I found two nice used Ibanez'sand cannot decide which I like better, but I can't have both.
The first is a 90's Saber, HSS, TRS trem black with a green quilt top. This one seems to be in good shape(but it's out of state so I can't demo it myself-but i trust the seller)

The second is a universe 7 string. I'm unsure of the exact version and year but it does have a serial number starting with F( indicating it's from the Japanese factory). It's all stock and in great shape(black with a silver pickguard), two hum's and the trem is low profile-but I'm unsure of it's exact type(were there many versions of a 7 string trem?).This does seem to be an older Universe.

Both are priced around 550$ I could be equally happy with either. But I'd like to see what everyone else thinks..

No question...the universe.

Much higher quality guitar, looks cooler, one extra string , 100x better trem, etc. etc.

Just a couple comments:

1) All Universes are made in Japan, therefore, have the "F" serial number.

2) You mentioned it's stock with "two hum's". Did you forget to mention the single coil in the middle? Or does this one not have one? Cuz stock Universes have the single coil in the middle.

no decision needed...universe.


rich

If anybody is giving away a clean UV777 for $550 it's already gone, everybody knows that's a steal

Well, if the "two hums" statement is indeed correct, we're looking at an RG 7-something, and if it's a fixed bridge model, or even one with the stamped trem, I'd think around $500 is MORE than what anyone should pay, no? :-)

If it has an Edge 7, I think that's about right. I'm no expert on 7 strings though, I don't have much use for them.

Mic

Could it be an RG7 42x?

I could be mistaken, but I think there never was a HSS Saber with TRS trem. When they introduced the TRS on the Sabers, all had a HSH config.

I have no idea of the exact model number for the supposed universe. It did for sure have a 5 way switch, but no middle pickup(?). It also had "F" serial number ( which is good)

The "Saber" Was an "S" series, late 90's and possible a S-470FM. It had a beautifil quilt top and the black and green had to be seen to be belived. The owner said is was a custom made(not to sure I belive him) and had c2 singles and a f2 hum. HSS s series guiatrs are hard to come by, espcially this nice-I would justify paying a little more for this one..
Thanks for the advice..any more would be great..

The UV, probably isn't. If it's a 7620 or 7420 it's horridly overpriced.
If the S has the TRS, avoid at all costs, especially at twice what it should sell for.

I'll agree with everyone else on the 'Universe', if it is an RG7 $550 is overpriced..

The S-series is confusing. AFAIK there was never an HSS S470. The F and C series pickups make it sound like an S540(as well as the pretty much meaningless "Custom Made" inlay). Are you sure it's a TRS trem? An S540 might be worth $550, IMO depending on condition and year, but has to have original hardware(IE LoPro Edge). An S470 wouldn't be worth that, no matter how pretty it is.

Exactly. S + 'Custom made' inlay + F pickups = S540. And the S540 Never had the TRS trem and is actually a neat axe. I'd prefer it over the universe, but since this is JEMsite, I better run fast now

No need to run...there are a few S fans around here. I'd make the sme choice on this one.
Greg

Me, too.

I'm gonna have to requset better pics of the trem..I wish i could see it first hand but...

If the other isn't a universe-is it a prestige? It does have a "F" serial number. Did they make them with 5 way switches on two hums? I'm starting to think this one was modified or something..