RYOGA Cicada-G2 Transparent Pearl Red Semi-Acoustic

Description

RYOGA Cicada-G2 Transparent Pearl Red

Why is it special?

RYOGA models made in Japan are some of the best guitars you likely didn’t know existed. The Cicada in particular is an interesting proposition, as a sort of retro-modern semi-acoustic-in-solid-body-styling. Essentially boutique builds with exceptional attention to detail produced by Fujigen in limited quantities as a private label for a Japanese music retailer.

Condition

This guitar is in Excellent condition and shows very few signs of prior use. There is one very small scuff just behind the top strap button. The pickguard and pickups show light surface scratches. The truss rod is in good working order with adjustability in both directions. The neck is straight with no signs of warping or waviness. The electronics are in perfect working order. The Cicada-G2 weighs a svelte 6.6 pounds and includes a premium excellent condition Ryoga gig bag. The Cicada has been set up for medium action with fresh D’Addario 10-46 strings with dialed in intonation and pickup height.

Overview

The Cicada is lightweight, but not small in hand, and feels very comfortable to hold and play thanks to the rounded back and highly contoured neck pocket. The Trans Red Pearl paint is a real highlight, showcasing the stunning ash and rich mahogany with just a bit of coppery pearl sparkle that changes with the angle of the light. The neck profile feels somewhere between modern C and D with generous (but not bulky) width at the nut and sports a 12 in fingerboard radius. It’s comfortable and roomy while still feeling slick and quick for fast runs. High quality hardware and electronic components are used throughout, with tuners and bridge from Gotoh, Orange Drop capacitors, cloth wire and great sounding Ryoga custom pickups.

Electronics and Tone

It sounds fantastic when played unplugged, but of course the real magic happens when plugged in. The Ryoga pickups do a great job of highlighting the unique tonal qualities of this model and can go from round, warm jazz tones to articulate modern high gain tones and not break a sweat. In fact, the Cicada takes gain well, and can do a neat Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde trick, as amp input levels increase. While there is definitely some Gibson DNA in the shape and overall configuration, it’s also reminiscent of certain PRS models, but ultimately its own beast.

Additional Manufacturer Information

Cicada was developed with the goal of “semi-acoustic sound from a compact body”. This model uses ash wood for the top of the body, making each guitar full of individuality due to the grain of natural wood. The inside of the body is deeply chambered. Due to the large-scale excavation extending to the rear of the bridge, this model with a rather large body has achieved one of the lightest weights within the RYOGA brand with an average weight of 6.8 pounds (3.1 kg), providing comfortable playability for live performances.

The mahogany body back is hollowed out like a bowl and covered with a light ash top. The fact that the F-hole is not open makes it resistant to feedback. It retains a unique open and airy semi-acoustic tone. The compact head is designed to connect the nut to the peg post in a straight line, making it difficult to apply lateral force to the strings on the nut. Provides stable tuning and a more natural sound.

Specifications

Body Top: Light Ash 2P (20mm)

Body back Mahogany 2P (40mm)

Finish: Transparent Red Pearl

Neck: Mahogany 1P (Angle 14°)

Neck joint: Set-Neck (Heel Cut Joint)

Finish: Urethane

Scale: 25 in (638mm)

Fingerboard Radius:12 in / 305R

Fingerboard: Ebony

Position Inlays: White Dot (Rosewood)

Frets: 22F – JESCAR FW47104NS

Nut: Cow Bone

Width at Nut: 1.69” (43 mm)

Tuning Machines: GOTOH SG301-EN01

Bridge: GOTOH GE104B (Brass Saddles) and GE101AM (Aluminium)

Pickups: RYOGA RH4DX

Lead Cable: Cloth Wire

Condenser: Orange Drop

Output jack: Switchcraft

Controls: 2Vol, 1Tone,1ToggleSW

Case/Gig Bag: Gig Bag

Year of manufacture: 2018

Country of manufacture: Japan

Serial Number: B180176

Weight: 6.6 lbs / 3 kg

Ask any questions you may have prior to purchase; we will be happy to provide any additional details available.  To make your purchase experience as enjoyable as possible, Prof. Nigel’s never sells any instruments we wouldn’t be proud to own. A great deal of effort and care are put into selection, cleaning, setup, photography, description, packing, and shipping every instrument. We want to ensure you receive the instrument as expected, ready to enjoy for years to come. Please allow 2-3 days for packing and shipping after placing an order.