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1 VOL, 1 TONE & 3 WAY LEVER SELECTER

INSTALLING THE STRING

To install a new string insert the ball end of
the new string into the slot and place the ball
end into the internal hook area of the saddle
as shown. Pull the string tight to the saddle
and restring the rest of the string as you
normally would on the machine head.

QUIK CHANGE ULTRA / FINE
TUNNING FUNCTION

QUIK CHANGE ULTRA has FINE
TUNER function.
Even after by the tuning machine,
you can make a quick-fine
adjustment by FINE TUNERS (E).

SPLITS FUNCTION 

WITH "TRUE-DUO"SYSTEM

*BRIDGE PICKUP : "TRUE-DUO BUCKER"

DOWNSHIFTER

This is to certify that the aforementioned

equipments fully conform to protection

requirements of the following EC council directives.

DIRECTIVES: 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility

Printed in China     AUG2005WEG    ©2005

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

Ibanez Instruments are unique in the simplicity and versatility of our
switching systems. Each model was designed to allow the maximum
amount of useful pickup positions with the simplest operations.

JEM. PGM, RG, GRG, S(*), EXR, NDM, GRX : 
3 PICKUPS (H-S-H) 
(*) except S520EX

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

Humbucking is parallel connected.

RG(*), SA120 : 2 PICKUPS (H-H) 
(*)except RG120

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

GSA, GRX : 3 PICKUPS (S-S-H)

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

MMM, RG120, S520EX, GSA, GRX, GAX30 : 
2 PICKUPS (H-H)

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

AR, ARC, ARX, AXS, GAX(*), IC, ICX, RVX, GSZ: 
2 PICKUPS (H-H) 
(*) except GAX30

SWITCHING FUNCTION

The output level of the
instrument as well as the
quality of the signal can be
affected by the pickup height.
Pickup height should be
adjusted until the volume of
neck and bridge pickups are
almost equal with both
volumes wide open.  The volume may drop drastically if the pickup
height is too low.  As the pickups are magnetic, fret buzzing and
distortion may occur if the pickup is too close to the strings. Use a small
screwdriver to make adjustments to raise or lower the pickup.

*Instruments that have adjustable pole pieces can be adjusted to balance the output of each string.

PICKUPS

Ibanez steel string models are equipped with adjustable truss rods. The
purpose of a truss rod is to adjust the neck to counteract string tension.
There are many reasons for truss rod adjustments. One of the most
frequent reasons is changing string gauges or tuning pitch which can
affect string tension. String tension changes may affect the string height
and cause fret buzz or notes that don’t ring true. To adjust the truss rod,
locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct wrench into
the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise) the
rod. Truss rod tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first
fret the holding the strings down at the fret position where the neck joins
the body. Insert a thickness gauge between the string and the fret at the
8th fret. There should
between 0.3 mm to 0.5mm
clearance. That clearance is
referred to as “neck relief.”
Too much neck relief can
cause the neck to have
higher action in the middle of
the neck causing poor
intonation and uncomfortable
playability. No neck relief can
cause fret buzz.

*Appropriate care must be taken when

adjusting the neck and we recommend only
qualified technicians perform this procedure.

NECK

Regular cleaning of your
guitar is one the most
important ways you can
maintain the finish and
lengthen string life. After
playing, wipe down your
instrument to remove any
perspiration from the
instrument. Perspiration can actually contain acids that can be corrosive
to the strings and metal parts of the guitar. Gloss finish guitars should be
polished with polish formulated specifically for musical instruments, and
a soft, treated guitar cloth or a cotton rag. Abrasive rags such as
polyester can scratch the finish. Oil finished guitars should be wiped
clean immediately after playing with a dry cotton rag only. If your guitar
has become discolored due to extended use or heavy perspiration,
factory appearance, see a qualified guitar repair person about methods
to restore the oil finish to its original factory appearance.

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

8TH FRET

0.3~0.5mm

Maintenance 

➣➣

Our congratulations and deepest thanks on
making Ibanez your choice of instrument. Ibanez
standards are second to none. All Ibanez
instruments are set up to our strict quality control
standards before shipping. The purpose of this
manual is to explain how to maintain your
instrument’s finish and to keep your guitar playing
as well as it did when it left our factory.

If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a
dull sound or buzz, replace the strings with new
ones. For best results we recommend replacing
one string at a time, this will help to avoid
removing the string tension from the neck. When
replacing strings with different gauge strings, it
may be necessary to adjust the truss rod tension.
(We recommend only qualified technicians
perform this.) Instruments that have tremolo
systems installed may need to be adjusted after
string replacement as changes in string tension
can cause the tremolo to raise or lower. Ibanez
guitars and basses are factory equipped with the
following string gauges. Please follow the
instructions below for your particular model.
The strings should be tightly wound on to the
tuning machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3
string wraps around the post. In the case of
unwound guitar strings, the ends of the strings
should be prepared as shown in the diagram to
prevent unintentional slippage from the posts. In
the case of tuning machines, where the string
ends are inserted into the posts, the string can be
cut to length in advance using a pair of string
cutters.
If the tuning machines are sealed gear units, they
are self-lubricating types. The set screws for the tuning knob are
adjustment screws that can be tightened with a small Phillips head
screwdriver to increase the tension.

*The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings that have twists or kinks may

cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure that the new strings are smooth and free from any defects
before installing.

STRINGS AND TUNING MACHINES

1

3

2

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

Solid guitars w/Tremolo, JTK, ICX, RVX & ALL Gio
RG321MH, SZ, AXS, AR,ARC, ARX & IC
7-String model
MMM1

.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042 inch
.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046 inch
.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046/.054 inch
.014/.017/.030/.040/.056/.074 inch

STRING GAUGES

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

CLEANING

Intonation adjustment is
the operation of
adjusting the location of
the string at the saddle
to compensate for
different string gauges
or different tunings.
Follow the instructions
of the particular bridge intonation below. Intonation is properly set when
the 12th fret note and the 12th fret harmonic are exactly the same note .
This is the center point of the scale and the most accurate way of setting
a standard scale length. With the harmonic note as the standard, if the
fretted note is flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the headstock
(a) to decrease the string length. If the fretted note is sharp, move it back
away from the headstock (b) to increase the string length intonation
adjustments. 

* Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before

making adjustments.

INTONATION

Ibanez guitar and bass string action is set at the
factory. However there are many reasons that an
instrument’s string height can change. Instruments
can be affected by changes in temperature and
moisture. High string action can make the guitar
difficult to play. If the string action is too low, fret
buzz or unclear notes can occur.  To remedy this,
follow the instructions for the particular type of
bridge installed. In the case of string action, make
sure the guitar is in tune and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez
action is set at the 14th fret. The action may also need to be readjusted
after the neck has been adjusted or strings have been changed to a
different gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to
make adjustments.

* If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble side

through to the bass side.

ACTION

.009-string's guitars except Gio Ibanez
all Gio Ibanez & .010-, .014- string's guitars

BASS SIDE

TREBLE SIDE

Guitar Bridges 

➣➣

To change strings, thread the new
strings through the string grommets
located on the back of the guitar and
bring them up and over the saddle.
The intonation can be adjusted by
adjusting the saddle forward or
backward using a Phillips (+) head
screwdriver on the intonation
adjustment screw at the rear of the
bridge. String height is controlled by
raising or lowering the small Allen screws using a wrench on either side
of the saddle.

HARDTAIL BRIDGE

The height adjustment can be
adjusted by 4 pcs of 2.0mm of allen
screws (B) on the bridge. Since the
adjustment screws are locked by the
bridge lock screw (A), you must
loosen the bridge lock screw by
3.0mm Allen wrench before
adjustment.
Each saddle is also locked by a
saddle lock screw (C). To adjust the
intonation, use a 2.0mm Allen
wrench to loosen the saddle locke
screws, and then adjust the
Intonation screw (D) by a 2.0mm
Allen wrench. When you are finished with the adjustment, lock the
saddle and tune the guitar.

GIBRALTAR CUSTOM BRIDGE

A

B

C

D

SPLITS FUNCTION

Guitar Electronics 

➣➣

OTHERS

GIBRALTAR III & FULL TUNE III

The action can be adjusted by using a slot head (-) screwdriver to turn
the adjustment bolt at either end (A). 
The intonation can be adjusted by moving the saddle forward or
backward using a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw of each
saddle (B).

The height adjustment of the QUIK
CHANGE III can be adjusted by
using a slot head (-) screwdriver or
a coin turn the adjustment studs at
either side of the tailpiece (C).

(A)

(B)

(A)

(B)

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

SZ : 2 PICKUPS (H-H)

CONTROLS

VOLUME

5 WAY

PICKUP SELECTOR

TONE

JEM, PGM, NDM, RG, SAS, SA, GSA60,
GRX70,40 

VOLUME

3 WAY

PICKUP SELECTOR

TONE
w/COIL TAP ON/OFF SW.

JS 
(*)Coil Tap Switch on Tone

3 WAY

PICKUP SELECTOR

NECK
VOLUME

BRIDGE
VOLUME

NECK TONE

BRIDGE

TONE

AR, IC

Guitar Controls 

➣➣

*

NECK TONE

BRIDGE TONE

3 WAY

PICKUP SELECTOR

NECK
VOLUME

BRIDGE VOLUME

AXS, AX, GAX70,75

TONE

NECK VOLUME

BRIDGE 
VOLUME

3WAY PICKUP 
SELECTOR

SZ, ARC, ARX

VOLUME

TOGGLE SWITCH

TONE

ICX, RVX

TOGGLE

NECK
VOLUME

TONE

BRIDGE VOLUME

GSZ

QUIK CHANGE TAILPIECES

QUIK CHANGE MINI

QUIK CHANGE CLASSIC

QUIK CHANGE III

QUIK CHANGE ULTRA

(E)

VOLUME

TOGGLE SWITCH

TONE

SEESAW SW. FOR BRIDGE PU

SEESAW SW. FOR NECK PU

JTK

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

HUMBUCKER PICKUP MODE

SINGLE PICKUP MODE

VOLUME POT
SWITCH PUSH DOWN

VOLUME POT
SWITCH PULL UP

SAS36/SA260 : 3 PICKUPS(S-S-H)

JS : Coilt Tap Switch by TONE POT
Pull up=TAP ON NECK&BRIDGE Both 
pickups

JTK : Coil Tap Swith by SEESAW Switch
SEESAW DOWNED UPFOWARD=TAP ON

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

JS, JTK : 2 PICKUPS (H-H)

JS, JTK (WHEN COIL TAP SWITCH WORKED)

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

HUMBUCKER PICKUP MODE

SINGLE PICKUP MODE

VOLUME POT
SWITCH PUSH DOWN

VOLUME POT
SWITCH PULL UP

HUMBUCKERS
PARALEL COONNECTED

SAS32 : 2 PICKUPS(H-H)

The Ibanez DOWNSHIFTER allows the pitch of a string to be dropped to a
preset desired position with a simple lever operation. To achieve precise
tuning for both the up and down positions, you will need to preset both
lever settings before operating the Downshifter.

PLEASE NOTE: The Downshifter device was designed to provide the
highest level of pitch accuracy. However, it should be understood that
the Downshifter is a mechanical device. Pitch variations and tuning
readjustments, especially after frequent use, are to be expected.

(C)

tuning screw clockwise to reduce the pitch,
or counter clockwise to raise the pitch. This
adjustment can be done by hand or with a
standard screwdriver or a coin until the
desired down pitch is acquired. (The preset
factory pitch is set one whole step down to
D.) When the lever is raised to the up
position, the thumbscrew can be turned
freely but will have no effect on the raised lever pitch. However, it will
affect the settings of down lever pitch.

TUNING

First check that the Downshifter lever arm is
raised to the up position then tune the string
normally using the standard tuning machines
on the headstock. 
(Note: the Downshifter tuning screw has no
effect on the pitch in the up position.) Next,
lower the lever on the Downshifter to the down position and the pitch of
the string will drop down. Adjust the rear

1

2

3

SPECIAL TUNING

The Downshifter also allows the pitch to be raised by setting the standard
tuning while the lever is in the lower position. When the lever is raised the
pitch will also be raised and can be adjusted to the desired pitch.

VOLUME

3 WAY

PICKUP SELECTOR

TONE

MMM, RG120, S520EX, GSA20,
GRX20,22, GAX30

1 VOL, 1 TONE(*) & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH

1 VOL, 1 TONE & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH
& 2 SEESAW SWICHES

1 VOL, 1 TONE & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH

2 VOL, 1 TONE & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH

2 VOL, 1 TONE & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH

2 VOL, 2 TONE & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH

2 VOL, 2 TONE & 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH

1.5mm
1.7mm

2.0mm
2.3mm

1 VOL(*), 1 TONE & 5 WAY LEVER SELECTER

*SAS/SA260 : TRUE-DUO Switch on Volume

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