RG520IX, possibly JPM prototype

[Konnis]

Hey guys.

I'm considering buying a well used Ibanez, more accurately a RG520IX. I guess it's a rare model, since I can't find much info about it. The guitar was made in 1995, and looks like this:

(the one to the right)

As you can see, it's pretty well used. The guy who is selling it wants about 760$, but Ibanez-prices here in Norway are pretty high, so compare the price with a new S470 (which costs about the same as the used RG520IX here in Norway)
The seller bought this guitar from America a couple of years ago, I think, for 430$.
He already has a bid at 700$.

He thinks that this model could be a JPM prototype. It has DiMarzio (original, not IBZ) pickups, LoPro Edge, 24 frets etc.

So, should I buy it?

[jono]

I'm not an expert on this, but I was under the impression that the artist prototype were easily distinguished by the custom shop info on the back of the headstock. usually with a serial number starting LA (or did I dream that)

Having said that I've never seen a guitar like this before so Id be tempted to pick it up for its rarity value

Looks like a really good workhorse to me

[Konnis]

The serial number is F504005. It's made in Japan.

I think it looks pretty cool, so I am considering buying it whether it's JPM prototype or not. But I don't want to pay a lot more for it than it's worth.

[TAorama]

Interesting neck - fully bound with no inlay? Don't think I've seen that on a production guitar. And certainly a JPM-ish knob layout.

[jazzedout]

Cool guitar and really nice neck with no inlays... Truth is I've never seen one like this either. There were some RGs with the JPM control layout IIRC some 520 and 620 models with sapele tops, but I do remember these had regular RG necks with no binding and inlays.

[sers]

I like it... Buy It
Love the look of the "naked" neck

[Konnis]

Yey, I bought it. 760$. The guy sent me some new pictures, it is not as damaged as it looks like in those first pictures. I think the flash from the camera made the scratches look far worse. New picture of the body without flash:

[jazzedout]

Nice... I am really curious about what will be written in the neck pocket and the body of this RG...

[Ayrton]

Proto or not, very cool guitar for the money.

Nice score.

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

Very nice score indeed. I really like the bound neck with no inlays.

Rock on!

[marianozz]

Beautiful guitar, JPM controls, bound neck with no inlays... love it!

[TAorama]

I'd be interested to see what's stamped or written in the neck pocket.

[Konnis]

It says RG520IX in the pocket, as far as I know.