Shoppin' for Ibanez, need some opinions

[Severinsteelsmith]

Hey guys, so I am looking to get a killer deal on an Ibanez shredder. Basically, I have played Gibson's for most of the 13 years, but I have secretly lusted after Ibanez RG and S series. I would love to have a USRG or something with crazy graphics or a Jem, but I would prefer not to spend over 1k. So basically, just need a little guidence as far as what I should buy. I would prefer a maple neck and a pickguard (unless the guitar as a nice top). How do the newer Prestige models compare to the old 550's? Are the newer bridges better or worse? I have been told to stay away from the zero bridge. Is there a model of guitar or bridge I should stay away from? Any help i can get would be very much appreciated.


Thanks!

Cameron

[ScumTricycle]

I'm in the same spot. I want to get my first "real" Ibanez (I've only owned korean models in the past), and don't really know what to do with all the options. I want either an RG or S, but my main concern is playability first, and tone second. I don't care what it looks like. What are the models I should check out that just have solid tone and great playability? For reference, the neck on Ernie Ball Petruccis are perfect for me. I want good heavy and cleans.

[musicdr]

Since I'm somewhat of a gearwhore, I have probably owned a hundred plus ibbys.If you can find one, a rg20th550 reissue would be my pick.They receive the most playtime and are what I gig with regularly.The neck is stable,they sound great unplugged and plugged in, the edge trem holds tune even after several gigs and sessions and they hold their resale value.My other pick would be a rg3120 made between 1998 and 2001.Wizard neck,flame maple capped mahogony body, real dimarzio pickups and the lo pro edge trem.I recently picked one up in mint condition for 700.00.I don't have any experience with the edge-zero.The edge pro seemed to perform very good.The original lo pro or edge performs very good, my favorite.Just my experience.

[Mazrim]

An original RG550, RG565 or RG770DX would be my choice if you're after maple Fretboard only. You might get lucky and find an old Maple fretboard Jem for under a $1000 but it will probably have had 19 types of **** knocked out of it.

An old early 90's RG570 is probably the best value for money you can get of any guitar I can think of. Its Rosewood though.

[jrpalomo]

Theres the RG1550 prestige. it really cheap only around 1k i think. plus its got the edge pro and a maple fretboard.