Okay, so the title pretty much sums it up. I'm dead set on getting an S Prestige. I am only inches away from pulling the trigger on a brand-new S2170FB. I have played this guitar, and aside from the pickups (which I think are decent), I fell in love with this guitar. It seemed well-built - selector switch was quiet, tuning keys were smooth, and the ZR trem was awesome!
A brand-new guitar appeals to me mainly from two standpoints: I will be the one and only owner, and I can take advantage of the warranty. Both points make me feel very comfortable in spending $1200, which I don't mind spending at all.
HOWEVER... I keep hearing that the new S Prestige guitars are complete junk compared to their older Japanese counterparts. I have never played a Jap Prestige, so I have no basis for comparison. I have seen several of these guitars up for auction, but I almost don't have the patience to endure a bid war. Plus, I don't really know where the guitar has been, and of course, no warranty.
So what would be your advice on this? Are the Korean guitars simply not as nice as the Japanese? I have an RGT42 that is every bit as nice as any Japanese RG that I have played, especially since I changed the trem, tuning keys, and pickups. So is it a hardware issue?
It's not just a matter of saving money... It's a matter of being confident and comfortable with a purchase. Anyone who has owned or has had experience with both guitars, please comment!
I'd get either as long as I could test the guitar I'm going to buy. I generally don't like old guitars though. You don't know where they have been....or what they have been used for.
Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'm going to go ahead and purchase the S2170FB. However, I won't be able to 'test drive' it. I'm going to have to roll the dice on this one. If it doesn't feel as good as the last one I played, then I suppose I'll just return it for another.
I have 3 Ibanez S series guitars ranging from 1990-2006. There is a huge differance between them.
Let's look at the S series. Recently they put a Wizard II neck on it, which is thicker. As a result, the fretboard sets higher above the body. The pups and bridge have to set higher to compensate for this. SO what used to be a sleek, thin, light, low profile guitar is a thing of the past.
There is a huge differance in wieght, feel, etc.
As fas as quality goes. The first S2170 prestige I got had a crooked trem and bridge pup ring. The new one is better, but could be better, oh well.
Overall it's pretty decent..... But, my 1990 S540LTD always did, and always will, have a special feel. It is the better instrument.
I must admit the new prestige neck is kinda nice as far as fit and finish goes.
Ahhh... NICE!!! Really, though... How much higher are the fretboard and pickups? It can't be too big of a difference.
I guess I should also mention that I have a '97 S540QSTK. It is definitely what I consider to be a "badass" instrument. The quality is just... well, it's a nice guitar, with the exception of the cheezy "custom made" inlay (which still isn't that bad).
It has the Super Wizard neck, which I like a lot. It's great for moving all over the neck, but I do prefer the thicker Wizard II necks. I have a goofy playing style (wrap-around thumb... I know, it's amateurish), and am much more accurate on the Wizard II, especially when it comes to things like sweep picking arpeggios.
So the Wizard II neck is certainly imperative. When did this become standard on the S Prestige?
Ahhh... NICE!!! Really, though... How much higher are the fretboard and pickups? It can't be too big of a difference.
I guess I should also mention that I have a '97 S540QSTK. It is definitely what I consider to be a "badass" instrument. The quality is just... well, it's a nice guitar, with the exception of the cheezy "custom made" inlay (which still isn't that bad).
It has the Super Wizard neck, which I like a lot. It's great for moving all over the neck, but I do prefer the thicker Wizard II necks. I have a goofy playing style (wrap-around thumb... I know, it's amateurish), and am much more accurate on the Wizard II, especially when it comes to things like sweep picking arpeggios.
So the Wizard II neck is certainly imperative. When did this become standard on the S Prestige?
No, I didn't think you were hijacking. I'm just glad to hear from a man who owns several models, including the one I'm looking to purchase! But seriously, how much higher is the fretboard? Your comment about "used to be sleek..." sounds somewhat exaggerated?
Well, I agree that the 2170 felt totally different from my 540, but in a good way. I particularly liked the ZR trem. I won't say it was better than the lo pro edge, but it seemed... smoother? Maybe it's just the way it was set up.
Anyway, I still haven't purchased the 2170... I was going to get it from AMS, but they're backordered on the FB 'till February!
Ha! Tell that to my wife! I have a few Jacksons and a few Ibanezes that I actually play, as well as a couple of low-end guitars that I wish I could sell. That's nothing compared to the collections that I have seen on this site!
Personally, I dont see how s2170fb will be anyworse than a Japanese S. I (personally) feel thats its all in your head, and people make themselves believe its lower quality. I say, go for the S2170fb. Excellent quality, and the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen.
I'm not talking about everybody who prefers Japs over Koreans, I'm just saying alot of people put the idea in their minds that "Old Jap S's are extremely better the Korean S's". Nowhere did I say I was talking about you, or here.
Well, I wound up getting an '02 S1520FBNT. I scored it online, so I hope I'm in for a treat. I got a pretty fair deal on it at $600. I'll post pictures when she makes it.
I'll most definitely post pics when it arrives. I guess this means I'll have to buy yet another S Prestige, since I'm still determined to get one with a Wizard II neck. I think I'll wait 'till after the new Prestige models show up and buy the 2170 at a closeout.
Wow, she's a beauty! Is that a Tone Zone in the bridge? I've got my TZ waiting to drop in the same spot, plus the guy I bought it from is throwing in an EVO neck pup. I usually use PAF Pros in the neck, so I'm curious to see how the combo works out...
Well, I finally got it! I actually got it last Saturday morning, which was a pleasant surprise for my birthday, considering it wasn't due to arrive until Tuesday. Anyway, I love this damn thing! It was pretty much set up the way I like it upon its arrival, but it still needs a little tweaking. Also, I have been meaning to give it to my tech so he can drop in the EVO bridge pup along with the Tone Zone (will be my first time trying a TZ in the neck). I just haven't done it yet, 'cause I can't bring myself to let go of the guitar long enough to get it done! Surely, that says a lot about how satisfied I am with my purchase.
Here's a couple of pics. Sorry they suck, but I'm no photographer! One of them also shows the S540QSTK.
If the PU's are the quantum ones than they are very nice and the neck one is very close to a TZ. Nicest stock PU's in any of my guitars. Not worth changing.
Yep. QM1 and QM2. I pulled identical pups out of the S540 and replaced them with a PAF Pro in the neck and a TZ in the bridge. I really do like the higher output, and the overall sound seems to have a lot more presence.
But... I agree that they are awesome for stock pickups. At any rate, it looks like I'll have two sets of QM humbuckers for sale soon, though!
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