Why Is This Guitar £400?! | Ibanez RGA42EX-BAM Review
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- čas přidán 28. 02. 2023
- At around £400 the Ibanez RGA42EX in Black Aurora Burst Matte is an eye catching electric guitar that seems like a great deal from a well loved brand. Well, that is not the case.
In this guitar review and demo we take a look at the Ibanez RGA42. With very similar specs to its sister the RGA42FM, I break down the reasons why this guitar is not worth your time or money.
As promised, here's what you should consider instead (and bear in mind prices may change after upload!):
Harley Benton Fusion EMG HT Roasted Options
S-Style www.thomann.de/gb/harley_bent...
T-Style
www.thomann.de/gb/harley_bent...
Jackson Adrian Smith
www.andertons.co.uk/jackson-a...
Used Ibanez Options
Iron Label RG
RG350DXZ
RG350EXZ
(No links for these but easily searchable on eBay, Reverb etc.)
Some other suggestions:
Ibanez RG421EX (same bridge but a much better neck and feeling guitar)
www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-de...
Jackson DS32Q Dinky
www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-de...
ESP LTD EC-256 www.guitarguitar.co.uk/produc...
EVH Wolfgang Standard
www.guitarguitar.co.uk/produc...
SQUIER CONTEMPORARY STRATOCASTER HH FR
www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-de...
SQUIER FSR CONTEMPORARY TELECASTER RH
www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-de...
Thanks for watching my dudes, I appreciate you all! 🤘
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Cheap ibanez guitars in my experience are either really nice or have the craziest fret corrosion I've ever seen
This seems incredibly accurate mate! Appreciate you checking out the video, thank you 🤘
I keep coming back to this review, it’s one of the best reviews I’ve ever heard… Thank you again
Hey! Sorry I didn't get to your first comment a bit earlier dude, it's been a bit hectic here 😅 I'm really happy it helped you mate, thanks again for checking it out! 🤘
Great and honest review. Thank you!
Thank you my dude! I’m glad it helped 🤘
Killer as always brother..hope the family is good 😊.. playing sounds tight man
Thank you so much bro! I appreciate it as always 👊 Yeah man, family is going well. Baby Taylor is a happy smiley little angel, just the best! I hope you’re staying well dude and everything is good over your way 🤘
It has a pretty nice paintjob + binding but that's about it (maybe a platform for improvements but would it be worth it?). As you mentioned, there are brands that offer better specs on that price range such as Jet, Eart, Harley Benton, etc but the thing is that those brands started with budget pricing as their target and the only way to stand out was offering more for less. Meanwhile a brand such as Ibanez has the top end Prestige and Premium lineups as their main focus on features and quality, so they save the beefy specs for those those models instead. From a sales standpoint it wouldn't make sense for Ibanez to go all out on the specs of the budget lineup because that would make the Premium/Prestige only justify their price on better QC and being made in Japan.
That is a very fair point to consider! I think disruption in the market from those smaller brands is going to force them to make some changes sooner or later, whatever they might be. There’s actually a new GIO out now with a roasted neck which I reckon is an interesting sign that they might have already acknowledged it but we’ll have to wait and see! Thanks for the thoughtful comment dude, it’s an interesting topic! 🤘
Great, that was an honest review, I was about to buy one like that to backup my rg320exz and will keep locking for others. THX
No worries dude, I’m glad to have been some help! Hope you find something cool 🤘
I have this guitar and i have no complains actually its in my lap rn and its lightweight for an electric guitar it looks cool sounds great got it from my local guitar store works great 11/10
That's great man, I'm glad you're happy with yours! I'd have probably been much happier with mine if it was half the retail price 😂
Thanks for the honest review! My niece plays acoustic, and now wants to get her first electric. Her 10th bday is next week, and I was going to buy her one and an amp. I was considering this, but I'll look at something else. We can't get Harley Benton in Canada. I was looking at a Pacifica, and one that really was excellent was the Sterling Cutlass. At $699cad(roughlt $450usd), it really was impressive. Thanks!
No problem man, I’m really glad this helped! I’d hate to think this guitar would be someone’s first experience of playing an electric. Pacifica’s are great but a Cutless would be phenomenal. Thanks for checking out the video dude and I hope your niece loves her first electric 🤘
It's a shame, being also a fan of the brand and seeing the recent Standard range of their guitars suffer from some problems. I'm glad that my RG was a NOS that was made in 2012, and it probably came from the same factory (as indicated by the 'I' letter, right beside the serial number), there was no rusted frets (had minor wears, being a display piece) or screws at all, when I made the final payment for it back in mid-2020. And the store probably had that guitar since 2013 (when it was released) up until day I booked it in late 2019. It was a model that was targeted at that price point too, but cheaper than the ones around it, because the guitar's price wasn't adjusted for inflation (which I was really glad).
Somewhat related, being a Standard range model (as of this comment), and during my research on the Quest series, I've found several pictures of them, including the one I've tried locally, had a persisting paintjob problem. On the ICHI10 and the Q54 (Seafoam Green ones, the Matte Black ones looks good. Does yours have this problem?), there're paint drips in the pickup switch opening, it could probably be paint issue, and it's not playability issue, but those're a buck shy from a thousand dollar guitar, so yikes(?).
There were 2 bigger "yikes" moment for the Quest series that I managed to stumble upon as well, one was a purchase review with pictures of a QX52 with rusted screws on the back plate and the bridge saddle retainer/bottom piece, and another one was a Q54 body that had a QX52 neck attached on it (it's a reddit post, just google "Q54 with QX neck").
I really like the Q54, because I can't find another guitar with HSS, 24 fret and fixed bridge, but I hope they get the QC problem fixed and hoping there's more option for the Q series. They've been quiet after their January release and nothing on February nor 1st of March, which means they're probably doing another big release on mid-April, for NAMM 2023.
@@WailingRaven it really is a shame mate!
In terms of the Q, the paint was all great on that. No rust issues either, thing was awesome. I have seen the Q with the QX neck, that’s absolutely nuts! Thanks my dude 🤘
I have the RG421EX and had a few issues to start with (just set up really badly to start with, and needed truss rod adjustments regularly for some reason).
The bridge is ok on mine, but I bought my husband a Gio as he wanted to have a go at learning, and that guitar rips the side of my hand to shreds. The screws are so sharp.
A few brands are sticking this kind of finish on and really marking the prices up 😬 Looks so nice in photos
That’s the thing init, they look amazing! With a couple of changes they can afford it would be a really good guitar. Cheers for checking out the video Claire! 🤘
bought it today, it's insane!!! looks and sounds fantastic, quality is perfect too
Awesome, I'm glad you like yours dude! Have a good one 🤘
I actually feel really lucky here. I have zero fret corrosion or problems in general with the fret work on mine. It’s not a mind blowing guitar but imo it does it’s job quite well considering I love abusing the gain knob with orange amps
It’s a relief to hear that there are good ones and that you’re enjoying yours! Thanks for checking out the video mate 🤘
This may sound crazy, but I bought an older Ibanez Gio for $30. It was electric blue and beat to hell. I sanded the body and wood filled the dent and gouges, painted it Satin Stone Blue and put all the original hardware back on it and IT SCREAMS. Its one of my favorite "player" guitars. I love the feel of the neck and the weight of the body. The pickups are just OK, but I am in this thing for $40 - it looks brand new in a color you cant buy and plays like a dream. Very disappointing to see that this is a $400 Ibanez ($429 US) these days.
It doesn’t sound crazy at all dude! I’ve played Gios that I would take over this every day of the week. In fact, I’ve got a 7 string gio project sat in the cupboard and that thing feels outstanding compared to this.
At $40 it sounds like you’ve got a really great guitar mate! Thanks for checking out the video and your cool comment 🤘
The Gio GSA60 is a great little guitar i bought in a guitar emergency situation! This was Indonesian! Wanna find another!
Not gonna lie, I'm bummed out after watching this review. I was planning on buying this guitar after not touching an instrument in 15 years as a way to rediscover music, the price point seemed ideal too. Yes, I confess the looks played a big part, but also the fact that Ibanez was the first brand I played. Now that you say it doesn't even feel like one... well, there's no point.
By the way, insane production quality, you deserve more subs.
My dude, first of all, thank you for the awesome comment and checking out the video. I appreciate you mate, you’re too kind.
I was also totally bummed out by this guitar too man but, please, don’t let this put you off picking back up the guitar! You absolutely should, even if you pick up a different Ibanez. Seriously, the RG350DXZ second hand is a great deal and feels like a true Ibby. If you’ve got any other guitars in mind and want any help choosing I will gladly do my best to help where I can 🤘 (just in case, YT doesn’t notify me of replies for whatever reason but I should see them when I check manually, if it takes a little while)
This is a super late reply, but it seems like he got a crap model. I have one and have no problems with it. The fretwork was perfect and so was everything else on the guitar for mine. I got mine from a store though, so I was able to see it before purchasing it
Great video. For me the only issue is that bridge. I usually swap out my pickups so I thought this thing could be a good place to start. But that bridge...btw some of us actually want those split 2 and 4 positions because we sometimes decide to play funk on an ibanez for some reason.
Thanks dude I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, the bridge really is poor. I just don't think it feels like an Ibanez. And the in-between positions man, as much as I joke, I'd rather they were there for everyone. I'm just a dumb dude who likes bridge or neck and nothing else 😂 Thanks again dude!
I’m a lefty but I got a Harley Benton 466 1:15 put Seymour Duncan in it sounds great
I know reviews can be subjective but I think this is the most honest and useful review I've seen in a while. People wish to know they've got something that's worth more than what they paid for.
Thank you mate, that means a lot. I can only speak from my experiences but if they can help people make better decisions then I'm happy. I appreciate you watching dude, thank you 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars That being said, do you think this guitar worth upgrading? Like put Dimarzio Super Distortion and PAF Pro on it?(I love the sound of this pickup set but I'm just a broke student so I can't afford a decent Les Paul...)
Nah dude, I don't at all. You'd end up with a cheap feeling and playing guitar that sounded good and, to me, that's just not worth it. I'd explore other options man 👊
@@JackTaylorGuitars Many thanks! Best wishes!
And to you too dude!
I currently have one, and mine atleast has no problems and has an amazing feel and tone to it.
I'm glad you're enjoying yours mate. Mine's only one opinion so people can take it for what they will. I just absolutely hated mine 😂
Just found one at my neighborhood pawn shop for $200 USD. Looks like no one ever played it. No problems found so far.... I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the review!
That’s awesome! For that price I think my review would have been much more favourable. I hope you enjoy it mate and thanks for checking the video out 🤘
glad i seen this, i was gonna grab one for a cheap little stuff about metal guitar for the lounge room but I don't think i'll bother. maybe might look at a charvel san dimas or a solar guitar
I’m stoked it helped mate. I can’t say for sure you wouldn’t like it but it’s definitely not a guitar I’d recommend to my friends. Had a couple of charvels previously and really liked the San Dimas I had. Haven’t tried a Solar yet! Thanks for checking out the video dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars no probs mate, my pleasure 😊
I own this guitar had for for 5 months now with a good set of strings and a fret clean and board oiled thing really sounds fine. i just in the last few weeks modded it with lock-in tuners and a new bridge and nut also wired in set of dimarzio evolutions neck and bridge it really woke the guitar up. i understand ur review but if ur a beginner and like the look and feel of a guitar its a pretty good guitar and if it has some issues it always fixable or upgrade-able. the hole experience of buying a instrument is to try it and play it and for a person that has modded my rga42ex-bam the guitar is pretty good for a starter.
I’m glad you’re enjoying yours mate! Thanks for watching 🤘
Any chance you have recordings of you playing with those upgraded pickups? I have this guitar also and happy with everything except I'm thinking of replacing the pickups.
How would the Ibanez RG421PFM compare? It seems to be cheaper and I have heard good things.
thanks for sharing your opinion, its always good seeing someone giving criticism where its warranted, its a gorgeous body i will give it that, if you got one cheap second hand and wanted to make it into something better, that lovely body would make it worth while,
i recently bought an s 1070 pbz recently, the s series has been a teenage dream for years, i went for this one because of the ss frets, the only s series that has them, but i have 2 issues with the guitar that nobody talks about, the trem bar hits the pickup selector!!!!! lol im not kidding, if you are in the middle position the trem bar will knock it into positions 2 or 4, are you kidding me??? i filed the knob down and now it doesnt hit but you still have to be careful if you dive the bar in any way,
my second issue, the s series with its super thin body is light as a feather right? wrong!!! this thing must weigh over 8 pounds, its heavier than my AZ and my ash tele, and feels heavier than that again because there is nothing of it, it is made of 6 different woods but have no idea what is weighng it down, other than that, well its pretty nice, and although its a work of art to look at, as a players guitar the AZ still owns it
Thanks man! I don't like having to be negative about stuff but i've gotta be honest overall! If this guitar was around £200 I would have been much more favourable towards it.
That's pretty nuts dude. I would never have expected either of those problems but it's good to know. Thanks for checking out the video dude 🤘
Thanks for pointing these issues out. It seems this is just a much more expensive version of the RG421.
No worries dude I'm glad it helped. It's very similar specs wise to the RG421 but I actually think that's a far better guitar. My mate has one and it feels tons better than this. Cheers mate 🤘
I was looking at this guitar as a beginner. If anyone has any recommendations around the same price point, it would be much appreciated! I liked this one because it doesnt look basic.
Sorry to put you off it but you can definitely do better for the money! Jet make some really nice guitars that look great and have awesome specs. Otherwise, have a look at Harley Benton. There might be something there that you like. If you have any others you’re looking at feel free to run them by me if you want a second opinion 🤘
A lot of fair points made. I disagree on the bridge, though. Sure, it might look boring but it is functional and the parts are of a high quality. It's the same bridge that was installed on the Ibanez PGM models. I have an Ibanez RG421, also a Standard series, with this bridge and I don't have the issues with the screws sticking out. Your neck probably needs a shim. Otherwise I have to agree. The Standard series is really lacking for the money they ask for it and it is a shame. Ibanez has the High Performance series that adds all the nice features like roasted maple necks and quality pickups from DiMarzio but they ask between 600-900 bucks for the particular models, while still lacking the locking tuners and stainless steel frets. Their needs to be an upgrade to the Standard and High Performance series.
Cheers mate, I appreciate the level headed comment! I found it strange too that this bridge felt terrible. I’ve got a Gio 7 mod project with the same type of bridge and it feels much better than this one. Does beg the question why they’re using the same parts on Gio models as this but that’s by the by. I completely agree though, this range of guitar needs something to make it worth it. Definitely a shame! Thanks again dude🤘
Hello I am going to buy a sterling axis ax3s, what is your thought on sterling axis? is it better than Ibanez RGA42EX.
Hey man! I don't have loads of experience playing them but I have tried one a little while ago. Absolutely, it's a much better guitar than the RGA. Personally, I'd take a Sterling over that for sure. If you can try one yourself then even better because I wouldn't want for you to decide based on my personal taste and then hate it 😂 Hope you enjoyed the video dude, thanks for checking it out!
These come up used for around £200 so I may consider one as another in my collection as they look so cool. I just bought a used Epiphone Futura Explorer with the Fishman Fluence Modern pups for £400 and it's an amazing instrument. I've owned many guitars but I think this is probably the best. Check one out, amazing!
For £200 I think it's completely fair. They should be that new imo. Dude, I love those Prophecys but I haven't played one yet. I'd love to! Thanks for checking out the video mate 🤘
Have you ever owned an epiphone snow falcon? That is a great guitar.
would the RG421EX be a good alternative? I'm looking at lefty's with hardtails and there is not many options.
My best mate has the RG421EX and it does feel like a far better guitar than this, dude. I'd pick that every day. It still has the same bridge but it's a great mod platform if you wanted to take it up a notch easily. Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
How does the rg421ex compare? Is it worth going for even with the same bridge?
Overall dude the RG421EX is a much better guitar. Im still not a massive fan of the bridge but my mate has one and it’s definitely better. Cheers for watching dude and I hope that helps some 🤘
How about the schecter damien 6 satin black ??
Im looking for my first guitar, or do u have any recommendations for almost the same price ?
I like the Damiens! They're good guitars, would be a very good starting point. You could look at Omens too, they're awesome. Otherwise, I'd say take that £400 and look at some second hand Ibanez RGs, Schecters, Chapmans. Actually, I did a video on the Chapman ML3 Pro modern I got used for £450 and it's incredibly good! If you could pick one of those up used you'd be winning! Hope that helps 🤘
What about the demon 6? Or is the Damien the better choice?@@JackTaylorGuitars
i want to start learning guitar and i just know a nice looking guitar will help me pick it up more often. i dont know about this model though
It's true dude, a guitar you love the look of will definitely inspire you to play. I wouldn't go with this one though from personal experience. If you like Ibanez, they have some much better models and probably for a bit less. Thanks for checking out the video and I hope you find something you like! 🤘
im thinking in a 450 dbx or jem jr on white, the ibanez page specs are the same, but i dont know if theres a better superstrat for that price also i like very much that jem color and the problem is that im lh
Both of those are great guitars. Personally, I'd go JEM JR for the aesthetics alone. I don't think you'll have any issues with either!
@@JackTaylorGuitars thanks i like the jem too
I got a 2023 RG421HPAH and it had every saddle at max height as well as the nut just fell off when I changed strings the first time. I bought it sight unseen but no wonder the dude selling gave up after 3 months. This version is actually pretty expensive at retail (at least $1600AUD) yet doesn't have locking tuners or SS frets. Plus has that horrible neck. Something about it feels ...dry somehow. And kinda boxy. Nothing like my other RG's. It was just so pretty in the pictures I didn't stop to really look at the specs.
I know what you're saying man. I don't get how Ibanez are missing the mark so badly with some models... Thanks for checking out the video dude, I appreciate it 🤘
As someone who lives in a country with poor access to a 2nd hand market, you got any idea at what price points new ibanez guitars start feeling like ibanez guitars? I was really looking forward to experiencing an ibanez neck and was pretty sad to hear that this price point is out of the question. I could spend up to 750 euros maybe, and would rather not have a floating trem system. I was considering RG421HPFM-BRG but now i worry that it's just a bad ibanez with decent specs. It's so frustrating that the 350 exz and dxz or iron label are nowhere to be found on thomann or anywhere else i looked that shipped to my country. I could go for a jem jr but trem systems scare me, maybe i just have to make the jump.
Also major props for saying how it is, guitar reviews are mostly pointless these days it seems, everything is 10/10 and as good as something 1k euros more!
Thanks for the kind words dude, I’m glad the video helped but I am sorry to but you off a guitar you liked.
One thing I would say is it’s all personal opinion. Don’t get me wrong, this is the advice I’d give my best friend if they were looking at this guitar and I completely stand by it. But, I just sold it and the guy who bought it loves it 🤷🏻♂️
The RG you’re looking at is much more likely to feel like a legit Ibanez I’d say. My mate has the RG421EX which is a little cheaper than the RGA but feels so much more true to the brand. I think the one you’re looking at would be a solid pick, though personally I’m really not keen on the bridge. If you were willing to upgrade it though then you’d make a huge difference to it.
I hope that helps man but if you wanna talk about it more feel free to DM me on Instagram or something. Always happy to help where I can. Thanks again dude 🤘
I like the RGA guitars! Any opinions on buying this guitar and installing upgrades: Hipshot bridge, Tusq nut, Gotoh tuners Dimarzio Pups and possibly having it Plek'd? Overall cost with the guitar purchase and upgrades, including the PLEK service is around $1k or less. What are your thoughts towards these modifications and setup?
I guess if you really want to you could do that but I think you’d just end up with a cheap feeling guitar with good hardware. If I had that money to spend and really wanted an RGA I’d just buy a higher tier model, personally. Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
So, I'll first say that while I see what this guy got across in his video, I can't say I've had the same issues with it as him. What I see after inspection is a decently set-up midrange hardtail guitar with some lackluster hardware and pickups. I was lucky, someone who knows me well saw the finish and knew I could make it work, and gifted me one for Christmas. So right off-rip I can throw in a bit more to make it nice and not feel bad.
The neck itself is solid stock in terms of the shape, radius, fret size, and string spacing. They basically took a more classic ultra-thin wizard C, added some width and girth, and made it slightly thinner. The fretboard gets a little flatter and you get more room between strings, which makes fast precision and barre shapes easier. I like the lean towards a D-shape for what it gives to chord stability and overall comfort/fatigue. Whether I'm doing a wide chord stretch toward the top or bottom of the fretboard, I have some mass to hang or press on with my thumb respectively. I think it's a great match with the leaner and more contoured RGA body. The RGA is one of my favorites from Ibanez. It's just so ergonomic, easy to forget it's there for hours.
My setup was fine (aside from an understandable neck relief shift going from northeast to southeast coastal conditions.) I opened the box and saw the hallmark 'double-stairway' pattern of good intonation with a decently-set nut in the saddle positions. Upon closer inspection, the nut isn't all that well-cut, enough to make the lowest two strings always hover a little out of tune in common positions.. I took a 1/4 turn on the truss and had it more in playing order, though. All of the frets are level and uniformly fitted - none up/loose/corroded. If I slide the meaty parts of my fingers along the fretboard edge at *just* the right angle, I can feel the grit and dig. But in practice it doesn't matter, because the thinner neck puts your fingers on a taller curve that requires less force - I'm never on those edges. Push comes to shove, that's not as touchy to fix as doing a new nut. You can get a mask that makes the grinding and polishing quick and easy without damaging the fretboard. A luthier will charge $100+ min for a redress, if they're a legit tradesman, and depending on the level of detail it can go way higher.
Interestingly mine does offer plek'ing... though I haven't felt a need to just yet.
The finish on mine is about as flawless as could be for the price point, with just a couple of nibs above the neck, which are almost never visible because the finish has mad light play. The neck is exactly what I wanted: wizard-worthy thickness without compromising stability, and a little added width for comfort. Personally, it's just what I needed because I have long fingers. I immediately found myself more at home than ever with legato runs, sliding around lots of shifting triads and big, wide chord shapes. I wanted something comfortable and versatile for long sessions, with lots of natural sustain.
An upgraded Ibanez is like the tuner Honda Civic of guitars. Nobody understands how nice it can be until they drive it, and then they're scared of its power lol. I went with open hipshot tuners - they're pretty smooth and precise, finer than their closed ones at 18:1. Paired with the "Ibby" bridge they make with the matching mounts. It is a far more comfortable bridge, I'll say that much. Every edge is smooth, and it has better tuning stability with no snaggy set screws. I think all in all that was ~$230.
I also went with a tusq nut. There's only one luthier anywhere near me, but at least he's amazing. He set and ground the tusq for $85. I had him do a full analysis and setup for $125. I asked for minimal relief - buzz unplugged is fine as long as articulation and sustain plugged in is unaffected. Well worth it, man. After talking about my goals with it, and our shared love for that finish on a $380 guitar, he dressed-up those sharp edges as part of the setup. It plays amazing now. The sustain is amazing, even unplugged. The action and relief is as low and flat as it can go without affecting tone/intonation. I pick it up and feel like I can play anything on it. I think the nut swap made a big difference in tuning stability on the wound strings. Everything about it is just... steady and ergonomic.
I opted for active pickups because I wanted more options and less noise for recording. I went with Fishman Fluence Classics. I saved a good $150 from my luthier by installing them myself. Though only because I already had everything I needed to do it and have the skills already learned, along with a Hakko station and good chisel tips. I like the open-pole set in zebra with the dark finish and ivory trim - I think they sound less compressed than the modern set too. Pricey though, I think I paid around $270. Honestly worth every penny for me, though there are lots of excellent passive sets out there for ~40% less mundo.
Idk, I think it's worth it to kit out this guitar if you really like the finish and your neck has no major faults/is to your liking, but to go for what most people do kitting out an RG, you ARE gonna spend ~$1000 if not a little more. At least you can piece it out if you need to. I dunno about you, but mine wasn't bad out of the box. Upgrades can be worth it if you find you at least already like the guitar for what it is. Sometimes, no amount of upgrading can save a guitar you don't like. That's main thing. Literally anything else can come later.
im really torn between this ibanez or the ESP LTD H-200FM. im looking to get a new gutiar that doesnt have a floyd rose system. the ESP is a bit more expensive but it may be worth to put down the extra money.
I would 100% go for the ESP LTD dude. The more affordable LTD stuff is fantastic, it actually feels like a guitar and not a cheap toy like this Ibanez. Thanks for watching mate 🤘
can you tell us more about your yellow ibanez? please
I'm surprised anyone is interested mate! 😂 It's basically just an Iron Label RG that I modded a whole lot because I thought it'd be cool to do. I'd suggest doing that over buying one of these RGAs new any day! Thanks for watching mate 🤘
Didn't have the chance to try this particular model but yeah, I've felt a loss in quality for the past decades. Or, more like you said: a rise in prices that makes guitars worth $150 selling at $400, and marketing making us feel like it should be the same as a $400 guitar from 10 years ago. But it's not.
That's not only Ibanez tho.
But yeah, the upgrade in quality for brands like harley benton has a lot to do with the recent democratization of CNCs. It has became very affordable to make a decent woodwork: a computer won't mess the fretboard measurements or drill misaligned holes. And as you said for a shop like Thomann who already has selling points, engagements with factories and distribution, it's very easy to make cheap products that breaks the market.
That's why the downside of HB guitars is what comes after: no-name gear and cheapest electronic chinese parts. But hey, who else sold a 8 strings, fanned frets, 5 pieces neck-through, with a nice table-top and locking tuners for 398€?
Yeah dude, it's definitely a thing. I fully agree. I think some brands are resting on their laurels a bit and some are making a definite effort to bring more quality to their lower end models. Ibanez have brought out one GIO that looks to be trying to compete with the likes of Harley Benton etc. so I hope that's a sign of things to come! Thanks for checking out the video man 🤘
With that model, you're absolutely paying for the finish and the name on the headstock. The neck itself isn't a super thin version like the Nitro-Wizard, but a Wizard III. Perfectly fine neck but I agree, not really traditional Ibanez. Got no idea why they don't have their budget Hipshot-style on the guitar.
Shame, because there's a lot of potential there.
Exactly! Thank you, I've been doubting myself on this since I got it but I completely agree with everything you said. Definitely a shame mate, it could be a killer guitar but it just falls flat in so many areas. Appreciate you checking out the video! 🤘
I was interested in it for the wider string spacing and the price combination. Most guitars that accommodate a player with my hand size and style preference are far more expensive. Perhaps simply replacing the bridge and giving it a fret job is far more economical than a buying a George Benson model or a Reb Beach model from Ibanez? Also, that more standard feeling neck, as opposed to the flatter wizard models, is ideal for rhythm playing? As someone who likes to play rhythm with unusual chord shapes and still play some lead phrases, it seems like a pretty good guitar for them money. If you know of a guitar than has wide string spacing, yet a radius that is still usable for chords, but flat enough to have low enough action for arpeggios, and not costing $1000's of dollars, I am all ears.
That's a very specific set of requirements you're looking for dude! I couldn't possibly give you any ideas of what to buy instead based on that, only you know what feels good to you. But this guitar sucked dude, it's very overpriced. If you can get one second hand and be willing to put some work into it then that might be worth the money but buying it new is like throwing £200 in the bin to be completely honest. Maybe you'll like it though, who knows? Appreciate you checking out the video anyway man, thank you 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars , I spent about an hour and a half playing different guitars at the guitar store earlier today. Apparently, the ones I am interested in aren't here in town where I live. I thought about buying one and having it shipped, but I saw a video where a guy unpacked a fretless guitar he bought, and the neck was cracked. People who work in the parcel shipping industry are typically overworked, underpaid and don't have time to do a good job. I am not sure what the heck to do about it. I did just have an idea to build my own from parts. I could order the neck I want, complete with width, shape, thickness and radius, put the frets in it I want, slot the nut the way I want, etc. Who knows, maybe I can build my own for much less. Putting the frets in myself seems daunting. Perhaps having that part done for me would be better. I built an electric from a box of parts once long ago and have changed the nut and slotted it myself on an acoustic, but I have enough work to do usually.
Ah that's a shame man! If it's any consolation, I have the vast majority of my guitars shipped and everything has been fine but I'm not sure where abouts in the world you are so it could be that your order travels much further. And you're totally right about shipping guys, they've got a tough job and I feel for them with the way the industry is now.
Maybe building your own would be a great project man? Get everything you want, how you want it, and make something completely unique. Sounds like fun to me! I wouldn't do the frets myself either though. I hope you get it sorted mate!
@@JackTaylorGuitars , Reb Beach, Brian May and Eddie Van Halen all built their own guitars and I doubt they are the only ones. Thanks for the encouragement and your replies.
For sure dude! No worries man, thanks for checking out the video and having a chat, that’s really cool of you! Look after yourself mate 🤘
Thank you!!!!
I almost bought a used one last night at Guitar Center…
they had it priced at $350 (???)
wtf.
Dude, that is far too much money for this guitar but it seems to hold it's value on colour alone... I'd dodge it personally. I'm glad the video helped mate, thanks so much for checking it out 🤘
Old rga42 seems much better then new.
It’s lack of fancy finish but have good Ibanez gibraltar bridge like on iron label series
It sounds like you’re totally right! I’d happily take the Gibraltar bridge over any finish they could possibly make 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting mate 🤘
i still hesitating which guitar should i buy, this or the ibanez Ibanez GRG121SP-BMC. i cant deicide it
The GRG, from what I've seen, looks to be a far better guitar and, honestly, I've played better GRGs than this RGA. I'd try that and skip this model, it's not worth the money. Thanks for watching mate 🤘
honestly, idgaf imma still get it cuz it looks like an enchanted guitar lol
I mean, that's totally your call bro! I agree, it looks enchanted (but it feels like it's cursed 😂). Thanks for checking out the video dude, I appreciate it! 🤘
Odd, perhaps just a bad egg? I've got the 7 string variant and it's hard to fault it to be honest. Frets are level and well rounded, neck is great, finish is 9 out of 10. I've got it sitting next to guitars that cost 4x it's price and it's not out of place. Came setup with a medium to low action and doesn't buzz anywhere, can't say the same about my eclipse which was far more expensive.
I dunno dude. I’d like to be wrong, always sucks when a guitar isn’t good, you know? Technically, there wasn’t a lot wrong with it, it just felt cheap to me. If it only cost me £200 I wouldn’t have been quite so critical 😂 Appreciate you watching the video and I’m glad you’ve had a good experience with yours 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars fair enough man, I enjoyed your video by the way, engaging and well edited 😊
That's kind of you to say dude, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 🤘
Funny, p
Phil mcknight had one and loved the gio, very similar to that one
Is that the recent Gio with the chameleon finish and roasted neck? Looks like a great guitar and it’s cheaper than this. Definitely a better option! The fact this isn’t a Gio and it sucks is hugely disappointing. Thanks for watching mate 🤘
@Jack Taylor Guitars writing the comment I realised they're not the same guitar
It’s all good, they’re definitely similar! In fairness, I’ve had much better experiences with almost ever Gio I’ve played over this one. I’d have far less of a grounds to criticise it if it was a cheaper model. Cheers dude!
I have hip-shot** locking tuners and a hip-shot** bridge that I am going to put on an RGA42-FM that I just ordered from Sweetwater. That's the flame-maple veneer top one.
I also have a few sets of pups I can try out in it as well. Oh yes, and of course the shitty plastic nut(why Ibanez??) is being replaced by a Graphtech tusq nut too.
There's mad potential here and perhaps I'm foolish in someone's eyes, but here's why:
I had a Jackson Juggernaut HT-6 Pro (Misha's signature guitar) that I bought years back, (used for 450 US) I modded it with all the hardware he uses on his USA made ones, put a set of Seymour Duncan Alpha/omega pups in it, sold it, and later regretted that.
Because their 700_800 used now with the stock Jackson garbage hardware!
But the thing (modded the way I had it) is greatly greatly missed.
So, this Ibanez body and neck style, look pretty close to that Jackson...I still have all the hardware and pups (I put all the Jackson hardware back on the Misha guitar when I sold it😂) so, I'm thinking,Post mod, I might have a win on my hands here!
**
I was using speech to text and my phone interpreted it as "hip-hop" 😂
That all sounds like it makes sense dude. I hope the mods work out for you man! Thanks for checking out the video 🤘
To answer your question, there's that ONE WORD on the headstock: IBANEZ.
It's just all about the brand. That could be 50quid to make, slap the Ibanez logo on it, and it becomes 400quid.
It most definitely feels that way in this case mate! Cheers for checking out the video 🤘
well just as what they say all ibanez feels different the way they are made are unique feel but yah i agree it lacks a lot of things on it
Yeah for sure, there’s going to be differences. This one just really misses the mark for me personally and I wish it didn’t! Thanks for checking out the video, I appreciate it 🤘
What about the Ibanez s521?
Thanks for checking out the video mate! I’ve never played one dude so I couldn’t say but I like the look of them 🤘
I bought one new in 2019. It's a fine looking instrument. Wizard neck takes some time to get used to, but I like it now (been a strat guy for 20 years). However, the input jack bothers me a lot. You can't use wireless transmitters, or amp plugs like the nux mighty pro. The jack is too recessed in the body. Another thing: the string clearance (distance to the edge of the fretboard) is also small to my liking. I wouldn't but it again, but I don't want to sell for cheap. So I'm keeping it for now. There are FAR BETTER options now in that price range, especially harley benton.
Bought this guitar last summer, admittedly driven by the awesome finish. I have the same problems as you have described, including the rusty frets...that's nickel for you I guess. Now I regret the purchase even more lol.
I’m sorry you’ve had the same experience dude. I don’t think either of us are to blame for expecting more from Ibanez! Appreciate you checking out the video mate 🤘
Looks like you got a lemon, maybe try out a different Ibanez from the price range next time
I really don't think I did mate to be honest. From a manufacturing standpoint, the guitar was fine generally speaking. It's just not a very good guitar 😂 If it was a Gio and £200 I'd have been much more forgiving but this is taking the piss haha Thanks for checking out the video dude 🤘
Plastic nuts and nickel frets alone are always a no-go. Ibanez is one of the greediest in that even high end models often come without stainless steel or good nuts. We can be lucky to get their gold frets for under 2000€£. It's true that the name is the only thing that keeps the price high. I'd rather buy a Harley Benton for that price, or save a bit more money and get a Schecter or Solar
I fully agree dude, absolutely!
I think you may've gotten a shit unit. I've tried this guitar (not this exact finish) at several stores and the frets feel great across the board (pun intended). Your standards may be higher than mine (you own much higher priced guitars) but I thought this was great. Also if you have never tried / owned a Wizard III neck, they feel so different from the standard Gibson/Fender style necks that they stand way, way out to me. The reason to buy this guitar, imho, is the neck.
I'd like to think I got a garbage one but I'm not so sure. I love a cheaper/affordable guitar but I just think this felt incredibly cheap and not up to the competition which, from Ibanez, is a huge shock honestly. That said, I'm not knocking anyone who likes it. We all like different stuff and I'm just one dude sharing their thoughts on the internet. I appreciate you watching and commenting man, thank you 🤘
can you insert a whammy bar into this guitar?
I mean, you could take a router to it and route a cavity to fit one but the bridge is fixed from the factory. You'd be so much better off just buying a good guitar that already has a tremolo though not just 'cause it's easier but because this isn't a good guitar. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it 🤘
It doesnt seem much better than the better gio's. The bridge and tuners look the same
You're totally right mate. If I'd have paid Gio prices I wouldn't have been as harsh on it! Thanks for checking out the video dude 🤘
I don't like people who talk alot and show less. I was thinking to listen the guitar voice and blah blah less. But dissapointed
That’s a real shame mate! Maybe my channel isn’t for you then. Best of luck 🤘
Everything other than the fretboard looks great. The board looks so cheap, dry and nasty haha
Yeah man, the guitar looks great. I just found that as soon as it was in my hands what you're describing about the board extends to everything else too 😂 Appreciate you checking out the video mate, thank you!
Fix your mic and EQ man! It is clipping all over the place. Makes it absolutely horrible to watch this.
Thanks for the feedback bro. This video is months old so I've gotten a bit better at making videos since then. Still learning mind you 🤘
oooft, i must've got lucky! I got this 2 years back, no issues like what you mentioned at all luckily for me, but i did wait a long time for mine, then i looked again and they had loads in, so whether they got churned out after Covid and quality control took a slippery slope certainly seems that way
I relieved to hear yours is a solid one dude, that's good news! Could well be the rate they're being pushed out now. Could also just be complacency in that they know they'll sell? Who knows! Either way, if mine was better it might still have been here 😂 Thanks for checking out the video mate, I appreciate it 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars well i say that, small smudge on binding but got part refund of £60 so not bad, plus its underneath so wont see it while i'm playing! i'm thinking the same, they were in high demand, as i kept ringing about mine, kept getting delayed, they said we have 13 awaiting delivery and all spoken for, luckily for me i was 1st on the list, but i think you're right, since then the quality seems to of gotten worse, and QC just don't care :( no worries buddy! appreciate you taking the time to reply
Ah that’s decent then man. Little blemishes here and there aren’t the worst thing in the world. It’s definitely a shame mine wasn’t what I’d hoped but you live and learn! It’s not problem at all dude, I appreciate you watching and chatting bro 🤘
I bought a similar guitar from Sweetwater. I had them put a professional set up on it and a graphite nut replaced just fine, so I don’t know what the sky is crying about.