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Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 10 2014, 10:30 AM

Todd here As you guys may know, I'm a bit of an Ibby fan! Just a bit So I"m creating a thread for everyone who wants to, to be able to share pix of their Ibby and or ask questions about Ibby's.



To get things going, here are some ancient pix of some Ibby's from the "Golden Age" of the Ibby

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 10 2014, 07:33 PM

I get lots of questions about the Magic and Myth of the Ibanez NECK and the various versions of it. Wizard, Super Wizard, Wizard II, Wizard III. Let's start with a handy infographic!

Posted by: HiimAlex Nov 10 2014, 08:02 PM

How about the Ibanez RG400-series, how are they in comparison to these guitars?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 10 2014, 09:18 PM

People either hate or love this, but I've always wanted me a JPM100, but I haven't had the money for one yet:

Posted by: SpaseMoonkey Nov 10 2014, 09:25 PM

Great!

RG920 , S770PB , RG470 , RG 470 XL.

My order of favorite to least and whys.

S770PB, got it a few years ago now I believe. I use to never care for it as the pickups sucked. I tossed in some BKP blackhawks and it has now become my favorite guitar. Neck feels amazing and the sound to match.

RG470 (Sky Blue), the neck is the same as my S770, pickups are the V series so they are rather good but I would however like to change them out, not sure what yet but Evos are high on my list for being clean and very versatile. But out of the box it's great.

RG470XL, not a go to guitar but that's because I have it tuned down to B standard. Right now I'm looking at changing to some 10-64 strings almost like what a 7-string 27" scale. And changing out my bridge pickup to a D-Activator-X or even since I'm only changing out 1 pickups.. A Lundgren M6. Just to get a nice clean snappy articulation.

RG920, funny how the highest number is the lowest ranked. Thinking a full overhaul of this thing. Pickups are very dull and muddy to me. So that needs to change. I also since my last complaint of this guitar I've sanded the clear off the neck and it feels so much better! So I need to get it to my friend have him sand it down more. Replace the pickups may even try and get some weird EQ boost/mid cut knobs and give it a whole new feel and see what that gets me. Or hell sell it to someone and get another RG470. Which honestly would be the better route for me.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 10 2014, 10:00 PM

The 4xx series were created as less pricey alternative versions of the 5xx series. That being said, they are still really spiff guitars IMHO with great fast necks! I"m actually bidding on a 4 series right now! A 450m with a maple neck. Also, as noted above by MOONKEY, the 4 series represent enormous bang for the buck and often outplay prestige models costing several times as much money.



And here are some other models in the 4xx line

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 12 2014, 06:54 AM

The RG 565 is something of a "Holy Grail" guitar for IBBY enthusiasts. It was the final expression of the Ibby Ideal during the "Golden Age" of Ibanez. It was just after this time that many Ibby fans feel the quality started to slide a bit. The guitar had many of the same bits that were common in "Custom Shop" ibanez guitars. Indeed, the custom shop served as a sort of test bed for Ibby design.

*If you run across one of these, BUY IT!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 12 2014, 10:54 AM

Here is what all those numbers/letters mean in your serial number on the headstock of your IBANEZ!

"1984 to 1996 example serial number F232104
F=Fujigen
2=1992 as an example
3=March production So 1=Jan 12=Dec
2104 guitar built for that month 2104th made

1975 to 1983
Example serial number C800358
C=March So A=Jan M=Dec
80 = 1980 year of build
0358= 358th guitar built for that month. "


Japanese built guitars:

8 CHARACTERS
1997 to Now

F = Fuji Gen Gakki http://www.fujigen.co.jp/
H = Terada http://www.gretschguitars.com/terada/
I = Iida

2nd & 3rd digit=year made(eg 04=2004)
next 5 digits =month & build number

So an example here is for a recent model with a Serial number F0330210 = Fujigen 2003 June 210th guitar built.

7 CHARACTERS
1987 to 1996 example serial number F232104
F=Fujigen
2=1992 as an example
3=March production So 1=Jan 12=Dec
2104 guitar built for that month 2104th made

1975 to 1987
Example serial number C800358
C=March So A=Jan M=Dec
80 = 1980 year of build
0358= 358th guitar built for that month.


Korean built guitars:

8 CHARACTERS
Sung Eum Factory http://www.crafter.co.kr/main.html
Example serial number E9052345
E=Sung Eum
9=1999
05= May So 01=Jan 12=Dec
2345= 2345th guitar built for that month

9 CHARACTERS
Cort Factory Acoustics and Electrics start with C
eg C03071234
C=Factory
03=2003
07=July
1234=1234th guitar built for that month

Saehan Factory: acoustics start with SQ, electrics start with S
A = Sae-In http://www.saein.co.kr/
C = Cort http://www.cort.co.kr/
P = Peerless http://peerlessguitar.com/
S = Samick 90 - 95, Sejan 91 - present
Y = Yoojin http://www.yoojin.com/index.html
These other factories follow the same serial number pattern as the Cort Korean factory.

Indonesian built guitars:

These guitars start with the following
I=Cort Indonesia factory http://www.cort.co.kr/
K=KWO factory I found a site but they only make acoustic guitars http://www.finaguitar.com.tw/index.htm
J=Sejung factory


10 CHARACTERS

The example serial number is K031034335
K=KWO
03=2003
10=Oct. So 01= Jan 12=Dec
34335 it is from the Acoustic range
So 00001 to 49999 are Acoustic Guitars, 50000 to 99999 are electric guitars and electric basses
All 3 factories use the same serial number system


China built guitars:

7 CHARACTERS

W=World Factory
Z=Yeou Chern Factory http://www.jandd-guitars.com/index-1.htm

Example Serial Number WX32149
W=World Factory
X=October...but wait it goes like this for the build months
1=Jan
2=Feb
3=Mar
4=Apr
5=May
6=Jun
7=July
8=Aug
9=Sep
X=Oct
Y=Nov
Z=Dec
3=2003
2149= 2149th guitar built for that month.


Here is a breakdown of the COLOR codes uses in Ibanez Model Numbers.

AB = Atlantic Blue
AM = Amber
AQ = Aquamarine
AV = Antique Violin
BC = Black Cherry
BG = Bubinga
BH = Black Hole
BK = Black
BP = Black Pearl
BS = Brown Sunburst
CP = Chrystal Pearl
CS = Cherry Sunburst
DB = Dark Blue
DG = Dark Gray
DV = Dark Violin
DY = Desert Sun Yellow
FA = Five Alarm Red (typo for Fire Alarm Red?)
FB = Fountain Blue
FP = Flower Pattern
GA = Green Apple
HP = Heather Pearl
JB = Jewel Blue
JR = Jewel Red
LA = Light Amber
LR = Lipstick Red
MA = Magma
MG = Magenta
MO = Midnight Olive
MS = Marine Sunburst
NB = Night Blue
NT = Natural
OL = Oil
PD = Padouk
PR = Pearl Red
PW = Polar White
QM = Quilted Maple
RB = Root Beer
SB = Silky Blue
SK = Shocking Pink
TB = Transparent Blue
TK = Transparent Black
TR = Transparent Red
VP = Violet Pearl
WH = White
WN = Walnut
WR = Wine Red
YL = Yellow

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 12 2014, 07:04 PM

These are VERY rare birds indeed. They were a very short run and go for about $650 U.S. in decent condition used. If you run in to one in a pawn shop, or in the back of a guitar store, grab it!!

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 12 2014, 09:42 PM

So how do I work out my RG1570 with a number of F0900274 ? I can't seem to match it up, is it a fake???? Or am I being a complete numpty?

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Mertay Nov 12 2014, 11:27 PM

Japanese built guitars:

8 CHARACTERS
1997 to Now

F = Fuji Gen Gakki http://www.fujigen.co.jp/
H = Terada http://www.gretschguitars.com/terada/
I = Iida

2nd & 3rd digit=year made(eg 04=2004)
next 5 digits =month & build number

So an example here is for a recent model with a Serial number F0330210 = Fujigen 2003 June 210th guitar built.

Seems like everythings ok?

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 12 2014, 11:44 PM

So what does "00" mean?




So what does "00" mean?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 13 2014, 04:56 AM

NICELY DONE MERTAY!!!! You are OFFICIALLY a member of the IBANEZ MAFIA!

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 13 2014, 08:21 AM

F0900274

F=Fujigen
09=2009
00274=month and build number or build number and month? 002=February, 74= build number or 0027=build number, 4=April?


Cheers

Phil

Posted by: bleez Nov 13 2014, 09:20 AM

Your guitar was made at the
Fuji-gen Plant, Japan
2009
Production Number: 274
according to this http://www.guitardaterproject.org/ibanez.aspx

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 13 2014, 07:44 PM

Thanks Scott,
Wonder what the "00" is then?
Cheers buddy
Phil

Posted by: bleez Nov 13 2014, 08:11 PM

its part of the production number '00274'

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 13 2014, 08:26 PM

Ahh, cheers.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 14 2014, 02:36 AM

VERY SPIFF share on the ONLINE SERIAL CHECKER!!! Nice

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO CHECK YOUR IBANEZ SERIAL NUMBER!!!
http://www.guitardaterproject.org/ibanez.aspx



My Ibby 7620 serial came back as
Guitar Info
Your guitar was made at the
Fuji-gen Plant, Japan
1999
Production Number: 18605

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 14 2014, 09:50 PM

Another killer guitar from the "GOLDEN ERA" of Ibby, the much loved 540S. Many fine players such as Joe Satriani, Jennifer Batten and Alex Skolnick all play variants of the 540. I've always wanted one of the Alex models

Posted by: Yash Nov 15 2014, 02:49 PM

Hi Todd Amazing Thread you got here man I am not that much of an Ibanez fanboy, I am more of a Jackson Fanboy, but, I must say, that the RG series body looks more killer than a Jackson Soloist. Does there exist an Ibanez guitar with such a sharp body, made of Alder or Poplar or Maple, a thin Maple neck (maybe Wizard) with neck through construction, Ebony Fingerboard, with those killer Sharktooth inlays, or anything but dots. Double Locking Trem. Preferably in a quilt maple top which is red or white. Basically, an Ibanez superstrat which resembles a Jackson. I've tried a few Ibanez's and must say, playability was great. BUT, when I played a low end soloist and then an RG, I seem to like the tone of the Soloist and not the RG I would like to own such an old used Ibanez someday, but, the question is - Does it exist ? Also, do people tend to get mods on their Ibanez-es ? Or keep them stock ? And, if there does exist such a guitar, how do I search for one ? What do I type in the EBay search bar ?

PS - I am in love with the RG body, if I find such an Ibanez, that shall be my third real electric guitar ! If not, I'd go for the Jackson Soloist. I also like the Steve Vai JEM shape

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 15 2014, 04:40 PM

SERENDIPITY Mr. Yash!!! I was just about to make a post about Ibby guitars that would fit your description There are several but what came to mind first is the 2002, neck through body Prestige series with dual humbuckers (althought without shark fin inlay). They feature killer necks and since it's neck through body, they have great sustain and resonance. To wit!!



Or you could go for the 2009 RGT series with neck through and shark fin inlay. The two on the far left in this pic. The black one and white one. I've always wanted the white one with the maple neck

Here is more info on the IBBY WIKI
http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/RGT42DX

Posted by: Yash Nov 16 2014, 12:27 PM

Who told them to put black inlays on a guitar with a dark colored fingerboard ? Couldn't they have simply put white inlays ? Man.. I tell you what, companies just don't make uber amazing affordable guitars. They can do it, but they won't To get what you want, you need to go to the custom shop ! But then again, I might be just toooo specific I always wants mods to a guitar to fit it into my perspective. And some mods might be impossible to do.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 17 2014, 06:02 PM

Hehehehehe You kill me!!! But your right! They just don't make cheap guitars that are UBER amazing Your best bet is probably a MIJ ibby for that.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 24 2015, 10:20 AM

*Folks are ever curious about the magical Ibanez Necks. Here is a list of ALL the ibby necks The primo super spiff necks are the 17mm variety, followed by the 18mm variety, then the more common 19mm. Even the 19mm is smooth as silk to play, but try one of the 17mm necks and it's hard to enjoy anything else!


WIZARD SERIES NECKS


ALL NECKS

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 29 2015, 07:33 PM

More IBBY History and Info This time, historic RG and GX models. I've been on the lookout for this reverse headstock 220 for quite some time.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2015, 08:49 AM

Found a very spiff site that will let you put in the Serial Number on your Ibanez and tell you all about it

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/ibanez.aspx

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/ibanez.aspx

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 28 2015, 04:19 AM

Wanted to enshrine a pic of the amazing RG700 series (parts built in Japan, put together in America). Among other guitars it's one I someday hope to have They are getting very rare in good condition.

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 28 2015, 09:11 PM

I tell you what I'd like to find, a nice 80's R series (later to become the JS series I think) not many about though

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 28 2015, 11:47 PM

I'm with ya I"m more of an RG than R guy though. Mine is that 89 RG560 MIJ that I"m usually playing. (The one I'll be buried with). But yeah, they are getting harder and harder to find. Most of the necks on them have either snapped or warped or both. They were just paper thin which is part of what made them so special. Also, back in the day, each and every neck was HAND FINISHED just like in a custom shop! Now it's just not that way on the mid range ibby stuff. I"ve played some that actually had unfinished frets on them. Very sad. Not to mention the pickups have slipped a bit in the mid range line. But they are a biz after all not a charity so....

Anyhoo, keep an eye out!! Let us know if you find one
(the 560 is on the right)

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 5 2015, 10:42 PM

Some crazy cool ibbys from the "Golden Age" that had custom paint/graphics. Always wanted one of these

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 7 2015, 03:35 PM

I'm still kinda regretting I didn't wait and buy a fanned frets 8 string Ibanez instead of the one I got, though I'm pretty pleased with my guitar, mind you, I'd love to try an FF.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2015, 06:00 AM

At the time you couldn't have bought one as they were not available yet And as far as I know they are STILL not available so you don't have anything to beat yourself up about!! God only knows when they will actually release them here in the states. The ONLY way I know to get one right now is to use ebay have have it imported from JAPAN!!!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ibanez-Iron-Label-Series-RGIF7-BKS-Black-Stained-/301683038278

So yeah, these are as rare as "hens teeth" as they say here Maybe someday they will show up in the wild. Then again, maybe they are already in Europe? Have you actually seen one?

But yeah, I'd LOVE one of the fanned 8 strings!!! IMHO 8 string guitars without fanned frets are simply not expressive instruments. I"ve got a very nice Strictly 7, 8 String and it RAWKS and DJENTS but it's not really that expressive simply due to the insane scale length and string tension. Thus, why you hear bands that use 8s being typified by chug. Not in all cases of course, and there are plenty of exceptions that make the rule not break the rule but still

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 13 2015, 07:01 PM

Todd,

On an RG1570 with standard V7 S7 and V8 pickups, how far should each pickup be from the strings?

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2015, 07:30 PM

There is no hard fast rule in general but the typically the closer you get them to the strings, the more gain/brightness you get can get. I personally push my bridge pickup close to the strings and back off the neck pickup a bit.

I LOVE the V series pickups. IMHO the best pickups IBBY ever made. As a matter of fact there is a big aftermarket for them and they are 25 years old at this point. My V2 pickups in my RG560 is my fave pickup ever. It's an ALNICO 5 magnet and sounds killer.

Ibby started to cheap out a bit with the INF series which sounded a bit muddy and used ceramic in the bridge That's when folks started just swapping out their pickups right away.

Here is a pick of mine

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 13 2015, 08:11 PM

Thanks Todd,

It's just that a while back in one of my lessons Kris said that maybe the pickups were too close and killing sustain so I thought I'd ask

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2015, 10:01 PM

That's always a concern to be sure IF they are too close, actually nearly touching the strings, they will reduce string vibration/sustain. However, if you keep them about like I've got in the picture it should be fine. Usually it's a issue with a noise gate or something killing sustain. What was your noise gate during the recording? Plugin?

Don't forget guys that you can just type in your serial number (back of your headstock) on your Ibanez or any Ibanez you are thinking of buying ( you can use this on your phone as well) and find out what vintage it is and if it's really made in japan, etc.

Here is my result

Guitar Info
Your guitar was made at the
Fuji-gen Plant, Japan
1991
Production Number: 24754



Fuji String Instrument Production Corporation
Fuji String Instrument Production Corporation was opened in may 1960, they initially started manufacturing violins and quickly switched to classical guitar production. In 1962 electric guitar construction was started. Fujigen has a reputation for excellent quality and craftsmanship so the guitars they produce are highly regarded. They produce guitars via OEM for famous brands such as Ibanez, Epiphone, Yamaha and Fender (the import Special Interest Group nature model), G&L and others.

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 13 2015, 10:01 PM

Ohhhh I can't remember mate. It would have been a plugin though but more than likely nothing as I don't understand them. Recently I've been using the Slash one in Amplitude exactly as it comes out of the box, I don't mess

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 14 2015, 03:07 AM

Look for the noise gate knob if you can That one thing can kill all your sustain!

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 14 2015, 10:13 AM

Yeah I know that mate, never use it. I think it was more a technique thing as it was sustain on a bend that was dropping.

Cheers buddy

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 15 2015, 12:10 AM

So here is one of the most insane ibby collections I've ever soon. Just look at it!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 6 2015, 09:34 AM

Here are a couple of pics of HYPER RARE ibbys from the "Golden Era". If you ever see one of these in a used shop, pawn shop, pals attic, grab it and run

Posted by: Bas Cuthach Sep 7 2015, 03:13 PM

I140806913 = Cort Indonesia 2014 Aug 06913

So 00001 to 49999 are Acoustic Guitars, 50000 to 99999 are electric guitars?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 8 2015, 09:31 AM

You got me there I have no idea where the start/stop for electric / acoustic is. But that site is very handy for punching in your number and getting the info on ones ibby!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 17 2015, 01:40 AM

Great info / pic on Ibanez Pickups and Neck dimensions for older Ibbys

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 7 2016, 09:33 AM

Here is one Ibby that I would bleed for. It's one of one. Built by LACS for Alex Skolnick from Testament (whose style I ripped off huge bits from). I think it's in Sweden somehow. Sigh