How Can You Tell A Cheap Ibanez Rg From.... Options

[derper]

I've never gotten into Ibanez RG's in the past, but would like to look into a quality RG. My problem is, the series has been around for 25 years and there are SO many different versions. Other than price, how can I tell which RG's are the better quality/pro-player guitars vs. the cheap/entry-level student models?

Any info would be a big help! This all started because I played our other guitarist's (EMULATOR) Ibanez Gem and it sounded/played amazing!

[Todd Simpson]

I"m way in to em Here is a quick way to tell the cheapies

1.)Anything with GIO in the title or on the headstock.
2.)Any RG number below 500 (Eg. RG320 etc.)
3.)Anything with a non-locking trem (IMHO)

From there you are looking at
*Non Gio, RG5xx or better with locking Trem.

That's a good place to start Pretty much anything that says PRESTIGE is a really nice one, and any JEM.
JEMS are pretty darn awesome. I LOVE Ibanez guitars. I actually sold my ESP in part to buy a third Ibanez. (Just got a Xiphos)

Does that help?

Todd

I've never gotten into Ibanez RG's in the past, but would like to look into a quality RG. My problem is, the series has been around for 25 years and there are SO many different versions. Other than price, how can I tell which RG's are the better quality/pro-player guitars vs. the cheap/entry-level student models?

Any info would be a big help! This all started because I played our other guitarist's (EMULATOR) Ibanez Gem and it sounded/played amazing!

This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jul 12 2012, 10:57 PM

[Mudbone]

As a rule of thumb, I'd stay away from the ones that have the Edge III tremolo. That is really the only thing wrong with the cheap ones.

[derper]

Todd, that is pretty much the rundown I was hoping for!! Helps a TON!!

Quick question as well... How high UP does the RG series go, from 500? (For example, Taylor acoustics used to go to "900" I believe, and each series notated the diff side/back wood combinations or additional decorative binding) And, like Taylor, does each series have different specs (wood, etc) that MAKE it that part of the series? For example, Taylor 800, and 900 have Indian Rosewood back and sides, therefor more expensive and sound better than 400, 500 etc.

You don't have to go super in depth, I can probably google it from here!

Thanks Todd!!

I"m way in to em Here is a quick way to tell the cheapies

1.)Anything with GIO in the title or on the headstock.
2.)Any RG number below 500 (Eg. RG320 etc.)
3.)Anything with a non-locking trem (IMHO)

From there you are looking at
*Non Gio, RG5xx or better with locking Trem.

That's a good place to start Pretty much anything that says PRESTIGE is a really nice one, and any JEM.
JEMS are pretty darn awesome. I LOVE Ibanez guitars. I actually sold my ESP in part to buy a third Ibanez. (Just got a Xiphos)

Does that help?

Todd

Also, I assumed that because of the price, all of the RG's in Portland were "cheap-o" ones!!

Here's an RG570 for only $350. Still comparing, but seems like it might be a deal! I might have to go look at it.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3124634160.html

Seems like "made in Japan" is common for the 500 series. Is that what you want? I'm used to looking for USA made (parker, fender, etc).

This post has been edited by derper: Jul 12 2012, 11:42 PM

[Todd Simpson]

Goes up in to the thousands Here is a spiff link with all the RG series.

http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/Portal:RG_series

I have an RG560 which is "Vintage" shredder axe and my fav guitar currently. The 570 is spiff and has two humbuckers. That's a pretty good price too! They go up to $500 or so on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBANEZ-RG-570-1990...#ht_1036wt_1165

Todd, that is pretty much the rundown I was hoping for!! Helps a TON!!

Quick question as well... How high UP does the RG series go, from 500? (For example, Taylor acoustics used to go to "900" I believe, and each series notated the diff side/back wood combinations or additional decorative binding) And, like Taylor, does each series have different specs (wood, etc) that MAKE it that part of the series? For example, Taylor 800, and 900 have Indian Rosewood back and sides, therefor more expensive and sound better than 400, 500 etc.

You don't have to go super in depth, I can probably google it from here!

Thanks Todd!!








Also, I assumed that because of the price, all of the RG's in Portland were "cheap-o" ones!!

Here's an RG570 for only $350. Still comparing, but seems like it might be a deal! I might have to go look at it.

As a rule of thumb, I'd stay away from the ones that have the Edge III tremolo. That is really the only thing wrong with the cheap ones.

EDGE III not a high point in the series, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker.

This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jul 12 2012, 11:45 PM

[derper]

Awesome, and thanks again for the info and links!!

Gonna try and play that one....but now I'm a bit scared, seeing that it's a 98, which makes it a "re-issue" and it is not one of the older originals. But again....I don't know anything about this series. But based on my experience with other guitars, the older/original productions are usually a bit more "solid".


Still, it's a starting point and my hands and ears will tell me WAY more than anything else, but it helps to come armed with some info as well!!


Todd, you've been a huge help! I almost hope my Parker doesn't "lose" to an Ibanez, but the quest for tone is never-ending!!

Goes up in to the thousands Here is a spiff link with all the RG series.

http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/Portal:RG_series

I have an RG560 which is "Vintage" shredder axe and my fav guitar currently. The 570 is spiff and has two humbuckers. That's a pretty good price too! They go up to $500 or so on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBANEZ-RG-570-1990...#ht_1036wt_1165







EDGE III not a high point in the series, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker.

[Narzsa]

I've never gotten into Ibanez RG's in the past, but would like to look into a quality RG. My problem is, the series has been around for 25 years and there are SO many different versions. Other than price, how can I tell which RG's are the better quality/pro-player guitars vs. the cheap/entry-level student models?

Any info would be a big help! This all started because I played our other guitarist's (EMULATOR) Ibanez Gem and it sounded/played amazing!

Have to admit, i have this problem myself. Especially since alot of their guitars are made from basswood which i always associated with cheaper models/makes

[Cosmin Lupu]

The best ones, in my opinion, are the older models having the Edge or the Lo-pro edge trems. You would also like to look for the stamp saying 'Team J.Craft' on them. Those axes are the finest

[AdamB]

I have a 2004 model RG1570 prestige, and love it. Only thing is the pickups needed a switch out. Outside of that it's a perfect guitar for me.

[Gabriel Leopardi]

I"m way in to em Here is a quick way to tell the cheapies

1.)Anything with GIO in the title or on the headstock.
2.)Any RG number below 500 (Eg. RG320 etc.)
3.)Anything with a non-locking trem (IMHO)

From there you are looking at
*Non Gio, RG5xx or better with locking Trem.

That's a good place to start Pretty much anything that says PRESTIGE is a really nice one, and any JEM.
JEMS are pretty darn awesome. I LOVE Ibanez guitars. I actually sold my ESP in part to buy a third Ibanez. (Just got a Xiphos)

Does that help?

Todd

Great info Todd! Now it's much clearer. They (the brand) should make this classification clearer. I just used an RG520 that was my first "professional" guitar and I really recommend it. I had to sell it because I needed another type of guitar but now I miss it...

[Todd Simpson]

Thrilled to share info about my Fav Guitars! I'd LOVE to get a PARKER! I've only played 1. One Parker, ever. And it was AMAZING. But it was also more than my car so I put it down.

I love Ibanez guitars because, for the price, they play as close to the PARKER as I can find I even liked em before I touched the Parker! They sound good (depending on which one you get) and play good (again depending) and have KILLER necks! (But thats beauty in the eye of the beholder some folks hate em), but above all, YOU CAN FIND EM USED AND CHEAP!

Todd

Awesome, and thanks again for the info and links!!

Gonna try and play that one....but now I'm a bit scared, seeing that it's a 98, which makes it a "re-issue" and it is not one of the older originals. But again....I don't know anything about this series. But based on my experience with other guitars, the older/original productions are usually a bit more "solid".


Still, it's a starting point and my hands and ears will tell me WAY more than anything else, but it helps to come armed with some info as well!!


Todd, you've been a huge help! I almost hope my Parker doesn't "lose" to an Ibanez, but the quest for tone is never-ending!!

Have to admit, i have this problem myself. Especially since alot of their guitars are made from basswood which i always associated with cheaper models/makes

Quick and Dirty

*Get a used/old RG5xxx from a pawn shop/used gear section of a guitar store/etc.

You'll be happy you did

The best ones, in my opinion, are the older models having the Edge or the Lo-pro edge trems. You would also like to look for the stamp saying 'Team J.Craft' on them. Those axes are the finest

Well said! My RG560 has the LoPro and it does hold up way better than the cheapy trems they use on some axes. And yeah TEAM JCRAFT are hand built! If you can find one cheap or at all, that doesn't cost more than a motorcycle, grab it!



This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jul 14 2012, 08:23 AM

[snackajacks]

I currently own a 1997 rg550LTD, its an amazing instrument, Can really recommend the 550 series.
also the older models. They look like the newer rg350's that I really don't like.

[Bossie]

Owned a prestige RG2550 ( team j craft ) once ...but got stolen.
It had the zero edge tremelo...that guitar was like made for me.
Great smooth neck and unbelievable tuning stability even with heavy tremelo 'abuse'...

May the thiefs be haunted forever...

[Cosmin Lupu]

Owned a prestige RG2550 ( team j craft ) once ...but got stolen.
It had the zero edge tremelo...that guitar was like made for me.
Great smooth neck and unbelievable tuning stability even with heavy tremelo 'abuse'...

May the thiefs be haunted forever...

Oh man, sorry to hear that

How did it happen, if I may ask of course?

[Fran]

This might also be of help:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/inde...ar_buying_guide

[derper]

This might also be of help:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/inde...ar_buying_guide

HUGE help!! Should have looked in the wiki first!! Thanks so much Fran.

[Todd Simpson]

I currently own a 1997 rg550LTD, its an amazing instrument, Can really recommend the 550 series.
also the older models. They look like the newer rg350's that I really don't like.

A fine instrument that I'd love to add to my collection. I"m always on the lookout for one.

Owned a prestige RG2550 ( team j craft ) once ...but got stolen.
It had the zero edge tremelo...that guitar was like made for me.
Great smooth neck and unbelievable tuning stability even with heavy tremelo 'abuse'...

May the thiefs be haunted forever...

Beyond fine, the Prestige series are AMAZING instruments. I hope to add one to my collection some day.

[Todd Simpson]

HUGE help!! Should have looked in the wiki first!! Thanks so much Fran.

The wiki article on IBBY is KILLER!

I have an Ibanez RG560. I love it because of many reasons listed in the wiki

*Original Wizard Neck (Semi Rare and Amazing, thin, fast, killer)
*Original V2 Bridge Pickup (Rare and again Amazing and a fav among Ibby fans for it's gain)

I've never played an Ibby that I thought was just "Bad" but IMHO the wiki article NAILS it for tips.

1.)GET one Made In Japan! (The Made in America models are more than your car, and the others are not as good)

2.)Look for a Original Wizard! (IMHO the Golden Neck)

3.)V2 or V Series Pickups if possible. Many of the stock range (INF series etc.) just don't have enough punch IMHO.

All of this comes down to preference though some folks may this is nuts. But for my money, the WIKI nails it. The New Ibanez guitars are just not as good (build quality/tone/neck) as the Mij series that are very old.

I've just ordered a new IBANEZ XIPHOS with the WIZARD III neck and I"m going to give it a try and see if I can live with a "Newer" Ibby. If not, I"ll ebay it and go find another RG 550/560/565

The problem is, folks are getting wise to the fact the old ones are spiff and now they want $500 for an old RG560!

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-...520-i2603546.gc

[Cosmin Lupu]

How much do you think I'd get for my Ibanez JEM 777 SK with all those signatures on it?

I WILL NOT SELL IT, I am just being curious

[Todd Simpson]

How much do you think I'd get for my Ibanez JEM 777 SK with all those signatures on it?

I WILL NOT SELL IT, I am just being curious

It depends, really. The easy way to find value generally is to go on ebay and see what similar axes actually sold for. You can't judge by what's being asked for, you have to look at completed transactions. That way you can see what guitars actually are selling for. My Californian for example, one went for 300, one went for 137, one didn't sell at all. Wide range.

But the Ibby 560 usually sells for 350 to 500. Prestige axes, 7 prestiges, usually double that amount. Signatures can actually reduce the value unless they come with authenticating documents.