I need some advice. I have around $350 to spend on a guitar, and I really like the Ibanez RG line. The only guitars in this range seem to be the 370 (love that Jewel Blue color), the 321 (no floating trem, not sure if this is good or bad), the 7321 (the 7-string 321) and the 470 which a certain online music store has on closeout for $299.

My dilema is this:
I'm not sure if I want a floating bridge or not. I'm not sure if it'll be too much of a hassle.

Also, I know that the 300 line of RGs are thought of as lesser quality, but I really like the Jewel Blue color, and a 7-string is tempting too. I DON'T like the sparkly color on the 470s. I know color isn't a huge deal, but I want a guitar that looks good AND sounds good.

So, is there that much of a difference between a RG370 and an RG470, should I hold out and try to find a used 550 or something, and how much trouble is a floating trem going to cause me?

Thanks!

If used is OK, pick up a 550 or 570 on auction. They are equipped with a better trem.

The floating trem IS a hassle. With practice, you'll learn to tune it faster, and solve common problems. Ask yourself if you really need one. If you don't, a RG421 on eBay is a good choice. If you do, I'm with Eddie, 570's and 550's are very cheap these days.

Dont get a 300 model with a Floating trem, it WILL be too much hassle. If you get anything with a floating trem make sure it's an Edge or an OFR. Acept NO SUBSTITUTE!

The 370 has an Edge Pro II trem. The 470 at the same price has a TRS, which I hear horror stores about. I guess Ibanez must have decided to put the Edge Pro II in the lower models.

make sure you don't buy ANY guitar with TRS trem... get a guitar with edge or lo pro. if you don't really need the floating trem I would say go for the RG421 like caprile said. it has a fixed bridge. the v7 and v8 pickups are not the best but they sound good. and it comes with BLUE. do some research and try one in your local music store. good luck
-Sam-

again, if you don't mind the guitar being used, you will probably be able to find a good RG570 with the used price. with you budget, you can get a excellent to mint condition RG570 from ebay. i had one of them. they are cheap but the tones are BIG!!!! the stocked pickups aren't that bad and the trem is a lo-pro edge. just my personally experience.... good luck!

In your price range I think the rg-421 is great choice.
The V7/V8 HB's are decent and the Wizard II neck is wonderful.

Excellent review of the rg-421 right here on jemsite:

RG421