Where are the '88's?

[560licious]

Hey everyone, I've been interested in the early RG 500 series for a while now. Mainly the 560, 550,and 570 models. I've had a 1987 RG560 since around 1988 or so. I love the thing. and around 1999 have started getting to know more about them and the others in that series. The one thing that still puzzles me is that I've seen all these years models:87,89,90,91,92,93 so where is the 88? Now I'm talking the Japanese models, not the American ones. Can anyone help? Or have a pic of one? Thanks.

[jkahrs]

Here's a link for some catalog scans. --Jason

http://www.jemsite.com/ibanez/catalogs/index.htm

[PatrickSimsCustomShopUSA]

I've had ALOT of RG 550's, and come to think of it I've never had one or seen one that had an 8 for the 1st digit. Everyone I've had or seen has always been an '87 or an '89, 90, etc....

[560licious]

Originally Posted by jkahrs

Here's a link for some catalog scans. --Jason

http://www.jemsite.com/ibanez/catalogs/index.htm

Thanks J, but referring to the 500 series. I've seen the UV and Jems in 1988. cool catalog though!

[jkahrs]

The RG's are there too. You just didn't scroll down far enough. --Jason

[560licious]

Sorry for that Jason, but I have yet to see an actual guitar from 1988 in that series. If you go surfing for them online you just can't find a 1988 RG550,560.

[toshiro]

My RG750 has an 88 serial number(stamped int the neck-plate no less), even though it's probably just a very early 89. :P

[gpenguins]

Originally Posted by toshiro

My RG750 has an 88 serial number(stamped int the neck-plate no less), even though it's probably just a very early 89. :P

You know, I think those are the only 88s I've seen - stamped on the neck plate. I know I've seen a couple of Radii with the 88 s/n stamped on the plate, maybe a 540P as well, but I'm not too sure about that.

[frankfalbo]

My personal feelings are that they overbuilt necks (or guitars) in the '87 production run, and they're out there on guitars born in 1988. I've seen plenty of examples in other models, (not necessarily RG's) where the dates don't match, nor do the model years. But you know they're original necks by the way the paint migrates to the neck, factory shim indentations, other indentations, etc.

87-89 was a real transition time for them, and I think they were looking at serial number stickers more as "serial numbers" rather than date stamps, which is what we want to use them for today. Not that they aren't accurate overall, just that 1988 was a big year for those RG's. And you're right, they do seem disproportionately represented. That's why I think some of the F7's spilled over into 1988 production and shipments. But that's just a hunch, based on the F7's I've seen on other models that clearly were part of the '88 product line, and didn't appear as part of the '87 product line.

[Flobanez]

Originally Posted by toshiro

My RG750 has an 88 serial number(stamped int the neck-plate no less), even though it's probably just a very early 89. :P

I've always really liked your RG 750, Toshiro, nicely done on the mods once again. I really like that bound neck with the sharkfins too and the color of the body. Very nice.

[surfdog777]

Love them 750's!!!!!!!

I too, have an 88 stamped 750 with the FA (Five-Alarm) finish.
It appears in the 89 catalog.



Apart from just a few small little nicks here and there...the thing is like showroom new. Totally stock, no pitting on the bridge, very little fretwear, original Wizard, original Edge...what's not to like??

[toshiro]

Originally Posted by Flobanez

I've always really liked your RG 750, Toshiro, nicely done on the mods once again. I really like that bound neck with the sharkfins too and the color of the body. Very nice.

Thanks again, though I think you're stalkin my guitars sometimes.... j/k

I'd say I'll tell you if I ever sell it, but it's gonna be in the casket when I die. LOL