• Model: RG685
• Finish: Burnt Transparent Violin
• Years Offered: 1998–2000
• Made In: Japan
• Body Type: Solid Body
• Body: American Basswood
• Neck: 1-Piece Maple
• Neck Profile: Wizard
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Pearl Dot
• Frets: 24 Jumbo
• Nut: Top-Lok III
• Neck Joint: AANJ
• Bridge: Lo-Pro Edge Tremolo
• Hardware: Cosmo Black
• Pickup Configuration: HSH
• Bridge Pickup: Ibanez QM2
• Middle Pickup: Ibanez QMS1
• Neck Pickup: Ibanez QM1
• Controls: Global Volume, Global Tone, 5-Way Lever Selector
• Country: Japan
• Year: 1999

The late-’90s Japanese RG models are becoming much more appreciated now, and the RG685 is a really cool example from that era. It has all the ingredients people want from a proper MIJ RG: lightweight basswood body, ultra-fast Wizard neck, Lo-Pro Edge trem and the sleek AANJ heel that makes the upper frets effortless to reach. The Burnt Transparent Violin finish is also a big part of the appeal here, as it gives the guitar a much richer and more unusual look than the more common blue and purple versions. It still has that very late-’90s Ibanez feel, but with a bit more class visually. The QM/QMS pickup set keeps it firmly in that versatile superstrat lane too, so it can cover everything from cleaner split-style tones through to saturated lead work and tight rhythm playing. A very cool Japanese RG and one that feels especially appealing now these period Ibanez guitars are getting harder to find in honest original condition.

Very good condition. There are some small impressions to the front, a binding mark near the top horn, some paint missing near the lower binding, and two lacquer cracks near the screw holes. All of this is cosmetic only and the guitar remains functionally sound overall.

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