Author Topic: Ibanez S Series or.. A new Amp (Read 3188 times)

Jonny · « **on:** December 10, 2007, 10:24:42 PM »

(I've been on this forum for less than a day but it rocks! The pickups and the users.)

Well, today, I decided to join the forums. Having scoped through it a few times, listening to the countless sound clips of Miracle Mans, Warpigs, Nailbombs and somewhat depressed at hearing such skill.

But that isn't the reason, I'm HOPING to purchase a Warpig(N)/Miracle Man(B) set from BKP.

I thought - do I have a good enough guitar to put them in? Is it worth it in THAT guitar? (Currently an Indie signature guitar)

I've always wanted an Ibanez, and directed myself to the RG1570 as my next guitar, but I've come across the S series, which are light and made of mahoghany and has a trem. So that's all cool beans. But some S series are quite cheap but still good for an overall guitar.
Should I just possibly go for an RG1570 or go for an S series?

So the questions I'm hoping to get answers to:

1. Should I buy an RG or try the S series?
2. Is buying a cheaper guitar bad? Whenever your previous one was more expensive?
3. Should I just ditch the new guitar idea, and get a new amp? I don't want to go beyond a 'bedroom amp'. I currently have a VOX AD30VT. (I'd like to stay @ around 30W)

I'll probably have more questions. But hopefully someone will help me out at least. I hope so.

Thanks to anyone, in advance.

waves · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2007, 10:50:49 PM »

i agree on the forum thing. its an interesting and entertaining way to spend time.

anyway,

i cannot recommend an s-series enough. the rg's just seem clunky and also the ZR trems on the sabers are IMO far better than the Edge's.

to be honest, i don't think buying a cheaper guitar is a crime as long as it makes you feel good and you love playing it. i haven't done it myself, but when i was buying my s520ex i had a bigger budget than it but i just fell in love with it even though i could have got higher spec, more expensive guitars. i just get on with it, if you know what i mean. so no, its not bad.

from what i've read on here i think you have to have a really, really cr@p piece of wood for bkp's not to be worth it.

as far as getting an amp is concerned, if you are comfortable and happy with your guitar, then get one and go for your perfect tone

hope something in this helps.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #2 on:** December 10, 2007, 10:52:21 PM »

Ibanez S's > Ibanez R's.

Jonny · « **Reply #3 on:** December 10, 2007, 11:00:50 PM »

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

Kilby · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2007, 11:27:11 PM »

I'm making assumptions so forgive me.

I'm nit a metal person, but the S series are amazing, compared with other Ibanez models at a vaguely similar price.

The one thing I would say is to check out any S series in person as the build quality does vary (a lot), the ZR trem is the business.

Try the two of them side by side, before a final decision.

Edit : Just noticed that you have the Vox, which is a tolerable amp, not the best, but most definately not the worst

Personally I'd go for another guitar, the Indies I have tried are OK, but I'd say that a nice Ibanez S (the SA are nice too) or RG would make playing more enjoyable. From there you could then decide on pickups or amp purchases.

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2007, 11:33:20 PM »

I perfectly like my RG.

It cost me about £400, and it's 5 piece neck through with Mahogany wings.

Perfectly nice guitar, but parts need ugprading.

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2007, 11:38:53 PM »

I would go for the amp change personally, guitars are great and very attractive to guitarists (duh) but the backline is the core sound and it changes your sound a lot more than the guitars and what's on the guitars.

Just depends if your happy with your amp now. If it's not delivering the sound you want/need then the amp always comes first in my opinion. Though if you are happy with it then by all means go for the guitar. I have an RG and have tried the S series and i can't choose between them just depends what mood i'm in because they are completely different.

Lazy_McDoesnothing · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2007, 06:46:49 AM »

It depends on what you are least happy with, amp or guitar. The way I see it a cr@ppy guitar will sound decent through a good amp but a great guitar through a cr@p amp will still sound cr@p. But it's frustrating to play a bad guitar all the time so in the end it's down to what you want: better tone or better playing guitar. Most want both and eventually upgrade everything so if you get a nice amp and some bkp's you'll have a nice tone and when you save up more money for the guitar you can swap pickups.

As far as S vs. RG I have both and both are great. The S is sleek and versatile and my preference. They're both very fast playing, the S has 22 frets and the RG 24. But it looks like the S might get 24 for 2008. If you get either, you can get either for under $500 on ebay. Look for ones made in japan. I'm sure there are some decent Korean ones but I just don't trust the build quality.

If you're looking for more info or anything check out www.ibanez.com/forum it's a good resource for ibbys

indysmith · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2007, 10:06:59 AM »

Check my avatar 8) Ibanez S1675FM-EG Prestige, with BKP Nailbomb. It's my favourite guitar by far. My friend has a cheaper S-series with a Warpig in the bridge, and it is obviously not made to the same quality (more generic feeling neck, less carve around the heal, not such a good finish, duller tonewoods), but it is still a very good sounding and playing guitar.
The ZR trem is fantastic, and is very versatile whilst still keeping tune INCREDIBLY well, and the good thing is that it's available on the entire line.
One drawback is that I don't think you can get japanese handmade S-series guitars anymore, as the new Prestiges seem to be manufactured in a korean facility. The ones I've tried though have all been built to a high standard, although not quite as high perhaps as mine.

It's not bad to buy a cheaper guitar, as long as you enjoy playing it. I would definately urge you not to order your guitar from the internet, but to go to a shop and play a lot of guitars through an amp similar to yours (not just Ibanezes), but a wide range of the popular brands, and see what floats your boat the most, and then see what you can afford.

Jonny · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2007, 06:21:15 PM »

I think I'll just buy BKP for my current Indie, then possibly wait for the Prestige S Series to come out and possibly get one of those.

Or if not I'll just get the RG1570. Or just not buy either guitar and buy a better amp maybe.

Thanks everyone. :)

sambo · « **Reply #10 on:** December 11, 2007, 06:34:22 PM »

I would echo a lot of what has been said already, but just to add something else.

The guitar is what keeps you playing and interested in playing (in my opinion), now if you're happy with the Indie then that's all good; get pickups or a new amp to get a better sound. However if you feel that a more expensive guitar would really excite you and get your playing more, I would pick that every time.