How do you explain my My Ibanez's RoadStar II and SZ520

K-2

K-2

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How do you explain my My Ibanez's RoadStar II RG140 and SZ520

http://hosanna.myphotoalbum.com/vie...album01&id=sz520fm_and_roadstar_ii_001#Bottom

The above guitars are what I have been using for some time now. The SZ520fm (left) is less than a year old whilst the RoadStar II has been through 2 players - first a friend of mine and then now me.

The SZ520 is mfr-dated 2007 (MiK) and the Roadstar II RG140 mfr-dated 1986 (MiJ) but both sounds equally pleasing to me.

From the picture, the layouts of the guitars' shapes, PRS-like and Strat-like and pickups, H-H and H-S-S.

My question - why does the Roadstar II sound as good as the SZ520? Afterall, it is more than 20 years old and looks aged. Now I am not questioning the body shapes, PUps, or wood, whatever. What are your views?
 
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I believe its the body wood. My roadstar II is heavy as hell,so its more resonant. and 20 years old too ;)

I run my roadstar through a marshall 15 watter, nothing special; but the tones I get are very sweet. I'd say its my Ibanez working the wonders.
 
I don't quite get your question.

Are you implying that you are actually surprised that an older guitar sounds good, cos you think older the guitar are not suppose to sound good or that newer guitars suppose to sound better?
 
the thing is if you are playing 2 guitars through the same settings, they would sound very similar although the differences are noticeable. maybe you like the sound of both guitars through the same setting despite the slight differences?

old guitars would sound sweeter in general due to the nature of old wood (look at the prices for vintage Fender Stratocasters and you'd get an idea). however if you say they sound the same, that would mean that the MIK SZ's quality is better as compared to the MIJ Roadstar.
 
I don't think he is implying that they sound the same. That is just not possible. Different pickup configuration, possibly different pickups for both bridge humbuckers, and from the looks of it definitely different wood types.

I got the impression that he is surprised that the older guitar can still sound good after all these years. Not sure, though cos his post is a little short on details, and that's what I wish he could clarify on.
 
K-2 said:
My question - why does the Roadstar II sound as good as the SZ520? Afterall, it is more than 20 years old and looks aged. Now I am not questioning the body shapes, PUps, or wood, whatever. What are your views?
Click to expand...

Roadstars rule!!!
 
Why the Roadstar II Rocks

Your Roadstar II was made in the famous Gen-Gakki factory in Japan. They built the Roadstar II for Ibanez in the early 80s. I've owned one since 1985 and it's the best neck I've ever played --many people that own a Gen-Gakki era Roadstar believe this. I still haven't found a guitar that feels better. Yours may be loaded with Dimarzio pickups.
This site might tell you more about your specs:
http://www.ibanezrules.com/catalogs/index.htm

A few brands, I think even Tokai & early 90s Fenders were made in the Gen-Gakki factory. It was a peak in quality.

I hope this helps explain why your Ibanez holds up as quality stands the test of time. :)
 
Hey, thanks to all your replies - *appreciated everyone* of them. The two reference sites really help. I will probably posts some pictures of the current state of my RG140 soon to ask for advice on how I can give it a make-over! The Ibanez RoadStar really lives up to its name.
 
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