Difference between Ultra and Wizard (USRG)

Viktor Johanson · #1 02-22-2005, 02:53 PM

I'd like to know the difference between the Wizard neck profile on USRG:s, and the Ultra profile on E.G. an RG2620.

Thanks.

Kontalonis · #2 02-22-2005, 05:17 PM

http://www.jemsite.com/axes/htm_features/necks.htm

Soloist · #3 02-22-2005, 06:37 PM

Actually the USRG's were supposed to have "Ultra-like" necks; one thing that has always bothered me about the USRG's, in addition to those poorly made body contour cuts, is the that the necks never felt like the "Ultra" that I have come to know and love in the USA custom and various prestige/j-custom models. The USRG30's always had this weird C/V shape to the back of the necks (like the JS models, however instead of remaing a C the USRG30's start tapering outward as you get closer to the fretboard, I hope that makes sense). Now do not get me wrong JS necks are pretty sweet playing necks, it is just the small difference in the USRG30's that just feels kind of strange; this is because it feels like the neck keeps getting wider even at the binding. I have only played about 5 USRG30's (owned 2 for awhile) so perhaps they are all not like that, much like how every once in a while I will see USRG30's with good contour cuts and heel joint cuts. Anyway, sorry for going off on that a little rant, to answer your question more succinctly, the USRG's seem to have more of a C/V profile whereas the newer Ultra, which you would find on the RG2620 would be a strong D shape (my personal favorite).

Viktor Johanson · #4 02-22-2005, 07:32 PM

Thanks.

I prefer a D profile, too.

BTW, are all Ultras the same profile? My friend's Radius 540 is supposed to have an Ultra neck, and it's the nicest neck I've ever played.

buddroyce · #5 02-22-2005, 11:47 PM

I'm not too sure if all Ultra necks have the same profile as the Ultra neck on my UCEW feels nothing like any of the current Ultra necks. My J-Custom 1302 is the only thing close to the ultra neck on the rgt2020.

Strangely enough, my UCEW's neck is thinner than a standard Wizard neck, but a tiny bit thicker than the Wizard neck on the USA made RG760 I have in my shop. Is it just me or is Ibanez not being really consistent with thier neck dimensions? 'cause the current wizard necks feel nothing like the old wizards.

Phillip · #6 02-23-2005, 11:05 AM

Ibanez's got more types of wizard neck: wizard I, II and super wizard and I think there is difference between Japan and USA wizard II.

Viktor Johanson · #7 02-23-2005, 06:04 PM

I played an RG2620 and an RG1550 Limited Edition (the fancy one, not sure about the model designation) the other day. The 1550 neck felt EXTREMELY thin, and the 2620 felt like the 1550 in terms of shape, only thicker. My friend's Radius on the other hand feels much more C-shaped or oval than the 2620, whereas the 2620 is more flat. I play with my thumb fairly high on the neck (Lane/Petrucci left hand style) rather than in the middle (like a classical guitarist), and the Radius neck feels much better in my hand.

Pash · #8 03-11-2005, 12:17 PM

I've had few of them (usrg30), and there was a difference between the necks. The last usrg that I've sold had thicker neck that mine one, and it's shape was closer to D than mine. There is the difference even near neck-joint - you can see it on photos. Some of necks are round just on whole lenght of the neck to the heel, but some of there are squared near the heel and get fully rounded only above 16th fret or something.