I just bought one a couple weeks ago so I thought I'd see what other people are saying. I say this guitar is sick sick sick. Totally worth $900, in fact I currently like it more than my American Strat and Gibson Standard Les. Easiest guitar to play.
as mentioned by someone else, the Fusion Edge pickups are made by Dimarzio in their USA factory, but they're specifically designed for Ibanez. This is similar to the Dimarzio/Ibz pickups from years past which are also Dimarzio USA pickups, just models designed for Ibanez only and not purchasable otherwise.
I got it in dark space burst (black). Love it! Also, on a technical note, I think it's a coil tap and not a splitter. Supposed to keep the humbucker effect on, but uses only part oft the wrapped wire to give it a lower output. That's how it was explained to me anyway, could be wrong. Either way, it's become my favorite axe, knocking my hss pro strat down a peg. Great review, very thorough
Just FYI - S in Ibanez S Series doesn’t stand for ‘slim’. They were originally called the Saber during the first couple runs 35-ish years ago, then it was shortened to the S series. S stands for Saber.
Just picked this thing up today and I LOVE it. I was just casually screwing around on my lunch break from work the other day and this one caught my eye. Picked it up and tried it. 3 days later it drove me nuts enough to make me go back and buy it before someone else did.
I played this guitar for about an hour at a guitar shop. Really quality instrument, if I had the money lying around I would have bought it immediately.
I found the exact same guitar but for some reason it says RG series on it on the top of the headstock. Back of the headstock has the correct model number etc. I wonder if that’s a factory defect
Awesome! I've had mine on backorder for quite a while and it will finally be here this week. I don't really care for the volume knob all that much. I'm going to put a clear Dimarzio speed knob on it instead. Those pics look sweet, I'm going to have to try those.
Awesome, review and playing, Man! I love the way it looks and sounds, specially the reverse headstock; sexy.. I wish they come out with a tremolo version of that exact model. I prefer the blade 5 way switch though over the toggle switch. Anyhow, your axe rocks. I am an S fan.
I was also thinking to get a proper setup.....I was thinking to buy Ibanez s iron label 6 string with out tremolo ( ibanez six6fdfm) , fire hawk FX and set of studio monitors..... I like to play blues , rock n roll and lil metal ..... Any help is welcome
What do you think of it now, 3 yrs down the track? I'm finally about to pull the trigger on one, before they stop making them - im already lucky that they are still goin after 3 yrs. Many models only last 2 or only 1yr/s. Its a Marketing trick, it's making me run out and buy it even though I don't really need it now. But, I have been infatuated with this guitar for 3 years, im just so glad I'm able to finally get it. Unless any last minute warnings..?
As mentioned, they are Dimarzio pickups, but just not for sale separately, but to note... I don't know if it is still the case, but there was a pickup on the Music Man Petrucci that weren't available seperately, and the Game Changer had exclusive Dimarzios as well. Inner coils is just typical. It's pretty well accepted that it is a more single coil type sound.. I.e. most people want it more spanky. It is probably the same switching that was on the JPMs... i.e. I'd guess it goes to series when switched in the middle position. I'm curious... how are the frets and the action. There tends to be a pretty big gap between Premium and Prestige fretwork and action to their other guitars.
The fret ends are good. They needed a polishing though. Ive never gotten a guitar with the action I prefer and always have to do some nut depth adjusting and saddle adjusting. This guitar was no exception.
Mine is currently at my luthier friends house getting green pearloid fret dots and a bone nut ! This guitar is quite sweet playing and sounding to say the very least ! I'll post a pic when it's done ! Cheers
Great review, this has been really informative for me, so thank you. I'm considering buying this guitar off of Sweetwater. I've got a couple questions if you don't mind: Is this a versatile guitar (I'm looking to get nice sounding cleans and also thick distorted sounds from the humbuckers)? Sure seems like it, which is what I'm looking for. Also, after playing around with the guitar for a while now, are you impressed with the pickups? I'm not looking to replace them. Finally.. is the lack of tone knob an issue? Thanks for your help.
I am completely in love with this guitar. It sounds great in every situation I've put it in. It's very versatile. These pickup are excellent! I will not replace them. I cannot think of a time where I've used a tone knob. Ever. So, for me, the lack of a tone knob is perfect. Get it. You will not be disappointed. :)
seeing as you are my kin i feel i should value your opinion on this instrument haha. haven't owned an Ibanez in my life but my buddy has an older S model that i really like. figure i may get this and throw some juggernauts in it. I'm not much of a player but i love the aggressive/progressive sound... also this looks a lot like a regius which is my favourite body shape.
I am thinking about getting the six string version of this guitar. I am specifically looking for something fixed bridge so that I can just mess around and try different tunings without having to deal with tremolos. While you still have to do setup work any time you plan on changing tunings long term, would this thing stay in tune well if I was playing Rocksmith and constantly changing tunings? lol
It would depend on how drastic the tuning changes were. Going down to E flat or drop C# would be okay. anything lower than that would require string gauge change. That goes for pretty much any guitar. BTW... This very guitar is for sale on Reverb right now. Wink wink. And not because its bad, I just like to change it up a lot. :)
Good to know, thanks! I would probably keep it in E flat or Drop C# fairly often, though maybe going D standard now and then but not for long periods. At this point I'm looking at this one, the dark space one, but also for not much more I could get a MIJ Prestige. Decisions decisions lol
Thanks for the review on this guitar, man! I am looking at getting it. It's definitely a steal for the price. Just curious, because the S style body is lighter, does the headstock want to dip down, because of imbalanced weight?
The only thing stopping me from buying this guitar is that there is no neck volute. A volute is absolutely necessary on a tiltback headstock and such a thin neck.
Without the volute, if you ever drop your guitar on it's angled headstock, the headstock will snap off. That's why you see so many Gibson Les Pauls and SGs with broken headstocks or repaired headstocks. It also helps reinforce the neck at the truss rod adjustment point, especially on a thin Ibanez wizard neck. If you look at all the Ibanez Premium, Prestige, and J.Custom models, they all have neck volutes. The Iron Label RGIT20FE has a neck volute and even has graphite reinforcement rods. Just google "guitar neck volute."
The Volute is no longer necessary since 3 piece necks are now the norm. It theoretically added strength to the neck but even Gibson thought otherwise because it stopped the use of Volutes in 1981
Decimus Rex Ah, finally someone who understands the three piece neck and the history of volutes. Not sure why people are on about them. Saw this same argument on another channel. They are so old school. \m/
Pretty sure the S stands for saber not slim. I be wrong though. Cheers mate The pickups are made by Dimarzio exclusively for Ibanez ( not sold separately )
Chris Tompkins I also much prefer fixed bridges . I've tried having some trem guitars and I always end up selling them. They're usually a hassle . Only reason I asked about the FR version is because there's one for sale for about $580 new but with the trem only .. . it's not really what I prefer but the price is good enough to consider it at least a little .
So you've gotten used to it, then? I'm digging the 7 string model. Only thing I'm not sure of is the super slim body. Looks comfortable, but not substantial. In the context of how the instrument feels, at least.
Yeah I'm totally used to it now. I've never played the 7 string version S model. I'd worry about balance. The bigger headstock and additional tuner might make it neck heavy. Though I've never felt one before, so I don't know... I'd try one though. :)
+Chris Tompkins yeah, I could see how the slim body might make a 7 string a little neck heavy. this guitar is on my short list of guitars im considering. thanks for the insight :)
how are the frets? I've heard a lot of comments about uneven frets and sharp fret edges with the iron label series. I'm sure Sweetwater would have caught anything too bad before they sold it.
Hey brother love that g tar nice just leting you know what you said about the strap diging on your shoulder you have you strap on backwards that end with the adjustment plastic peace goes on near the input jack side not shoulder side switch it around lol hey rock on dude you are a great guitar player for sure play a lot and keep playing alot
Oh man... That's a tough question. I've only played the Ibanez, so I'm really not a good source for that answer. However, on paper, the Jericho intrigues me the most out of the 3. Its got some killer specs. So, if it were me, I'd probably try the Jericho.
Dude, I'd never even heard of them until you asked about it. I checked out the Elite model you asked about. They seem pretty damn cool. Might need to try one out sometime. Thanks for the reveal. :)
Chris Tompkins yes sir! I've heard NOTHING but good things about them. I've talked to over 30 customers so haha. The elite model is new, but the most people I've talked to either had the fusion and edge. Most people Have stayed loyal to the brand once they tried them. Which tells me a lot
Please do! I'm going to order mine within the next week so i'll let you know. If you want something custom, the price won't be much different than if you bought the regular production model. Talk to dave, he'll take care of you. Shoutout when you pick one up!
Well...I've seen a lot of reviews. One really bad one that I won't get into. But you have sold me on this. By the way...what are you pumping that through? You're tone is awesome!
Learner-Learns. watched a couple of your videos. You have no room to fucking talk. imo was a good review. and he's not a fukkin moron like you. You don't like his reviews don't watch. jealous douchebag
oh look... he's all grown up and can talk all big and Jr Hi/adult-like now... I'd be so proud if I could hide behind my keyboard and insult people on the internet. Sheesh
I just bought one a couple weeks ago so I thought I'd see what other people are saying. I say this guitar is sick sick sick. Totally worth $900, in fact I currently like it more than my American Strat and Gibson Standard Les. Easiest guitar to play.
I've just ordered one of these for my son! He's been playing heaps with his base model Ibanez and this is his reward. Great review! Thanks.
NICE!!!! That is one helluva reward!! :)
Chris Tompkins yeah, I'm really happy that he's addicted to guitar, he's such a good kid - I can't wait to surprise him with a new axe. 😀
as mentioned by someone else, the Fusion Edge pickups are made by Dimarzio in their USA factory, but they're specifically designed for Ibanez. This is similar to the Dimarzio/Ibz pickups from years past which are also Dimarzio USA pickups, just models designed for Ibanez only and not purchasable otherwise.
I got it in dark space burst (black). Love it! Also, on a technical note, I think it's a coil tap and not a splitter. Supposed to keep the humbucker effect on, but uses only part oft the wrapped wire to give it a lower output. That's how it was explained to me anyway, could be wrong. Either way, it's become my favorite axe, knocking my hss pro strat down a peg. Great review, very thorough
Just FYI - S in Ibanez S Series doesn’t stand for ‘slim’. They were originally called the Saber during the first couple runs 35-ish years ago, then it was shortened to the S series. S stands for Saber.
S stands for Sabre, not slim
Josef Michal incorrect. S is for SICK. It does mean Saber tho haha.
Officially, it actually doesn't mean Saber - that's just slang and folk lore. I've heard from top men at Ibanez.
Myth...BUSTED!
Just picked this thing up today and I LOVE it. I was just casually screwing around on my lunch break from work the other day and this one caught my eye. Picked it up and tried it. 3 days later it drove me nuts enough to make me go back and buy it before someone else did.
I really want to get this guitar. It's sexy as f...!
And I really want your skills too!
I played this guitar for about an hour at a guitar shop. Really quality instrument, if I had the money lying around I would have bought it immediately.
I found the exact same guitar but for some reason it says RG series on it on the top of the headstock. Back of the headstock has the correct model number etc. I wonder if that’s a factory defect
Awesome! I've had mine on backorder for quite a while and it will finally be here this week. I don't really care for the volume knob all that much. I'm going to put a clear Dimarzio speed knob on it instead. Those pics look sweet, I'm going to have to try those.
Awesome, review and playing, Man! I love the way it looks and sounds, specially the reverse headstock; sexy.. I wish they come out with a tremolo version of that exact model. I prefer the blade 5 way switch though over the toggle switch. Anyhow, your axe rocks. I am an S fan.
just so you know, Ibanez and DiMarzio co developed the fusion pickups specifically for this guitar. loved the review man! it's a fantastic guitar.
I also use those straps up high like you, but to keep the plastic from digging in i put the Dimarzio part of the strap on the bottom.
I love this overview/review. This is exactly how it should be done.
You're " Killing Me " ! I want this guitar soooo damn bad ! Lol. Nice chops brother and b e a youtiful axe ! Cheers to YOU !
I was also thinking to get a proper setup.....I was thinking to buy Ibanez s iron label 6 string with out tremolo ( ibanez six6fdfm) , fire hawk FX and set of studio monitors..... I like to play blues , rock n roll and lil metal ..... Any help is welcome
That drop D though... It’s sick!!! Good review. Thanks so much.
fusion edge are made just for the iron label guitars
And Prestige’s!
What do you think of it now, 3 yrs down the track?
I'm finally about to pull the trigger on one, before they stop making them - im already lucky that they are still goin after 3 yrs. Many models only last 2 or only 1yr/s. Its a Marketing trick, it's making me run out and buy it even though I don't really need it now.
But, I have been infatuated with this guitar for 3 years, im just so glad I'm able to finally get it. Unless any last minute warnings..?
I don't keep guitars for very long. This one is gone. It was a really fantastic guitar though! Your infatuation is justifiable.
seems like the pickup sounds better than the Ibanez S520 which is fusion infinity if not mistaken
What amp, or modeler are you using?
As mentioned, they are Dimarzio pickups, but just not for sale separately, but to note... I don't know if it is still the case, but there was a pickup on the Music Man Petrucci that weren't available seperately, and the Game Changer had exclusive Dimarzios as well.
Inner coils is just typical. It's pretty well accepted that it is a more single coil type sound.. I.e. most people want it more spanky. It is probably the same switching that was on the JPMs... i.e. I'd guess it goes to series when switched in the middle position.
I'm curious... how are the frets and the action. There tends to be a pretty big gap between Premium and Prestige fretwork and action to their other guitars.
The fret ends are good. They needed a polishing though. Ive never gotten a guitar with the action I prefer and always have to do some nut depth adjusting and saddle adjusting. This guitar was no exception.
Thinking about this guitar, but I really don't like the volume being so close to the bridge. Super distracting on strats too, with palm muting.
Mine is currently at my luthier friends house getting green pearloid fret dots and a bone nut ! This guitar is quite sweet playing and sounding to say the very least ! I'll post a pic when it's done ! Cheers
Cool man! I definitely want to see that!! :)
Great review, this has been really informative for me, so thank you. I'm considering buying this guitar off of Sweetwater. I've got a couple questions if you don't mind:
Is this a versatile guitar (I'm looking to get nice sounding cleans and also thick distorted sounds from the humbuckers)? Sure seems like it, which is what I'm looking for.
Also, after playing around with the guitar for a while now, are you impressed with the pickups? I'm not looking to replace them.
Finally.. is the lack of tone knob an issue?
Thanks for your help.
I am completely in love with this guitar. It sounds great in every situation I've put it in. It's very versatile. These pickup are excellent! I will not replace them. I cannot think of a time where I've used a tone knob. Ever. So, for me, the lack of a tone knob is perfect. Get it. You will not be disappointed. :)
Thanks for your input. I'm going to get one. Same color :)
great axe and playing. I hope to own my own S in the future.
I got the same guitar and agreed with the positions of those switches
seeing as you are my kin i feel i should value your opinion on this instrument haha.
haven't owned an Ibanez in my life but my buddy has an older S model that i really like. figure i may get this and throw some juggernauts in it. I'm not much of a player but i love the aggressive/progressive sound... also this looks a lot like a regius which is my favourite body shape.
LOL!! Surprisingly, this is maybe the 3rd Ibanez I've owned, that I didn't have to change the pickups in. They are quite good actually. :)
I am thinking about getting the six string version of this guitar. I am specifically looking for something fixed bridge so that I can just mess around and try different tunings without having to deal with tremolos. While you still have to do setup work any time you plan on changing tunings long term, would this thing stay in tune well if I was playing Rocksmith and constantly changing tunings? lol
It would depend on how drastic the tuning changes were. Going down to E flat or drop C# would be okay. anything lower than that would require string gauge change. That goes for pretty much any guitar. BTW... This very guitar is for sale on Reverb right now. Wink wink. And not because its bad, I just like to change it up a lot. :)
Good to know, thanks! I would probably keep it in E flat or Drop C# fairly often, though maybe going D standard now and then but not for long periods. At this point I'm looking at this one, the dark space one, but also for not much more I could get a MIJ Prestige. Decisions decisions lol
Thanks for the review on this guitar, man! I am looking at getting it. It's definitely a steal for the price. Just curious, because the S style body is lighter, does the headstock want to dip down, because of imbalanced weight?
Nope. Not at all. This guitar rules. Get it. :)
Totally thought he was about to play some VoM
It's not safe to swim...
The only thing stopping me from buying this guitar is that there is no neck volute. A volute is absolutely necessary on a tiltback headstock and such a thin neck.
Unchainedmaple888 plz explain why that matters
Without the volute, if you ever drop your guitar on it's angled headstock, the headstock will snap off. That's why you see so many Gibson Les Pauls and SGs with broken headstocks or repaired headstocks. It also helps reinforce the neck at the truss rod adjustment point, especially on a thin Ibanez wizard neck. If you look at all the Ibanez Premium, Prestige, and J.Custom models, they all have neck volutes. The Iron Label RGIT20FE has a neck volute and even has graphite reinforcement rods. Just google "guitar neck volute."
The Volute is no longer necessary since 3 piece necks are now the norm.
It theoretically added strength to the neck but even Gibson thought otherwise because it stopped the use of Volutes in 1981
Decimus Rex Ah, finally someone who understands the three piece neck and the history of volutes. Not sure why people are on about them. Saw this same argument on another channel. They are so old school. \m/
Pretty sure the S stands for saber not slim.
I be wrong though.
Cheers mate
The pickups are made by Dimarzio exclusively for Ibanez ( not sold separately )
could you do a video of changing the switches? you brought up a great point, but i'd probably fuck it up.
I've sold this guitar so, I can't do a video for that. Sorry.
how do you think the FR version compares? I kind of want one but i'm afraid of the tremolo maintenance
I never have Floyd Rose guitars for very long. I enjoy the stability of a hard tail, over the ability to do whammy bar tricks. Totally not my thing.
Chris Tompkins I also much prefer fixed bridges . I've tried having some trem guitars and I always end up selling them. They're usually a hassle . Only reason I asked about the FR version is because there's one for sale for about $580 new but with the trem only .. . it's not really what I prefer but the price is good enough to consider it at least a little .
Hey bro I just bought the same guitar. Do you have any cracks along your ebony fretboard?
I did not.
swap the volume and the toggle switch.
this or the chapman ml-3 rc signature guitar?
Never played a Chapman guitar. My opinion would be invalid. But, I can say that this guitar is a killer.
Chris Tompkins ok thanks! i think i might get this guitar, awesome review man! :)
You ever switch the controls around?
Not yet. Still have not even looked in the electronics cutout. This thing plays too good to change anything. :)
So you've gotten used to it, then? I'm digging the 7 string model. Only thing I'm not sure of is the super slim body. Looks comfortable, but not substantial. In the context of how the instrument feels, at least.
Yeah I'm totally used to it now. I've never played the 7 string version S model. I'd worry about balance. The bigger headstock and additional tuner might make it neck heavy. Though I've never felt one before, so I don't know... I'd try one though. :)
+Chris Tompkins yeah, I could see how the slim body might make a 7 string a little neck heavy. this guitar is on my short list of guitars im considering. thanks for the insight :)
can you tell me if the frets are as well finish as the prestige serie?or premium at least?thanks
No. These frets are good, but they are not at the level of a premium or Prestige. Nevertheless, they are still quite good.
how are the frets? I've heard a lot of comments about uneven frets and sharp fret edges with the iron label series. I'm sure Sweetwater would have caught anything too bad before they sold it.
Mine are perfect. No uneven frets or anything.
From what I've heard a lot of those complaints were when the iron lable first came out. Quality has been much better on the 2017 models
Stainless steel frets???
Nope. Nickel.
Great playing and review!
Hey brother love that g tar nice just leting you know what you said about the strap diging on your shoulder you have you strap on backwards that end with the adjustment plastic peace goes on near the input jack side not shoulder side switch it around lol hey rock on dude you are a great guitar player for sure play a lot and keep playing alot
Great review and playing! :D
*For the adjuster. not the unmovable part.
im so excited to get this.
Great playing. Could i get your advice? Should i get this, the prs se mark holcomb, or the jericho elite model? going for a periphery/monuments soond
Oh man... That's a tough question. I've only played the Ibanez, so I'm really not a good source for that answer. However, on paper, the Jericho intrigues me the most out of the 3. Its got some killer specs. So, if it were me, I'd probably try the Jericho.
have you ever tried any of the jericho's? I've heard nothing but good things about them. Could be one of your next axes ;)
Dude, I'd never even heard of them until you asked about it. I checked out the Elite model you asked about. They seem pretty damn cool. Might need to try one out sometime. Thanks for the reveal. :)
Chris Tompkins yes sir! I've heard NOTHING but good things about them. I've talked to over 30 customers so haha. The elite model is new, but the most people I've talked to either had the fusion and edge. Most people Have stayed loyal to the brand once they tried them. Which tells me a lot
Please do! I'm going to order mine within the next week so i'll let you know. If you want something custom, the price won't be much different than if you bought the regular production model. Talk to dave, he'll take care of you. Shoutout when you pick one up!
This or a Charvel San Dimas... Hmm...
TrippyTheShroom hahaha Sam Ash too right ?
Their ibanez and dimazo designed
Im okay with the bridge pup, but the neck pup sounds boogery
However your review sold me the guitar. Thanks
Well...I've seen a lot of reviews. One really bad one that I won't get into. But you have sold me on this. By the way...what are you pumping that through? You're tone is awesome!
Played through a Line 6 AmpliFi 150.
I'd buy one without hesitation - IF it had a real, classic, fat neck, like an old Tele, or a '58 LP.
Wizard necks really hurt my hands.... :(
pterantula check out the higher range of SA series... they're for you mate :-)
I checked the specs - WAY too thin & flat. Thx though.
nice guitar..but you better buy a amp..it sound quiet shit here...
Weird
You have no business reviewing any musical instrument. Get out of that chair and start walking until you lose a hundred pounds or so.
Wow, you are such a fucking judgmental douchebag. You have no business spouting your shitty opinion on any public forum. Fuck off.
Learner-Learns. watched a couple of your videos. You have no room to fucking talk. imo was a good review. and he's not a fukkin moron like you. You don't like his reviews don't watch. jealous douchebag
Nice comeback! Take no notice dude, you're awesome.
oh look... he's all grown up and can talk all big and Jr Hi/adult-like now... I'd be so proud if I could hide behind my keyboard and insult people on the internet. Sheesh
What an ass