I saw Kevan's array of Customs and at the end, a USA Flag guitar with what looked like chrome DiMarzios.

Come on Kevan, (or anyone else) gimme the scoop on this one

RG-USA1? *1 of 1? *DAMN nice axe! * Great story behind it too, but...that's Kevan's to tell. *

Sorry I didn't put this up earlier guys! *:-) *Here's more info on the J-Custom RG-USA1:

NOTE: *"RG-USA1", "RG-USA2" & "RG-USA3" are the model names *I* came up with for them. *There is no official name for these models according to Hoshino. *Also, these are not available from any dealer; don't bother asking.

As stated before, it's the only one made. *
There are two "sister" guitars: the RG-USA2, at Guitar Gallery in Orlando (It's 'stars part' is angled in the other direction), and the RG-USA3, who's paint makes it look like the stars and stripes were 'bolted' onto the face of the guitar. *I'll post pics of all three very soon. *I don't know if #3 is available, but I know that #2 is for sale from Guitar Gallery- $3999...I think.

The body on this one is airbrushed- all sides, cavities and the covers are painted to match. *The finish is a VERY thick satin finish. *It's not the normal few coats of clear; this is more like a shell over the body. *I really like the finish; it would be cool to see it on a production guitar. *

The hardware is chrome (not the new 'vintage silver'). *The knobs are the types usually found on the FGM's or S-series. *A nice change of pace; the rubber ring + metal knob combo makes them grip nicely when your hands are all sweaty from that 20-minute solo break. *

The pickups are indeed chrome (a la the JEM10's) in an H-S-H setup *From looking at the screwheads on the tops of the pickups, they do NOT appear to be the familiar ToneZone/AirNorton setup as found in most J-Customs. *I haven't checked the backs on these (yet), but I'm going to guess that they're Evolutions because that's what went into the JEM10's.

The neck seems to be a typical Wizard 2 with the volute. *The headstock is airbrushed to match the body and has that same satin/shell finish. *24 frets on a nice and tasty ebony board, with a sole inlay of offset abalone double-dots at the 12th fret. *No truss rod cover.*

Here's the kooky part: *on each of the cavity covers, and inside the neck joint, is Japanese writing. *Now, my Japanese is about as good as a North Korean chef's judgement at the Westminster Dog show...so I can't read it, but- it's like nothing I've ever seen. *Sources tell me that it's the luthiers "notes" on what finish/hardware/neck that this guitar is going to become. *It's pretty cool. *I'll post some pics of it.

There's a VERY funny story behind my acquistion of this one. *I'll check to make sure it's cool to post it. *It should give you a chuckle. *:-)

More pics coming soon! (I promise!)

P.S.- Many folks thought that this was a special "9.11.01" guitar from Ibanez. *It's not. *The serial number on the back of the headstock (F9754823) tells us so.

couldn't find

#2 was not on display in Orlando as of 2/21 - I looked for it and noone there seemed to know anything about it. *Their high(er) end (usa, j-custom) inventory was pretty thin, which was disappointing. *Hopefully #2 found its way to someone who cares!

- Chris

As promised, some pics:

RG-USA1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * RG-USA2

RG-USA3


Now ya know.

#3 looks downright silly... like an old Dallas Texan's jersey.

Were all of these painted in Japan? The irony ...glen

I kinda like #3, looks like a WWII plane.

I think Kevan's is by far the best looking of the three, but they're all great looking guitars.

Number 3 seems like it would have looked better if they had positioned the stripes so a white stripe was running behind the pickups, instead of the red. That way there would be more red visible on the front of the guitar.

Still, they're all cool. *

Bill

I like Kev's the best too, but I wouldn't turn any of them down.

I actually like the way the blue curves in on #2 a little better, but for the difference in price, I could live with #1 :thumbsup:

Now is that guitar a USA Custom, or a J Custom, or both?

I know it's made in Japan, hence the J, but it has an American flag on it, hence the USA. Damn, those guitars are a ripple in the Ibanez time/space continuum (sp?) :biggrin:

All three are J-Customs.

I like #2 for reasons Rich stated, followed by Kevs closely.

#3 i'd have made the guy repaint if i were in-charge at the JC shop. hehe...

not to start a production total debate, but wonder if any others were painted ...glen

To end any thoughts of a production total debate: