Japan vs. Korea Ibanez

[codecontra]

Sometimes on ebay, I'll see an RG series Ibanez with a description stating something like "and this is the higher quality model made in Japan". *What the heck are they talking about? *I just bought a new RG570 and it says "Japan" on the back of the headstok. *Aren't they all made in Japan??

[bduersch]

I believe (though I can't prove it) that 500's & up are made in Japan, 400's & lower are made in Korea.

--B

[Doink]

Yep. Korean models are the lower end, Japanese models are the higher end.

[codecontra]

cool, thanks...

[Scott 74]

Then that makes me wonder if you pay almost 800.00 for a JS100 why there being made in Korea? I don't really consider that *a low end guitar???

[jemsite]

Then that makes me wonder if you pay almost 800.00 for a JS100 why there being made in Korea? I don't really consider that *a low end guitar???

I consider any Korean guitar (JS100 among them) low end. You're paying 2x the going rate on a Korean axe because of the "JS name" in this case... glen

[codecontra]

So my RG570's better, right, right?? *C'mon, tell him!!!

[mikek]

I tried a js100, I wouldn't consider it lowend - one thing though, the trem suck! - but u can change that without probs. Cool guitar, only guitar with ibanez pickups that sounds good (in the current line).

[Jimi D]

I've owned many Korean guitars, and though they've improved in the fit and finish department over the years, I think they still use second rate woods and parts as a rule - I certainly haven't seen any Korean guitars that contradict that assertion, anyway. ..

I've played the JS100 and JS700 and didn't particularly like either. Decent enough guitars, I suppose, but hardly stellar for the money... *You can certainly do better, imho. Basically the JS100 is the JEM555 of the Satriani sig lineup, only it doesn't have the signature pickups to redeem it. This is largely why I take my time and buy my guitars used - much more bang for the buck and a secure resale value. Why spend $800 on a Korean JS when you can buy a JEM7DBK for $700 from Kirk? :biggrin:

[Scott 74]

My JS100 being my first Korean made guitar I do haft to say the craftsmanship isn't where it should be considering the price, but I can honestly say the guitar does look great, and it sounds out of this world!! Now if I can just get this damn locking nut fixed LOL! *

[liberty]

I have a RG 505 (Japan) and I think that the biggest difference is the quality. In Korean models it seems that frets are not hand-finished at all but I think that for example the sound is almost the same. Of course parts are different but th Korean guitars are cheaper. IMHO you should buy only Japanese guitars just because the workmanship is much better.

[Doink]

Before someone ask's, the 505 is the overseas 550. I'm pretty sure it's the same exact guitar.

[hermit]

Um, I have a 505 and it has the Edge trem whereas 550 has the Lo-Pro.

[ytsejam]

There were two 550 models last year, the RG550(edge) and the RG550EX(lo-pro edge)
both have super wizard necks, when the 505 has wizard II neck
No other major differences

[Noodles]

Is the super wizard the same as the origional wizard?