bulletproof_funk
New member
So where do I begin... first there was Race's recent NGD, then there was my post on guitar woods (about basswood mainly), I was curious after those two threads so I had to satisfy my curiosity. I had the day off, thought what the hell, headed down to the only local shop I know of that has the Ibanez RG3XXV right now. Picked it up, plugged it in, noodled around, the guitar totally felt right: fast, comfortable, didn't feel one bit like I had to fight it. Not sure if it was the store that took the time to set it up or if it came from the factory like that, but the setup was just right. This is probably the fastest I've ever bought a guitar. The irony of this is I didn't think I would like the feel of unfinished maple necks, nor did I picture myself buying yet another basswood guitar (see my earlier post), or with ceramic pickups. 
There are a few firsts for me for this guitar: Ibanez, DiMarzio, unfinished neck, reverse headstock. So far, so good. I just love how smooth the neck is finished, and the neck size and contour seem just right. I finally have a trem bar with a bushing and collar again! I also really like the S-H configuration, decent room for picking between the pickups (on my Yamaha the middle kept getting in the way).
The RG unfortunately does not come with any sort of bag or case, but it is $700 and the money was put where it matters most.
Sound wise, well defined high end, decent mids, not as much lows. Overall decent clarity and note separation, good attack without sounding shrill or thin.
And the color... Race, you're going to love this...
*edit, updated photo*
There are a few firsts for me for this guitar: Ibanez, DiMarzio, unfinished neck, reverse headstock. So far, so good. I just love how smooth the neck is finished, and the neck size and contour seem just right. I finally have a trem bar with a bushing and collar again! I also really like the S-H configuration, decent room for picking between the pickups (on my Yamaha the middle kept getting in the way).
The RG unfortunately does not come with any sort of bag or case, but it is $700 and the money was put where it matters most.
Sound wise, well defined high end, decent mids, not as much lows. Overall decent clarity and note separation, good attack without sounding shrill or thin.
And the color... Race, you're going to love this...
*edit, updated photo*
I'm still floored at how easily this guitar plays. It's hard to describe but I've strummed guitars where it felt like the resonance of the body, neck, strings, and the sum of all the parts just seemed like they were canceling each other out or resonated out of sync and didn't feel right. Again, I get the complete opposite feeling with the RG3XXV, everything just seems to jive and feels lively. I'm starting to think I actually like playing the RG more than my more expensive, US made Peavey HP Special. For the money it sure feels and plays like a hella more expensive guitar. If you saw the guitar in person and had to guess where it was made, Indonesia would probably not be the first place that comes to mind. Sure I'm still in the honeymoon period but damn, the early prognosis is as race said, she's a keeper. Maybe it's the lack of sleep but I'm thinking of getting the Red one too... maybe I should just sleep on it! 
