Ibanez "prestige"
- Thread starter BloodRose
- Start date
sosomething
Seymour Duncan Customer Support
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
These days the Prestige line is distinctive because those models are manufactured in Japan where the vast majority of Ibanez's other models are made in Korea.
Typically the Prestige line uses better woods, higher quality hardware and electronics, and benefits from the experience and attention to detail of Japanese guitar builders.
These days the Prestige line is distinctive because those models are manufactured in Japan where the vast majority of Ibanez's other models are made in Korea.
Typically the Prestige line uses better woods, higher quality hardware and electronics, and benefits from the experience and attention to detail of Japanese guitar builders.
lex666
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
I agree the Prestige may use better woods, hardware and electronics, but how is a Japanese guitar builder any better than a Korean guitar builder?
I agree the Prestige may use better woods, hardware and electronics, but how is a Japanese guitar builder any better than a Korean guitar builder?
Ascension
Well-known member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
The Prestige line is almost like a custom shop guitar.
For example the Prestige Artist I have. The standard Artist reissue was Korean the neck heel and hardware was different and the woods while still nice were generic. On the other hand the AR 2000 I have is IMO the best Artist Ibanez has ever built. It was built in Japan and the fit, finish, workmanship, fret dress, materials and hardware are as nice or IMO nicer than ANYTHING PRS Gibson or Hammer is doing. It better be as the standard AR 300 retails at under $1000 and my AR 200 at $2000!!
Here is the work of ART 2004 Prestige AR2000 Artist I have
The Prestige line is almost like a custom shop guitar.
For example the Prestige Artist I have. The standard Artist reissue was Korean the neck heel and hardware was different and the woods while still nice were generic. On the other hand the AR 2000 I have is IMO the best Artist Ibanez has ever built. It was built in Japan and the fit, finish, workmanship, fret dress, materials and hardware are as nice or IMO nicer than ANYTHING PRS Gibson or Hammer is doing. It better be as the standard AR 300 retails at under $1000 and my AR 200 at $2000!!
Here is the work of ART 2004 Prestige AR2000 Artist I have
Ayrton
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
Unless something has changed recently, only the S model Prestige is made in Korea. The rest of the Prestige line is built in Japan by a more experienced staff.
The Prestige models use the best that Ibanez has to offer in terms of wood, hardware and finishing.
Unless something has changed recently, only the S model Prestige is made in Korea. The rest of the Prestige line is built in Japan by a more experienced staff.
The Prestige models use the best that Ibanez has to offer in terms of wood, hardware and finishing.
jmh151
Active member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
Basically towards the late 90's, early 2000's, the quality of Ibanez's japanese guitars diminished. I had one of their guitars that the basswood was so soft on that the trem posts fell out of the body. There was bad routing, oversized neck pockets, finish wouldn't take, etc....
At the time the best attention to detail was being given to their Prestige line. To correct the above problems, Ibanez gave all their Japan models the "prestige" treatment, and all their Japanese guitars got the same attention and quality control that their higher end guitars did. Then they promoted it in order to gain back the disenfranchaised customers like myself who bought a few lemons
Basically towards the late 90's, early 2000's, the quality of Ibanez's japanese guitars diminished. I had one of their guitars that the basswood was so soft on that the trem posts fell out of the body. There was bad routing, oversized neck pockets, finish wouldn't take, etc....
At the time the best attention to detail was being given to their Prestige line. To correct the above problems, Ibanez gave all their Japan models the "prestige" treatment, and all their Japanese guitars got the same attention and quality control that their higher end guitars did. Then they promoted it in order to gain back the disenfranchaised customers like myself who bought a few lemons
V
Venom
Guest
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
I bought an RG3120 back in 99. Paid $600 new because it was a factory second due to a paint chip. That guitar rocked. Flamed maple top with mahogany back, rosewood board and maple neck. Had some DiMarzios in it which I hated but at the time didn't know any better to switch them out. I sold it after about a year or so because I was bored. But it was a really nice guitar.
I bought an RG3120 back in 99. Paid $600 new because it was a factory second due to a paint chip. That guitar rocked. Flamed maple top with mahogany back, rosewood board and maple neck. Had some DiMarzios in it which I hated but at the time didn't know any better to switch them out. I sold it after about a year or so because I was bored. But it was a really nice guitar.
sosomething
Seymour Duncan Customer Support
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
On an individual basis based on nationality alone, I'm sure there's no difference. As a whole, Japanese factories have been turning out quality instruments for far longer than those in Korea and have the benefit of experience.
On an individual basis based on nationality alone, I'm sure there's no difference. As a whole, Japanese factories have been turning out quality instruments for far longer than those in Korea and have the benefit of experience.
ksmith63
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
its not necessarily that the japanese worker is better than the korean. korean guitar factories are more about mass production + cost. the japanese ibanez guitars are more about higher quality parts + attention to detail.
its not necessarily that the japanese worker is better than the korean. korean guitar factories are more about mass production + cost. the japanese ibanez guitars are more about higher quality parts + attention to detail.
bloodswords
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
To date:
1. RG Prestige: Japanese
2. S/ SZ/ SA Prestige: Korean
the anniversary RG550 is not a Prestige consideration, it is one. there isn't a 'Prestige' monicker over at the headstock because it was meant to replicate the original closely.
the Prestige treatment began with the neck, owing to the specifics of John Petrucci. when he parted ways with Ibanez, the company decided to employ this 'superior' treatment on selected guitars & label them as the aforementioned.
To date:
1. RG Prestige: Japanese
2. S/ SZ/ SA Prestige: Korean
the anniversary RG550 is not a Prestige consideration, it is one. there isn't a 'Prestige' monicker over at the headstock because it was meant to replicate the original closely.
the Prestige treatment began with the neck, owing to the specifics of John Petrucci. when he parted ways with Ibanez, the company decided to employ this 'superior' treatment on selected guitars & label them as the aforementioned.
Fender_Punk
BerriesAndCreamologist
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
In Japan building a quality guitar is considered an art and something that earns you a lot of respect. My friend has a Fender Jaguar HH (the black and chrome one) that was made in japan and it's REALLY good quality, almost on par if not on par with American made Fenders. Tokai and Edwards are other great examples of how Japanese made guitars simply RULE!!! Especially when you look at the price!! I want a Fender Japanese Jaguar (s/c pups) in sunburst with the block inlays and neck binding!! SOOOOOOOOOOOO nice!!!
In Japan building a quality guitar is considered an art and something that earns you a lot of respect. My friend has a Fender Jaguar HH (the black and chrome one) that was made in japan and it's REALLY good quality, almost on par if not on par with American made Fenders. Tokai and Edwards are other great examples of how Japanese made guitars simply RULE!!! Especially when you look at the price!! I want a Fender Japanese Jaguar (s/c pups) in sunburst with the block inlays and neck binding!! SOOOOOOOOOOOO nice!!!
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
Good info, but you confused me.. You said: " RG550 is not a prestige consideration, it is one.. This contradicts... I think you are saying it IS prestige built but not labeled prestige due to being an accurate recreation?
Thanks!!
Good info, but you confused me.. You said: " RG550 is not a prestige consideration, it is one.. This contradicts... I think you are saying it IS prestige built but not labeled prestige due to being an accurate recreation?
Thanks!!
Diego
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
^^^^ Exactly.
I have the Prestige RG1550 (it had a pretty short life this model, dunno why) and the quality is top notch. The wood feels great, the frets were perfect from factory. The pickups were blah, but then what did you expect. Damn good guitar.
^^^^ Exactly.
I have the Prestige RG1550 (it had a pretty short life this model, dunno why) and the quality is top notch. The wood feels great, the frets were perfect from factory. The pickups were blah, but then what did you expect. Damn good guitar.
Imp
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
prestiges are always gorgeous to play, getting my RGA121 has revolutionised the way i think about guitars.
put simply, the craftsmanship is perfect. CNC and CAD, but executed to surgical tolerances, and set up to speak to the player. i'd buy another prestige ibanez before a les paul studio
prestiges are always gorgeous to play, getting my RGA121 has revolutionised the way i think about guitars.
put simply, the craftsmanship is perfect. CNC and CAD, but executed to surgical tolerances, and set up to speak to the player. i'd buy another prestige ibanez before a les paul studio
bloodswords
New member
Re: Ibanez "prestige"
apologies for the confusion.
the Anniversary RG550 is a Prestige sans the Prestige tag at the headstock.
apologies for the confusion.
the Anniversary RG550 is a Prestige sans the Prestige tag at the headstock.
