Ibanez RG3120 vs ESP M1000

ttbaron · #1 11-23-2002, 11:19 PM

Just checking if anyone can give some input regarding the RG3120 vs. the ESP M1000? I know most of the specs and both guitars are priced about the same. The ESP comes with EMG 81's and is neck thru and the Ibanez is a bolt on with passive pickups (or are they active)? I have an RG570 and it's time for an upgrade. If anyone has played both, please let me know what you think.

pawel · #2 11-23-2002, 11:38 PM

Hehe, i haven't played either of these, but from the specs itself the ESP appears to be more of a one trick pony with the EMGs. If you're into high gain metal sounds (Slayer, Metallica) it will be perfect. The RG3120 with the passive pickups and 5 way switch will certainly be more versatile...I myself would go with the 3120, it also looks better, the ESP has too much abalone, and the inlays are ugly IMO...The ESP is neck-thru but that also means that the neck wouldn't feel too well...

EKG · #3 11-24-2002, 01:38 AM

I have EMG's in my 3120. Sounds heavy! I am still able to roll back the volume to make it less heavy, but, obviously not as clean as the passive Dimarzio's.

Haven't played the ESP yet.

Well, I guess this post didn't really help much

sam669 · #4 12-03-2002, 01:25 PM

i've played both, and imo, the 3120 is the absolute way to go!!
the woods are better, the neck is prestige finished, the pickups rock! though i find the tz a bit muddy for the body.
after its a question of tastes,but i think the 3120 looks way nicer!!
to me, the esp is just a dumb "on the fly" black axe. i dont like esp anyway, too metal oriented, and for what i've experienced, its not a good thing, versatility-wise. plus hey, i know its lame but, look at the guys on the esp website, they look friggin dumb!

hyesac · #5 12-10-2002, 09:41 PM

I would DEFINETELY go for the rg3120!!!

spacenuke · #6 12-10-2002, 10:01 PM

I've played neither, but I've played an old ESP with a snakeskin finish (don't remember the model) that had a thru-neck and I certained wasn't impressed by the neck. It's way too chucky.

Lazor · #7 01-01-2003, 01:41 AM

I've got a 3120 and the other guitarist in my band has a similar ESP with dual 81s. The 3120 is definately the better sounding guitar of the two, and his ESP is a real one - not an LTD. And the 3120 is certainly more versatile because of the 5-way. It really comes down to which one feels best to you, EMGs vs. DiMarzios, and looks. But also factor in the ESP is Korean made, while the Ibanez is japanese.

rguser · #8 01-02-2003, 05:47 PM

I don't think it's fair to compare a bolt-on and a neck-thru or passive pu's and active pu's.
The comparison that makes sense to me is the one between rgt3120 and M-1000 interms of playability and acoustic sound. But in that comparison rgt has to win because of nearly twice the price tag!
I have an rg3120 and I think it's the best bolt-on floyd rose equipped guitar in the market and we all know how competitive that category is.

Mark DY · #9 01-02-2003, 07:09 PM

I agree - RG3120 hands down. I like 'em so much, I just (today) got another one - the DR. I wanted two consistent guitars - one for dropped tuning, and one standard so when I switch it's the same great feeling.

Going from mahogony to basswood is too drastic from a feel and tone perspective.

The next one has to be an RGT!

xxxcreaturexxx · #10 01-02-2003, 07:32 PM

Well I play Ibanez and ESP and they both kick ass. What you really got to ask yourself is whether you want a bolt-on or a neck-thru. Pickups are an easy fix.