Need some advise on what guitar to get.

[almondx]

soyzabean you referring to the metal frets themselves or the spacing between the frets? I'm not sure how the PRS fret size compare to Ibanez, but if you're referring to fret spacing then the PRS will be right in between an Ibanez and a Gibson. I wouldn't say playability is worst for a shorter scale length guitar since you may find that bends are easier due to the lower tension. If you have big hands then the best way to go is with a longer scale length instrument.

Oh the PRS is also a set neck instrument, which makes it smoother sounding as opposed to the trebly bite from a bolt-on neck.

 

[subversion]

quote Marksman: RGR321 had active pickups don't they?

nope. they are passive.

 

[soyzabean]

Guys, i must say something, you singaporeans rock!!!! Sad to say,i doubt i would ever have gotten this much help and advice in a Malaysian forum.Thank you loads for your help.

Anyway, sub, the RGR321EX is definitely one of my top choices.A dimarzio tone zone in the bridge and a paf pro in the neck?should be killer don't ya think?Any idea how much the Di marzio's will cost though?

Almondx, i was refering to the spacing in between,haha.Ah, yes!!! the tension caused by the extra length!!! that was why the SZ320EX was easier to play than the RGR321EX!!!furthermore the SZ320EX only has 22 frets compared with the 24 on the RGR321EX.

Anyway, im planning to come down to singapore next week.I shall make my decision then.Current choices are a)Ibanez RGR321EX with DiMarzios
b)PRS SE Paul Allender model

I also plan to try out the schecters and the lot. Are there any products on promotion that I should look out for?

Can you guys also recommend some shops for me to stop by at?

Current shops on the list a)Guitar 77
b)Ebenex
c)Swee Lee
d)Davis

anymore?

Theres also this place at Excelcior plaza that has 3 guitar shops near each other, what are the shops called? The last time i went down they were all closed cos i went late at night.

1 more thing, i'm selling my Ibanez RGT42DX which i dropped real cheap,around $450.Any takers? I'm gonna post up an add in the classifieds.

Thanks alot for the help guys.

 

[subversion]

DiMarzio humbuckers: $130+/- used to be a huge fan of this pickup but i prefer Seymour Duncans...

 

[soyzabean]

which seymours would u recommend for metal but is still able to produce nice cleans?To be fitted into an Ibanez RGR321EX of course...

 

[subversion]

'metal' pickups, after years of trying many models, are the ones receptive to distortion, regardless of the output. many would equate higher output pickups with better distortion reception but this is not a fool-proof formula. the humbuckers in my PRS McCarty are of vintage specs but given a good dose of intense distortion, it's a metal menace.

there is also a trade-off when it comes to output & good cleans- higher output pickups don't do cleans as well as the lower (not necessary vintage) output counterparts. the former also breaks up too easily under higher volume settings.

on a personal note, i get good distortion response from the following Duncans:

*Duncan Distortion
*Full Shred
*Invader
*JB
*Jazz
*Custom
*Custom 5
*Screamin' Demon

 

[EugeneSmasher]

I'm new here but might as well do some recommendations based on experience

I recommend an Ibanez actually, because not only did I read that even their budget Gio series are actually on par with most mid-range guitars on the planet (the only difference being the stock pick-ups), but in particular the SA series, or the GSA series, they can do some really heavy tones.

I play either alternative rock, hard rock and thrash metal, and my Ibanez does it all for me, so yeah its really very versatile. Plus, the SA series guitars are also better at rock and softer stuff than the RGs. Plus, mine's a GSA60. If you have a bigger budget, you might be able to afford some of the SA series guitars.

Just that a lot of Ibanez guitars cross the $1,000 mark in terms of price... So if you don't have that much, your choices are very limited. But plenty of Gio series can be found, and they're really good too! They're the only budget range guitars I'd use.

 

[subversion]

the GIO models are indeed inspected & finished meticulously to ensure minimal QC issues once these leave the factory. prior to production shift from Korea (for selected non-GIO models), production standards were under scrutiny but as we note, the current indonesian batch is superb in terms of fit & finish, as rightfully highlighted by Herman Li during his clinic here.

however, we have to note that the wood grade & electronics used (among other factors) are reflective of the price bracket these guitars are designated to be in. i've seen GIO bodies comprising of 5-7 pieces of wood blocks beneath the solid colour finishes; not implying that these are lousy in any way, but i would urge interested parties to consider the final performance of these instruments rather than scrutinize their conception with indifference.

 

[Marksman]

quoting subversion: nope. they are passive.

So those are just pickup covers?

 

[EugeneSmasher]

I kinda hope Swee Lee and Standard Value would expand their variety of Ibanez guitars.

 

[Marksman]

as well as Ibanez themselves, in variety of finishes for that particular model.

 

[soyzabean]

well, ibanez is definitely one of my top choices,but i want a fix bridge one so the only models that offer it are the RGR321EX,RG321MH and the SZ series. i kinda like the PRS SE Paul Allender model, even though it looks a bit OTT and the hardware is bound to tarnish. i gotta try them out first, making a trip down to singapore on monday.Thanks alot for your help and info guys.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Yeah but a floating bridge is quite nice too. I like to press it so I get a whammy sound. Really nice effect. Only thing, I'm scared it'll break free :lol: but then, hahaha I only trust Ibanez.

 

[soyzabean]

i've realised i hardly ever use the tremolo,haha so i see no point of getting one.and the hassle of tuning a floating bridge irritates me. sucks a lil sustain out of your guitar too if i'm not mistaken. maybe in the future when i start to play like steve vai i'll get one with a floating bridge :lol: about the bridge breaking off, have u seen herman li lift his ibanez with his tremolo arm? I was just wondering if its possible on a standard ibanez.don't advise trying it though, high tensioned springs and thin metal strings don't sound too safe....

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Yeah tuning a floatable bridge is a real hassle... I'd actually go for an Ibanez with a fixed bridge but you know... Ibanez doesn't have many models with fixed bridge... Not to mention that stock in Singapore is quite limited.

 

[soyzabean]

yea, i've realised hence only the SZ series or the 2 RG fixed bridge guitars...

 

[Marksman]

There's another choice though.... Ibanez MTM2.

Fixed Edge 3.

$975 before discount.

 

[Hydrofly]

yea, the MTM2 is like the budget version of the MTM1, and trust me, if you want heavy, you'll get it out of this one, at 975, its NOT overpriced.

 

[soyzabean]

the MTM2 and the RGR321EX are very similar in terms of feel and quality right?so i might as well get the RGR321EX and swap out the pickups for dimarzios or duncans and its still cheaper than the MTM2 i think.

 

[Marksman]

feel.... not exactly as the bridge, while fixed, is different. So the feel of your hand on the bridge will feel different. See whichever one your most comfortable with. =)