450$ guitar

[hollow edge]

Very surprised that an Ibanez was in that bad condition - especially for the RG series, which are still (afaik) produced in Japan. DEFINITELY write to their customer service and explain the situation. Send photos of everything.

Here's a sample letter for you to write to customer service.

Subject: Extremely Disappointing Quality Issues with New Ibanez RG421

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the condition of a recently purchased Ibanez RG421 guitar. As a long-time admirer of the brand, I was shocked to discover that this instrument arrived in noticeably worse condition than even your most affordable models.

Upon inspection, I found the frets to be visibly corroded, and the guitar exhibited persistent fret buzz—even after the neck relief had been fully adjusted with no further room for correction. Additionally, the truss rod cover was installed backwards, indicating a clear lapse in basic quality control.

This is not the level of craftsmanship or attention to detail that customers expect from Ibanez, and I am extremely disappointed. I trusted the brand’s longstanding reputation for quality and reliability, and this experience has undermined that confidence.

I ask that you address this issue promptly and advise me on the next steps to obtain a properly inspected and fully functional instrument. I expect a resolution that reflects the standards Ibanez claims to uphold.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

And once again the same letter in Japanese, which I would send to the Japanese Customer Service as well...

件名：新品の Ibanez RG421 に関する重大な品質問題について
関係者各位

このたび新しく購入した Ibanez RG421 ギターの状態について、強い不満と失望を表明するためご連絡いたします。長年 Ibanez ブランドに信頼を寄せてきた者として、今回の製品が最も安価なモデルよりも明らかに劣悪な状態で届いたことに大変驚いております。

確認したところ、フレットには明らかな腐食が見られ、ネックの反りを調整しきってもなおフレットバズが発生していました。さらに、トラスロッドカバーが逆向きに取り付けられており、基本的な品質管理さえ行われていないことが明白です。

これは Ibanez に期待される品質とは到底言えず、非常に失望しています。長年築かれてきた品質と信頼のブランドイメージが、この一件で大きく損なわれました。

つきましては、本件への迅速な対応と、適切に検品された正常な製品を入手するための具体的な手順をご教示いただきたく存じます。Ibanez が掲げる品質基準に見合った解決策を期待しております。

敬具
[Your Name]

[maiden juniper]

the rgs arent made specifically in japan

it depends on the tier

for example gio RGS are made in china

standard RGS and premium rgs are made in indonesia

and prestige rgs are in japan

it is kinda weird that you stil got it in really bad condition though

you definitely should send it back and get a refund

rg421 isnt low tier

thats standard

made in indonesia

same as their premium guitars

it shouldnt be in super bad condition like what ur saying

definitely send it back

its a mid range guitar so it shouldnt have those problems

u can

gios are much cheaper

made in china

i say

get the same guitar

but from a different seller mayber

maybe

ooh like in the standard range

i get waht u mean nvm

but either way it should be on par w the other guitars too

since theyre made in the same factory

the only reason its cheaper is bcs it doesnt have a trem

yeah

get it sent back

get it from a different seller

whered u buy it

oh weird

its like they sent u a b stock one

😭

yeahh get it sent back and demand a replacement

nah jackson sucks ass

get a replacement

u coul look at cort

cort guitars are good

they make guitars for ibanez in indonesia

those r okay too

personally i like the feel of the ibanez more

u m,ight like the KX300 Etched

cort KX300 Etched

idk how much it is on thomann tho

probably alot more than it usually is

esp on thomann

its cheaper in asia

ah alr

i think

stick with the 421

u cant rely on the naked eye

[hollow edge]

Oh, well... if it's from Thomann, they have a very good customer service department. They'll (most likely) set you straight, and might even give something extra.
Never had a bad experience with Thomann so far.

Schecters are good, but different feel, and often much heavier than the Ibanez.

I'd also stick with the 421 in that case.

Whaaaat???? That doesn't sound like the Thomann service department's usual style.
Where are you in Europe, if that's Ok to ask. You could try contacting Thomann HQ in Germany. It's an insult ot send you a broken guitar and then only give you 40 Euro discount and tell you to keep it. Whoever the service rep is who suggested that should be fired immediately.

[hollow edge]

Still... the suggestion you should just keep it and they give you 40 Euro...
That's the worst customer service and an insult to the customer, actually.