RG 4xx MIJ once again?

[RedTiger]

Someone in a post I started said that their Ibanez dealer told them the RG 4xx series starting next year would be made in Japan. Research tells me that they actually used to be made in Japan before being switched to Korea.

I find this compelling for many reasons, can anyone confirm/deny this...or at least keep the rumor going until we find out for sure?

[LonePhantom]

The RG4XX series originally started in Japan in 93, Korea from 94-96, and then back to Japan up until 2003 (think those were the years).

I'd be surprised if the 4XX series moves back to Japan again.

[newbieguitarmaker]

I thought that Cort closed its doors in Korea so the lower end Ibanezes were to be made in Indonesia.

[LonePhantom]

Yeah that's right, they are Indonesian since they started the series again.

[psychoshredder]

patience.. patience...

wait till nov 19, I will take some pic if i allowed to do that.

[RedTiger]

Originally Posted by psychoshredder

patience.. patience...



wait till nov 19, I will take some pic if i allowed to do that.

If you know something we don't, you better fess up on the 19th!

[Ironjose]

hmmm i guess that could be an awesone news... but it could also mean something new to the series... maybe edge pro instead of the edge3??? V pups???

[psychoshredder]

nov 19 is the day of the expo starts.
normally on the expo, they allow us to take pics , right? so be patience, I'll go there to check out some amps, and the new RG 4XX as well.

[RedTiger]

Pictures would be cool. I'd be happy with just a confirmation.

[psychoshredder]

dude,
I'm sorry unable to take picture, I was arriving too early, the expo just opened, and the people was busy moving things around.

So, regarding the RG 4XX MIJ , and yes it is RG 450, with ingredients :
TRS kind- tremolo
V6 series pickups
Flat finish
Wizard II kind neck.
dot inlays
rosewood
black pickguard

I talked to the salesman, it's available in 3 options : black ( the one I saw at the expo), red, and blue.

It has TEAM J CRAFT thing on the back of the headstock, and yes..it was made in Japan, with serial number indicated 2009 production.

I would say, based on the ingredients, it's more like MIJ RG 350 from the past, instead of RG 450.
The price is around USD 580,nett price.

conclusion : the new RG 450 is downgrade version of previous RG 450. For that kind of money, I will recommend it against any MII RG 4XX/ 3XX.

[newbieguitarmaker]

I don't see too much of a point having it MIJ if it has parts like a 350. Unless they use that fact to raise price?

[psychoshredder]

I don't know if this guitar will available worldwide or just for some asian market only.
It reminds me of the MIJ RG250LTD back in 2001 something... it's not listed in any catalogue, but it was there in the market at that moment..

[psychoshredder]

Originally Posted by newbieguitarmaker

I don't see too much of a point having it MIJ if it has parts like a 350. Unless they use that fact to raise price?

well, for the local market ( here in indonesia), i think it's an option for those who wants mid price MIJ RG guitar.
before, we only had RG 1570 as the cheapest MIJ RG available, and it's around USD 800 ++.

[Shredder87]

Good news, I would imagine (if not hope) that being MIJ it will be of slightly higher quality than MII.

If it means better quality then I'd love to see most Ibanez production getting moved back to Japan. Bring back the Gotoh Edge Pro!

'87

[RedTiger]

Thanks for the follow-up psychoshredder! I'm also wondering if this MIJ RG 450 will be something available outside of asia. The T J Craft thing is interesting. Would that mean its made in the same factor by the same people who make the Prestiges and signature models?