What are some of the "must have" hot 90s Ibanezes?

[Shreddy Mercury]

While I didn't particularly care for Ibanez much in comparison to how I felt about Jacksons and Charvels back in the 90s, since I listened to that Andy Timmons song a bit ago, I feel I need one lol His signature model isn't bad, but not 100% sold on getting one of them. I've always liked the new AZ line, and since the post the other day about the Prestige model, I'm sort of into the idea of an Ibanez again. I think I've only had 2, an old EX Series I think it was, and a really nice Prestige S body with a bubinga top...it was a definitely player grade, maybe a wee bit below that.

I never liked the Saint Pablo Gilberto models, I don't really like the Jems either. I'd LOVE to have a Petrucci model, but I'm not made of money. Most of the signature ones don't really do anything for me, nor do the S bodies as a whole.

I happened across an RT650 on Reverb that I kinda dig, even though I sort of hate middle single coils on a HSH guitar (they always seem to get in the way). I guess mostly what I'm looking for is an RG'esque body, but kinda like the pickguard idea over the solid top.

What were some of the more feature laden, or smoothest playing of the 90s Ibanez guitars that sort of fit that? They always make so many variations of their guitars, I'm sure it's a mile long list of RG variants, or others in the RT line perhaps? It might be kind of nice to have one and put some lower output DiMarzios in it. Maybe try an Air Norton or something softer like that compared to the Super Distortion or other hot PAF style DiMarzios I'd normally use.

 

[Uzi Nein Millimetah]

Anything with RG in front rocks.

My ultimate all day long is the RG770 Grape Ice, and I'd prefer to have the stock pickups if possible (DiMarzios in sheep's clothing). The 760 and 750 are variations on a theme, and one tier down you can find the 565 (H/S) and 550s without sharktoofs or binding, and with V series pickups, which have nothing on the F series in the 700s guitars.

Back in the day I had to choose between the RG770 or Charvel 475XL as my first premo shred guitar, and I picked the Charvel, mostly because it had a slightly thicker neck profile and I could find them used.

 

[pintspiller]

 

[67mike]

I have an old MIJ Prestige S series that is my number one ( has a breed / jb pickup combo now).

 

[Uzi Nein Millimetah]

The Koa Voyager is a Grail level Ibanez these days, but falls into the collector gouging category, so disqualified for the OP I guess?

Reb has always had a thing for koa (ME TOO!), which was seen on some of his Suhr sigs also.

 

[DanTravis62]

Of all the ones i played, the prestige RGs were generally the best guitars.

 

[Alpha Stryke]

Original 90's Vinnie Moore Ibanez had one in 93. Fuckin amazing guitars. Good luck finding one.

 

[LPMojoGL]

I still regret passing on a Vai JEM77-FP for a killer price.
The seller's house reeked of cat piss, his gf or wife was angry, and he was obviously tweaking when I went to check it out.
Bad vibes, bailed.
Saw it a week later hanging on the wall at GC, for double the price, which is about 1/3rd what they go for now.
Sucker played great, and its my fav JEM. Doh!

Early 2000s RG2550e was a great guitar for the price. I see them used for <$1000.

 

[Uzi Nein Millimetah]

I still regret passing on a Vai JEM77-FP for a killer price.
The seller's house reeked of cat piss, his gf or wife was angry, and he was obviously tweaking when I went to check it out.
Bad vibes, bailed.
Saw it a week later hanging on the wall at GC, for double the price, which is about 1/3rd what they go for now.
Sucker played great, and its my fav JEM. Doh!

Early 2000s RG2550e was a great guitar for the price. I see them used for <$1000.

You probably barely missed ending up being co-star of an episode of COPS (or YT versions of it).

I've always wanted the Blue FP most among the JEMs, along with the DY. I built my own 550 version of the DY that is close enough to scratch the itch, but haven't done anything about the BFP yet.

 

[marvcus]

The JPM100 P4 camo had the absolute best neck I have ever played on a guitar. Contender.

I always liked the Talmans too and the Roadstar. I’d probably hunt down a Roadstar if I was looking

 

[LPMojoGL]

You probably barely missed ending up being co-star of an episode of COPS (or YT versions of it).

I've always wanted the Blue FP most among the JEMs, along with the DY. I built my own 550 version of the DY that is close enough to scratch the itch, but haven't done anything about the BFP yet.

How did your build turn out?
@scottosan builds some spectacular guitars. I'd love to be able to do that. I'm what I like to call myself, woodtarded. I can turn a wrench, but I suck at anything that involves craftsy, woody stuff.

 

[Uzi Nein Millimetah]

How did your build turn out?
@scottosan builds some spectacular guitars. I'd love to be able to do that. I'm what I like to call myself, woodtarded. I can turn a wrench, but I suck at anything that involves craftsy, woody stuff.

It was simply a matter of hardware swapping to an EVO set and bright colors on an RG550 Genesis.

I don't have the skillz to do anything remotely close to what a luthier does....

 

[Greazygeo]

Pretty much any of the 500 and up RG’s and Prestige are great. 570’s are my favorites (still have two). Had an RG 1820X with the edge piezo I should have kept. Just got a brand new blue RG550 that is nice, should be great once it gets played in. Not big on the pickguard, but wanted something with a maple/ maple neck.

Another good 90’s era are the Talmans…I have one with the Lipstick pickups I got shortly after GIT. Really good guitar.

Ibanez makes some great guitars…

 

[VonBonfire]

View attachment 441972

The Koa Voyager is a Grail level Ibanez these days, but falls into the collector gouging category, so disqualified for the OP I guess?

Reb has always had a thing for koa (ME TOO!), which was seen on some of his Suhr sigs also.

You guys beat me to it. First axe that popped into my head.

 

[CoreyW]

The RG770s are arguably the best value, the 550/60/70s from the late 80s to early 90s are getting pricey, though some can be had for a steal, IMO I much prefer the 770s.

Here is my 91 is laser blue.

I recently did a refret with SS jumbos and couldn’t be happier with it.

 

[NeubyWanKaneuby]

I have a Jem77FP I bought new back in 2000. I don't play it much. My other is a 92 RG550DX

This is the RG550DX in its before and after. The neck ended up warping because the previous owner broke the truss rod and I didn't know it. I had a Jem pyramid neck made by Perle and it works well. Figured I was changing the neck, so I swapped out the stock pickups for Evos and can't remember the single coil. Want to say it's a Velvet something. I haven't played this in a long time. I need to dig it out.