my new guitar ---> RT-650

spacenuke · #1 10-26-2002, 07:58 PM

I just picked up a used RT-650 today and i'm already so in love with it!!

1993, MIJ, Alder body with blue Gravure top.

It's in almost mint condition, but the original whammy bar is missing, which probably doesn't matter anyway since i'm going to have the bridge blocked.

The viper neck feels awesome, even better than the wizard neck on my RG550 (which has been my #1 for 13 years).

i wonder why Ibanez stopped making them. =\

dcord · #2 10-26-2002, 09:15 PM

Quote:

i wonder why Ibanez stopped making them.

Lack of interest/sales of all things.

These are super cool guitars. I have Evolutions and a locking bridge in mine...

~d~

sniperfrommars1 · #3 10-26-2002, 11:00 PM

As in the floyd rose strat style trem? with no lock nut? I really dig those trems

stratoskier · #4 10-27-2002, 12:39 AM

Hey, I've got an RT650 too, and I agree, these are very high quality guitars. I wouldn't have known the finish was a photo-flame if I hadn't read it here. The Viper necks are really nice. It's funny though how different the "Vipers" feel on different models. It seems like the Viper evolved a bit over the years. At some point, I'm gonna get a digital micrometer and see just how different they really are. Also, can you guys tell me more about the FR locking bridge with no lock nut? Is that similar to the Fender FR bridge?
stratoskier

sniperfrommars1 · #5 10-27-2002, 01:28 AM

Due to the amount of handfinishing that goes into a neck, the necks size varys widely. Almost all necks feel just a little different to me aside from the js1000 necks. something about those necks thats just oddly consistent (imho)

dcord · #6 10-27-2002, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniperfrommars1

As in the floyd rose strat style trem? with no lock nut? I really dig those trems

Yes, it's the Fender Floyd Rose used on the new Strat Plus line, with no locknut. The bridge is a perfect drop in on the RT650. With the locking tuners and the locking bridge, it stays in tune like nobody's business. I've got it set up to float a bit, giving me about a step and a half of pull up. It's a perfect guitar to pretend you're Hendrix or SRV on.

~d~

EDIT - Forgot to mention I found mine on eBay for $15. What a deal.

sniperfrommars1 · #7 10-27-2002, 01:52 AM

The best strat I ever played had one of those on it. Of course nothing on that guitar was stock. It had the emg david gilmour setup, and sperzels, with a wilkaloid nut. I wouldnt use it to do pull ups but great for blues and subtle vibrato. You have a pic of yours?

spacenuke · #8 10-27-2002, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcord

Quote:

i wonder why Ibanez stopped making them.

Lack of interest/sales of all things.

These are super cool guitars. I have Evolutions and a locking bridge in mine...

~d~

They replaced the RT with the RX though, so you think it was just plain lack of interest/sales? maybe the RX is cheaper to make....

i wish they still made RT's.