Ibby lovers help me pro and con

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maddnotez

maddnotez

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S540 vs RG550

Who wins and why??

Both golden eras
 
RG550 for me, unless you can find one of the maple boarded S540s.
 
I'd probably get the S540 if you can find a maple fretboard version simple because they're rare and because I like how the raw mahogany + maple looks. It reminds me of my Horus HGS I have.
 
I like 22 frets - rocked an ibby for about 10 years - so S540. I love that guitar, though it is held together with duct tape. :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL:

Interesting (to me) story:

I broke the neck and I was told Ibanez wouldn't replace it. I spent months trying to work it out. No avail. Ended up at some at a clinic with Reb Beach, and the vice president of Hoshino guitars was there. I was able to talk to him. He said he would help me out. I asked if I could get a reverse headstock on it. He said they didn't make them for the saber. I told him there was one for the double neck saber 6/12. He smiled, took my info and Ibanez Custom USA from Hollywood sent me a neck with my name engraved on the reverse headstock - no charge. I didn't even know it was coming. I still remember the gentleman's name from Hollywood (Mace Baily), it was on a letter in the box. Greatest customer service ever.

:rock: :rock: :rock:
 
I'd highly recommend NOT buying any S540s right now. If you could wait until after I buy a couple more...I hate bidding wars. j/k

S-series are very comfortable to me. I also play an SG. So I prefer the thin bodies.

The original Wizard neck on the S's are very thin...probably the thinnest I've played. I love them.

I could do without the middle pick-up on the S's. I prefer 2-humbucker guitars. Some years back, I did pull the middle pick-up out of one of my S's and swapped the switch for an Ibanez 5-way for 2 humbuckers.

I've owned most guitars I've ever dreamed of. When I decided to clean house a couple years ago, I kept all of my of S540LTDs (including an original natural mahogany body with maple fretboard) and my SG's. I might be wrong, but I think that all the old S540LTDs were mahogany bodies.

RG550 : it's nice to have 24 frets. But I did hate the thick body. I still have 1 RG around that I will get rid of as soon as I find a nice 24-fret S-series to replace it.
 
You have to play both to decide. Some people love the thin S body style, like Jerome. For me, it's an RG all the way. The thin-bodied S didn't work for me. Exactly opposite of Jerome, when I cleaned house, the first to go were all the S series.

If you have the opportunity, play them both before you buy. I doubt it will take you long to figure out what suits you. What do you normally play? That could help us all give you some advice.
 
I much prefer the S models. They just feel better to me. Never played an RG I liked but I'm sure some of the better models are nice. All about personal preference. JS are also another option.
 
I had an S5470 and besides the lack of sustain and the shitty pups I really miss it.

Im a small guy and like the thin body. Ive never played and rg but have a couple Jacksons.
They both look great, and so far the only thing I question is having a maple fretboard vs rosewood. Honestly could care less about the extra 2 frets.

After a pup swap on the S they are roughly the same price, both looks great S maybe better condition.
 
maddnotez":mlp14hsc said:
I had an S5470 and besides the lack of sustain and the shitty pups I really miss it.

Im a small guy and like the thin body. Ive never played and rg but have a couple Jacksons.
They both look great, and so far the only thing I question is having a maple fretboard vs rosewood. Honestly could care less about the extra 2 frets.

After a pup swap on the S they are roughly the same price, both looks great S maybe better condition.
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Sounds to me like you're an S guy.
 
drewiv":37lug5h7 said:
maddnotez":37lug5h7 said:
I had an S5470 and besides the lack of sustain and the shitty pups I really miss it.

Im a small guy and like the thin body. Ive never played and rg but have a couple Jacksons.
They both look great, and so far the only thing I question is having a maple fretboard vs rosewood. Honestly could care less about the extra 2 frets.

After a pup swap on the S they are roughly the same price, both looks great S maybe better condition.
Click to expand...
Sounds to me like you're an S guy.
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Indeed, and the deals pretty much done. However i am always open and willing to try new things.
 
Just really didn't want to make a bad move some say this rg550 is THE best
 
maddnotez":325vfikb said:
Just really didn't want to make a bad move some say this rg550 is THE best
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You won't get an arguement from me. I have three RG550 anniversary models (the best RG550, IMHO). I also have a Poisoned Pumpkin RG1550, which is essentially a Prestige level 550. Put in some PAFs, Virtual Vintage 54 and fancy pickguard to spruce her up. ;)
DSC_0087.jpg
 
sabers are fine and dandy, I've had many, but I've sold them all. I still have my RGs though. lots of them. the best super strat for the money
 
maddnotez":20lftjk9 said:
Haha so damn flashy
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I'm a product of the 80s, I love flashy. :D Anyway, this guitar was part of Jerome's house cleaning project and I was happy to take it off his hands. I'm not a fan of the V7/S1/V8 combo that comes with the 550s, to make it playable it needed DiMarzios, IMO.
 
I prefer JS bodies to the RG & S series guitars personally as they are just so comfortable to play on with that ergonomic body. But for some reason I do tend to like the neck on my Jem over those on my JS guitars, but at the same time, I have to say it is nice to have both available to me.
 
maddnotez":16i5zwb4 said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/330793086451?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Got it!!!! S540 with MAPLE board, looks like a 92 thanks everyone for the help.
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Congrats! Yup, it's a '92.
 
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