RG5EX1 worth buying?

killa j · #1 10-23-2009, 02:05 AM

As the title says, I'm wondering if the RG5EX1 is worth getting. I'm left handed, and Ibanez doesn't have a ton of lefties available.

A few years ago (well, maybe around 6), I used to have an RG1570L that I liked. I sold it when I went through a phase of wanting just hardtails, and I kinda regret it - especially looking at the prices now.

So, my main concern is the hardware on the RG5EX1. I can't find much info on it (it appears to only be available through GC/MF) as far as reviews go. Plus, I wouldn't trust any reviews on Harmony Central, as they are owned by MF. How reliable is the Edge III? And how about the fretboard and fretwork? I'm not too worried about pickups, since I change out pickups on pretty much every guitar I get.

Should I just save up and get an RG1550ML? I haven't used a tremolo in years, and don't think this will end up being my main guitar, but I do run into songs that need it occasionally.

Brambram · #2 10-23-2009, 02:40 AM

Although it is a model 'specially built' for GC, it's still a indonesian (?) RG with regular RG370DX-like specs. All reviews on those guitars probably also aply on this one. There are always things you can work around (replacing pickups and tremolo, giving it a fret dress, etc.) but that doesn't really add value to your guitar as much as it burdens your wallet. I don't know how good the used lefty RG market is where you live, but 400 USD probably shouldn't be that much removed of a decent RG570L or something like that.

killa j · #3 10-23-2009, 07:49 PM

I thought it was basically just a better looking RG370DX. I've been checking on **** for a while, but haven't found many lefties other than the low end stuff. I guess I'll wait around for an RG1570 or RG1550 to come up used.

**jim777** · #4 10-23-2009, 08:03 PM

there's a lefty Jem and JS coming too

killa j · #5 10-24-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim777

there's a lefty Jem and JS coming too

I got really excited when I saw that. Then, I saw the prices...

:'(

killa j · #6 10-24-2009, 02:21 PM

http://cgi.eb$y.com/ws/eb$yISAPI.dll...tchlink:top:en

So this just came up for sale. I've never seen a lefty RG1570 in that color, so I bought it. My RG1570 wasn't a Team J Craft, so I wonder if it's any nicer than my previous one. Either way, I was happy with that one, so I'm sure this one will be nice.

I'm not sure if it's OK to link to the auction since it's closed. If it's not, please just let me know or delete the link. If it's OK, then change the two "$"s to "a"s in the link to see what I just bought.