How do Indonesian models stack up?

[Brando Clean]

Let me qualify my question:

I am looking to buy a new Ibanez, one with no history and no issues. Problem is that my local stores usually only stock up to Korean made and below. I tried a Jem awhile back and liked it very much but was not in the market at that time. Now it is gone. I can buy a set neck Korean model with double locking trem RGT42DX $700 @ GC. That one played nice, but I do not want a painted neck. The 14 fret was also high and I want a winner off the rack. I do not plan to switch pickups out if I don't have to.

Question. I tried a RG2EX2 $300 @ GC (looks sort of like a Paul Gilbert model (hardtail H-H PU config) ... no painted F-holes...sigh..

Anyhow, it made me question getting a guitar with a Floyd. Not that it is out of the question. I also played a RG5EX1 $550 and really liked that too.

So I was thinking, "Made in Indonesia..." (grimace). I LOVED the way the Indonesian models played. The reason why I questioned the purchase is because in Fender world "made in Indonesia" can be really bad. The GC clerk told me that as far as quality conrol goes the Ibanez are much better than the Fender dollar for dolllar.

I agree.

Should I even be concerned about buying an Indonesian Ibanez? I have 2 kids who constantly bump and break my stuff. I think I would be a nervous wreck if I got a real Jem. I really want an RG below $1000.00 . However I want a great guitar. I am an intermediate player. I am ready to pull the trigger on the RG2EX2, but was really looking for a trem guitar.

Long time lurker, second time poster. Go ahead murder me.

[giannifive]

I think the quality control on the Indonesian models is less consistent than the Korean or Japanese. I tried out an RG3EXQM1 in the store a few months back, expecting it to be total junk based on what I'd heard online. Much to my surprise it was very well done with no egregiously high or low frets (could still get 2mm action on the 24th fret). I was so surprised I inspected everything thoroughly: neck bow profile, fret levelness, finish, etc. While it's obviously it's made on the cheap (the neck joint screw holes were drilled *after* clearcoating), it was still very playable. I ended up buying it and after a pickup change and swap for shorter saddle height screws it's one of my favorite guitars (all my other guitars are MIJ RGs).

Now trems on the MII models are a different story. It's hard to make a good trem, which is why I'll on play MIJ trems. I've never played the Edge3, but I've heard mixed things about it's durability and construction.

My advice to you is to inspect every aspect of the guitar you're thinking of purchasing. If you need to adjust the action, etc., bring the tools and do it in the store to make sure everything works as expected. You might just get lucky with the RG2EX2.

[screamndemon69]

They don't stack up to the Korean or MIJ standards but for the price they are solid axes. Hard to beat for a new guitar price

[atimoc]

I have one Indonesian model, for the price it's not bad at all. It's a hardtail though, I posted some thoughts here if you're interested: http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65640

[arnoroth661]

When I consider MIJ/MIK/MII models, I think of it as hit/miss. For example:

My RG4EX1 (MII): Miss
My RG7321 (MII): Hit
My AW100 (MIK): definite Hit, I love it.

Hit meaning success, ofcourse, and miss meaning, well...

[FloridaNative]

one on top of the other.

[andy7jem]

Originally Posted by FloridaNative

one on top of the other.

Good one

I have a friend who is half Indonesian.....and she is beautiful

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by andy7jem

Good one

I have a friend who is half Indonesian.....and she is beautiful

Does she lay on top of other half Indonesians?

[screamndemon69]

I've seen a few stacked Indonesians

BTW - nice one Jen

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by screamndemon69

I've seen a few stacked Indonesians

BTW - nice one Jen

hehehehehehe I'll bet you have! Thanks btw. unfortunately I have to kill you now for blowing my cover, though. Pity, I liked you, but hey, at least now I get your RFR finally.

[screamndemon69]

D'oH!!!

Let me rewrite my will and I will put your name on it

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by screamndemon69

D'oH!!!

Let me rewrite my will and I will put your name on it

Oh don't trouble yourself on my account, I'll just take your guitars with me when I come to whack you. Thanks anyway though.

[andy7jem]

No-one told me it was whacking day

[screamndemon69]

Hey Andy, it's whacking day

[andy7jem]

Thanks bro

We don't get many snakes in this part of the world though