RG3120 Dilemma, Need Opinions

big al · #1 04-26-2012, 08:10 PM

A few months ago I made a trade plus cash with a friend for my minty 3120. He ended up using the neck, nut, tuners and Lo Pro on a single hum Ibanez project. I did not get the cash portion of the deal up front, so when he did not pay, he offered to return the case, body loaded with the pickups, pots and wiring.
My "dilemma" is I would like to put the RG3120 back together but I never see the neck or correct Lo Pro for sale. Even if I did find them for sale, I am afraid I would have too much into the guitar. I think it would be a guitar that I would keep and play but sorry, I do consider resale value/investment.
What would you guys do?

bowie8889 · #2 04-26-2012, 08:50 PM

Hmm.. How much cash does he owe you? There's some ibanez prestige body (SV though) for sale now at ebay for around $500, if you sell your rg3120 body you can recover around that amount

RGTFanatic · #3 04-26-2012, 09:16 PM

You can get the trem new from Rich @ www.ibanezrules.com . He has great deals on his hardware and is a very respected member here. 100x safer than the bay.

You'll have a VERY difficult time finding an original 3120 neck....in any condition. Your only other options are to use a '94-'02 Super Wizard that has the same neck profile and fretboard radius, but the wrong inlays OR go for custom built neck from one of our custom vendors......they can make an exact replica.

Since your "friend" defaulted, I'd be trying to get my entire guitar back and return whatever guitar you got from him............you sure got the "stink" end of the stick on this one.

big al · #4 04-26-2012, 10:39 PM

I also checked out Rich's site for pricing and that is what got me thinking that I might be sinking in too much to complete the guitar. Not bashing his prices, I just had no idea how much the Lo Pro would be. No idea on the price of a neck, have not found one.
Thanks for the suggestion for a compatable neck. I will look and see what's available. I might be able to find a neck that I could get my "friend" to swap for.

Guess I have to ask myself if it is worth $5-600+ to complete it or just be ready to jump on a complete one when it is available.

I feel pretty stupid for making the deal in the first place.

tearsx · #5 04-26-2012, 10:46 PM

Get it back and order a custom neck with vine inlays from ET!

RGTFanatic · #6 04-26-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big al

I also checked out Rich's site for pricing and that is what got me thinking that I might be sinking in too much to complete the guitar. Not bashing his prices, I just had no idea how much the Lo Pro would be. No idea on the price of a neck, have not found one.
Thanks for the suggestion for a compatable neck. I will look and see what's available. I might be able to find a neck that I could get my "friend" to swap for.

Guess I have to ask myself if it is worth $5-600+ to complete it or just be ready to jump on a complete one when it is available.

I feel pretty stupid for making the deal in the first place.

Send rich an e-mail...those prices are for a complete kit, which you may not need. He WILL sell you only the pieces you need (ie...break up a kit). I think you could get this done in the $400 range with a Super Wizard. Then trade to get your neck back.

I don't think you'll find another 3120 in the sub-$600 range......just my thoughts. Is getting your original parts back out of the question???

RGTFanatic · #7 04-26-2012, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tearsx

Get it back and order a custom neck with vine inlays from ET!

That's close to $600 just for the neck......... a great investment, but still a lot of $$ to put into a "parts" 3120.

Rich · #8 04-26-2012, 10:58 PM

There is no denying part prices are high, when mounting ring screws are $3 each instead of .22 like Stew Mac, something is just whacked. But if you want correct parts for a restore etc., it is what it is. That doesn't mean you have to pay $1 each for cover screws when you can buy a bag of 100 Mity Mite screws for $15. Only you [and me] would know the difference.

Jason Stone · #9 04-27-2012, 12:16 PM

Still not sure why your friend gets to keep the neck and Lo Pro for his project. Since he didn't meet the terms of your deal, I would start with asking for everything back.

big al · #10 04-27-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Stone

Still not sure why your friend gets to keep the neck and Lo Pro for his project. Since he didn't meet the terms of your deal, I would start with asking for everything back.

Let's just say that I was not in the right frame of mind at the time and for some reason I agreed to these terms.

big al · #11 05-24-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGTFanatic

You can get the trem new from Rich @ www.ibanezrules.com . He has great deals on his hardware and is a very respected member here. 100x safer than the bay.

You'll have a VERY difficult time finding an original 3120 neck....in any condition. Your only other options are to use a '94-'02 Super Wizard that has the same neck profile and fretboard radius, but the wrong inlays OR go for custom built neck from one of our custom vendors......they can make an exact replica.:

What models have the super wizard profile? I have been watching ebay and forums but no necks yet.

RGTFanatic · #12 05-25-2012, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big al

What models have the super wizard profile? I have been watching ebay and forums but no necks yet.

'97-'02 RG5xx's (520,550,570) with a single bubinga "skunk" stripe.

big al · #13 05-25-2012, 07:36 AM

Thanks! I may pick up one until the correct neck comes around. May also have get a black Lo Pro until a powder cosmo comes around.

TAorama · #14 05-25-2012, 12:54 PM

If the guy is hard up for cash enough that he couldn't come up with the rest of your money, offer him what you'd spend on getting new parts to get your originals back. Otherwise, you may just have to be satisfied with a 3120 "custom." Not saying those parts never show up, but it's infrequent.

big al · #15 06-13-2012, 11:09 PM

Update:
Made a deal with the guy. I get the neck and trem back if I replace them. He does not care about the trem or finish and the neck can be anything as long as it is made in Japan and excellent shape with matching hardware finish with the trem.
Thanks to RGTFanatic, I know what neck profile to look for (tho it may not matter as long as it is thin) but the tremolo is now a question. The body is a RG2610. Which tremolos will work with this? A Lo Pro is in it now. May not fit the best but it does work so I guess an Edge would work, not sure about others.