RG421 or SZ520QM....which would you buy?

[blue2]

The rg421 or SZ520QM?

[darren wilson]

I'd get the SZ, mainly because i don't like the RG's pointiness.

[Petie]

I've played both, and have collected RGs for ten years, but I would say go for the SZ, they're fantastic playing and sounding guitars. I played one unplugged in a store and if I had the money I would have walked out with it before even hearing it through an amp.

[blue2]

especially for a beginner who's been playing about
18 months.?

[darren wilson]

Play them both and pick the one that feels and sounds best to you. In my opinion, it's never too soon to get a "good" guitar... having a really good instrument inspires you to play and learn. If you have to fight the guitar or you don't like the way it looks/sounds/plays, you'll be a lot less inclined to play and grow.

Strangely, though, as i've matured, i find i've swung the other way. Yeah, i still like really expensive instruments, but i also enjoy the cheaper, weird, quirky guitars as well.

[blue2]

which of the two would you buy? Are they pretty much equal
quality wise.?

[darren wilson]

They're pretty much equal in terms of quality, but are very different guitars in many ways. The RG is basswood with a super-thin bolt-on maple neck, the SZ is mahogany with a maple top and a more chunky set mahogany neck.

I would prefer the SZ, but you might not.

[Ibateur]

If you already have an RG (i.e. basswood), go for the SZ. I would go for the SZ. My only issue would be the change in neck profile/thickness. But, I am thinking of getting one anyway

[Petie]

The SZ is basically a Les Paul with a different body shape, when you get down to it. Play them both though, you can't go wrong with either, and one will probably feel better for your personal needs. Either way you'll end up with a kickass guitar.

[Anders_destium]

I would definately go for the SZ520. There are tens of different RG-types, and only 2 SZ types.

If you keep on playing I think your next guitar will be a more expensive one, and that's where prestige RG's come into the radar. I played a RG470 for a couple of years, but when I bought a better RG the RG470 became obsolete. You won't have that problem with a SZ520, that's a keeper!

[blue2]

How about the SZ320? It's the same as the SZ520 except
the black finish instead of the quilted pattern isn't it?

[Petie]

Yeah, they're pretty much the exact same guitar but the maple top on the black one isn't all fancy-looking like the other so they paint over it.

[darren wilson]

As much as i like quilt tops, i don't care much for the colours on the SZ520, and don't like that inlay much. A deeper, richer stain might have done it for me, along with no inlay at all. (Starting to get into standard-scale Mushok territory there.)

The black SZ320 has classic looks that you'll never get tired of. And it will sound and perform pretty much identically to its higher-numbered sibling.

[wilch]

I'd say play them both and buy the one that *you* like more.

"Go with the RG421", is what I'd normally say. But I'm biassed, I bought a 421 mid this year, and I LOVE it.

The SZ to me feels too much like a Les Paul, and I don't like Les Pauls. But yeah. Play both guitars, and choose the one that *you* like best.

wil..

[JESTER700]

Originally Posted by wilch

I'd say play them both and buy the one that *you* like more.

"Go with the RG421", is what I'd normally say. But I'm biassed, I bought a 421 mid this year, and I LOVE it.

The SZ to me feels too much like a Les Paul, and I don't like Les Pauls. But yeah. Play both guitars, and choose the one that *you* like best.

wil..

I haven't played an SZ, but isn't it a set neck version of a SC420/620? If so, that's interesting, because I hate Les Pauls too, but I LOVE my SC620!