Designed for modern players who push beyond traditional range, the Ibanez Alpha A528 is an 8-string electric guitar that balances power, precision and long-session comfort. As part of Ibanez’s bold Alpha Series, it takes a focused approach to extended-range design, emphasizing ergonomic feel and consistent response rather than excess complexity. An American basswood body provides a flat, even tonal foundation, while a bolt-on 5-piece maple and walnut Parallel Wizard AS neck delivers stability and articulation across all eight strings. The 27.5"–25.5" multi-scale layout helps keep the low end tight without sacrificing familiarity in the upper register, and Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers with a voicing switch round out a high-performance platform built for stage work, studio recording and detailed composition.
A Neck Profile Shaped for Extended-Range Control
At the heart of the Alpha A528 is the Parallel Wizard AS neck, shaped with an asymmetric profile that feels slightly rounder along the bass side. This subtle contour makes navigating the lower strings more natural while maintaining an even thickness from the first position through higher frets. Constructed from maple and walnut and finished in satin polyurethane, the bolt-on neck pairs seamlessly with the multi-scale design to support tight low-string response and a familiar feel across the fretboard.
HTMLEbony Fingerboard Built for Speed and Definition
Ebony gives the Alpha A528 a fast, immediate response that suits technical extended-range playing. Tight lows and a clear, focused top end help complex chords and single-note lines stay articulate, even under high gain. Jumbo stainless steel frets offer smooth playability and long-term durability, while the flat 20" radius keeps the feel controlled during wide stretches and precise fretting. Luminescent side dots improve visibility when stage lighting is less than ideal.
Fishman Fluence Modern Pickups With Flexible Voicing
Electronics are handled by a Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico 9 humbucker in the neck position and a Fluence Modern Ceramic 9 humbucker at the bridge. Together, they deliver strong output with reduced noise across the wide frequency range expected from an 8-string electric guitar. Engaging the Fluence voicing switch lets you move between an aggressive modern voice and a cleaner, more fluid response, expanding tonal range without adding complexity to the control layout.
Independent Hardware for Clean String Separation
Each string is mounted independently via the Mono-rail G2 bridge, a design that improves note separation and minimizes unwanted resonance between strings. This approach supports both string-through-body and top-loading setups, allowing you to fine-tune feel and response. Gotoh MG-T locking tuners help keep tuning stable and make string changes faster, while black hardware reinforces the guitar’s clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Alpha Series: A Modern Platform for Focused Players
The Ibanez Alpha Series is built for guitarists who value comfort, precision and consistency during extended playing sessions. On the Alpha A528, an ergonomic elbow contour improves picking-arm stability, while the gloss polyurethane finish protects the basswood body from regular wear. Supplied with an Ibanez gig bag, this 8-string electric guitar is well suited for progressive styles, extended-range riffing and studio-focused work where control and definition take priority.