Is This A Good Buy?

[CliffinaticA]

My current guitar is an Ibanez GAX70(i know...AHHHH!!!) w/ a seymour duncan SH10 in the bridge.

I'm strapped for cash but I want a new guitar. I found a new-i.e. never been used- 2002 model Ibanez RGT42 for $299.00.
They are getting rid of it becasue the new models have an Edge Pro II bridge. That's the only difference between the two models.

I know the edge is alot better than the trs2, but the new models cost near $600. And i can install all new pickups and an edge or original floyd for around $300.

I know it's korean and the lo trs II sucks. but for $300?

Should I get it?
Would it be a vast improvement over my GAX?

[MehYam]

Look around a bit, and you'll find a closeout 2002 RG570 for $360. Great deal.

[pawel]

The RGT42 would be a big step up from your current guitar, but i'd recomment looking for a used or closeout RG5XX...

[jammer]

Be patient and wait for a good 5xx. Stay away from the dreaded TRS!! You'll be glad that you did.

[darren wilson]

If you're into fixed bridges, the RGT42 is a decent guitar with the trem blocked. If you really want to use the trem, get a 2003 RGT42 with the new Edge Pro II.

[erikm5150]

Originally Posted by MehYam

Look around a bit, and you'll find a closeout 2002 RG570 for $360. Great deal.

i'll second that... just a few bucks more, and you've stepped up to a really good guitar. for that price it's a steal

[Scott 74]

Shop around, and you'll find a great deal on a used RG5XX. May take awhile, but you'll be alot happier in the long run

[dcord]

I think $300 is a steal for a neck through. I'd go for it. Ignore the "TRS is junk" hype, a good set up will avoid most tuning problems...

~d~

[SV300]

Originally Posted by dcord

I think $300 is a steal for a neck through. I'd go for it. Ignore the "TRS is junk" hype, a good set up will avoid most tuning problems...

~d~

... but will still leave you with bad sustain and tone from the TRS

[grim]

Get whichever you prefer dude, the RGT42 or the ol' RG570. I'm living over in Aus, and with the horrible conversion rate, guitars are super expensive. More than double (dunno why, maybe the import tax). I got myself a 570 for a great deal, either way, pick up a 2002 model while you can.

The guy at the store says he'll be stocking the 2002 models 'till they run out in approx. 8 months! so take your time.

I tried a TRS during my purchasing spree. I'm uncou and didn't know which was better. But the edge feels so much firmer, really heavy-set. Shop for a bargain

[dcord]

Originally Posted by SV300

... but will still leave you with bad sustain and tone from the TRS

Simply not true - this is a perfect example of the negative hype. Sustain and tone in an electric guitar with a floating trem are more dependent on pickup selection. The TRS is virtually identical in feel and tone/sustain to an original Floyd Rose.

In the end, the guy should buy what sounds best to *his* ears and fits best in *his* budget, not ours. Given the *$500* price difference between last years closeout models with the TRS and the 2003 models with the Edge II, I'd take the 2002. Hell, I'd probably take TWO.

~d~

[jemsite]

i guess it's a "good deal" if you don't mind Korean made ibz axes. I personally would pass, pass, pass on them, especially when MIJ equivalents are plentiful new and used. (I also don't buy the neck-thru hype on a floating trem but that' another post).... glen

[DirtyBird31]

Well my TRS has been a nightmare...

The E string and G string pop out at least once a week it seems, I've had it for a month and some weeks and I've gone through 5 G strings and 4 high E strings.

The most irritating thing is that it seems like Im the only one who has ever had this happen. 1 step bends rip that E string out all the time. I've even taken the saddle apart and sanded the block perfectly flat and inspected for debris and what not, and found NOTHING. I really like the guitar though, so I dont want to return it, it's just those damn saddles! Great tone...

So buy if you want, chances are you'll get one that works fine just like other 99. 6% of us.

But another thing, perhaps a bit more substantial is the fact that when I took the bridge off to do work on it, I was absolutely MORTIFIED at the amount of wear on those TRS knife edges. there's a pretty big chunk taken out of each side and I've never made any height adjustments to it. It's only a couple of months old, and Im not even that brutal with it given the problems I have with it. Just a dive bomb or two a day at most...

[SinTrade]

Originally Posted by CliffinaticA

My current guitar is an Ibanez GAX70(i know...AHHHH!!!) w/ a seymour duncan SH10 in the bridge.

ahh that is a true classic those were the times :P

[SV300]

Originally Posted by dcord

Simply not true - this is a perfect example of the negative hype. Sustain and tone in an electric guitar with a floating trem are more dependent on pickup selection. The TRS is virtually identical in feel and tone/sustain to an original Floyd Rose.

Could you explain why i feel that my axe has better tone with the OFR in it??

Seroiusly, the notes were significantly fuller, not thinned out like it was back when i had the TRS in it.