Ibanez RGD61ALA-MTR - Electric Guitar - Axion Label
The Ibanez RGD61ALA Axion Label is the ultimate war machine for "Drop" tunings.
Designed with an extended 26.5-inch scale length, it guarantees perfect string tension where standard guitars fall short. Equipped with revolutionary Fishman® Fluence™ Modern pickups and Sub Zero treated frets, this instrument offers surgical clarity and indestructible reliability for the musician who makes no compromises on power and technical precision.
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The "Down-Tuning" Authority: Why RGD61ALA is indispensable
The Ibanez RGD61ALA from the Axion Label series is no ordinary guitar; it's an engineering response to the demands of modern metal. For the Quebec guitarist playing Djent, Metalcore, or Progressive, it solves critical performance problems:
Stabilité des Accordages Bas : Grâce à son diapason de 26,5" (648mm), vous pouvez descendre en Drop C ou Drop B tout en conservant une tension de corde ferme, éliminant les bruits de frette et le manque de définition.
Polyvalence Active/Passive : Les micros Fishman Fluence offrent deux "voicings" distincts (un crunch organique et une distorsion ultra-compressée), vous permettant de passer d'un son vintage à une attaque moderne sans changer d'instrument.
Visibilité sur Scène : Les repères latéraux Luminlay (phosphorescents) et le logo Ibanez luminescent assurent un repérage parfait dans les environnements de concert les plus sombres.
Full Technical Specifications
Neck and Fretboard
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Sleeve type | Nitro Wizard 5pc Panga Panga/Walnut (Walnut) |
| Series | Axion Label |
| Key material | Macassar Ebony |
| Key markers | White Step Off-Set Dots |
| Lateral markers | Luminescent dots (Luminlay side dots) |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Type of frets | Jumbo with Sub Zero treatment (increased resistance) |
| Radius | 400mmR |
| Diapason (Scale) | 673mm / 26.5" (Extended Scale) |
| Nut width | 43mm |
| Width at the 24th fret | 58mm |
| Thickness at the 1st fret | 19mm |
| Thickness at the 12th fret | 21mm |
Body and Aesthetics
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Body material | Ash |
| Body shape | RGD (Deep chamfered contours) |
| Finishing | Midnight Low Gloss (MML) |
| Construction | Bolt-on handle |
Electronics and Hardware
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Micro Neck | Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Alnico (Active/Ceramic) |
| Bridge Microphone | Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Ceramic (Active/Ceramic) |
| Microphone selector | Toggle 3 positions |
| Special Functions | "Voicing" switch on the volume button (Push/Pull) |
| Easel | Mono-rail bridge (Total string independence) |
| Mechanics | Gotoh® MG-T Locking Tuners |
| Belt fasteners | Schaller S-Locks included |
| Deck hardware color | Black (Noir) |
| Nut | Plastic |
Comparative Analysis: Rigor & Performance
Comparative table based on Gearspace and MusicRadar standards for extended scale guitars.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Music Garage Availability |
| Ibanez RGD71ALMS | Multi-scale Metal | Strengths: Multi-scale fork for equal tension. Weaknesses: Difficult transition for some guitarists. | Available here |
| ESP LTD Phoenix-7 | Baritone Rock | Strengths: Vintage look. Weaknesses: Heavier, less ergonomic access to the treble frets. | Available here |
| Schecter Hellraiser C-7 | Classic Modern | Strengths: Massive sustain. Weaknesses: Thicker neck than the Nitro Wizard. | Available here |
| Jackson Pro DK Ash | Shred / Metal | Strengths: Lightweight ash body. Weaknesses: No extended scale length (only 25.5"). | Available here |
| Solar Guitars A1.6 Baritone | Djent / Core | Strengths: Evertune bridge. Weaknesses: Less pickup versatility than Fishman. | Product not listed |
| Ormsby Hype GTR | Shop / Technical | Strengths: Radical design. Weaknesses: High price, limited availability. | Product not listed |
| Charvel Joe Duplantier | Signature Metal | Strengths: Simplicity, robustness. Weaknesses: No multi-voice active microphones. | Available here |
| Ibanez RGD61AL | Predecessor | Strengths: Price. Weaknesses: Lack of a luminescent logo and the latest hardware improvements. | Available here |
| Aristides 060 | Ultra Premium | Strengths: Composite materials. Weaknesses: Prohibitive manufacturing time and cost. | Product not listed |
| ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B | Pro Tour | Strengths: Japanese quality. Weaknesses: More traditional aesthetic, less "dark". | Available here |
History & Evolution: The Axion Label DNA
The Axion Label series was introduced by Ibanez to push the boundaries of the Iron Label series. While the Iron Label focused on minimalism, the Axion Label incorporates technological innovations such as Fishman Fluence pickups, cold-treated ( Sub Zero ) frets for extreme durability, and exotic woods like Panga Panga. The RGD61ALA is the direct evolution of the original 2010 RGD models, refined for guitarists who demand world-touring reliability.
Cultural References & Artists
Artists and groups using the power of RGD design and Axion specifications:
Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) : L'architecte du design RGD original pour les rythmiques industrielles.
Mick Thomson (Slipknot) : Utilise des diapasons étendus pour la clarté de ses riffs en Drop B.
Lee McKinney (Born of Osiris) : Adepte des micros Fishman pour la précision des solos.
James Monteith (Tesseract) : Pionnier du son "Djent" nécessitant une tension de corde parfaite.
Acle Kahney (Tesseract) : Utilise la clarté du frêne pour ses textures polyrythmiques.
Dustin Davidson (August Burns Red) : Pour la robustesse des manches Ibanez en tournée.
Justin Lowe (After The Burial) : A défini le son moderne avec des guitares Ibanez à diapason long.
Nita Strauss : Utilise les spécifications techniques de la série Axion pour sa rapidité.
Angel Vivaldi : Pour la fluidité du manche Nitro Wizard sur toute la touche en ébène.
Tim Henson (Polyphia) : Bien que jouant d'autres modèles, il a popularisé l'usage des micros Fishman chez Ibanez.
Scott LePage (Polyphia) : Pour la polyvalence des voicings Fishman.
Munky (Korn) : L'esthétique sombre de la RGD61ALA s'inscrit dans son héritage sonore.
Josh Martin (Little Tybee) : Pour la clarté harmonique exceptionnelle du bois de Panga Panga.
Herman Li (Dragonforce) : Pour la fiabilité du hardware Gotoh lors de prestations intenses.
Jason Richardson : Pour la réponse percussive immédiate nécessaire au shred moderne.
FAQ - Expert Advice
Q: Why is a 26.5" scale length preferable for metal?
A longer scale length increases string tension. This allows you to use thicker gauge strings while maintaining a firm feel, thus avoiding the "elastic" effect of out-of-tune bass notes. At Garage à Musique, this is our number one recommendation for Drop C.
Q: What is "Sub Zero" fret treatment?
Ibanez treats Jumbo frets at cryogenic temperatures. This process alters the molecular structure of the metal, making the frets much more resistant to premature wear caused by steel strings, thus ensuring consistent sustain for many years.
Q: Do Fishman Fluence microphones require a battery?
Yes, these are active microphones. They operate on a 9V battery (accessible via a quick-release hatch on the back). They consume very little power, but offer significantly better background noise (RF) reduction than traditional passive microphones.
Q: What is the purpose of the "Voicing" switch on the volume control?
It's a push/pull switch. In the down position, you have "Modern Active High Output" (powerful and sharp). In the up position, you activate "Modern Passive Attack" (more dynamic, ideal for classic rock). This multiplies your possibilities without changing any amp settings.
Q: Does the wood of Panga Panga influence the sound?
Panga Panga is an extremely hard wood, similar to Wenge. It provides a very fast attack and well-defined midrange, which perfectly complements the roundness of the ash body.
Q: Are the Schaller S-Locks fasteners really included?
Absolutely. Ibanez equips this original series with these safety locks. It's a crucial detail to prevent your guitar from accidentally falling during sudden movements on stage.
Q: How do Luminlay guides work?
They absorb ambient light and glow in the dark. This is a blessing for guitarists playing on stages with changing or strobe lighting, allowing you to never miss a hand position.
Q: Is this guitar difficult to play because of the longer neck?
The 1-inch (2.5 cm) difference compared to a standard guitar is subtle under the fingers, but the comfort of the Nitro Wizard (very thin) profile more than makes up for the extra stretch of the fingers.
Q: Is the Mono-rail easel easy to adjust?
Yes. Each string has its own independent bridge attached to the body. This means that adjusting the intonation of one string does not affect the others, and it eliminates unwanted vibrations between the strings.
Q: Why choose Axion Label at Garage à Musique?
We are specialists in high-performance instruments in Quebec. We know that latency or an incorrect gain setting can ruin a studio session. Every RGD61ALA is inspected to guarantee quiet electronics and perfect action right out of the box.
The "Down-Tuning" Authority: Why RGD61ALA is indispensable
The Ibanez RGD61ALA from the Axion Label series is no ordinary guitar; it's an engineering response to the demands of modern metal. For the Quebec guitarist playing Djent, Metalcore, or Progressive, it solves critical performance problems:
Stabilité des Accordages Bas : Grâce à son diapason de 26,5" (648mm), vous pouvez descendre en Drop C ou Drop B tout en conservant une tension de corde ferme, éliminant les bruits de frette et le manque de définition.
Polyvalence Active/Passive : Les micros Fishman Fluence offrent deux "voicings" distincts (un crunch organique et une distorsion ultra-compressée), vous permettant de passer d'un son vintage à une attaque moderne sans changer d'instrument.
Visibilité sur Scène : Les repères latéraux Luminlay (phosphorescents) et le logo Ibanez luminescent assurent un repérage parfait dans les environnements de concert les plus sombres.
Full Technical Specifications
Neck and Fretboard
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Sleeve type | Nitro Wizard 5pc Panga Panga/Walnut (Walnut) |
| Series | Axion Label |
| Key material | Macassar Ebony |
| Key markers | White Step Off-Set Dots |
| Lateral markers | Luminescent dots (Luminlay side dots) |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Type of frets | Jumbo with Sub Zero treatment (increased resistance) |
| Radius | 400mmR |
| Diapason (Scale) | 673mm / 26.5" (Extended Scale) |
| Nut width | 43mm |
| Width at the 24th fret | 58mm |
| Thickness at the 1st fret | 19mm |
| Thickness at the 12th fret | 21mm |
Body and Aesthetics
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Body material | Ash |
| Body shape | RGD (Deep chamfered contours) |
| Finishing | Midnight Low Gloss (MML) |
| Construction | Bolt-on handle |
Electronics and Hardware
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Micro Neck | Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Alnico (Active/Ceramic) |
| Bridge Microphone | Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Ceramic (Active/Ceramic) |
| Microphone selector | Toggle 3 positions |
| Special Functions | "Voicing" switch on the volume button (Push/Pull) |
| Easel | Mono-rail bridge (Total string independence) |
| Mechanics | Gotoh® MG-T Locking Tuners |
| Belt fasteners | Schaller S-Locks included |
| Deck hardware color | Black (Noir) |
| Nut | Plastic |
Comparative Analysis: Rigor & Performance
Comparative table based on Gearspace and MusicRadar standards for extended scale guitars.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Music Garage Availability |
| Ibanez RGD71ALMS | Multi-scale Metal | Strengths: Multi-scale fork for equal tension. Weaknesses: Difficult transition for some guitarists. | Available here |
| ESP LTD Phoenix-7 | Baritone Rock | Strengths: Vintage look. Weaknesses: Heavier, less ergonomic access to the treble frets. | Available here |
| Schecter Hellraiser C-7 | Classic Modern | Strengths: Massive sustain. Weaknesses: Thicker neck than the Nitro Wizard. | Available here |
| Jackson Pro DK Ash | Shred / Metal | Strengths: Lightweight ash body. Weaknesses: No extended scale length (only 25.5"). | Available here |
| Solar Guitars A1.6 Baritone | Djent / Core | Strengths: Evertune bridge. Weaknesses: Less pickup versatility than Fishman. | Product not listed |
| Ormsby Hype GTR | Shop / Technical | Strengths: Radical design. Weaknesses: High price, limited availability. | Product not listed |
| Charvel Joe Duplantier | Signature Metal | Strengths: Simplicity, robustness. Weaknesses: No multi-voice active microphones. | Available here |
| Ibanez RGD61AL | Predecessor | Strengths: Price. Weaknesses: Lack of a luminescent logo and the latest hardware improvements. | Available here |
| Aristides 060 | Ultra Premium | Strengths: Composite materials. Weaknesses: Prohibitive manufacturing time and cost. | Product not listed |
| ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B | Pro Tour | Strengths: Japanese quality. Weaknesses: More traditional aesthetic, less "dark". | Available here |
History & Evolution: The Axion Label DNA
The Axion Label series was introduced by Ibanez to push the boundaries of the Iron Label series. While the Iron Label focused on minimalism, the Axion Label incorporates technological innovations such as Fishman Fluence pickups, cold-treated ( Sub Zero ) frets for extreme durability, and exotic woods like Panga Panga. The RGD61ALA is the direct evolution of the original 2010 RGD models, refined for guitarists who demand world-touring reliability.
Cultural References & Artists
Artists and groups using the power of RGD design and Axion specifications:
Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) : L'architecte du design RGD original pour les rythmiques industrielles.
Mick Thomson (Slipknot) : Utilise des diapasons étendus pour la clarté de ses riffs en Drop B.
Lee McKinney (Born of Osiris) : Adepte des micros Fishman pour la précision des solos.
James Monteith (Tesseract) : Pionnier du son "Djent" nécessitant une tension de corde parfaite.
Acle Kahney (Tesseract) : Utilise la clarté du frêne pour ses textures polyrythmiques.
Dustin Davidson (August Burns Red) : Pour la robustesse des manches Ibanez en tournée.
Justin Lowe (After The Burial) : A défini le son moderne avec des guitares Ibanez à diapason long.
Nita Strauss : Utilise les spécifications techniques de la série Axion pour sa rapidité.
Angel Vivaldi : Pour la fluidité du manche Nitro Wizard sur toute la touche en ébène.
Tim Henson (Polyphia) : Bien que jouant d'autres modèles, il a popularisé l'usage des micros Fishman chez Ibanez.
Scott LePage (Polyphia) : Pour la polyvalence des voicings Fishman.
Munky (Korn) : L'esthétique sombre de la RGD61ALA s'inscrit dans son héritage sonore.
Josh Martin (Little Tybee) : Pour la clarté harmonique exceptionnelle du bois de Panga Panga.
Herman Li (Dragonforce) : Pour la fiabilité du hardware Gotoh lors de prestations intenses.
Jason Richardson : Pour la réponse percussive immédiate nécessaire au shred moderne.
FAQ - Expert Advice
Q: Why is a 26.5" scale length preferable for metal?
A longer scale length increases string tension. This allows you to use thicker gauge strings while maintaining a firm feel, thus avoiding the "elastic" effect of out-of-tune bass notes. At Garage à Musique, this is our number one recommendation for Drop C.
Q: What is "Sub Zero" fret treatment?
Ibanez treats Jumbo frets at cryogenic temperatures. This process alters the molecular structure of the metal, making the frets much more resistant to premature wear caused by steel strings, thus ensuring consistent sustain for many years.
Q: Do Fishman Fluence microphones require a battery?
Yes, these are active microphones. They operate on a 9V battery (accessible via a quick-release hatch on the back). They consume very little power, but offer significantly better background noise (RF) reduction than traditional passive microphones.
Q: What is the purpose of the "Voicing" switch on the volume control?
It's a push/pull switch. In the down position, you have "Modern Active High Output" (powerful and sharp). In the up position, you activate "Modern Passive Attack" (more dynamic, ideal for classic rock). This multiplies your possibilities without changing any amp settings.
Q: Does the wood of Panga Panga influence the sound?
Panga Panga is an extremely hard wood, similar to Wenge. It provides a very fast attack and well-defined midrange, which perfectly complements the roundness of the ash body.
Q: Are the Schaller S-Locks fasteners really included?
Absolutely. Ibanez equips this original series with these safety locks. It's a crucial detail to prevent your guitar from accidentally falling during sudden movements on stage.
Q: How do Luminlay guides work?
They absorb ambient light and glow in the dark. This is a blessing for guitarists playing on stages with changing or strobe lighting, allowing you to never miss a hand position.
Q: Is this guitar difficult to play because of the longer neck?
The 1-inch (2.5 cm) difference compared to a standard guitar is subtle under the fingers, but the comfort of the Nitro Wizard (very thin) profile more than makes up for the extra stretch of the fingers.
Q: Is the Mono-rail easel easy to adjust?
Yes. Each string has its own independent bridge attached to the body. This means that adjusting the intonation of one string does not affect the others, and it eliminates unwanted vibrations between the strings.
Q: Why choose Axion Label at Garage à Musique?
We are specialists in high-performance instruments in Quebec. We know that latency or an incorrect gain setting can ruin a studio session. Every RGD61ALA is inspected to guarantee quiet electronics and perfect action right out of the box.