RG321 vs. RGA121

lttoler · #1 04-14-2008, 07:02 PM

What are the main differences in these guitars besides the top shape. I would be replacing the pickups in either one. Is there any differences in the necks? Some of the RG's I've played had too thin of necks...

Ironjose · #2 04-14-2008, 07:07 PM

i would have to say the finish and in some cases the wood,

lttoler · #3 04-14-2008, 07:26 PM

The finish also wouldnt matter too much, I would repaint the RG321 if I got it. Can anyone else give any comments?

rvai · #4 04-14-2008, 09:11 PM

prestige vs non prestige

wilch · #5 04-14-2008, 09:17 PM

Bridge is also different. Feels different to palm mute on.

When it comes down to it, do you want a archtop or not?

I don't like arch-top guitars, which is why I chose to buy an RG421.

lttoler · #6 04-15-2008, 10:50 AM

Okay, are the newer RG321's good quality? Are they made well?

wilch · #7 04-15-2008, 06:57 PM

I think it's much of a muchness... Hit or miss with quality (more hit than miss these days going on the stuff I've read on this forum).

Just make sure you play a 321 before you buy it.

I played an RGR321 (the flamey one with the reverse headstock) a little while back. Was comparable to my 421, but the neck felt thicker? I dunno.

johliatay · #8 04-15-2008, 07:54 PM

I have the RGA121 and it is my favorite guitar right now. The neck is incredibly fast and the guitar just feels right. I get fantastic sustain and I like the Gibraltar bridge. I did change the pick-ups to Alnico II's and it gives a real mellow tone that is great for blues and can dirty up really good with slight distortion.
Right now I would say it gives me the most satisfaction of all of my guitars.

Laionel · #9 04-16-2008, 03:37 AM

It's sad that RG1521 are limited to japan...

lttoler · #10 04-18-2008, 12:30 AM

How is the neck profile on the 121? What would be some good pickup replacements besides the Alnico IIs?

Zero 7 · #11 04-18-2008, 07:46 AM

The neck on my 321 is insanely nice to play.

johliatay · #12 04-18-2008, 08:30 AM

The neck on the 121 is a Wizard Neck and SUPER thin. and I think the 321 is a Wizard II. As for the pups. I would check out Dimarzio or Seymour Duncan's web sites and play around there. Dimarzio's website has a "Pickup Picker" on their site and let's you enter some info about your guitar and style of play and what you want as far as sound and then provides you with some suggestions. At Seymour Duncan's website, you can actually listen to them. Granted they sound different in differnt guitars, but you will get a good idea of the sounds.

shrediqette · #13 04-18-2008, 11:02 AM

no contest, the RGA 121 will destroy the RG321. First off you're getting a Prestige guitar which I assume will be made in Japan rather than Indonesia (a signifiant difference in worksmanship). You get the prestige 5 piece neck which is cool enough. But the main difference and the most important difference is the bridge. The gibraltar plus bridge on the 121 is by far the best an most comfortable hard-tail bridge I have ever played. I've got an RGA321F right now and its pretty awesome, very comfortable, plays great. IMO the RG321 is an ok guitar, but in comparison the the RGA is gets blown out of the water.

Twebbz · #14 04-18-2008, 02:43 PM

I have an RGA121VLF and it's neck is the thinest. I love it, nice satin finish too. I replaced my pickups with DiMarzio Breeds, swaped out those cheap pots too.