Need Opinions on Basswood quality (should I buy?)

[James C]

Looking at stripping and refinishing my RG7321, however it's looking about as costly as getting a new replacement body made, had a look at Perle guitars and saw the following on their eBay store, but wanted opinions on whether the basswood looks to be of decent quality as I don't know whether the streaking on the back is a defect that would affect it structurally

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/unfinished-ibanez-UV-Universe-jem-rg-JS-body-7-string-hardtail-/160789233595?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item256fc8ffbb#ht_2116wt_922

What are people's opinions as I've not seen basswood that hasn't got an inch thick paint job

Thanks
James

[Attica!]

The ugly streaking on Basswood is very common, so that's why people always use a hard solid colour finish.

Regarding the quality, I find that it's like trying to find a pen that works out of a stack of pens you have lying around. Half the time they never work.

With the lower quality Basswood guitars by Ibanez, like the RG series, it's very hard to know what you're going to get. I guess that's why Basswood has developed a bad name over the years. Some people get an Ibanezand love it, whilst others get one and find it tonally dead, so I always say that you should try the guitar before you buy it when dealing with basswood.

Saying that mind, the higher priced Ibanez guitars (or higher priced guitars from other manufacturers) tend to use American Basswood, which is more consistent and better quality. You still get the odd dull one, but I guess that's Basswood. It's as unpredictable as the weather.

For me personally, I love the Basswood/Maple Top combo ever since I got my Ibanez RG870.

[James C]

thanks for the info,

the seller is Perle guitars, who gets a very good rep for replacement ibanez bodies on SS.org and as i was planning on doing a graphic/solid colour refin then i think i will buy it.

Looks as though it is american basswood as well so i'm less hesitant in purchasing it

[Philly Q]

Looks like typical basswood.

I don't know if the body pictured is necessarily the actual one you're buying, it doesn't seem to say.  Personally I'd want to check that, and I'd also want to know the weight.

I've seen that guy's stuff on eBay for a long time, but not bought anything (as I'm not into Ibanez guitars).  It all looks very cleanly and neatly made, prices are reasonable and his feedback's good.

[James C]

I hear you irt not being into ibanez, I can't really get on with ibanez 6-string necks, but the 7 is the perfect size for my hands and was a present for my 21st from my Fiancee so is the only guitar that i'm never selling.

I really like the S and JS guitars and was going to look at ordering a custom built body, until i saw this.

Paintjob will either be Friesian Cow(and obligatory pink bobbin toppers for the NB7's i have) or Mystic Dream/Green Chameleon

[Philly Q]

Paintjob will either be Friesian Cow(and obligatory pink bobbin toppers for the NB7's i have) or Mystic Dream/Green Chameleon

 :lol:  Cool!   8)


Just to clarify what I said about Ibanez, I love the blingy early '80s models like Artists, Rocket Rolls etc but not a fan of the modern designs (Fireman excepted).  The S and JS models would actually be quite appealing, as they look more "traditional", but ultimately the skinny necks put me off.

[Toe-Knee]

Have you looked at area51 customs?

They are uk based and do replacement bodies.

And you can also get it in whatever wood you like.

[James C]

I had a look at Area 51 - looks like very good stuff!

I pulled the trigger on the JS body, only £154.00 shipped and is the actual body advertised

Thanks for all the responses

[Attica!]

Let us know how it goes on sound wise, and what type of neck you're fitting and if it's a snug fit :)

[Attica!]

Was also going to say. Have you took into consideration the import duties? They're around 20-25% of the final price.

[James C]

Let us know how it goes on sound wise, and what type of neck you're fitting and if it's a snug fit :)

Was also going to say. Have you took into consideration the import duties? They're around 20-25% of the final price.

Had a look at an import tax calculator and the price falls just short of the threshold (inc shipping) so i should be ok, if not i have budgeted in for the import duty.

I'm going to chuck on the neck from my existing RG7321, hoping its a snug fit, but i will be saving up and getting Jon (Felineguitars) to assemble and set up and budget allowing chuck some blackhawks in

[Attica!]

Let us know how it goes on sound wise, and what type of neck you're fitting and if it's a snug fit :)

Was also going to say. Have you took into consideration the import duties? They're around 20-25% of the final price.

Had a look at an import tax calculator and the price falls just short of the threshold (inc shipping) so i should be ok, if not i have budgeted in for the import duty.

I'm going to chuck on the neck from my existing RG7321, hoping its a snug fit, but i will be saving up and getting Jon (Felineguitars) to assemble and set up and budget allowing chuck some blackhawks in

Well let us know how the neck fits. Been checking out the guys website as well and you can get them in all different types of wood and pickup configs, as well as fender or ibanez heels. Looks really cool. I wish you good luck with the build and keep this post updated on how it's going. Or maybe a NGD post. Would be really cool to see how it turns out :)