Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

[ErikH]

I came across a really nice one at a local GC and just might snag it. Good condition, just typical wear like pick swirl marks and a small nick in the finish on the back of the neck. Easily fixed with some super glue, sanding and polishing. It's a player, no doubt.

Has the Duncan/Ibanez pickups in it. Very impressive. Thinking of snagging it but going to check out a few other guitars at another location first, if I can hold out long enough. Lol.

MIK, mahogany body and set neck. Flame inlays, abalone binding, Gibraltar bridge. Thick neck and thick arch top body.

Anybody else have experience with these?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

The fixed bridge is probably a wiser choice than any of the vibrato-equiped models. I always worry when so much of the production costs have gone into inlays and binding. Never mind what I think. If you like the guitar and the price is right, buy it. Factor in the cost of a fret level and dress job.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

Frets are surprisingly in good condition for as much as it looks like it's been played by the swirl marks. Got a few others to check out first before making the decision.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

This is the exact color and model. While I'm not too big on abalone, it looks really good on this guitar and isn't overly blingy.

source: http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/SZ720FM

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

The FM stands for Flame Maple top. This should be a nice guitar, even sans the Flame Maple top. I like most Ibanez S series dose not mater if they are SA, SZ or S all are nice.

I think the Bridge pup is roughly like a duncan Distortion.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

The FM stands for Flame Maple top. This should be a nice guitar, even sans the Flame Maple top. I like most Ibanez S series dose not mater if they are SA, SZ or S all are nice.

I think the Bridge pup is roughly like a duncan Distortion.

I was wondering about the bridge pickup because the slug bobbin has hex poles, ala the Screamin' Demon, just in chrome rather than black. From what I've read, these pickups were made specifically for this guitar.

 

[Dr. Vegetable]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

I have the SZ720FM in transparent grey, and also a pair of SZ520's. It is a great guitar. It got better with the Duncan/Ibanez pickups - the original unbranded pickups in early models were not as good in this guitar - just a bit muddy by comparison. This guitar is thick and chunky, and even the neck is a bit thick for an Ibanez.

The abalone binding looks flashy in all the pictures, but in person is not so bad. If you don't like the bling you could look for a SZ520, which has a plain binding. I think I prefer the flamed top over the quilted one, though.

In decent condition you should not pay more than about $350 for a 720.

 

[t1r12003]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

I have an SZ520QM. The guitar is an excellent value. I found the pickups to be too muddy and hot, maybe I got the original unbranded ones. After replacing the pickups with a Dimarzio PAF in the neck and a SD '59/Custom hybrid in the bridge and new pots it's great. Frets on mine were dressed great. Neck is thick for an Ibanez but still has a more thin profile than a Gibson. Bridge is nice and strung through the body gives it great sustain.

How much are they asking at GC? I see these on eBay and all over Craigslist for under $300 like Dr. Veggie said.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

Ah ha! I knew somebody had multiples of the SZ series on here. Thanks for the input.

In person, I don't mind the abalone binding at all. Looks pretty classy with the color actually.

They have it listed for $349. Not a bad deal considering the condition, and it is in very good condition. I may still ask if that is the best they can do.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

Status?

Try for a case/bag,also!!!

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

I'm making rounds this afternoon. There's a few things at another store I want to check out first. Definitely going for a case or gig bag.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

Good Luck!!!

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

Damn. Playing a Schecter PT Tele Elite. Natural with quilt maple top, rosewood board and duncan designed pickups. Part of the diamond series. Sweet player. Thinking the Ibby may be the better deal. This one needs some work. Badly tarnished gold hardware.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ720FM: thoughts and opinions

Well, I went with the SZ720. Better condition overall and I let my 10yo daughter help wit the decision. She likes the Ibby better. Didn't bother with a case. They weren't going to throw one in and I didn't have enough to pay for one. That's ok as I have a gig bag I can use for it. Will post obligatory NGD pics once I get it cleaned up.