SA and AT models

[Dinosaur]

Surprisingly, it looks like noone notices those new models in the SA series like the SA1260 Prestige and the Andy Timmons models, which looks like modded SAs anyway.

The main advantage of the SA160 is the perfect playability and comfort, thanks to the light weight. How are these pricier models compared to the first SA160 pieces with the mahogany body (they started using nato now) in terms of sound and weight?

I also found a deal for an S1620 for 800euros. It says it's a 10/07/2004 model with the ZR trem, but they have been already discussed here for their increased mass/weight, and I hope this isn't the case with the new SA models. What a pity the SC models are no more.

[vaijem777]

You might want to look under the appropriate topic since these guitars are actually Prestige models

AT300 thread: http://www.jemsite.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=32896


The differences between the AT300 and the S1620 have also been discussed at length:

-The AT300 is NOT an "S" body. It's more of an arched-RG with rounded horns (similar to a rounded RG-ARCH1)
-The AT300 has completely different electronics & control setup
-The Wilkinson/Gotoh bridge on the AT300 has a very different feel than the cheesy SAT Pro
-Then there are little things like a completely different neck, the inlays, Sperzel locking tuners, etc.

More here:http://www.jemsite.com/phpbb/viewtop...&start=175

[darren wilson]

In photographs (and thus, in the catalogs, where most people get their first exposure to a new model), these two guitars are more alike than they are different.

More subtle differences may be apparent with the guitars in your hands, but 90% of players will not get that opportunity, because the dealers won't carry a guitar that superficially looks very close to a guitar that sells for $1000 less.

[vaijem777]

Yup-there's simply no arguing that the front shots do look very similar. That's just poor marketing on Ibanez' part and one more reason that the AT300 probably will not sell terribly well.

[jemsite]

that is a nice comparison shot (of two decent looking axes).

unfortunately it's also another indictment on the ineptitude of ibanez marketing & pricing. to many the cheaper axe is insufficient, whereas the pricier AT is well "overpriced" ... glen

[OlafLenk]

wow, this is a really beautiful guitar!!!!!!

Do you think it is suited for metal?

[vaijem777]

The AT300 is certainly a very versatile guitar, but I honestly wouldn't recommend it as a metal axe. It's terrific for blues and fusion, and is a great all-around rock guitar. But, if you're focus is metal, I'd still stick with an RG-type model.

[Dinosaur]

So I guess the AT300 is not a feather-light guitar like the SA160... what about the SA1260? Even HC has only one review about it.

[Kontalonis]

I know this has probably been answered but why are two of the screws that hold the bridge in missing? I know that on the vintage fenders there is a screw for every string.

[vaijem777]

It's probably for much the same reason that the JEM has a Monkey Grip. The guitar is a signature model and I suppose that that's the way Andy Timmons likes his trems. It's not at all uncommon to remove the middle (4) screws on vintage Strat trems (in fact, I've been doing that for a good 10 years or so). It changes the feel a bit, but it's all down to personal preferences in the end.

http://www.jemsite.com/phpbb/viewtop...&start=140

[jim777]

Couldn't they get the volume knob on the AT300 any closer to the bridge pickup?

[vaijem777]

Again- it's a signature model designed with/by the artist. Mr. Timmons was doing some mean pedal-steel swells when demoing the Mesa Stiletto amps at Winter NAMM. The volume knob placement definitely makes those swells much more comfortable to perform.

[darren wilson]

The volume control is pretty much where it is on a Strat. Personally, i like having my volume control close enough that i can do pinky swells without having to stretch. But if you're not into that sort of thing, i can see how it would be ergonomically inappropriate for some players.

vaijem777, could you snap a few photos of your AT that show the body shape a bit better?

[vaijem777]

It's a bit dark, but:



I'll try to get a side-profile pic this weekend. It's basically the same width/thickness as an RG. Of course, the fact that it has a standard RG-style input jack would show that it's considerably thicker than a standard "S" body

[jim777]

Obviously I was being facetious, but the knob very nearly covers a bit of the pickup cavity. As an artist model I'm sure it's exactly where Andy likes it, it just takes an odd photo. I'd be surprised if you could jimmy a pickup ring on that humbucker without moving the knob.
At any rate, it was a whimsical observation and not meant to spark a discussion, so I'll just back out now.....