






Ibanez RG421EX Black Flat, (Used)
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Ibanez RG421EX Black Flat, (Used)
Description
The Ibanez RG421EX in Black Flat is a streamlined hardtail RG designed around fast playability, powerful humbucker tones and straightforward reliability.
Its Wizard III maple neck, 25.5" scale, 24 jumbo frets and flat 400mm-radius fingerboard provide the quick, precise feel for which Ibanez RG guitars are known. A pair of Ibanez Quantum ceramic humbuckers combines with versatile five-way switching to cover tight rhythm sounds, high-gain leads and cleaner split-style textures.
The fixed bridge removes the setup considerations of a locking tremolo while providing a stable platform for alternate tunings and everyday use.
This example is presented in Very Good Condition, weighs just 6.46 lbs, and is sold without a case or gigbag.
At A Glance
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | RG421EX |
| Finish | Black Flat |
| Body Shape | RG |
| Neck | Wizard III Maple |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Fingerboard Radius | 400mm |
| Frets | 24 Jumbo |
| Pickups | 2 x Ibanez Quantum Humbuckers |
| Pickup Magnets | Ceramic |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Switching | 5-Way |
| Bridge | Fixed |
| Hardware | Black |
| Weight | 6.46 lbs |
| Condition | Very Good |
| Included | Guitar Only – No Case |
Condition Overview
Very Good Condition
This Ibanez RG421EX is presented in Very Good Condition.
It shows some cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to play.
At only 6.46 lbs, this is a particularly lightweight example and should be comfortable for longer rehearsals, studio sessions and live performances.
What's Included?
✔ Ibanez RG421EX Black Flat
✘ No Case Included
✘ No Gigbag Included
No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.
Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment
This pre-owned Ibanez has been checked for general operation and playability, including:
- Neck pickup operation
- Bridge pickup operation
- Five-way selector
- Volume control
- Tone control
- Output jack
- Neck condition
- Fingerboard
- Frets
- Nut
- Tuning machines
- Fixed bridge
- Saddles
- General hardware
- Overall setup
- General playability
Service / Setup Work
All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.
Key areas assessed include:
- Action
- Neck relief
- Fret condition
- Intonation
- Tuning stability
- Pickup operation
- Electronics
- Bridge adjustment
- General playing feel
What Makes The Ibanez RG421EX Special?
The RG421EX takes the familiar Ibanez RG formula and combines it with a fixed bridge, making it particularly attractive to players who want the speed and ergonomics of an RG without the additional setup involved with a floating locking tremolo.
Its Wizard III neck and 24-fret layout provide a modern playing platform, while the Quantum HH pickup system and five-way switching offer more tonal flexibility than a simple three-way dual-humbucker arrangement.
Wizard III Maple Neck
The Wizard III maple neck is built around the thin, flat feel closely associated with Ibanez performance guitars.
Factory dimensions are approximately:
- 43mm wide at the nut
- 58mm wide at the 24th fret
- 19mm thick at the 1st fret
- 21mm thick at the 12th fret
This makes it particularly well suited to:
- Fast alternate picking
- Legato
- Sweeping
- Wide stretches
- Technical chord work
- Lead guitar
400mm Fingerboard Radius
The fingerboard uses a very flat:
400mm / approximately 15.75" radius
This supports:
- Low action
- Wide string bends
- Fast lead playing
- Technical rhythm work
- Modern playing styles
24 Jumbo Frets
The RG421EX features:
24 jumbo frets
This provides two full octaves per string and gives plenty of room for:
- String bending
- Vibrato
- Legato
- Tapping
- Fast lead work
25.5" Scale Length
The guitar uses a:
25.5" / 648mm scale length
This provides:
- Firm string tension
- Clear attack
- Strong lower-string definition
- Familiar modern electric-guitar feel
It also works particularly well for lower tunings when paired with appropriate string gauges.
Dual Ibanez Quantum Humbuckers
The guitar uses two Ibanez Quantum passive ceramic humbuckers.
These pickups are designed for:
- Fast low-end response
- Defined rhythm tones
- Full midrange
- Clear high-gain articulation
- Strong lead sounds
Neck Pickup
The neck Quantum humbucker provides:
- Fuller lead tones
- Smooth sustain
- Warm cleans
- Fluid legato response
Bridge Pickup
The bridge Quantum humbucker offers:
- Tight attack
- Strong high-gain rhythm tones
- Clear palm-muted notes
- Focused lead sounds
Five-Way Pickup Switching
The RG421EX uses a five-way selector rather than a conventional three-way HH arrangement.
Depending on selector position, the switching provides combinations including:
- Neck humbucker
- Neck pickup in parallel
- Neck and bridge humbuckers
- Selected inner coils
- Bridge humbucker
This provides considerably more tonal variety than a basic two-humbucker setup.
Fixed Bridge
The RG421EX uses a fixed hardtail bridge.
Benefits include:
- Stable tuning
- Straightforward string changes
- Easy alternate tuning
- Individual saddle adjustment
- No tremolo balancing
- Solid palm-muting platform
This makes it especially practical for players who frequently move between standard and dropped tunings.
Black Flat Finish
The Black Flat finish gives the guitar a stripped-back, modern appearance.
Combined with:
- Black hardware
- Black pickups
- Bound fingerboard
- Sharp RG body contours
it creates a particularly understated metal-oriented aesthetic.
Lightweight Feel
This individual guitar weighs:
6.46 lbs
That is notably light for a full-size solidbody electric guitar and should appeal to players who value comfort during long rehearsals or gigs.
Production Specification Note
The RG421EX has been produced for several years and some construction details have changed during that time.
Earlier examples can feature:
- Mahogany body
- Rosewood fingerboard
Later examples can feature:
- Meranti body
- Jatoba fingerboard
The shared RG421EX specification includes the Wizard III maple neck, 25.5" scale, 24 jumbo frets, Quantum HH electronics and fixed bridge.
Who Is It For?
Metal players – Quantum humbuckers and fast neck suit tight, high-gain playing.
Rock guitarists – Fixed bridge and dual humbuckers provide a dependable platform for rhythm and lead work.
Technical players – Flat radius, 24 frets and Wizard III profile suit fast playing.
Alternate-tuning users – The fixed bridge makes tuning changes considerably easier than a floating tremolo.
Developing players – Straightforward hardware and broad pickup switching make it an accessible modern electric.
Players who prefer lightweight guitars – At 6.46 lbs, this example is especially manageable.
Suitable Genres & Applications
Particularly well suited to:
- Metal
- Hard rock
- Progressive metal
- Alternative rock
- Modern rock
- Shred
- Instrumental guitar
- High-gain rhythm
- Technical lead guitar
- Drop tunings
- Studio recording
- Live performance
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Solid Body Electric Guitar |
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | RG421EX |
| Finish | Black Flat / BKF |
| Body Shape | RG |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Profile | Wizard III |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Scale Length | 648mm / 25.5" |
| Fingerboard Radius | 400mm / Approx. 15.75" |
| Frets | 24 |
| Fret Size | Jumbo |
| Nut Width | 43mm |
| Width at 24th Fret | 58mm |
| Neck Thickness at 1st Fret | 19mm |
| Neck Thickness at 12th Fret | 21mm |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Neck Pickup | Ibanez Quantum Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Ibanez Quantum Humbucker |
| Pickup Magnets | Ceramic |
| Electronics | Passive |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Switching | 5-Way Lever |
| Bridge | Fixed Hardtail |
| String Spacing | Approx. 10.5mm |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Factory Tuning | E Standard |
| Factory String Gauge | .010–.046 |
| Weight | 6.46 lbs |
| Included | No Case or Gigbag |
| Condition | Pre-Owned, Very Good |
Fixed Bridge & Alternate Tunings
The fixed bridge makes the RG421EX particularly convenient for players using alternative tunings.
Unlike a floating tremolo, changing tuning does not require the bridge spring tension to be rebalanced.
A significant change in tuning or string gauge may still require adjustments to:
- Intonation
- Neck relief
- Action
Case Note
No case or gigbag is included.
Suitable protection is recommended for regular transport.
Power Requirements
None.
The Quantum humbuckers and controls are completely passive.
No battery or external power supply is required.
Fair Deal Music Verdict
The Ibanez RG421EX in Black Flat is a straightforward, capable modern electric built around the essentials: a fast neck, powerful humbuckers and stable fixed bridge.
The Wizard III neck, 24 jumbo frets and flat 400mm radius provide the familiar fast-playing RG experience, while the Quantum pickups and five-way switching offer enough versatility for more than just high-gain metal tones.
The fixed bridge is particularly useful for players who use alternate tunings or simply prefer a lower-maintenance setup than a floating tremolo.
At only 6.46 lbs, this individual example is especially comfortable.
Presented in Very Good Condition and sold without a case or gigbag, it is a strong pre-owned choice for rock, metal and technical guitar players.
Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?
Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, measured weight and included accessories are clearly represented.
This Ibanez is offered with:
- Very Good condition
- Black Flat finish
- Dual Quantum humbuckers
- Fixed bridge
- 6.46 lbs actual measured weight
- No case or gigbag included
Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?
When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.
When you buy from us, you benefit from:
- Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
- Birmingham's largest independent music store
- 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
- Expert musician-led advice
- Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
- Clear condition grading
- Secure ordering
- Fast UK delivery
- Large Birmingham showroom
- Friendly support before and after purchase
Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.
Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Ibanez.
Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.
Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing equipment could be worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What condition is this Ibanez RG421EX in?
It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic evidence of careful previous use while remaining fully functional.
What finish does it have?
It is finished in Black Flat.
What neck does it have?
It uses an Ibanez Wizard III maple neck.
What is the scale length?
It uses a 25.5" / 648mm scale length.
How many frets does it have?
It has 24 jumbo frets.
What is the fingerboard radius?
It uses a very flat 400mm / approximately 15.75" radius.
What pickups does it have?
It uses two Ibanez Quantum ceramic humbuckers.
Are the pickups active?
No. They are completely passive.
How many pickup positions does it have?
It uses a five-way selector, providing full humbucker and alternative coil combinations.
Does it have a Floyd Rose?
No. The RG421EX uses a fixed bridge.
Is a fixed bridge good for alternate tunings?
Yes. It makes tuning changes considerably simpler than on a floating tremolo guitar.
Is it suitable for metal?
Yes. The neck profile, Quantum pickups and fixed bridge make it particularly well suited to modern rock and metal.
Is it good for lead playing?
Yes. The 24 jumbo frets, flat radius and Wizard III neck are designed around fast, technical playing.
How much does it weigh?
This individual guitar weighs only 6.46 lbs.
Does it require a battery?
No.
Does it come with a case?
No. No case or gigbag is included.
Can I request a video demo?
Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Black Flat finish and individual condition or hear the different five-way pickup settings before purchasing.
Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?
Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Good to Know
How long is the warranty period?
For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.
What is the estimated delivery time?
We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.
For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you
Do you offer international shipping?
We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote
What is the maintinance on your USED products?
- Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
- Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?
We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

