SZ520 vs. SZ720

[Clydefrog]

While playing around on Google today, I discovered something that piqued my interest. First, let me get it out of the way that I have an SZ720, pictured here (not actual guitar):

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8...z720fmgjn2.jpg

I am quite happy with it (except for a pickup swap which I will have done in a month or so).

Now, as I said, I was playing with Google, and discovered that Ibanez has recently released a limited edition SZ520 in what is pretty much my favorite color ever, green.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8885/lgisz520qt3.jpg

I've read the specs of the SZ720 and the SZ520, and I honestly cannot see a single difference between them, other than the fact that the SZ520 looks FAR classier with just the 12th-fret inlay and nothing else (as opposed to the SZ720, which has the flame inlay standard).

Does anyone have any experience playing both an SZ720 and an SZ50? I'm seriously debating selling the SZ720 and going for the SZ520, simply because of the color. I mean, Ibanez, offering something other than black/gray/white/dark blue? I'm on it; ESPECIALLY green; ESPECIALLY an SZ.

The pickups are irrelevant, as I would replace them anyway.

Any input? Thoughts? Comments?

[Guitslinger]

The only significant difference is most of the 520 models have a veneer quilt top, where as the 720 has a veneer flame top. The wood underneath the veneer could be the same on both models, so the sound could be identical. I have an SZ720 and an SZ2020.

[screamndemon69]

it's aesthetic - extra binding and i think the pups on the 720 are a lil' upgraded.
i have the 520 (in blue but that green is sweet!) and i haven't changed the pups out yet but plan to before long (JB/'Jazz) as well as upgrad the pots and add locking tuners (sperzel maybe). i might even go the extra mile and buy those nice blue abalone topped chrome knobs to set it off a lil' more.
i think the looks are the biggest difference. if you really want something that is a real upgrade, check out the SZ4020. the store i teach at has one and it is amazing! they have the natural version (they had the grey but sent it back - they originally ordered the natural - go figure?). i am in lOVE with that guitar! i play the 520 in my regular line up on stage and it gets as much playtime as my 7VWH, 777VBK, RGA121 and my Gibson Explorer. i can't imagine what it will play and sound like when i add the upgrades. the 520 is a solid axe and even the 320 (i dig the black - looks classy) would be a nice axe with the same upgrades. the 720 is a lil' much with all the binding kinda like the ESP LTD EC1000 - just too much eye candy (and that is coming from a 7VWH owner!).
sorry for the long winded reply - just can't say enough good stuff about the 520.

[mfergel]

Yup, I really like my 520 as well. I actually play it more than my RGA121. I've also seriously debated getting rid of my ARC300 as I think I play the 520 more than that one as well (but the ARC300 is just so sexy looking). Personally, I like the pups but I may change out the pots as well.

I'd be curious as to what an unfinished neck would feel like on the SZ series.

[Clydefrog]

I can't tell from the models I'm looking at, but do they have fret markers on the side of the fretboard?

[screamndemon69]

always. i don't think i've ever played a guitar that didn't, especially on guitars that don't have fretboard markers.

[mfergel]

yeah, they all have side markers. I thought I would have a tough time with no fret markers but it's really not that bad. Guess it depends on how long you've been playing.

[NickCormier]

yea I have a SZ520 which is pretty good, I just cant get used to non-wizard necks.. so its being sold this week.. Hopefully someone in the classifieds here will be interested =]]

What would a good price be for a SZ520 in ex-condition, duncan jb/jazz pickups and mint TKL case go for? $550 ish?

[screamndemon69]

i doubt you would get that much being a korean guitar. you would be better off keeping the pups or selling them seperately at auction/classifieds and putting the original pups back in the SZ520. these go at auction for under $350 in new condition so it would be tough unless you had one of the higher models.
the side dots are easy enough to see on this model but some aren't as easy under stage lights. the binding helps these alot making the dots more easily seen.

[NickCormier]

well $350 + 100 pups + 100 case.. comes to about $550 roughly.. makes sense I guess

[mfergel]

Originally Posted by NickCormier

well $350 + 100 pups + 100 case.. comes to about $550 roughly.. makes sense I guess

Well, not really. While you feel that you have $100 pups, in a guitar, they won't fetch that much. Same goes for the case. You'd be better off putting the stock pups in and selling all three separate.

[screamndemon69]

Originally Posted by mfergel

Well, not really. While you feel that you have $100 pups, in a guitar, they won't fetch that much. Same goes for the case. You'd be better off putting the stock pups in and selling all three separate.

+1
just check out the RGA121's with upgraded parts on the 'Bay that are going for $600 in basically mint condition and those are MIJ which tend to hold a better resell value than the MIK models.
RGA121 = $900
new pups = $120
high quality, form fit case = no charge (but worth $170 list price)
that is $1190 and they are selling for half that on the 'Bay. great price if anyone is looking for one (mine rocks w/ a JB/Jazz combo).
i saw an updated Summer NAMM brochure that has the green SZ520 as being part of the standard production line now - very cool! i might sell my 520 and some others to get my hands on the SZ4020 but that would be the only reason i would sell it (unless i keep gassing for a Puzzle Top!).