Info on 540 Radius

John C · #1 12-09-2008, 01:22 PM

Jemsite/Ibanez folks,

I've come across what appears to be a circa 1990 540 Radius HH model in very good condition. It has all the things I remember a late 80s/early 90s 540 should have - IBZ/USA pickups, Edge trem, black hardware on the Radius, etc. It's candy red, which I remember being a pretty common color. According to the listing it has a hard case, but I have no idea if it's an Ibanez case or something else.

What should I be looking for on these - any problem areas, things that could have worn out over the years, etc? What would be a reasonable price?

Thanks!

EDIT: Sorry; called the pickups "IBZ/DMZ" instead of "IBZ/USA"

seaninsjca · #2 12-09-2008, 05:34 PM

Basic cracks at the neck joint is all I'd really "worry about" as much as it affected all the Ibanez guitars of that time period. I bought one new in 1991 (H-S-S) and played it in clubs for over 10 yrs and only ever replaced the 5 way switch about 8 yrs in. I did change the bridge pickup to a PAF as soon as I got it, but that was a personal choice. It's one of the guitars I will NEVER sell, it's just that good.

I watch for these on the bay all the time and it's rare to see them go for less than $400.

John C · #3 12-09-2008, 10:39 PM

I looked at this one on my way home from work tonight; it is in pretty good shape. The neck has been either played in or polished to a glossy finish (like a lot of satin lacquered necks get after use); some light scratches on the back but it is in what I would call very good condition. Now for what I consider the "bad news" - while the neck pickup is the original IBZ/USA F1 the bridge pickup has been swapped out for what appears to be a DiMarzio X2N rail pickup - a pickup I've never much cared for. The Edge appears to be in good shape to my untrained eye (I've only had one guitar with a Floyd, and it was a Peavey Wolfgang I had about 9 years ago).

I don't think I'm going to take a run at it; it didn't grab me like 540 Radius models did back in the day even though the price is right ($350 with case). I'm just looking for a play-around third guitar, not a project that includes a pickup replacement.

ashbass · #4 12-11-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John C

I looked at this one on my way home from work tonight; it is in pretty good shape. The neck has been either played in or polished to a glossy finish (like a lot of satin lacquered necks get after use); some light scratches on the back but it is in what I would call very good condition. Now for what I consider the "bad news" - while the neck pickup is the original IBZ/USA F1 the bridge pickup has been swapped out for what appears to be a DiMarzio X2N rail pickup - a pickup I've never much cared for. The Edge appears to be in good shape to my untrained eye (I've only had one guitar with a Floyd, and it was a Peavey Wolfgang I had about 9 years ago).

I don't think I'm going to take a run at it; it didn't grab me like 540 Radius models did back in the day even though the price is right ($350 with case). I'm just looking for a play-around third guitar, not a project that includes a pickup replacement.

If there were no blemishes on the front I'd hit it in a second for 350. The HH models are more rare to find than the HSS configuration. You almost never see an HH on ****. You should jump on it, sell the pup you don't want one **** and use the money to put in another F1 if you want it or another pup altogether. If you don't want it, where is it :-) Send me a pm and I'll get busy with it myself.

John C · #5 12-15-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbass

If there were no blemishes on the front I'd hit it in a second for 350. The HH models are more rare to find than the HSS configuration. You almost never see an HH on ****. You should jump on it, sell the pup you don't want one **** and use the money to put in another F1 if you want it or another pup altogether. If you don't want it, where is it :-) Send me a pm and I'll get busy with it myself.

ashbass - PM sent.

ashbass · #6 12-15-2008, 06:32 PM

It's a nice radius. A kit model I believe. It has the HH pup configuration but has a blade switch instead of of the typical gibson-like toggle switch. Otherwise I'd buy for sure. It's on the auction site listed incorrectly right now. 270316883618 if interested. It's a clean example folks. Should make someone happy.

John C · #7 12-15-2008, 08:38 PM

Ashbass - you know I didn't even pay attention to the fact that it had a blade switch instead of the toggle switch; I think you're right that it's a parts guitar, not an original. Sorry for the false alarm guys.

ashbass · #8 12-15-2008, 11:08 PM

No, I think it is original. Ibanez for a few years allowed users to custom spec their guitars. No doubt the neck pocket of the body of this guitar says "KIT". It's not a production model, but it is factory stock I'm sure. A nice find really.

John C · #9 12-16-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbass

No, I think it is original. Ibanez for a few years allowed users to custom spec their guitars. No doubt the neck pocket of the body of this guitar says "KIT". It's not a production model, but it is factory stock I'm sure. A nice find really.

Thanks for that info; I never realized that the average player could get customized pieces from Ibanez; I thought your name had to be Vai, Gilbert, Satriani, etc.

I don't know if this helps ID the guitar, but the serial number is on the neck plate. Frankly I can't remember when Ibanez changed to headstock serial number decals on the bolt-ons.

jazzedout · #10 12-17-2008, 12:51 AM

Correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it these weren't really custom guitars. Ibanez USA had a large parts bin of normal Japanese parts and mixed and matched various parts according to customers needs. I guess it is what many on this forum do anyway, getting a neck from one model and the body from an other and building the guitar that suits them better.