RG3570Z or RG3550MZ?

Khomaniac · #1 03-15-2009, 07:23 PM

Hey,

I've been playing guitar for just about 7.5 years, and for the longest time my primary guitars have been a BC Rich Bronze Mockingbird and an ESP M-207. I've had these guitars for quite some time now and I've decided to invest in a better axe. Eventually, I will have a better quality of guitar in both the six and seven string categories, but I have first decided to upgrade my six-string as I feel the BC Rich I have is a lot less viable as a six string than the ESP is for a seven-string.

The decision to go with Ibanez was quite an easy one as I have played many different Ibanez' and they are just simply better than anything else I've ever played. A friend of mine (who has, I think, 7 different Ibanez guitars) also did a little bit of convincing.

With that being said, I wandered onto the Ibanez website and, after a couple of hours of researching, have decided on one of two guitars. I'm going to go with either the RG3570Z or the RG3550MZ.

The thing is, I can't easily reach a decision between the two. Looking at the specs of the guitars on Ibanez' website, they seem to be nearly identical, aside from the fact that the 3550 has a maple fretboard and a pickguard. I have tried to look up different articles on both guitars, but it seems that resources are limited (I'm going to assume that, from this information, that these two models are relatively new). They are both the same price ($1499.95 USD), are composed of the same body wood, possess the exact same neck, etc.

So, I guess my questions are: Has anyone played either of these guitars? What are the differences between the two (aside from the obvious fretboards, pickguards, neck binding, color, etc.)? Which one would you rather invest in?

Also, in regards to tone, what are the differences between a maple and ebony fretboard?

NOTE: Put this in the wrong forum, figured I would probably get a better response in the Prestige forum.

NOTE II: Also perhaps interested in the RG770DX. Any feedback on these?

taracatac · #2 03-15-2009, 08:13 PM

I would go with the RG3570Z, because I don't like the look of maple fretboards. I don't like the yellow pickups either, but that is easily changed.

Timbaline · #3 03-15-2009, 09:26 PM

Other than the fretboards, pickguards, and colors the guitars are the same. Essentially, the RG570 was made to be an RG550 without the pickguard.

The difference with these guitars are only in the aesthetics.

I would personally get an RG3570 (I plan to get one anyways) because I love blue guitars.

Khomaniac · #4 03-15-2009, 11:38 PM

They're both absolutely beautiful. I wish there was a way I could get both of 'em!! haha

I think I'm leaning more towards the 3550 at the moment. I suppose if I got the 3570 there's always pup covers?

Timbaline · #5 03-16-2009, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khomaniac

They're both absolutely beautiful. I wish there was a way I could get both of 'em!! haha

I think I'm leaning more towards the 3550 at the moment. I suppose if I got the 3570 there's always pup covers?

Again the only differences are the aesthetics. Whichever guitar looks better to you is the one you should get.

Mazrim · #6 03-16-2009, 06:02 AM

If you can find an RG770DX I'd go for that personally.
Both of these are great guitars though. The latest incarnation of the 550 and 570.

I suppose the main difference is down to whether you prefer Maple or Ebony. Maple is slightly brighter in tone. Ebony is kind of half way between Maple and Rosewood.

HeavyMetal4Ever · #7 03-16-2009, 06:03 AM

Maple fretboards give the guitar a slightly snappier, brighter tone than rosewood, which is warmer and smoother to my ears. I prefer maple both for looks and tone.

If it were me, i'd go for the RG770DX reissue 'cause I like the coloured inlays.

Rock on!

Khomaniac · #8 03-16-2009, 12:39 PM

The only negative about the 770DX is that they have Ibanez pups as opposed to Dimarzio. Is there a major difference in them?

Mazrim · #9 03-16-2009, 05:50 PM

I wouldnt say thats a negative. Those pups are pretty wicked. Great for heavy rock and shredding.

reguv760 · #10 03-16-2009, 06:55 PM

a 770DX reissue is definitely a viable option... came across a new one last week and it is exactly like my friend's RED '91 770DX (minus small details + improvements on the reissue)... i think they're a couple hundreds less than the 35xx's...
I definitely dig the looks of the blue 3570 as the blue and yellow pups screams 90s Ibanez color palette... but that's just me

Reg

Khomaniac · #11 03-16-2009, 11:44 PM

I think I'm actually leaning towards the RG770DXLB at the moment. It's roughly three hundred dollars (Canadian) less than the 3570 and the 3550 and the differences are minimal.

Rich · #12 03-16-2009, 11:50 PM

The Dimarzio's would cost $180, and then it's plate joint vs AANJ. The differences are more than you're estimating, but the Edge trem is always a plus [to me]

Khomaniac · #13 03-17-2009, 11:47 AM

I'm going to assume the 770 has the plate joint, while the two Prestige's have AANJ's?

Gianpaolo74 · #14 02-12-2011, 10:06 PM

I have just bought the RG 3550 MZ a couple of days ago. It is an outstanding guitar, I think the only difference with the 3570 is the tone coming out of the fretboard: 3570 has a ebony fretboard, more like Gibson tone and with darker, round sound. While 3550 comes with the maple fretboard and that is more brilliant and brighter sound, sort of a Stratocaster sound. In the end the difference is minimal I suppose but still there is a difference for fine ears. Pick both guitars and play them without ampli, you should hear a difference when you try bendings and open chords ! The 3550 sounds louder and brighter to me !