Hello jemsite,
I've been playing for about 9 years now and I figured (since I'm starting to get even more into metal) it's time for me to get a more appropriate guitar than a strat...
Since there are so many models though I thought that I might need some help 😂
I'm looking preferably for an HH RG model that is versitile enough (from progressive rock/metal to classic rock tones) and my budget is about $500-800
Any suggestions? :3
I agree... You can pick up a nice gently used MIJ RG520QS for very reasonable price. Awesome quality instrument! If you are patient you can find a nice case queen MIJ Ibanez in your price range. Most will feel a lot different than your Strat, due to the flatter fretboard radius.
The JS guitars have a little more of a stratty feel, being a little thicker and rounder fretboard radius... Kind of a happy medium between an RG and a Strat. I know they are typically pricey, but you can get one at the top end of your price range if you are patient. Fantastic guitars and very versatile stock DiMarzio pickups.
As you see from above, simply put there are very few new HH RGs in this price range with a tremolo. Sweetwater has some good filters so when you search by price & trem it shows a whopping 4 Ibanez offerings ignoring H-H & body shape for the moment. So you might want to expand the body type or buy used or a different brand.
But if you want to stick to new and your criteria the JS140 is your best option IMHO.
So quick update:
I was looking for an rg520 and then I stumbled upon an rg920 for about $500 is it worth it? (I know that the neck is 400mm instead of 430mm which will surely be closer to my strat...)
Seems like a reasonable price... even better deal if its in great shape or comes with a hard case. I usually go to Reverb(dot)com and see what guitars are listed for. They have several RG920's from $500 to $1100 on there right now. I've never played one, but they seem like a good axe. I've always wanted an Ibanez with the offset fret marker dots for some reason... lol.
Used is the way to go. I find all kinds of great buys on Guitar Centers used section. You would easily be looking at a used Prestige with your budget. He'll, I think they have a Prestige RGT on there fright now for around $800 and that is a steal. Also, they always have RGT models on there. Those are neck thru RGs with a HH and Edge II trem. The Edge II could be better as far as the durability, but they hold tune well and I block mine so I dont worry about the knife edges wearing out. For $800 you could snag 2 RGT models, or one and upgrade the pickups in it.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ibanez JEM Forum
1.3M posts
69.6K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to Ibanez JEM guitar owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, displays, models, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!