[PekkaM]

I've got a PGM90HAM and I'm also planning to get RG321 for practice/carryaround guitar.

Bridges look exactly alike with exception of Ibanez-text embossed on RG321 bridge. Is there any quality difference? What brand is the bridge on PGM90HAM?

I'll probably replace the mics on 321 anyway. Is there any point in replacing some other parts as well?

 

[marianozz]

afaik, the PGM is has japanese made Gotoh, and the 321 has a korean made 'Who Knows™'...

 

[buddroyce]

Changing the baseplate isn't going to make a huge difference. I'd suggest changing the saddles on your RG321 instead of the whole bridge. (TUSQ saddles are great actually).

Other than the saddles the only other parts that you should change is the nut. Graphite from Graphtech or TUSQ would be the way to go. Changing the saddles and nut to that of a better quality one will help you improve your tone as those are the main contact points of your strings.

I've alwanted to just paint black f-holes on an RG321 to make it look like a cheap PGM :mrgreen:

 

[PekkaM]

Would these do it: http://www.thomann.de/thoiw3_graph_tech_stringsaver_strat_prodinfo.html ?

And this one: http://www.thomann.de/thoiw3_artikel-183134.html

 

[buddroyce]

Those would kinda work.

The graphtech stuff is probably the best graphite nuts I've ever come across.

But with the saddles you have to make sure they're spaced for IMPORT SADDLES. The ones spaced for US saddles are too big to fit.

That nut is wrong for your guitar though. You'll want the nut for a Les Paul and not a strat.

 

[marianozz]

You'll want the nut for a Les Paul and not a strat.

How come?

 

[ShredHead42]

I've alwanted to just paint black f-holes on an RG321 to make it look like a cheap PGM :mrgreen:

There are very easy, readily-available decals on 'that auction site' made in whatever color you want to just stick on your guitar.

 

[buddroyce]

How come?

A standard Fender strat nut goes in a slot but an Ibanez RG321(and pretty much all Ibanez non locking models) use a nut that attaches to the end of the fretboard(much like a Les Paul). Unless you feel like gluing a block of wood to the end of the fretboard and cutting a slot, a strat nut isn't going to fit.

 

[marianozz]

A standard Fender strat nut goes in a slot but an Ibanez RG321(and pretty much all Ibanez non locking models) use a nut that attaches to the end of the fretboard(much like a Les Paul). Unless you feel like gluing a block of wood to the end of the fretboard and cutting a slot, a strat nut isn't going to fit.

Good to know, thanx!

 

[JM5150]

While we're looking at these two models, just how far of a drop does one take if they pickup a RG321, install PAF Pros, replace saddles, nut (maybe tuners)....?

Seems to me that you'd get pretty close to a PGM (minus those "in between" stratty tones with the middle pickup)for less than half the price....

 

[marianozz]

If you rout a middle pickup and bypass the tone pot, youre there :lol:

 

[PekkaM]

And then there's the "prestige finish"

I probably should get the black one as I understand it has no clear coat and is much more resistant to damage (in sense that damage does not look as bad on it). In Europe we only have the navy blue and black but I'd like the American natural one.

 

[marianozz]

If youre gonna go for it, id suggest you look for a RG421, japanese, all gotoh... You shouldnt have to change stuff on it (other than pickups)

 

[the.godfather]

If youre gonna go for it, id suggest you look for a RG421, japanese, all gotoh... You shouldnt have to change stuff on it (other than pickups)

I have an RG421, quality guitar it really is. A few people on here have got one actually, Glen has I know that much. They are just gorgeous guitars, simple, great neck.

Mine has a ToneZone in the Bridge, and a PAF Pro in the neck at the moment. Thanks to lhrocker that is.

 

[PekkaM]

If youre gonna go for it, id suggest you look for a RG421, japanese, all gotoh... You shouldnt have to change stuff on it (other than pickups)

I know. If I only knew a local who's willing to sell...

 

[travis bickle]

i love my rg321mh. i would highly suggest you swap out the pickups, and upgrade the hardware. im a huge wizard II fan now, super fast, but nice and round. i liked mine so much i bought another one, so now i have a mahogany oil, and royal blue one. i might opt to get a nice pickguard soon.

but since when are ibanez's made in indonesia?

 

[PekkaM]

I just ordered a flat black RG321 and black Tone Zone and Air Norton. I ordered non F-spaced mics, hope I didn't screw up...