Great Guitar tech for Ibanez in Los Angeles

[einarabelc5]

Hey Everyone,

Its been a while since I posted here and the last thing I remember is getting a reply from Dave Weiner about the software he used for Amp emulation on the PC.
I got RSI and had to quit playing for a while but I'm coming back now slowly. Besides after seeing this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVELu...e=channel_page

I don't care anymore about my own pain.

Anyways, I want to get a guitar from Rich at Ibanez Rulez and I have a couple of questions for you guys. But first I have to tell you I have never owned a good quality electric guitar and the best equipment I've gotten is a Marshall 100 DFX and a Boss ME-50. Just so you know where I'm coming from. Also I have never had to opportunity to meet a good technician. Most of what I know about guitar is from this forum and from Rich's web site.
Here are the questions:

What are the differences between the 3550 and the 3570 models besides the Fretboard wood/tonality difference this change adds and the color scheme?

I'm inclined to get the Gold or Platinum level service from Rich but I have the following question:

Where do you recommend I take my guitar for inspection/readjutsment once it arrives in the L.A. zone(Is really hot here)? Or if you do not know any good shop could you at least point me in the right direction so I can find out by myself?

I went to Guitar Center at Westwood and Pico to test the 3570 and the kids there gave me a 3550 telling me the colors on the website were different from what they had in stock (P.S. The 3570 was right next to it). I wanted to get a feeling for the Maple Fretboard so I went along with it anyways. But didn't liked the way they had the guitars hanging from the wall at 30 feet and held by the headstock. Logically the Guitar felt a little off around the center of the neck and on the higher part of the register.

The only place I've found that looks serious is Westwood Music who has a calibration machine (as a novelty) but also offer a technician service. I spoke to the owner and found this place to be very classy/oldschool but didn't get a chance to meet their technician. The downside is that from what I got to see they focus more on old school instruments like Fenders, Gibsons, Danelectros and all sort of Acoustic guitars like Martin. They even have a Tom Dowd poster on top of the eight track recorder (Don't know if it is the original from Atlantic records)

Thanks a lot to everyone in advance. This is my first post since 2006.

[Blacksheep]

You won't have to do much with the guitar after you get it from Rich, just a few twists of the truss rod really, which is simple and you can use the guide on his website. Also don't worry about guitars being hung from their neck, it is actually better for it than the stands that rest on the ground.

[buddroyce]

If you need a tech in the LA area, send me a PM. I can give you the contact info from a buddy of mine who works as one of the luthiers for one of the boutique metal brands in the area.

[IbanezDaemon]

From what I've read on this site any guitar you buy from Ibanez Rules/Rich will be as good as any you'll find so there's likely to be no need to do any tweaking. Those 2 models you mentioned are both awesome guitars so you can't really go wrong.

Good luck with your playing as well. I had tendonitis for many years but seem to have gotten completely over it now. Remember to warm up properly, that's crucial, before you start trying to play stuff in warp mode.

Let us know what you buy if you can as well mate.

[einarabelc5]

Originally Posted by Blacksheep

You won't have to do much with the guitar after you get it from Rich, just a few twists of the truss rod really, which is simple and you can use the guide on his website. Also don't worry about guitars being hung from their neck, it is actually better for it than the stands that rest on the ground.

Yesterday I read his material on Truss Rod adjustment. "Don't forget your pants!!!"..Hilarious. Thank You!!
So, hanging is better then. Got it! The neck felt a little warpy on the middle (frets 9-15). Although I had never played a guitar so sweetly soft to the touch. Even while on some pain I had to cut down more than half the strenght of my bends to go on a semitone, because I actually was going a minor third with the finger strength I'm used to put on my bends.

Won't the Trem Height need some adjustment too?

Originally Posted by buddroyce

If you need a tech in the LA area, send me a PM. I can give you the contact info from a buddy of mine who works as one of the luthiers for one of the boutique metal brands in the area.

Thanks for that! You're very kind! I'll let you know.

Originally Posted by IbanezDaemon

From what I've read on this site any guitar you buy from Ibanez Rules/Rich will be as good as any you'll find so there's likely to be no need to do any tweaking. Those 2 models you mentioned are both awesome guitars so you can't really go wrong.

Good luck with your playing as well. I had tendonitis for many years but seem to have gotten completely over it now. Remember to warm up properly, that's crucial, before you start trying to play stuff in warp mode.

Let us know what you buy if you can as well mate.

Thank you. Ohh the pain is there and is a very complicated thing. Depends on your diet, your health, your mental status, how well rested you are, etc...But I can't "get over" playing. I have to play.
Thanks for the Warm Up reminder.
I'll let you guys know for sure.