Help in building my Lefty 91 550.

[shepard0620]

Just got my 91 MIJ 550 Square Heel (NO HARDWARE) and need some assitance with building. I am willing to spend cash but want to ensure I am getting quality and the parts that will fit the first time!

1. Have heard nothing but great things about ET! I have spoken with them and they seem to be very professional and willing to build any custom neck i desire. All they are asking for is the dimensions for the pocket and they will build. They also mentioned that they have seen different dimensions in the RG's even from the same year! I don't really want to ship my body to Austrailia($$$) when I should be able to get the dimensions correct for them.
a. Are there differences in the dimensions of the pockets of each and every 550 guitar that Ibanez made that year or would the stock dimensions given by the company be sufficient enough to ensure I get a tight fit for my new neck? What is the best way to measure the pocket(Ruler,....??) I just want to ensure I get it right for ET and not have an improperly sized neck?

2. What are my Trem options FOR A 91 RG? I am not sure what was on it but hope that an Edge will fit with no mods needed. If not, will an OFR fit?

3. Any recommendations for best quality paint company and clear coat to get after I strip off the current "Only Black for the Lefties" coat????

Appreciate your time!

[Lefty Robb]

1. Honestly I would just send him everything because he can paint it too, including swirls! I've never had any neck joint issues and I've put everything from real Jem necks, to right and left handed necks on the same lefty 550 body...

2. Original and lo-pro.

3. see #1. no, really, have him swirl it.

[shepard0620]

Thanks Robb!
I think I will just send it all to them and work their magic. Plus it will ensure a better fit than if I attempt to meassure the pocket.

Any opinions on either the Edge Lo pro or the OFR?

Any other opinions on loading up the hardware on this as far as pots, tuners, .............?

Lookin for the best sustain and overall performance as I can get.

[rvai]

edge or lo pro will fit without modifications, i think that with original he meant original edge, not OFR, get everything gotoh like the prestige ibanez, as for the posts, sometimes the trem comes with them, if not get a set of locking studs from rich

[Lefty Robb]

Yeah, my bad, Original Edge...theres no point in trying to put a OFR on it when the Edges will look, fit, feel and work better, besides, I'm fairly sure the spacing is different. Gotoh is great, I know rich has a set or 2 ibanez lefty tuners left, not sure if they are Gotoh or not. You can get good quality electronic parts from Stew Mac or Warmoth. Hardest thing to find will probably be a left handed nut.

[shepard0620]

Thanks Robb and RVAI! I appreciate your time.
Think I am about good now. Can't wait to get this thing up and running!