Hi guys,

It's been six years since I've been on these forums. I came back because I'm looking for a guitar I never got. A lot has changed and it feels like another life time.

I recently bought and returned a Jp60 because it wouldn't stay completely in tune when I either bent or used the whammy somewhat extensively and I mean I want to be able to use it like Steve Vai does. So I remembered lusting after an Ibby and never getting one. Since I first joined I have moved to L.A. and an now I'm much more likely to get the guitar I've s always dreamt of.

I have a problem though. I'm ridiculously and I mean obsessive compulsively picky when it comes to instruments. To the point that I can drive myself and others crazy. This is the reason why I'm reluctant to buying online for myself.
Where can I find a place in los Angeles where I can test RG guitars at my own pace?

I literally spent two hours at G.C. Sherman oaks testing guitars with Floyd trems and only the Schetter c1 platinum with the special Floyd(as in cheap version of the Floyd) was a little better at staying in tune than the sterling jp60.
I couldn't find any prestige or premiums there, only a jem junior and a used korean s470 with zpr that wouldn't stay in tune.
I also tested peavy evh wolfgang and didn't find it much better than the jem jr. That one had the same sPecial Floyd but the setup wasn't as good

while its not without some waiting, you can always search Guitar Center used online.

any used purchase can be shipped to your local store, usually a guitar is only ~$10 to ship.

and Guitar Center has a no questions asked 30 day return policy (refund, not store credit).

Try the Pasadena Guitar Center. I doubt a lot of people go there because it's Pasadena and yuppie scum wouldn't want to touch an Ibanez.

And yes, I'm originally from Pasadena so I can talk trash about it all I want

Thank you guys.
those are both great ideas. I've been to the Pasadena gc only once but for drums and I was welcomed by an EvH and there were lots of guitars. I was thinking sunset since Sam ash is there too.
The used idea worked for a bass I got from Wisconsin. Returned it on the spot and got a pbass.

Thanks again.

I wonder if a smaller store would carry them but it seems gc is where they would leave you alone and not kick you out based on what I ve read.

Update:

I checked the Guitar Center website and they DO have the RG655 in stock in one of the stores. If it stays in tune I'll take it for a spin.

No luck in Pasadena for the RG series. Only the S series.

Thanks again!

You're shopping the wrong store if you want a really good guitar.

This^ Go try the 655, then order one from Rich if you like it

THIS AGAIN^^^^

Seriously, I spent a few hours in the GC Hollywood AND both Sam Ash stores (all on Sunset). While there was a good selection of Ibanez guitars to choose from, none of them had a playable setup. IMO, Ibanez doesn't get the attention (or money) some of the custom shop Fenders and Gibsons that were all hanging on the walls. Because of this, perfect RG Prestige's and even a few J-customs hung on a back wall without ever being touched by the house techs. It was kind of disheartening.

Anyway, I'll repeat what Matias said- Find a New RG thet you love the look of, come here to get the "low-down" on whatever model number you find, then when your ready to buy just call Rich for a PERFECTLY setup, handpicked, professional guitar that will answer your "dream" for many years to come. Seriously, I've bought a few from him..... You CANNOT buy a higher quality, better fitting and playing guitar anywhere on the planet...... especially not from a box store.

I went into the GC on Sunset a few years ago. They actually had a really great selection of Ibanez guitars including J.Customs. That said I've played some pretty high end stuff at GC's (Jem, JS, Prestige) and it usually has a mediocre setup on it. You're best bet is ordering from Rich.

Hey Rich!!!

Sorry, my computer died before I could modify this post.

The more I do it the more I feel that's like buying at Walmart and Takin' a Ride is absolutely right about the setup. The good thing about THAT store is that they have a 30 day return policy. It would give me a chance to test things like the pickups, the frets, bending, the weight of the guitar, etc. Anything BUT the set up.

That said, if you or anyone else knows any ACTUAL musician's store in the L.A. area that I can go test guitars at I would surely appreciate it.

At this point I got the RG655 Blue at a discount, it was on clearance with a little dent on the back and an almost invisible scratch/smudge on the front.

The fretboard is dry as it seems the thing has been sitting there for a while. It was the only prestige left in the store and I had to put it on Layway to get it.

It was 1099 with the 2 year pro coverage they have, the list price for the guitar and case is 1,199. To be honest the Sterling Music Man JP60 I returned before had a much better setup. Yes I'm the same guy that's been spamming you about trems and tuning via email for the past couple of days, I'm sorry. I decided to do some research on my part instead of continue the constant asking.

The action is as high as my old Dean Vendetta that I bought on Amazon for a 100.

As I said I'm so anal I need more than a few hours to test it and don't like to deal with annoying salesmen more than a few hours.

My initial test consisted of taking a tuner with me, tuning the guitar then bending the crap out of it to see if it stayed in tune. If it didn't I would not get it. As you say, it may be simply as the strings are not being stretched. I really wasn't convinced about the Floyd double locking until I got to the GC 655, which is been there for a while.Since that one was on Layway I managed to get the trem bar and wank it. Only the E string would get out of tune. It's still happening at home. That's a question.


All in all I tested 2 RGs at Sam Ash across the street and they wouldn't stay in tune so I didn't bothered.

I'm not a hundred percent sure I did the right thing as this is my very first serious guitar but as I said I have 30 days and got the pro coverage.

Will keep testing it and let you know.

But who needs a return policy when Rich will set it up perfectly for you from the beginning? I'm pretty sure rich has some sort of return policy though so ask him!

Here are a few questions for Rich.

1.-Can you confirm your return policy is 7 days only?

A: Found it: http://www.ibanezrules.com/return.htm, 24 hrs.

2.-IF and only IF I have to return the guitar how does the shipping work?
a.-Do I need to pay for shipping myself? I tried to return a cheap electro-acoustic and the price was 90. Half the price of the guitar. It's sitting at my place with a lifted bridge, a nice nut and almost unplayed D'Addarios, even a nice set up.
b.-Do you have instructions on how to pack the guitar (besides body bubble wrapping) to ship it? How about making it "new" again after playing it. I can think of things like oil and string lube but other than that what do you suggest.

Here are questions for Rich customers about things like the Shipping carrier, etc.

1.-How do you feel about having a guitar shipped? I know Rich is probably the most meticulous guy around and that's why I always keep him in mind. The thing I'm worried about is how the carrier is going to treat the guitar and what would happen If I have to return it.

Thank You!

Someone who has never played a floyd before and is obsessive compulsive would need to be sure they want that guitar first. Read my original post.

Thanks!
I did ask, I think is 7 days.

Edit: Sorry if my original reply was blunt, I was tired and had to edit it.

Lowering the action:
Update: I lowered the action, watch pic updates.

If I understand correctly the method for a classic Edge tremolo is:

1.-Turn 4mm Stud counter clockwise to loosen the 1.5 mm bolt that's inside.
2.-Loose the 1.5 mm bolt even more.
3.-Turn the 4mm Stud clockwise to tighten and LOWER the action.
4.-Re-adjust the 1.5 mm bolts.
5.-Retune
6.-Re intonate
7.-Play.

I believe I needed the guitar in front of me to understand this. English is not my first language.

Here are some pics of the guitar I'm testing, you can see things like the Ibanez Cert missing, the dry fingerboard and the action at the 14th fret. The scratch should be on the last picture but I don't think it shows:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2x...ew?usp=sharing

Edit, I got oil for the fretboard.