Warning: very long post coming up!
Hey guys, I'm looking into buying a new guitar...well, two actually, but I'm reasonably well decided on the second one (but I'll put in a little about it at the end). It's the first one I'm having difficulties with.
Main Guitar: I want a shred machine, I've pretty much decided Ibanez is the way to go (on value, and they feel like "home" to me, in terms of neck dimensions etc., I already have an MIJ basswood RG 470).
The contenders: Ibanez rg3120F. About £800, Mahogany/maple top, prestige.
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=66926Ibanez RG8570 J custom: £1149. Similar specs, but as far as I know, hand-carved neck. And, it has "real" dimarzios.
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=11248Ibanez RG8270 J-custom: £1449: Similar spec to the 8570, but this year's model. And vine of life inlay. Maybe a slightly thinner neck.
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=68820Basically, I can afford any of them, but obviously I could afford the £800 one easier than the £1450 one...
Also, quality of stock pickups is of no concern, I'd switch them for BK's, anyway.
The major problem I have is, I preferred last year's version of the £1450 one, it was £150 cheaper, and nicer, IMO, but they sold out (stupid indecisiveness!). Being a limited edition, that’s it (I’m not a fan of second hand, and it’s moot anyway, I haven’t seen any second hand). At the moment the 8570 is looking good, since I’ve tried it, and liked it, although the neck was a little thick (I still liked it better than any other guitar I’ve tried, bar the 8670). Also, the problem is, I have no way to try any of these (bar the 8570 I’ve tried already). There’s no way in hell anywhere in Northern Ireland will be getting them in, and a one errand trip to the mainland would almost buy me the guitar. The 8270 (£1450) is supposed to play nearer to the 8670, but I wouldn’t be able to try it first, and looks cheaper built, in terms of cosmetics (other than the vine of life, it has no binding etc., and, as far as I can see, it’s only available in black here in the UK…).
Gah! Man, I hate GAS… and indecisive GAS at that …
For the second guitar, I’m thinking of a metal guitar, hardtail, mahogany/maple. The Ibanez rga 121 prestige, to be precise. £538. I had originally thought of an sz320/520/720, but I tried the 320, and it was ok, but nothing special. I also like the wizard neck that comes on the rga’s. Here’s a link:
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=66925There’s a flame maple version, the RGA 321F, but, as far as I can see, it’s the same guitar, with a flamed top, instead of plain, abalone inlays, and slightly better pickups. So, basically, if i changed the pickups, they'd both sound the same. Oh, all right, you twisted my arm, here’s a link:
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=66924£350 more for a fancier top and abalone dots? I don’t think so (I’d be changing the pickups anyway). Any opinions of a maple neck for metal? Too bright? (it has a thick 16mm maple top as well…)
Basically, if you’ve tried any of these, have any thoughts, comments, ideas or suggestions of alternative models/brands at a similar price (bear in mind, they need to be 43mm/1 11/16” nut width and jumbo frets, I’m really fussy, unfortunately), I’d appreciate your comments.
I’m playing through an Engl Savage SE, if that helps.
(oh yeah, I’m not advertising GAK or anything, the official Ibanez site won’t let me link to products!)
I appreciate any advice or assistance. Thanks in advance.
