Ibanez S vs RG
- Thread starter nahfuten
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JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
The biggest difference is that the S has a mahogany body and 22 fret neck, so they are more growly than an RG.
Do yourself a favor and track down one of the old S540s. The one I took back to Guitar Center because I didn't know how to do minor setup work a the time is one of those that haunts me to this day. It was 100% stock, and was one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played.
The biggest difference is that the S has a mahogany body and 22 fret neck, so they are more growly than an RG.
Do yourself a favor and track down one of the old S540s. The one I took back to Guitar Center because I didn't know how to do minor setup work a the time is one of those that haunts me to this day. It was 100% stock, and was one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
Yes. I believe the S540 had an Edge. Same neck shape/feel of an RG, but a huge, fat tone to go along with it. They're not BS'ing about that tapered body shape retaining all the tone but not the weight.
Yes. I believe the S540 had an Edge. Same neck shape/feel of an RG, but a huge, fat tone to go along with it. They're not BS'ing about that tapered body shape retaining all the tone but not the weight.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
It's not a deal or anything, but I've seen them go for that much.
It's definitely worth it. Was I right about the Edge?
It's not a deal or anything, but I've seen them go for that much.
It's definitely worth it. Was I right about the Edge?
nahfuten
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
Don't know, I'm waiting for response back from the seller (what, nobody checks email at midnight?!?!?)
Don't know, I'm waiting for response back from the seller (what, nobody checks email at midnight?!?!?)
Mr. B
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
I like the S series better for several reasons. First the body is more streamlined and comfortable , and is made from more durable mahogany (better sounding too, in my opinion, although I will not argue with Joe Satriani about tone), The necks don't seem quite as wide and have a little more radius on them so I feel more at home coming from my strats. RG necks feel so flat and wide I feel like I'm playing on an airplane runway. I also like the fact that there are 22 frets, which keeps commonality with most of my other guitars. On top of all that, I really think the ZR bridge is a really good locking bridge overall, and don't like the lower end RG bridges. The ZR comes on even the cheapest S series.
I also love the look of that swirly quilted ebony on the S-prestige !
I like the S series better for several reasons. First the body is more streamlined and comfortable , and is made from more durable mahogany (better sounding too, in my opinion, although I will not argue with Joe Satriani about tone), The necks don't seem quite as wide and have a little more radius on them so I feel more at home coming from my strats. RG necks feel so flat and wide I feel like I'm playing on an airplane runway. I also like the fact that there are 22 frets, which keeps commonality with most of my other guitars. On top of all that, I really think the ZR bridge is a really good locking bridge overall, and don't like the lower end RG bridges. The ZR comes on even the cheapest S series.
I also love the look of that swirly quilted ebony on the S-prestige !
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
Yeah, the new S is nice, too.
Yeah, the new S is nice, too.
Diego
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
The mahogany body is a huge plus on the S series, hence why I'll probably order a custom mahogany body for my RG, instead of selling the guitar. Direct mounted pickups, non recessed trem cavity... should be perfect.
The S series have some fine necks too, as already mentioned. Not as flat or wide as the RGs, they feel a bit more vintage which is sweet, even if they're definitely thinner than your average Strat neck.
The mahogany body is a huge plus on the S series, hence why I'll probably order a custom mahogany body for my RG, instead of selling the guitar. Direct mounted pickups, non recessed trem cavity... should be perfect.
The S series have some fine necks too, as already mentioned. Not as flat or wide as the RGs, they feel a bit more vintage which is sweet, even if they're definitely thinner than your average Strat neck.
SlowGroove
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
I played many an RG & S in my local mom&pop store (at store vol !) and overall i prefer the body feel of any S wayyy over that of any RG !
The S is much thinner than the standard RG shape, and feel slightly lighter to me !
I once nearly bought an S at a clear-out/end of production run, but did not have the funds ! AGHrrrrrr ...
It would have been my 1st humbucker (& tremelo) guitar, and i do not like modern Ibanez shapes, but those S'es just feel sooo good on me !
YMMV, but you know that !
My 2cents
James
I played many an RG & S in my local mom&pop store (at store vol !) and overall i prefer the body feel of any S wayyy over that of any RG !
The S is much thinner than the standard RG shape, and feel slightly lighter to me !
I once nearly bought an S at a clear-out/end of production run, but did not have the funds ! AGHrrrrrr ...
It would have been my 1st humbucker (& tremelo) guitar, and i do not like modern Ibanez shapes, but those S'es just feel sooo good on me !
YMMV, but you know that !
My 2cents
James
SlowGroove
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
This is the one i like :evil:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&base_pid=512500&index=0
And to me it means alot as i do not like pointy-metal-head guitars !
James
This is the one i like :evil:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&base_pid=512500&index=0
And to me it means alot as i do not like pointy-metal-head guitars !
James
Mononoaware
Active member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
One more consideration: if you can, find a store where you can stand up playing an RG and compare it to an S, then try them sitting down. Then evaluate how you spend most of your time playing.
The body shape difference is REALLY night and day. I've never played an S standing up, but most folks seem to swear it's incredibly comfortable in that position, almost like it's not there. When I tried it sitting down (i.e. propped on one knee), I couldn't get used to that feeling; it was like I was trying to play a credit card, and didn't know where to place my hand and forearm.
YMMV depending on your build. But body comfort is an important factor to consider, so check it out if you can.
One more consideration: if you can, find a store where you can stand up playing an RG and compare it to an S, then try them sitting down. Then evaluate how you spend most of your time playing.
The body shape difference is REALLY night and day. I've never played an S standing up, but most folks seem to swear it's incredibly comfortable in that position, almost like it's not there. When I tried it sitting down (i.e. propped on one knee), I couldn't get used to that feeling; it was like I was trying to play a credit card, and didn't know where to place my hand and forearm.
YMMV depending on your build. But body comfort is an important factor to consider, so check it out if you can.
SlowGroove
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
Maybe that is yet another reason i like the S-series over any of the many RG's i've tried, because BOTH my guitars (Dano '59 & Gibbo Melody Maker) are on the thin side of things when it comes to body thickness.
I never thought about it that way before...
James
Maybe that is yet another reason i like the S-series over any of the many RG's i've tried, because BOTH my guitars (Dano '59 & Gibbo Melody Maker) are on the thin side of things when it comes to body thickness.
I never thought about it that way before...
James
JimG
New member
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
Interesting discussion....I've been eyeing one of these and maybe some of you can give me some opinions on this one:
Ibanez RGA121 RGA
I play mostly classic rock, some clean stuff and '80s type rock. I love an axe that has tappable HBs for more flexibility. I've been an LP guy for years, but ready for something that plays better.
The reviews are very favorable. :beerchug:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-RGA121-RGA-Prestige-Series-Electric-Guitar?sku=514211
Interesting discussion....I've been eyeing one of these and maybe some of you can give me some opinions on this one:
Ibanez RGA121 RGA
I play mostly classic rock, some clean stuff and '80s type rock. I love an axe that has tappable HBs for more flexibility. I've been an LP guy for years, but ready for something that plays better.
The reviews are very favorable. :beerchug:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-RGA121-RGA-Prestige-Series-Electric-Guitar?sku=514211
Re: Ibanez S vs RG
Different things completely...the S series has a very sharp and agressive attack but doesn't sound as thin as you would think.
The ZR trem is very different from the Edge...the ZR with the stopbar is stiffer but without it I feel it's a lot smoother than any knife edge trem. I don't feel as much increase in pressure when the trem is really deppressed or pulled either. The Edge does have more range though.
Comfort wise it's really different because the RG is thicker and more substantial but the Saber has a thinness and comfort I haven't found anywhere else. I guess the RG bodyshape is kind of a sharpened Stratocaster, like the Jackson Dinkys (never played a Soloist but I guess it's the same thing shape wise), while the S is a super thin archtop guitar.
The necks are slightly different too, the RGs feel thinner and flatter, and the S feels slightly curved...
Both guitars are super light and easy on the shoulders in my opinion, but I think the RG balances better strapped on.
I dunno about the pickups because the RGs and S guitars I've tried out usually had aftermarket Dimarzios in them.
Different things completely...the S series has a very sharp and agressive attack but doesn't sound as thin as you would think.
The ZR trem is very different from the Edge...the ZR with the stopbar is stiffer but without it I feel it's a lot smoother than any knife edge trem. I don't feel as much increase in pressure when the trem is really deppressed or pulled either. The Edge does have more range though.
Comfort wise it's really different because the RG is thicker and more substantial but the Saber has a thinness and comfort I haven't found anywhere else. I guess the RG bodyshape is kind of a sharpened Stratocaster, like the Jackson Dinkys (never played a Soloist but I guess it's the same thing shape wise), while the S is a super thin archtop guitar.
The necks are slightly different too, the RGs feel thinner and flatter, and the S feels slightly curved...
Both guitars are super light and easy on the shoulders in my opinion, but I think the RG balances better strapped on.
I dunno about the pickups because the RGs and S guitars I've tried out usually had aftermarket Dimarzios in them.
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