SHRG1Z - Holy CRAP!! - $5333 KOREAN GUITAR!!

Rich · #1 02-02-2007, 09:20 PM

I specifically asked at NAMM last year and was told these would be Japanese built and Korean assembled. This was absolutely believable knowing the way Ibanez is running things these days, and the fact that the display model was absolutely Japanese, Japan neck, fretwork, everything that easily determines country of manufacture at a glance.

I just received my first today and needless to say I'm far less than happy.

Not ONLY that they're made in Korea and were supposed to be Japanese, but because they ARE Korean! S guys know exactly what I'm talking about. If they were made in Korea to Japan S spec then I'd be less agravated, not that the MIK manufacture is going to make my customers any happier about the price tag. Unfortunately they're pure Korean. Overbeveled 45-50* fret ends, although they are finished to a "prestige" level, charred wood fretboard from polishing the inlays, Korean carve Wizard II neck, and shallow routed neck pocket that means the strings are far off the body. On top of this one of them had a deep scuff/gouge across the back bottom edge of the lower horn about 4" long and was just flat out rejected.

Needless to say I cancelled all my open orders. I would inventory the extra 3 I had on order if they were what they were claimed to be, but they are not.

SonataGuitarist · #2 02-02-2007, 09:30 PM

Hmm, thats disappointing to hear. S series are such innovative instruments in theory, and the early models are great. But the whole Korean spec issue makes me shake my head with frustration!

Even now I sit here looking at my S470. It is absolutely gorgeous, and I like the ZR, but shoot. I'm torn b/w slimming the neck pocket and altering/replacing the neck, or just selling it on to someone who can fully appreciate it in it's current form. I don't like the idea of such extensive modding, but the quilt, it's so gorgeous! This thing could make a mean FGM with the right work.

Ibanez, cut me/us a break! Sometimes you get me looking like this guy >

$5333 though? Wheres my jaw drop smilie! Your right though that is a sweet case! \/

Dee · #3 02-02-2007, 09:30 PM

WOW. Just wow. Unbelievable!

Rich · #4 02-02-2007, 09:33 PM

I will say one thing for them, this is without doubt the nicest case Ibanez has ever paired with a guitar. I'd seriously doubt it's leather [although I can't rule it out], the embossing it just, cool.

Dee · #5 02-02-2007, 09:35 PM

^^ Class.

S-man · #6 02-02-2007, 09:39 PM

So you basically get a $1000 dollar korean made prestige like this..

With a fancy finish and inlays. For an extra 3 grand. Nice.

They've desroyed what used to be a decent guitar.

Like Rich said, the neck pocket isn't routed deep enough. That raises the pups and bridge heights as well. That coupled with the thicker and funky shaped wizard II they put on the S, takes a once sleek, low profile guitar and turns it into a nightmare.

S-man · #7 02-02-2007, 09:41 PM

That is a cool case.

marianozz · #8 02-02-2007, 09:52 PM

That sucks... this was one of those models that were supposed to restore/maintain our faith in the brand/company...

Instead it just keeps diggin it deeper...

C.Thep · #9 02-02-2007, 10:06 PM

What exactly are all the complaints about?

A thicker neck and high neck pocket? I don't I've played a Korean S, but I just snagged a Jap 1620, and it's awesome, but is it really that different? Is it really that bad?

Edit: Maybe the neck pocket needs to be higher to accomodate the ZR bridge. And maybe they couldn't route the tremolo deeper becasue the wood would crack or the trem block would stick out or something. Maybe?

S-man · #10 02-02-2007, 10:07 PM

Yep.

Btw..It's not just the thicknes of the neck, it's the shape.

**elcid** · #11 02-02-2007, 10:16 PM

That's great, I'm going to have to remember this one. Sorry you got screwed Rich but this is a great story.

Thanks for posting this though Rich, I could see where it being Korean would be a deal breaker, but some people would leave that out of their listings on *bay and such, then when the person gets the guitar home they would be understandbly pissed.

mi2tom · #12 02-02-2007, 10:16 PM

What the hell?!

S-man · #13 02-02-2007, 10:55 PM

The neck pocket issue has nothing to do with the ZR trem.

eelblack2 · #14 02-02-2007, 11:10 PM

5 Grand for Korean I just dont understand at all. No way in hell have they progressed in quality to THAT point.

chone · #15 02-02-2007, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S-man

The neck pocket issue has nothing to do with the ZR trem.

Are you sure about that?

I'm not doubting you or anything, but do you really know that this problem has nothing to do with the ZR?

As far as I know, the only case of an S having the junk neck pocket and high strings are on guitars with the ZR, wizard II and Korean construction (or assembly). I really am curious if you know that the problem is independent of the ZR. Maybe it is. All I'm saying is that I'm not sure if this problem has been attributed to something specific yet.

-Sean