Getting a guitar from Rich. Edge Zero versus Edge Pro. Which one to get?

einarabelc5 · #1 08-10-2009, 03:50 AM

Ok guys, I need your help and wisdom over here:

Hello everyone!!
I'm in the process on getting my first real quality guitar and I do want it be something that allows me to play everything that an Ibanez is supposed to allow you to play.(I.E. play FTLOG)

I've recently read other threads on this forum about how much an Edge Zero bridge sucks compared to the old Edge Pro. Curiously 3 years ago they said the same about the Edge Pro compared to the original Edge and even more the Lo-Pro.Curiously everyone seemed to love the ball bearings on the original ZPS on the S series.
I was looking at the Prestige 3550 and I did tested the neck at Guitar Center two weekends ago. Later on I emailed Rich from Ibanez Rulez and he swiftly (Ferrari like) replied back recommending I'd just take off the ZPR system for the Edge zero to allow it to flutter. I do know that part of Rich's setup is to replace the Studs with better ones to add more stability to the bridge. So, might that bring an advantage over to the Edge-Zero system?
Still I'm doubting about getting that guitar because of that bridge, although I loved how the Maple fret board felt and that lovely buttery feeling you get from playing a 3550. Some Rosewood fretboard feel more like cardboard to me when is hot. Too porous.

So what do you guys think:

Should I sacrifice the Maple fretboard because of the Edge-zero and get an Edge-pro equipped guitar considering Rich Gold or Platinum services include an stud replacement for stability for both bridges or should I just deactivate the ZPR system from it and get the maple fretboard guitar.

Thank You in advance for all the advice!

coeneskens · #2 08-10-2009, 05:56 AM

hello, i have got an edge zero myself nd i love it, for gigs you just put je ZPR back in so it will stay in tune when you break a string and for bedroom playinf you van take it out ( takes about 10 seconds ) and then you can do cool divibombs while staying in tune perfectly!

Rich · #3 08-10-2009, 06:08 AM

The ZPS does not keep the guitar in tune if you break a string.

The EZ will do all the tricks an EP will do. It's not as sexy, not as lo profile, not as ergonomic, but it's just as functional. The arm holder torque bushing design is it's only advantage over an EP though.

corpraider69 · #4 08-10-2009, 06:15 AM

How bout getting a Ibanez RG1550M that has the maple fretboard and the edge pro??
Or a RG770 or RG550 reissue (RFR or DY have maple boards) or go for a maple fretboarded original just some more options!! If you do go for the edge pro make sure you get the locking studs.

scotteggshell · #5 08-10-2009, 03:37 PM

I prefer the Edge Pro. I have both and play both guitars about the same amount of time. I wont say the Edge Zero Sucks, it has some very sucky features, but plays very nicely.

Here are the pros and cons I have found with the EZ

E-Z Cons:
1) Crappy fine tuners. -They are bad, bad bad.
2) Saddle design. The string contact point is behind the fine tuner pivot point of the saddle this, I believe, causes a destructive resonance that causes some notes to kill themselves when you play them. On my guitar it is the hi C#on the B string and the hi B on the Gstring. The note just plinks and dies. However this is easily fixed by wedging a piece of a pick between the saddles.
3) Sustain block is very small.
4) Great giant enormous rout in guitar
5) Working the bar changes the height of the strings much more on the EZ than the EP. You have to be careful with low action and pulling up.

EZ-Pros:
1) It feels great and plays great.
2) The Spring tension wheel is great. Saves a ton of tuning time - Have to be careful to watch trem angle tho.
3) The intonation tool works brilliantly.
4)Not a bad arm pocket. It creaks sometimes if the bushing is not quite right.
5) Very Very Stable. When setup correctly it is nearly impossible to knock out of tune.

The only real problem I have with the Edge Pros is that it feels a bit light or non linear or something

I am getting rid of the edge zero.

Scott

SilverEra · #6 08-10-2009, 04:57 PM

Edge Pro on a rosewood fretboard.

The Edge Zero does have some good points, but no where near enough to balance out the cons.

To respond to the last posts pros,

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

EZ-Pros:
1) It feels great and plays great.

True, but no where near on par with the EP/Edge/Lo-Pro. It feels alot stiffer, and I find that it doesn't flutter aswell either (doesn't flutter AT ALL with the ZPS bar in.) It's looks don't help either, tbh. The screw-in intonation tool right on the face of it is just plain rediculous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

2) The Spring tension wheel is great. Saves a ton of tuning time - Have to be careful to watch trem angle tho.

Yep.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

3) The intonation tool works brilliantly.

Yes, but the amount of times I actually need to intonate is so small, I can really live with out it. Again, that screw-in tool on the face of the trem is just plain hideous, the designer of which should have a finger wagged at him. . . then shot.

It just feels "gimmickey" to me, rather than a genuine design improvement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

4)Not a bad arm pocket. It creaks sometimes if the bushing is not quite right.

The arm pocket is indeed very good. I don't think the brushing is the cause of the creaking, I've adjusted mine to no end and it still makes noise, even without a brushing in there. The only solution I've found is some WD40 oil, stops it creaking for a few months and then starts up again. I've got no idea what-so-ever what's causing it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

5) Very Very Stable. When setup correctly it is nearly impossible to knock out of tune.

It stays in tune, but so does the edge pro. One thing to mention though, the Edge Zero DOES, I repeat, DOES, come with locking studs. But if you go with the Rich's Edge Pro mod for a bit extra, that doesn't make a difference anyway...

scotteggshell · #7 08-11-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEra

Edge Pro on a rosewood fretboard.

I don't think the brushing is the cause of the creaking, I've adjusted mine to no end and it still makes noise, even without a brushing in there. The only solution I've found is some WD40 oil, stops it creaking for a few months and then starts up again. I've got no idea what-so-ever what's causing it...

I'm glad you heard that quiet one too. I couldn't locate or even really reproduce it faithfully either. But if the bushing is not aligned properly you do get a different, rather loud, pinging like a bad tuner or nut on a non locking guitar.

einarabelc5 · #8 08-11-2009, 02:58 PM

What about the S series, what are the Pros and Cons of the Original ZR trem with the ball bearings compared to the Knife Edged -Edge-Z?

SilverEra · #9 08-11-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einarabelc5

What about the S series, what are the Pros and Cons of the Original ZR trem with the ball bearings compared to the Knife Edged -Edge-Z?

They're essensially the same, exept the EZ flutters better.

einarabelc5 · #10 08-11-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEra

They're essensially the same, exept the EZ flutters better.

Thanks!!!
Haha, and here I was wondering if I should get the S. So Knives edges still kill ball bearings?
Is the sustain block of the Edge Z as small as the ZR in the S? As it is shown on this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZtQT5TPYw

einarabelc5 · #11 08-11-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

I'm glad you heard that quiet one too. I couldn't locate or even really reproduce it faithfully either. But if the bushing is not aligned properly you do get a different, rather loud, pinging like a bad tuner or nut on a non locking guitar.

Check this video out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZtQT5TPYw

Towards the end he describes what might be the problem. If I were you I'd check that out. Maybe Rich has a solution for that.

einarabelc5 · #12 08-11-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einarabelc5

Check this video out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZtQT5TPYw

Towards the end he describes what might be the problem. If I were you I'd check that out. Maybe Rich has a solution for that.

Forget it, The Zero ueses the Edge Arm holding system as it does the ZR 2.

Oh and BTW, according to this site :

http://lawl.net/gtr/trems

the Zero is built in China, not Japan.

Anyone can confirm that?

scotteggshell · #13 08-12-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einarabelc5

What about the S series?

Try one , I almost ordered one, then happened to be travelling in the US and tried one. They feel funny to me. Very light with a kinda chunky seeming neck. I got a RG1570 instead and I think it is the bees knees.

SilverEra · #14 08-12-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einarabelc5

the Zero is built in China, not Japan.

Anyone can confirm that?

Confirmed.

einarabelc5 · #15 08-12-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotteggshell

Try one , I almost ordered one, then happened to be travelling in the US and tried one. They feel funny to me. Very light with a kinda chunky seeming neck. I got a RG1570 instead and I think it is the bees knees.

That's what all the other guitarists say about the S. The ball bearings give it stability but the trem doesn't moves as smoothly as with knife edges. The 1570 was the very first RG I ever mouthwatered and the first Prestige I ever tired (I have an story regarding that time). I'm also considering the 1550 with its Maple neck. The only prob are the PUPS...After trying the 3550, there's no comparison between Dimarzio and Ibanez.