Couple of questions of the Radius

Kev Brigden · #1 07-01-2002, 01:36 PM

Is the Radius model exactly the same shape as the JS range?

How much would one of the Radius' that only has 2 humbuckers cost and which model Radius is this particular one?? Which would be cheaper, a 2nd hand one of these or a JS1000/JS1?

I need a back up!!!

cheers

Kev

Drew · #2 07-01-2002, 03:23 PM

The original Radius shape is very slightly different from the JS body shape- i guess it's slightly smaller or something. However, I guess there was an overlap after the JS was introduced and before the R-series was discontinued, and i guess during that time (or soon into it) the R budy was changed to JS specs. The difference is very subtle, though, and unless you're A/B'ing with a Satch, you'd probably never notice the change unless you were VERY familiar with the satriani design ( i own neither, so i'm just going from playing experience with my friend's chrome Boy and a few unmarked used Ibanez R/JS style guitars that could have gone either way).

Pricewise, a used R-series with comparable specs to a JS-1000 (edge, two humbuckers) will most likely be less than a used JS, and certianly less than a new one. Of course, once you factor in the cost of replacing the pickups to PAF/Freds (or similar quality pickups if you want a slightly different flavor) and rewiring it to a 3-way selector with push/pull tone and high-pass filter controls, you might be better off going with a new JS, especially as the post-98 (i believe) ones have a digitized multi-radius neck that'll allow you to get slightly lower action out of the thing. But this will probably put you into the 8-900 range, so if you're willing to take a dead-stock R-series, that'd be the better bargain- of course the dimirzios will smoke the stock pickups, and the switching won't be the same, but as far as stock pickups go Ibanez aren't all tHAT bad, and the switching might be nice for the novelty. Your call.

Of course, i didn't really answer your questions, did i?

-Drew

Rich · #3 07-01-2002, 03:30 PM

No you didn't Drew, you're worthless I tell ya'!

540RHH is the double hum version. The JS is slightly smaller in all dimentions and the lower cutaway is slightly bigger, among other subtle difference in shape alone. The R was never changed that I recall.

The used R will run $250-$450 depending on how clean it is and how willing somebody is to part with the cash. Typically you'll never see it posted as a 540RHH, people just don't know, or even if they do, they still call it a Satriani model, just like they do 540P's and most S series.

Drew · #4 07-01-2002, 04:51 PM

Well, gee, Rich, i was just so excited that i beat you to one of these!

I could have sworn i heard something about an R-series body shape change... Eh, like i'm doing anything more meaningful at work, i'll see if i can find the thread about it. 'Course, Rich is our JS expert here, so it could have just been a rumor anyway.

-Drew

Rich · #5 07-01-2002, 04:57 PM

Maybe, but I'm not an R expert by any means, the one I own is a 92'.

Kev Brigden · #6 07-02-2002, 05:59 AM

Cheers for the replys chaps, whether they were correct or whatever...

I think I may keep on stashing away the cash for a backup geetar... Basically, I'll keep on saving and which ever model comes up first I'll try and grab... Based on your info tho (much appreciated BTW) I reckon I'd be better off going for a decent 2nd hand JS1000/JS1

once again cheers chapalinos....

Kev

PS. EVERYONE LISTEN TO 'CHORDS OF LIFE' by Satch at sometime today please

JESTER700 · #7 07-02-2002, 09:25 AM

They may not have officially changed the Radius shape, but having owned 6 of them, I can say they DO differ. IME, the "burst" ones have more squarish beveling and a shallower cutaway. (both my 87 and 92 burst ones were like this). The solid color ones were closer to a JS (I've only owned 2 of those); closer to one, in fact, than they are to the burst Radius! The one anomaly was the 440 I had, which was kind of in the middle.

I had to compare the JS and a solid Radius side by side to catch the differences. As I love small bodied guitars, I was keen to discover this. In the end, the difference was so small that it didn't matter to me. There were actually a couple measurements that were smaller on the Radius. I'm not trying to say the Radius was smaller overall; just showing how close it is.

As for the other stuff, wiring up a push-pull switch is simple and runs about $10. The pups are very good in the Radius. They're different, so it's a taste call, but the PAF/Fred isn't BETTER per se; just different. The old F series were DiMarzios, after all.

The neck - well, as always, it's a taste call. I like the ultra profile better than the JS. But then, I prefer a Carvin better yet, so that's what's on my Radius.

So, if you want a great axe that has a JS vibe, the Radius is great (AND cheap, usually $300-400). If you want to be Satch, spend the $700 and up on a used JS1000.

smorg007 · #8 07-02-2002, 03:55 PM

If you might be interested, I have an RG525 That I might sell that looks quite similar to the later satch models. it has a curved top surface, white pearls finish, coil splitting, 2 volume 1 tone, dual humbuckers, and 24 frets. see a pic here-
http://www.geocities.com/xcvxcv65/ib...25-530-600.htm

its the one pictured on the left. good condition, not great, but plays really nice. if anyone might be interested, gimme an email to smorgasbord007@ameritech.net
its a cheaper alternative to a JS1000, and much better quality than the korean ones.
later,
scott