The RG550 of the S-series

[no.mop]

What is the sort of "hidden gem" (e.g. RG550 for the RG-series) of the Ibanez S-series? The kind of guitar that has nice parts and nice build quality, but isn't all that expensive simply for the fact that it's old.

[Yousef]

Golden age S540.

[jono]

Originally Posted by Yousef

Golden age S540.

/thread.

[brianxtr]

87/92 rg 550 those are the best! the yellow or pink on top!

[jono]

Originally Posted by brianxtr

87/92 rg 550 those are the best! the yellow or pink on top!

but the OP asks about the S Series!!!

[no.mop]

Originally Posted by Yousef

Golden age S540.

Just what I've been checking out

How different were each of the variations? (e.g. FM, QM, etc.) I know QM had a quilted maple top, but was the rest the same? Lo-Pro Edge, mahogany body, blablabla

[jono]

the tops are one thing but the biggest thing to watch was the pickup change in the mid 90s. The original IBZ/USA pickups were swapped out for Ibanez QM series pickups. Many folks, myself included prefer the earlier pickups.

there was also a change in 92 (I think it was anyway) to the AANJ as opposed to teh square heel with neck plate.

I think the trem changed from the Edge to the Lo Pro Edge around that time as well.

My own fave is the S540 LTD SOL, the natural finish mahogany beast with a rosewood board and sharkteeth inlay.

[no.mop]

Originally Posted by jono

the tops are one thing but the biggest thing to watch was the pickup change in the mid 90s. The original IBZ/USA pickups were swapped out for Ibanez QM series pickups. Many folks, myself included prefer the earlier pickups.

there was also a change in 92 (I think it was anyway) to the AANJ as opposed to teh square heel with neck plate.

I think the trem changed from the Edge to the Lo Pro Edge around that time as well.

My own fave is the S540 LTD SOL, the natural finish mahogany beast with a rosewood board and sharkteeth inlay.

I was curious about the pickups...

What were all the pickup options ever (eek) available for the S540? IBZ/USA, QM and what else? I take it that the pickup quality just got progressively worse and worse

[jono]

for the S540 itself I think that's about it actually! Rich Harris' Ibanez Rules site has a catalog list in the resources section that could help you identify what came with what so to speak.

But my own view is that yes, the pickup quality has come downhill a bit over time. the IBZ/USA pickups are the only "non-name-brand" pickups I've not swapped out on my guitars.

[no.mop]

Originally Posted by jono

for the S540 itself I think that's about it actually! Rich Harris' Ibanez Rules site has a catalog list in the resources section that could help you identify what came with what so to speak.

But my own view is that yes, the pickup quality has come downhill a bit over time. the IBZ/USA pickups are the only "non-name-brand" pickups I've not swapped out on my guitars.

Yep! I'm pretty sure IBZ/USA and QM were the only two pickups used on S540's

[Agent540]

no doubt ! a S540 from 1991 to 1993 (with AANJ) with IBZ/USA F2 and a nice top !

[brianxtr]

s540 custom.those are great!good pickups. i dont mind square or aanj.

[IbanezFreak777]

This is the gem

[wilch]

That looks hot. Pure porn right there.