AANJ Vs. Old Neck Joint -- better tone?

Dee · #1 01-21-2007, 08:51 AM

Simple question: Does the old style neck joint give better tone than the AANJ?

EDIT: PS -- I voted "no noticeable difference".

the.godfather · #2 01-21-2007, 09:17 AM

I voted "no noticable difference" as well.

If the question was "which do I prefer", I would go with the Old Neck Joint (Original) without doubt. I just always preffered the feel of it when I was playing.

Minimum Bob · #3 01-21-2007, 09:18 AM

I voted: Define "better".

Better for whom? Better for what?

Dee · #4 01-21-2007, 09:27 AM

Bob, you were the one who said on the Ibanez forum that the old neck joint gives better tone. Can you enlighten us Jemsite members? Thanks. I noticed you (or anyone) didn't vote "yes" here, though.

Minimum Bob · #5 01-21-2007, 09:31 AM

Sorry Dee. You were the only person who said "better". This argument is entirely in your own head.

Dee · #6 01-21-2007, 09:36 AM

http://www.ibanez.com/forum/forum_po...0&PN=1&TPN=181

**jono** · #7 01-21-2007, 09:36 AM

I voted yes. I tend to find for an RG550 with everything else being equal (apart from a few years age) that the old style neck joint is better to play. I'm not sure if it's the feel of the strings under my fingers, or the actual tone of the guitar, but I find myself playing my old style neck joints more than the AANJ ones. In my own mind, they sound pretty dan good too.

ALTHOUGH...

My JEM 10 has probably my favourite tone of ANY guitar, ever. Bar none. At all. Ironic huh!

Dee · #8 01-21-2007, 09:46 AM

So you prefer the old style joint for feel? I wonder why you voted YES to the question about the tone. Do you actually notice a difference, Jono? If I was to blindfold you while I alternated between an AANJ 550 and an old style one, would you actually be able to tell them apart?

Jaden · #9 01-21-2007, 10:33 AM

IMO played back to back - there is a difference - its noticeable when played unamplified ! - after its plugged in - no chance

Dee · #10 01-21-2007, 10:35 AM

Good point about played acoustically/amplified, though I can't say I have noticed a difference either way.

eviltwin · #11 01-21-2007, 11:06 AM

define old heel.

there's the block heel, the angled block and the full cut (Jem)
not all AANJ are the same either.

Dee · #12 01-21-2007, 11:12 AM

That's true, but we're mainly talking about the RG550. Maybe I should have made that clear. The RG550 originally had a "Tilt" joint, as you'll know.

Jaden · #13 01-21-2007, 12:31 PM

I made my statement on the old block joint (no sculpted heel) on an RG450 vs a 19?? AANJ - both basswood bodies.

I maintain that there is a difference until the amp comes into play - then I cant tell the difference at all !

**jono** · #14 01-21-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee

So you prefer the old style joint for feel? I wonder why you voted YES to the question about the tone. Do you actually notice a difference, Jono? If I was to blindfold you while I alternated between an AANJ 550 and an old style one, would you actually be able to tell them apart?

Y'know, I think I would, BUT I'll also caveat that with, I can tell the difference between MY RG550s!!!

bearing in mind that my block heel 550 has stayed over a PRS artist (not artist pack) a real 56 strat and various others.

IMHO they sound slightly fuller and louder than an AANJ equipped guitar of the same spec. BUT I only have this one situation to base my opinion on.

What I'll also add is that when you start to push air with speakers and you're "in" the sound, feel and tone and vibe all become very similar things. I don't know if I could tell you what's what in playback of a recording!