Ibanez RG450 AH Zinc Silver, MIJ 1999

(Contact me at: mxktguitars@gmail.com)

400,00€

plus shipping: 250€ to France, 40€ to the European Union. Anywhere else please ask for an estimation; if you see this page it's because the guitar is available!

 

November 4th, 2025:

Here I am again with another pearl!
This is a made in Japan Ibanez RG450 AH from 1999. Ibanez launched a family with 3 sisters:

:: RG420 AH - HH configuration, no pickguard
:: RG450 AH - HSH config. with pickguard
:: RG480 AH - HSH config., no pickguard

1. The main difference, in my opinion, from the famous RG550 model, is the tremolo. All 3 had the TRS-101 instead of an Edge vibrato. Wizard neck, Gotoh tuners, bla bla bla. Everyone seems to say it's not a reliable vibrato, I won't say the opposite.

2. I have cleaned it, did a fret level, and applied some polish and other care products from Dunlop on the body and fretboard. I've also replaced the vibrato screws that attach the base/springs to the body in the back cavity, they we're basically dead.

3. So why would you buy it?
Well, if you don't have one or don't want to spend a lot, this is an awesome replacement for the RG550. The V6F pickups are nice, a bit too much mids IMO, but they do the job. Or just find a couple of your favorite pickups and replace them. The knobs and selector aren't not noisy at all by the way, I wasn't expecting that.

But in case you already have one RG550 (this is my favorite idea by the way), the RG450 is the perfect base to turn it into an HSS configuration. I've done it on my RG550 LTD and although I have 4 RG and RGT Prestige, the LTD is probably my most played guitar since the new configuration is done. The Stratocaster killer!

Let's talk about that tremolo; you have 2 good options: either you buy a Gotoh GE1996T that everyone says to be the best direct replacement and a great tremolo, or (which would be my option), buy a simple trem stopper, block the TRS, and enjoy the micro tuning on the bridge for minor adjustments. Both an HSS pickguard and trem stopper are easy to find on Aliexpress. I have blocked it with a small wood block while loosening the springs and the position is now flat/parallel to the surface of the body becauseI didn't wanted to drill holes in a guitar I'm selling.

The action is really low, about 1.2mm at the 24th fret for the high E and 2mm for the low E; the truss rod works perfectly well, the neck was set almost straight with a really slight curve, and the strings are 9"s. Really easy to play, as good as any of my own Ibanezes. Very similar to the RG570 I've sold lately.

That said, enjoy the pictures!