DEFINITELY! I have mine with the ZR tremolo system with actually it´s the best trem system that i´ve ever experienced in my whole life.

Darell your videos are great !! Your methodology is the best and your playing inspires me ! Keep doing what you do ! Btw that s series is insane great tone sustain and gorgeous !! 👍👍

Your intro solo reminded me a lot of the first few bars of the solo to A7X’s Seize the Day, which is one of my favourite songs so nice job

Very useful side by side comparison, Darrell. Thank you so much. Probably start with an RG but eventually get an S as well.

I love that RG! Looks great and sounds awesome

These guitars play anything, anywhere, anytime.

Fantastic review, loved it! I've had an RG before, keen to try out an S series next!

Just remembered this solo from so long ago :D so nice to hear it again..

I have an RG, but now I owe to myself to get an S. Excellent demo, great playing, thank you!

Dang! Those both amazing!

The intro wow absolutely amazing

Great comparison, thanks!

RG all day long!!!! I love my 550 🎸🤟🏻

Wonderful comparison, and you do justice to both guitars by making them sound amazing. It would have been great to compare with a mahogany body RG instead of the basswood.

I’m addicted to Darryll!! Thanks for a great comparison!!

Wow, your playing is amazing. And great comparison I defiantly enjoyed this vid. Thanks!

I own the three guitars you mentioned: an '85 Roadstar series II, a '91 RG and a 2010 S series. I agree with you regarding the S series is the most comfortable one. And definitely the look of the S is awesome! Your channel is very interesting, congratulations! (A japanese Ibanez lover musician living in Mexico) P.S.- The guitar I'm holding in the profile photo is my S.

I have an rg but man that S clean tone is dope 👌🏾

Incredible tone your getting love it great demo and playing

Came for the tech and phazed out during the music. 🤩 You play awesome.

They are equally good Ibanez makes pretty good guitars we have seen you with that orange guitar in couple of videos and I got my eyes on one of them, my next guitar will be an Ibanez, I am also wondering why is Darrell not the lead guitar player on some famous band? Impeccable timing when he plays guitar.

Clean tones on the "S" Series sounded great. Lead tones were equally good. The guitar gods have smiled upon you and your beautiful instruments.

Good to see this comparison Darrell. I have two almost identical guitars although my S has a trem also. The S definitely is a step up in quality and playability although the RG (970 in my case) is a great guitar and mine has a Wenge neck which is awesome and which I prefer to the neck on the S

I'm here mainly to hear your beautiful playing. I'm partial to fixed bridges and that finish is so good.

I was looking at the RG450MB but found an incredible deal on an S470DXQM! Got it for a song and I’m really loving it! Never thought I would go for any Ibanez “rock” guitar since I’m mostly a country player. But this new show I’m doing in Branson, MO covers a multitude of genres! I was using up to four guitars to get what I needed but with the Ibanez S, I’m down to two! And I could do the whole show with it alone! Thanks for your videos DB! You were very “instrumental” in my decision! Pun intended! Haha!

I know the RG seems genre-specific, but it's really not, any more than the Strat is. The RG can do anything.

I have always played an RG and I'm looking to buy a new one soon. Was thinking about getting an S series this time around. Great video!

Lovely playing my friend. Well done!

I always enjoy your playing. I am surprised how much better the S sounds to my ears. Two very nice guitars

I love the red cap on the RG, I'm a fool for a red guitar. Put the red cap on the S and we have a perfect guitar.

Nice work! Thank you )

Nice video, it helps me a lot!!! Tks from Brazil!!!

I've been spying forever on an Ibanez S series (with some huge name) that is like yours but sapphire blue, got a single coil in the middle and has a floating bridge. My mouth absolutely water when I look at it. And I still prefer the S series after watching this.

I like both but would start out with the S series first.

Weights of these two guitars? You are the best videos and training! Clear speech and excellent stage presence!

I've heard this song before but I've never heard it played like this man this is beautiful

Which Ibby was your favourite? Let me know!

I prefer the S sound which is a bit warmer, but probably would like to have the trem option, cause one day I might know how to properly use it. Thanks for your videos, I am an engineer and guy your method sounds scientific to me and so accurate it is awesome. Hope you'll never have to be endorsed by one brand so that your vids remain as unbiased as they can be :-) Keep on rockin in a free world !

Great job, I just received the S and after watching this I’m very excited to run it. Thanks for all the info keep it coming. P.S more on that S please.

I think I like the S better, but they are both beautiful guitars. Your playing is so smooth, it makes it hard to pick one or the other. Thanks

I've been doing some hardcore research over the past few weeks because I really want to get my 2nd guitar. I got a Squier Strat right now and I really wanted something more modern in features and design and more setup for hard rock and modern lead guitar. All of that research brought me here, to the S Series. Just found out they don't make em in a lefty variant. Honestly heartbroken. I know playing lefty limits my options but that's how I learned.

Can't go wrong with an Ibanez. I have owned like 10 different ones over the years. The only reason I ever got rid of any of them is because I wore them out. They have been my go to guitar that I have played out with for years. The two you have sound and look pretty good, the Mesa does them justice. I would have to choose both.......hahaha!

Awesome playing! I really like them both.

Every time I watch this video I am so impressed with his technique

I have always loved the RG, but the S looks nice and thin and light. That particular S series guitar sounds a tad bit sweeter to my ears.

After listening intently three times I need BOTH guitars to satisfy my G.A.S.: Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. The RG def has a wider dynamic range. Prob a great Rhythm guitar styles. It has that mid fill that makes the sound fuller, like a finely set up Strat. But not like a Strat. More like a very modded (chambered) Les Paul with a Bigsby? Its hard to describe BOTH guitars: They both sound awesome! The RG has more depth. but less crisp highs. It seems to be built to be the edgy rhythm guitar that can insert fills when the lead is resting. It can lead on its own, but sings in an ensemble! The S is like a barracuda to me: It has that bite but not the sustain. But it can rip your heart out and serve it to you on a plate while you're still breathing! The attack is a bit compressed (or is that the pedal?) and it just sings!! The ergonomics on this guitar are flawless! But looks don't make a guitar. On sound alone they are equal but different. If you want to make a musical statement and are proficient to do just that, the S is your vehicle! Its leads can stir the soul!

Sweet! Thanks for posting!!

great comparison methods.. very helpful

I have an S470 MIJ (1997) and an RG1550 (2003) in this particular case the RG has a better trem, and in those days the S series had only 22 frets. Both guitars are quite similar sounding. The S series is nice to play in stand up position because of it's weight, but in seat position I prefer the ergonomics of the RG.

I bought an RG Prestige model about 15 years ago and it spent most of its time in the stand. Just never enjoyed playing it. About 5 years ago I bought a used S470 and for me it's 1000 times better. The ZR trem just runs circles around the Edge bridges IMO.

Thanks so much for making this video. As an older beginner, I am really leaning toward the S series.

Good review/comparison, thanks.