Difference between SC420 and SC620? - Is one the cheapo mode

[babahi]

Are they both Japanese models?

Is the 420 the lower-end model?

All I can see is that the 420 doesn't have recessed pots and the input jack is off to the side.

Does it play any differently?

Any info would be well appreciated, I have no clue and need a fixed-bridge S-guitar!

Thanks
Eric

[JESTER700]

Actually, it DOES have the same pots & input jack design as the 620, and IS Japanese. *Differences:

No neck binding
pearl dots instead of fancy pearl/abalone inlays
ibanez logo isn't a pearl inlay
neck is flatsawn
headstock is black paint, not rosewood face
chrome instead of gold hardware
rosewood fingerboard instead of ebony
different. non flamed finish

That sounds like a lot, but really it's mostly cosmetic. *IMO they sound the same and feel very similar. *The biggies are the fretboard & neck wood cut. *New, I'd probably save my money & get the 420, but I got a great deal on a used 620, so...

Now, the SCA220 IS a very different beast. *Korean made, lesser (and heavier) wood, etc. *Unless you're after a starter guitar, I'd avoid that one.

[babahi]

Thanks for the answer, Jester. I realise I asked the wrong question... I meant the 220 and the 420. But you answered that already, so many thanks to you! I'll be getting the 420 then, not the 220, if it's a hunk of junk. That's the one that I meant has a different input jack.

Eric

[JESTER700]

Well, I might have been a little harsh on the 220. *I mean, as a starter guitar it's probably good - Ibanez non-sig low enders are pretty good bang for the buck. *But it's definitely in a different class. *I can see someone actually preferring a 420 over a 620 for reasons other than cost. *Not so with the 220.

[babahi]

Ok, I'm confused. Is this one the 220? It has an AANJ and the seller claims it's from Japan:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...tem=1494693443

Which one is this?

[kuma]

That's the SCA220. *I believe they are actually made in Japan. *Biggest difference, however, is that the back of the SCA is not contoured like the regular S and SC bodies, it's just flat. *Also has extra-junky PUs, below the V1 and V2 of the 420. *

Other differences...the SCA is rear-routed. *The SCs actually have top-mount knobs and switches, with a very small hole in the back where the wires were connected underneath. *The SCA also has plastic mounting rings, while the SC have metal.

I've never played the 220, but I've played a couple 420s and they're nice guitars. *I'd avoid the 220 personally...too low on the Ibanez food chain. *

[JESTER700]

Sorry - my bad on the country of origin.

At just over $250 it's probably a good buy, but I wouldn't go over $300 for it - too many better used axes available for $300. *You COULD replace the pups with better ones if you get some good used ones cheap.

New it's $483! *I've seen used SC620s go from $500-600!

[germX]

i remember posting a "SC620 vs SC420" here a while ago, obviously, i was on the verge of acquiring the 620 but was terribly disappointed when it's discontinued. :angryfire: subsequently many posters advised that the 420 would make a great substitute if cosmetic superiority is not a must.

i own one S540, i'm very happy with the tone & feel of the S body but would like to own something similar without the whammy. it's great that Ibanez offers the SC range, thought that i still could get that certain Frank Gambale signature with a fixed bridge... *but that's way history. :bash:

babahi, if you are driven to get the SCA instead, i'd suggest you check out the SA range of guitars instead. IMO, it's a better deal... godd luck :mc:

[babahi]

From what I see here and otherwise (harmony-central) I won't be touching the SCA. I need this thing for a couple of European festival gigs this summer, perhaps a Japanese-European tour in the spring. If the guitar sucks, then...

You guys on this forum are all the greatest, thanks for the help! I appreciate as much info as possible on this.

Eric