@@McRocklin Thomas, if you give me your email address, I will send you my address, I would love to have all your Ibanez guitars that you don’t want. A girl can hope! 😊
I’ve played RG’s since they came out in the late 80’s and never had an issue. But it’s like anything, we all grow and change and find what’s the best for us. I have the same issue with picks 😂
@@klerin2732 Any of Prestige range are great. Depends on your style of music. I’m fond of the RG’s and AZ range for different things. The AZ is very contemporary.
They are incredible guitars. I've always had one or two in my arsenal since the early 90's. It's hard to explain to people how the thin body allows the guitar to sit closer to you actually makes it easier to play, but it does.
Yeah, my 2010 S-5540 Prestige is my main guitar, and I also have a MIJ S540 from the mid ‘90s that is a bit finicky due to having a single locking strat style trem, but the neck is incredible.
I experieced the EXACT same phenomenon with my Prestiges and an Iron Label. I love them, but there is just a few things that aren't right. I have $4K worth of beautiful instruments that I don't like to play... and... instead... my main is a $500 Jackson Indonesian X Dinky... the thing is perfect for me
Yes! I'm at home with my Dinky fans!!! I made the switch from Ibanez to Jackson long time ago. I always had Ibanez and then picked up cheap Dinky one day on whim and was totally sold. Purchased into their higher end lines then and never looked back. 🤗 Next axe I try though will be a Kiesel for sure.
Well I love RG's, I have 5 of them. I just got an RG 550 Genesis and that guitar is fantastic. I'm not sure what was going on with the sticky fretboard on your's but I tend to go for maple fretboards and have never had that problem. That being said I do prefer the S series Ibanez's over the RG and it is a lighter guitar with a super thin body. My main guitar is an S570 with active EMG pickups. That is the most comfortable guitar to play in my arsenal, it sits super close to your body making it easier to see the fretboard and reach the upper frets.
I got one too and I really love it. I'm just not convinced by the stock pickups. Not that they are bad but I'd prefer others. I might change them some time.
@@SxSxG666 I changed the pickups...I put a Dimarzio X2N and Air Norton in and it sounds amazing now. If you like high gain or metal you should check out the X2N it's my favourite pickup. The first thing I do with all my Ibanez's is change the pickups...you're right the stock Ibanez pickups are meh.
@@craigharrison5406 I play a Dimarzio Super Distortion in my ESP Eclipse and I have a Ibanez Iceman with Dimarzio D Activators. Both are great pickups. I also like Saymour Duncans. Never played any bad Duncans.
@@HeadbangoO Yes mine is super light too. I gotta lower my strings a little on mine though. I am wondering how different the gem is to the S series as well. I don't get to many guitar shops at the moment.
I actually have this model, the Ibanez RG3750FZ-TB and really luv just about everything about it but the edge zero trem systems which are equipped on these are known to not be very fluttery. So I second the idea of showing us how to mod the trem system of this guitar so you can get really awesome flutter. Maybe make a video out of it? Plleeeeaassssse? :)
I’ve got an Ibanez S 7 string that’s my go to. Then I have a Washburn, kramer, Fernandes, and an off brand. They all play great. I’ve found that every guitar is just different for different players. I’ve definitely learned that more money doesn’t always mean more quality.
This: "I’ve definitely learned that more money doesn’t always mean more quality." I have a $250 vintage 80's Fernandes superstrat that can rival or even surpass my $3,000 RG Prestige. - All you need is some little "mods" - installed stainless steel frets, changed pick ups, tusk nut, knobs and viola! it sounds and feel like 4K.
I absolutely love that Ibanez! Love the tweeks you did are awesome. Reminds me of a bunch of tweets I did with my 1989 Kramer Nightswan, I've had it since I was a teenager and it's the guitar I measure all other guitars by lol. I know it sounds weird, but goes back to what you were saying about it being an extension of you and being the ultimate comfortable in playing. Again that Ibanez is awesome! I would just take the inconsistents as part of it's personality.
I have a 40 yr old Kramer that feels the exact same way…maybe after so many yrs the rosewood starts to get sticky…I don’t know but I’ve tried everything…its clean as can be, but has a slow, dragging feeling!!!
SS frets were one of those truly “Where has this been all my life” things. Put down a guitar with nickel frets for a couple weeks and the strings drag with bends from the patina that quickly gathers on the frets. SS… always smooth as, well, stainless steel.
Ibanez is love or hate; it’s mainly the neck than pulls or pushes people, it’s feels like a flat piece of wood with its D profile, which is either great or terrible depending on what I’m trying to do.
That sweeping lick you did there at 5:11 was amazing! Can you put that on your school of mcrock site? I've been looking for inspiration on new ways to use sweeping.
What locking tuners did you put in it and recommend? I wanted a good quality one exactly to make it easier changing strings; but I was always afraid to make my Prestige Ibanez worse than the standard factory and end up ruining it and make a downgrade thinking it was an upgrade. Thanks, and cheers from Brazil!
My first guitar was a RG with a tremolo and It held me back for 12 years. Took lessons, tried different guitars, and got them setup and my fav is telecasters. Still love the RG but I'm not at level to love playing it
Hi Thomas, I'd really love a Kiesel they look absolutely great specs wise but I'm not the type of person that would feel comfortable ordering a guitar without having played it first. It seems like there's no where in the UK where I can just go into a shop and try one out. Any tips? I don't have enough money that I can afford to order one and risk it not being exactly what I wanted!
What I’d suggest is buying a second hand guitar Kiesel with the specs you probably like. I do that also with guitars of any brand. That way I can get familiar with different tonewoods, scale lenghts, radiuses, pickups, etc. without losing the bank. Then step by step you know what you like the most. And if the second hand guitar is not your liking you can sell it for the same price you bought it or a little under that. That way you have not “lost” much money
I know historically we’ve always been trained to try the actual guitar that we buy. Personally, I’d go with a guitar that has a trial period on. You won’t be able to spec it up but you might find an in stock model that ticks all the boxes. Feel free to voice chat with me and the guys on www.mcrocklin.com/discord We’re there a bunch. Cheers, Thomas
@@chocolatecookie8571 tbh i already know what specs are good for me but i’ve always found that’s a dangerous thing to do haha. There’s been guitars i thought ticked all the boxes for specs and i ended up not liking them, and i’ve had guitars where i thought they wouldn’t be for me and i ended up loving them! I’ll give it a go though, thanks
I still have my RG470 that I bought in or around 1993. It still has the original V7, V8, and S7 pickups. It still plays like new. I do need to get the action lowered on it and change out the Humbucker pickups. The bridge pickup is too thin sounding when playing notes. The action is too high for two hand tapping and single hand tapping.
Take #0000 steelwool and polish your frets, while pressing down on the fretboard in between each fret. Does not scratch the board, and makes everything feel, and look better. Got this hack from a Jackson master builder.
I've got an Ibanez RG... many problems. The floyd was not reliable, difficult to tune the guitar, the pickups are blurry, the wood is too tender to keep the screw. I sold it very quickly and bought a Cort M600 on which i put 2 Di Marzio : a real pleasure ;)
I'm wondering if the issue you mentioned is because of the jumbo sized frets. I hat that issue earlier on my RG, too. Especially when the strings were't that that slippery anymore on some spots, I sometimes got stuck on the previous fret when sliding and kind of didn't make it to the right one or with short delay
Greetings, After what you have described I can’t help but to wonder I’d some S.S. fret wire with a smooth taper end would not help remove the Jenxy’s from you. Your playing is absolutely superb and anything causing any doubts at this point I would certainly explore. And since the Keisel guitars all come stock with S.S. fret wire. One must only suspect. Good luck to your dilemma. And Cheers!
Ibanez RGs are almost always superb guitars (even the GIO models are seriously good for the price-point) but they can look a bit '90s/early '00s. I think that the AZ, RGD and RGA shapes have become more popular nowadays. If you find a RG prestige for cheap on the used market you should seriously think about getting it, even if you don't like the aesthetics. They are insanely good guitars.
It is a nice guitar maybe referring with SS wire will improve it. However I have found out that with the SS frets I install in my 95 American Standard Fender Stratocaster if the action is too low and there is fret buzz, the overtones from the buzz are horrible more so than with nickel. However I prefer anyway medium to high action.
I have 5 Charvels (my fav is a MIM 2018 San Dimas style 1), 2 Ibanez RGs, 1 Jackson, and 1 ESP. I have had several other brands including a Kiesel. It's my opinion that if a person has to pay full price from their own pocket and NEVER get 1 cent in promotional pay...... They choose the Ibanez 100 out of 100 times over the Kiesell.
It's my opinion if you're an experienced guitarist and have a custom signature guitar designed and built to your specifications, you would choose your signature guitar 100 out of 100 times over another guitar...until you want something different.
If you could recall the exact stuff you guys did with the Tremolo that would be really great. Like what you put in and where and how etc.. I think a lot of us watching would want to do that to our bridges as well. Flutter for days.. that's so epic.
By the looks of it he put rubber bushes on both ends of the ZPS where it lodges itself into the plastic stopper (if you look closely you can see them). What I don't get is that in theory this should not affect flutter at all, because the trem block is obviously not touching the ZPS bar (meaning the that the top of trem is set level to the body) Looking closer he might have added some rubber bumpers on the ZPS, but can't be sure, and that could add flutter in theory I guess, trem block bounces on and off the ZPS rubber cushion/bumpers/pads and gives more inertia. Also it could come down to technique, did notice that he hits pretty hard for his flutters, more intense hit, more intense flutter
I've had dozens of guitars, but if my house was on fire I'd go for my 99 RG520QS if I could only save one. That guitar just has "it" for me. Did lightly sand the back of the neck to get a slicker satin feel. Then had the frets Plek'd after fret wear had gotten too cumbersome. She's a heavy girl too. The tone, sustain, and feel are just make the guitar feel like it's part of me. I've owned and played several other fairly expensive guitars, but no Kiesel yet. It's on my list though.
A couple of years ago I found my holy grail guitar which was an Ibanez RG 550 black with chrome pick guard, it's like it spoke to me and said I was made for you, the craftsmanship of this guitar is none other I've ever played, I just can't put it down I freakin love this guitar.
With all the customization why not just purchase a higher end prestige especially with how much you paid for the guitar, new high end pickups, new high end locking tunners and pick guard?
The 5 way switch is interesting. Could you talk more about how you had that feature installed? I've only seen Fishman pickups with stock 3 way switching
I get it man, you love your Sig model Kiesel and wanna bring more awareness to it. It's something to be proud of and a dream of a lot of players to have an instrument to our exact specs. I missed the slow factor and "cursed" nature of the RG in the moments you played it on camera though but whatever pumps you up and motivates you as an artist is A.O.K. with me.
Thanks mate. This video isn’t about promoting my signature model, I wouldn’t have waited until the final few seconds of the video to mention it if it was. It’s more about the specifics of this RG, a guitar that I used at a crucial part of my timeline returning back to the guitar scene. I wanted to share what I really like about it, and the slight quirks that it has. Overall, it’s an amazing guitar and as mentioned I’m really happy to have it in my collection. This isn’t a bash at Ibanez either, I have many Ibanez guitars including none US/Japanese models that play absolutely fantastic 👍🏻
This is how it was for me. In 2018 I got a used Schecter C-1 Plus for like $200 on eBay. It came, and I fell in love with the guitar. Then I got a G&L Tribute Legacy from like 2005 on eBay (also in 2018) for $280, and I fell in love with the guitar. It made me realize my whole life of playing SG bodies and Les Paul bodies was just me being stubborn. Ultimately I settled on PRS and the S style shapes, and that's mostly all I play now. My main is a CE-24 and the other is a SE Custom 24 with Fishmans in it. It's amazing how a totally random guitar can speak so much to you and make you realize so much about your preferences. Still gotta grab a McRocklin signature though soon!
As an owner of 14 guitars atm with 3 Ibbbys I would add that no trem comes near The Edge (the original one) in terms of flutters and the feel. I love the thin necks on my Ibbys and prefer the smoothness of maple boards (as well as esthetics), but I wish them have SS frets like I have in my much more expensive customs. It all comes to personal preferences. But I don't like making advertisement statements as bashing other guitars just because of their feature set. That being said, great playing and sound \m/
I had an RG-550. White with black pickguard. I had a DiMarzio in the bridge (can't remember the name but it was one that Satch was using back in the day) and wanted the FRED in the neck but the store was out of stock and I didn't want to wait so I ended up with a PAF PRO. I ended up butchering the guitar with a color shifting paint job (green-purple-blue). My Jem Jr is basically an RG-550 so I guess I can say I still have an RG-550.
Your tone aways is phenomenal. I need to go back to previous videos to see how you get it. I use Neural DSP's Soldano plug-in. Looking at getting one of their different amp plug-ins. I don't know which one yet.
My prestige frets are screwed. They oxidize faster than I have ever seen. Ibanez didnothing to help me. Have to send it off for SS refret. Really frustrating.
I had the similar issue when I started playing seven string I would slide one fret short from time to time, the issue was that longer scale length screwed with my brain. But once i got use to it the problem was gone.
I just put a modern ceramic in the bridge of an old crusty Ibanez 2EX...something. Gave it a whole new life. Never played any Fishmans but hated the stock V7/V8 combo. The hype got to me and I caved. 🤷♂️ Happy I did though, they sound great! Edit, can't wait for the next live stream. Always makes my day. You and Hutch are awesome!
Reminds me of my RG a lot. Custom pickguard, flame maple top, super fluttery bridge... Aaaand also the sticky situation too. I find that the issue comes from those the nickel frets on it. At every string change I give them a nice polish and the guitar plays like a dream. However they oxidise very quickly on that guitar compared to my other guitars that I play even more. I might just have to refret with stainless or sell that thing at some point...
you kinda nailed why they oxidize quicker. You play it less so the natural polishing that occurs from the strings grinding on across the frets doesn't happen as often as guitars you play more. While it may seem the less you play, the less oxidation, it's actually the opposite as long as you periodically wipe down your guitar after playing to remove corrosive sweat etc.
@@solidus317 the loop! It oxidised more, so I play it less, so it oxidises more... Still tops of the frets stay nice and polished, but the rest of the fret gunks very quickly. For example my PRS that I play even less stays real nice for much much longer. I recon it's the quality of fret material mostly with this one. Still anecdotal, because my hands get sweaty quick too lol
Dude, I have an Ibanez RG 870 qmz red desert, and I have the same "sticky problem" with the fretboard. I thought I was insane, but finally found someone who has the same problem. That's sad, we both have stunning guitars but we can't play properly on then..
Nice fluttery whammy bar! mate👍 I can totally relate to what you are saying. Tried so many guitars especially the 2 most famous ones: Gibson and Fender, they are awesome guitars. BUT for me the one that always get the most play time is my Ibanez JEM 777 Loch Ness Green (like the one hanging on your background)🙂and my Suhr Modern Pro. The Main reason is the playability, - both plays like butter. My only complain about the Jem777 is that it has a "bolt-on" neck instead of the standard Ibanez "set neck" on almost all RG's. - very hard to reach the upper frets with a bolt on - but it's sublime craftmanship, the full maple smooth and thin Wizard neck with scalloped upper frets is enough to compensate. I would always prefer playability over tone or any other factors anyday, If I got to choose to own only 1 guitar between a $4,000+ Vintage Les Paul or Custom Shop Strat VS a $500 Ibanez, Jackson, ESP, Schecter that plays great and effortless.....I'll choose the cheap branded "Superstrat" anyday. It's seems foolish But its just my own preference and opinion. Just sharing..thanks for the Ibanez video.😀 Cheers!🤟
Hi Thomas, really love it when you go deep storytelling about your guitars. It is what my nerdy guitar brains really like a lot ☺️ Also in one comment you said that Kiesel has nothing to do with this video and that is a good thing. Or else people might think it is some type of bias sponsor video. I would love to hear more of your honest reviews on all of your non-Kiesel guitars. That being said I personally have not tries out Kiesel yet myself but it is definitely on my want list. Right now I am exploring other brand guitars that I buy second hand. That way I get to know all the different tonewoods, scale lenghts, pickups, hardware, radiuses, etc. without losing the bank. Then if it is not my liking I sell the guitar for the same price I bought it or for or a little under. This for me is a clever and cheap way to get familiar with different guitars. E.g. I tried an Ibanez RGD model for its 26.5 scale length and 15.75 inch radius fretboard. It has its advantages but I couldn’t get used to the wider neck and also the sound this longer scale produced. The radius was fine though. The body was very thick ash and very heavy. Now I know that 26.5 doesn’t work for me. 25.5 is for me still the best Now I would like to try an Ibanez Prestige with a basswood body and Wizard neck with the 17 inch radius. I’m very curious!
Thanks mate. No brand will even have a say in what I say my videos or live streams. If they tried that shit I wouldn’t work with them. All of these guitar videos are just my opinion.
News update! Instead of buying the Prestige I bought a second hand Kiesel DC700 built in 2019, received yesterday. It has the 20 inch radius and thinner neck profile with the hipshot tremolo bridge. The built quality looks and feels really good. I’m very curious the upcoming weeks in my Kiesel experience ✌️
Maybe your frets became a bit to low so that you touched the fingerboard more? The Ibanez Prestige Rosewood fingerboards are a bit rough I think so that feels difficult to slide around sometimes. Nethertheless I own 6 RG Prestiges. One of them feels like a foreign body to me but the others are great. Sometimes it's strange :D
The Edge2 trems are GREAT! As good as the Hipshot trems on Kiesels are, the flutter on the Edge2s are just so darn fun (especially with the extra work you've done on it too). I absolutely agree with you on the weight; my RG550 feels like a ton compared to the Zeus. Like you say though, when you go into performance mode, you need an instrument that you can trust and one that just feels like an extension of yourself. Although I haven't done any live performances with my Zeus, I have been on it for hours straight, and not once has it felt any different even once the hands heat up.
@@seanwinter007 550 would have either an Edge or Lo-Pro Edge, that's the best floating bridge ever made. Hardened steel locking posts, hardened steel knife edges. Ibanez re-invented the Floyd back in 87, made it kind of unstoppable
@@Soloist1983 You are right about that. I just got an RG 550 Genesis with an original edge trem and it's amazing. It's better than the Gotoh locking trem I have on an ESP. I also have an S570 with the Edge zero and it's a great trem too. They both flutter like crazy.
I'd like to order a Kiesel but their atrocious customer service puts me off. When they deliver a guitar with a fault it can be an uphill battle to get them to actually fix it and that is if you're a US customer. As a UK resident, if they sold me a lemon I guess I'd be up shit creek. Not to mention Jeff Kiesel's propensity for calling out customers on social media and saying they are idiots because they're not happy with their sub-standard guitars. Classy.
If you want a totally neutral opinion we have a bunch of School Of McRock members in the UK who’ve recent had Kiesel deliveries, no issues and fantastic builds. Feel free to join www.mcrocklin.com/discord to chat with with them.
I can't find my RG420WK (anywhere) online. Honestly, do people hate the damned thing? I've had mine in a case for years, only to bring it out to dust it. It's in mint condition with no scratches or marks or fret-wear of any kind. It has been plugged in to an amp only twice. It's been discontinued, and no more information is readily available about it. I wonder if it can actually be a rare one.
Amazing guitar IMHO... the whole neck and sticky things is odd yet I have experienced that myself on my Genesis 570. I have JEMs and multiple RGs and that is the only one that I have that issue with from time to time. I too have tried multiple things to correct it and it didn't start doing that until it was a couple of years old... otherwise the guitar is perfect. Out of everything I own though my 8750z is often my go to guitar. The weight on yours is probably from the top rather than the body as mahogany isn't a heavy wood. Personally I like my guitars to be 8 to 9 lbs which means many RGs and JEMs are light... that is good for long gigs though. If you haven't played a J Custom neck I would encourage you to try one, it's a little different than a Prestige IMHO... can't really nail how, you just need to play one. In regards to neck shape I go back and forth... I've been playing a 50s LP quite a bit lately and it's like a baseball bat, especially compared to my Ibanez. In between I have found I really like ESP necks and the neck on the Tremonti quite a bit. Not as thin as my RGs but not like the Gibson 50s. I do plan to pickup a Kiesel at some point but out of everything to me I know that if I have to take one single guitar to play everything, multiple genera, the J Custom has never let me down.
Maybe the frets are not that tall anymore from the wear an by touching more of the actual fretboard the fingers get stuck more than when the frets were new and tall
Great video sir. I like it. I usually find Ibanez guitars to have too thin of a neck, but I do have an SV Japanese guitar with a 2 point Gotoh trem and locking tuners and I have a Japanese S series with the low pro edge that rocks. I put in some different pickups in it because I didn't really like the Ibanez stock R7 and R8 or whatever they are called. That said, I still prefer my Japanese Charvel with a killer Schaller Floyd rose. That guitar can be thrown against the wall and won't go out of tune. 😂. Plus, it has a cool lava crackle 80s finish so you can't miss my good looks and charm on stage. 😂 It makes me catnip to the ladies. 😂 Just kidding. Great stuff. Really like your channel and you're an excellent player with a very unique Vai style. One can tell Vai rubbed off on you with your lead playing especially. Vai is a guitar god though, so that's killer. I'm more of a John Sykes, Led Zeppelin, Ted Nugent, Joe Perry guy. ♥️🤘♥️ Be safe and well my friend and thanks for being value into my life with these excellent video.. ♥️🤘♥️🤘
I bought my first Ibanez in 1983 as a starter guitar for $200. I still have it, I still play it almost daily. I have recorded with it, took it with me on the road and it's completely stock except for a volume pot I replaced. It's my baby. Btw, I am a big fan.
I just put the strings in backwards. I first feed the strings trough the tuners. So the washer ends up at the tuner. Only need the cut the string once. Fast and easy restrings. Faster than locking tunners in my opinion
I never noticed how heavy and chunky a B5 chord can sound until I started watching Tom, seems like his go-to rather than Open E like most rock and metal players.
Your playing is superb! I was an Ibanez man through and through for years, but as I got older and my hands got bigger/thicker, I don't really like their thin necks anymore.
As I age i am loving the RG necks more and more.. and since you are not getting along with this beauty.. (nice mods btw).. I'll take it.. fantastic playing ..
What a clever way of pushing your Diesel signature guitar. If your fingers start sticking to your Ibanez fretboard it is either due to your strings or because your fingers have been at places where they got sticky. I'm happy with my RGs!
Trust me, this guitar burnt me in a few situations. Love Ibanez and this guitar in general though. Just because you’ve had all positive experiences it doesn’t mean someone else can’t have an issue.
Wow and RG with the S1 bearing bridge! I love my early 2000’s RG 44 neck through! Swapped the Dizmarzio with Seymore Duncan’s! I also have the blood red 2009 Ibanez S with that exact same bridge! I love it! I string all my locking guitars in reverse,with the ball end at the stock and the clipped ends at the bridge! Been doing it since the 90’s! Please play the 19 solo! When i was 12 and 13 we played it in battle of the bands and i nailed it but we got second to a Van Halen tribute playing Ain’t talking bout love! Ha! The crowd loved 19 though! I still have that original first copy in my car! Ha! Thanks buddy! Crisis
I was ibanezer when im start learning and playing guitar. But today with the new brand rising, i kind a try all guitar and some really good and some just ok. And for now im liking the gibson atm.
RG4LYFE. I have an average RG42DX from 2005 and it plays much better than anything in that range should. That being said, owning an RG is akin to self-flagellation sometimes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Oh, and that flutter is RIDICULOUS.
@@Danthehorse It’s fine unless you’re not prepared to deal with floating bridges and locking nuts 😂 It’s also super fun trying to set them up; still trying to get the hang of it.
I have the Ibanez Premium and it’s my first Ibanez brand mostly I use LTD but it all change when I bought my first rg hahaha the neck is thinner which is I prefer and the feel of the guitar is premium quality
I got an RG517 FSV for my 17th Birthday in 96. It was Silver Metal Flake. Best guitar I ever had. Regret selling it because I thought I needed the money more at the time. Now, wish I had that guitar.
That is one pretty RG. This video made me laugh because I play mostly Ibanez RGs but I have been on the edge (no pun intended) of having a couple of Kiesels built. It's like the world is trying to push me the rest of the way over lol. I would love to see exactly what that mod was to that Edge zero. You don't happen to have any pictures or more info on what was done? The flutter on that thing was from another world!
I'm going to start buying up late 80-93 MIJ Jackson/Charvel's. As original as possible. They're the best RG style guitars built that's somewhat affordable, if you find the right deals and reputable dealers.
I've got a 5120m. I just couldn't warm up to the fishman fluencies that came stock...I changed them out to dimarzio Super D's and man do I now love the guitar.
I wish there was a DIY of how to improve the flutter of Floyd Rose like Vibratos (aka Tremolos) I also love this, but my FR (and Edge Zero II) don´t do it nearly)that long.
Get your free toolkit at schoolofmcrock.com
They have to remake Spinal Tap now... No more "can you hear that sustain?"
Now it's gotta be, "can you hear that flutter? It just goes on forever!"
@@XChristianNoirX haha it just keeps fluttering, that's a great idea for a video.
Thomas, how come you didn't ask Ibanez to make you a signature model from the ground up?
@@McRocklin
Thomas, if you give me your email address, I will send you my address, I would love to have all your Ibanez guitars that you don’t want. A girl can hope! 😊
I’ve played RG’s since they came out in the late 80’s and never had an issue. But it’s like anything, we all grow and change and find what’s the best for us. I have the same issue with picks 😂
lol .73mm vs .88mm
Dunlop FLOW 1.0 are the best I've found for me.
@@czito Same here. Tortex Flow 1mm.
Then which ibanez model should we purchase...kindly suggest....
@@klerin2732 Any of Prestige range are great. Depends on your style of music. I’m fond of the RG’s and AZ range for different things. The AZ is very contemporary.
I have an ibanez s series guitar from over 20 years. It's still to this day the best playing guitar I have and also had absolute no issues with it
They are incredible guitars. I've always had one or two in my arsenal since the early 90's. It's hard to explain to people how the thin body allows the guitar to sit closer to you actually makes it easier to play, but it does.
🌟
I've wanted an S series for a long time. Just never got around to buying one. Someday though. Someday.
Yeah, my 2010 S-5540 Prestige is my main guitar, and I also have a MIJ S540 from the mid ‘90s that is a bit finicky due to having a single locking strat style trem, but the neck is incredible.
I have a Ibanez 450s! 32 years old my palm has worn down part of the bridge! Needs new frets but great guitar!
I experieced the EXACT same phenomenon with my Prestiges and an Iron Label. I love them, but there is just a few things that aren't right. I have $4K worth of beautiful instruments that I don't like to play... and... instead... my main is a $500 Jackson Indonesian X Dinky... the thing is perfect for me
Wow. So weird, I thought I was just unlucky or some kinda weirdo 😆
Cheers for sharing!
Just to add to your comment,i had a Ibanez DXZ350,sold that,got a Dinky JS22 and the neck profile is sooo good.Really enjoying it
Yes! I'm at home with my Dinky fans!!! I made the switch from Ibanez to Jackson long time ago. I always had Ibanez and then picked up cheap Dinky one day on whim and was totally sold. Purchased into their higher end lines then and never looked back. 🤗 Next axe I try though will be a Kiesel for sure.
My Ibanez Js 2450 is now my go to. Versatile and perfect in every way!
@@DEADITEDAN Very nice. My next quality guitar will be the Jackson MIJ Series Dinky DKR MAH Black. About $2,200
Badass guitar, and like other parts of life, it's important and special because it was a stepping stone on the journey. Big ups McR!
Always love hearing your stories and experiences Thomas!
Cheers Kevin!!
That flutter is amazing! The whole guitar is beautiful
Well I love RG's, I have 5 of them. I just got an RG 550 Genesis and that guitar is fantastic. I'm not sure what was going on with the sticky fretboard on your's but I tend to go for maple fretboards and have never had that problem. That being said I do prefer the S series Ibanez's over the RG and it is a lighter guitar with a super thin body. My main guitar is an S570 with active EMG pickups. That is the most comfortable guitar to play in my arsenal, it sits super close to your body making it easier to see the fretboard and reach the upper frets.
The RG550 Genesis are fantastic. I have 2, and 2 older RG550s. My guitar searching days are history.
I got one too and I really love it. I'm just not convinced by the stock pickups. Not that they are bad but I'd prefer others. I might change them some time.
@@SxSxG666 I changed the pickups...I put a Dimarzio X2N and Air Norton in and it sounds amazing now. If you like high gain or metal you should check out the X2N it's my favourite pickup. The first thing I do with all my Ibanez's is change the pickups...you're right the stock Ibanez pickups are meh.
@@craigharrison5406 I play a Dimarzio Super Distortion in my ESP Eclipse and I have a Ibanez Iceman with Dimarzio D Activators. Both are great pickups. I also like Saymour Duncans. Never played any bad Duncans.
@@SxSxG666 The D activator and X2N are very similar pickups. The D activator was designed from the X2N. Both pickups are simply amazing.
Apart from the floyd rose what is the main difference between a cheap S series Ibanez and the Ibanez RG?
You can have the same options on both...
I just find the S a better design, super light and comfortable.
@@HeadbangoO Yes mine is super light too. I gotta lower my strings a little on mine though. I am wondering how different the gem is to the S series as well. I don't get to many guitar shops at the moment.
I have a RG570 it was my second guitar and one of my favorite guitars ever. I love the original wizard necks.
Me too. A 1995 Gold Top. Brilliant guitar.
1996 PURPLE 570 here lol
@@ralpherl5657 nice, my best friend had a Purple RG470 and I loved the color.
Refretting it with SS frets might help. I'm considering having this done on my ESP FRX for easier bending.
Totally, that’s a good shout. But at this stage, it’s not used for this type of performances so I’ll probably leave it as is.
I actually have this model, the Ibanez RG3750FZ-TB and really luv just about everything about it but the edge zero trem systems which are equipped on these are known to not be very fluttery. So I second the idea of showing us how to mod the trem system of this guitar so you can get really awesome flutter. Maybe make a video out of it? Plleeeeaassssse? :)
I’ve got an Ibanez S 7 string that’s my go to. Then I have a Washburn, kramer, Fernandes, and an off brand. They all play great. I’ve found that every guitar is just different for different players. I’ve definitely learned that more money doesn’t always mean more quality.
What a crappy cause for music throw that thing away
True.
@@jackpeters9349 Why would I throw away a guitar that sounds great, plays great, and looks great?
This: "I’ve definitely learned that more money doesn’t always mean more quality."
I have a $250 vintage 80's Fernandes superstrat that can rival or even surpass my $3,000 RG Prestige. - All you need is some little "mods" - installed stainless steel frets, changed pick ups, tusk nut, knobs and viola! it sounds and feel like 4K.
@@jtwidmer6185I sId that? Sorry
I absolutely love that Ibanez! Love the tweeks you did are awesome. Reminds me of a bunch of tweets I did with my 1989 Kramer Nightswan, I've had it since I was a teenager and it's the guitar I measure all other guitars by lol. I know it sounds weird, but goes back to what you were saying about it being an extension of you and being the ultimate comfortable in playing. Again that Ibanez is awesome! I would just take the inconsistents as part of it's personality.
I have a 40 yr old Kramer that feels the exact same way…maybe after so many yrs the rosewood starts to get sticky…I don’t know but I’ve tried everything…its clean as can be, but has a slow, dragging feeling!!!
Thanks Eddie
Hi Mc, can you show us the mod you've done with your Zero? I´ve been trying some with my RG (370ahmz) but nothing like the fluttering you get, Thanks!
Will try my best buddy.
Are you on www.mcrocklin.com/discord
What model was that? Flame top with a pickguard, that’s cool AF.
Thanks Jason, I need to confirm the model I’m not 💯 off hand.
@@McRocklin where did you get the Puckguard. I have a 2550 I want to just run HH.
SS frets were one of those truly “Where has this been all my life” things. Put down a guitar with nickel frets for a couple weeks and the strings drag with bends from the patina that quickly gathers on the frets. SS… always smooth as, well, stainless steel.
Ibanez is love or hate; it’s mainly the neck than pulls or pushes people, it’s feels like a flat piece of wood with its D profile, which is either great or terrible depending on what I’m trying to do.
How difficult would it be to put fishman fluence open core pups in an Ibanez rga42fml lefty?
No idea, but I haven’t had issues having them fitting to a couple of my RG’s.
@@McRocklin let’s say I couldn’t fit active pups in it would you recommend a set of passive pups it’s a non pick guard
I haven’t kept up with the latest passive pickups I’m afraid, so can’t advise
I have that "grabby neck" problem with a PRS, I blame it on the frets height, not sure if it's really that...
Interesting!
Can you talk more about the 5 way and how it works? I’m interested in fishmans but I wanna still have that 5 way option
Jump on the www.mcrocklin.com/discord
👍🏻👍🏻
That sweeping lick you did there at 5:11 was amazing! Can you put that on your school of mcrock site? I've been looking for inspiration on new ways to use sweeping.
Cheers Matty! I’ll check that out for sure.
Have you tried the ibanez s series?
Yeah, was Never a fan.
Best string gauge for you?
NYXL 9-42 👍🏻
Hey I just came across your channel & loved your playing, is your EP ok Spotify? If so what’s your artist name on Spotify?
Thanks! Yeah, I’m McRocklin (I have solo releases) and my band is McRocklin and Hutch 👍🏻
What locking tuners did you put in it and recommend? I wanted a good quality one exactly to make it easier changing strings; but I was always afraid to make my Prestige Ibanez worse than the standard factory and end up ruining it and make a downgrade thinking it was an upgrade. Thanks, and cheers from Brazil!
I went with Gotoh dude.
@@McRocklin Thx for the response, really appreciate it! Cheers from brazil!
My first guitar was a RG with a tremolo and It held me back for 12 years. Took lessons, tried different guitars, and got them setup and my fav is telecasters. Still love the RG but I'm not at level to love playing it
Hi Thomas, I'd really love a Kiesel they look absolutely great specs wise but I'm not the type of person that would feel comfortable ordering a guitar without having played it first. It seems like there's no where in the UK where I can just go into a shop and try one out. Any tips? I don't have enough money that I can afford to order one and risk it not being exactly what I wanted!
What I’d suggest is buying a second hand guitar Kiesel with the specs you probably like. I do that also with guitars of any brand. That way I can get familiar with different tonewoods, scale lenghts, radiuses, pickups, etc. without losing the bank. Then step by step you know what you like the most. And if the second hand guitar is not your liking you can sell it for the same price you bought it or a little under that. That way you have not “lost” much money
I know historically we’ve always been trained to try the actual guitar that we buy. Personally, I’d go with a guitar that has a trial period on. You won’t be able to spec it up but you might find an in stock model that ticks all the boxes.
Feel free to voice chat with me and the guys on www.mcrocklin.com/discord
We’re there a bunch.
Cheers,
Thomas
@@McRocklin Oh awesome ok man i’ll join thanks a bunch!
@@chocolatecookie8571 tbh i already know what specs are good for me but i’ve always found that’s a dangerous thing to do haha. There’s been guitars i thought ticked all the boxes for specs and i ended up not liking them, and i’ve had guitars where i thought they wouldn’t be for me and i ended up loving them! I’ll give it a go though, thanks
@@alexjackson8841 guitars are stubborn things 😂 they keep us busy, haha 🤭
I still have my RG470 that I bought in or around 1993. It still has the original V7, V8, and S7 pickups. It still plays like new. I do need to get the action lowered on it and change out the Humbucker pickups. The bridge pickup is too thin sounding when playing notes. The action is too high for two hand tapping and single hand tapping.
swap V7&V8 magnets, thank me later
Take #0000 steelwool and polish your frets, while pressing down on the fretboard in between each fret. Does not scratch the board, and makes everything feel, and look better. Got this hack from a Jackson master builder.
Exactly! Only on rosewood, and ebony. Not maple.
I've got an Ibanez RG... many problems. The floyd was not reliable, difficult to tune the guitar, the pickups are blurry, the wood is too tender to keep the screw. I sold it very quickly and bought a Cort M600 on which i put 2 Di Marzio : a real pleasure ;)
I'm wondering if the issue you mentioned is because of the jumbo sized frets. I hat that issue earlier on my RG, too. Especially when the strings were't that that slippery anymore on some spots, I sometimes got stuck on the previous fret when sliding and kind of didn't make it to the right one or with short delay
Greetings,
After what you have described I can’t help but to wonder I’d some S.S. fret wire with a smooth taper end would not help remove the Jenxy’s from you.
Your playing is absolutely superb and anything causing any doubts at this point I would certainly explore. And since the Keisel guitars all come
stock with S.S. fret wire. One must only suspect. Good luck to your dilemma. And Cheers!
Thanks a Patrick, appreciate it.
Ibanez RGs are almost always superb guitars (even the GIO models are seriously good for the price-point) but they can look a bit '90s/early '00s. I think that the AZ, RGD and RGA shapes have become more popular nowadays. If you find a RG prestige for cheap on the used market you should seriously think about getting it, even if you don't like the aesthetics. They are insanely good guitars.
It is a nice guitar maybe referring with SS wire will improve it. However I have found out that with the SS frets I install in my 95 American Standard Fender Stratocaster if the action is too low and there is fret buzz, the overtones from the buzz are horrible more so than with nickel. However I prefer anyway medium to high action.
Cheers! Good suggestions
I have 5 Charvels (my fav is a MIM 2018 San Dimas style 1), 2 Ibanez RGs, 1 Jackson, and 1 ESP. I have had several other brands including a Kiesel. It's my opinion that if a person has to pay full price from their own pocket and NEVER get 1 cent in promotional pay...... They choose the Ibanez 100 out of 100 times over the Kiesell.
It's my opinion if you're an experienced guitarist and have a custom signature guitar designed and built to your specifications, you would choose your signature guitar 100 out of 100 times over another guitar...until you want something different.
I got the neon red RG Genesis and I really love it. Great Japan made guitar for less then 1000 bucks. No flaws no dings no dongs no Gibson.
If you could recall the exact stuff you guys did with the Tremolo that would be really great. Like what you put in and where and how etc.. I think a lot of us watching would want to do that to our bridges as well. Flutter for days.. that's so epic.
By the looks of it he put rubber bushes on both ends of the ZPS where it lodges itself into the plastic stopper (if you look closely you can see them).
What I don't get is that in theory this should not affect flutter at all, because the trem block is obviously not touching the ZPS bar (meaning the that the top of trem is set level to the body)
Looking closer he might have added some rubber bumpers on the ZPS, but can't be sure, and that could add flutter in theory I guess, trem block bounces on and off the ZPS rubber cushion/bumpers/pads and gives more inertia.
Also it could come down to technique, did notice that he hits pretty hard for his flutters, more intense hit, more intense flutter
I would love to see a video just on that mod too
Could you go into detail or post a short on what you did to your trem?
Will try bud 👍🏻
I got a chance to see you in concert back in the day in San Jose! Great show!!
hi nice video, which rg model is this?
I've had dozens of guitars, but if my house was on fire I'd go for my 99 RG520QS if I could only save one.
That guitar just has "it" for me. Did lightly sand the back of the neck to get a slicker satin feel. Then had the frets Plek'd after fret wear had gotten too cumbersome. She's a heavy girl too. The tone, sustain, and feel are just make the guitar feel like it's part of me.
I've owned and played several other fairly expensive guitars, but no Kiesel yet. It's on my list though.
🤘🏻 💥 🤘
Oddly enough I have a 2003 RG320QS (Korean made version) that is my go to if the house is on fire.
A couple of years ago I found my holy grail guitar which was an Ibanez RG 550 black with chrome pick guard, it's like it spoke to me and said I was made for you, the craftsmanship of this guitar is none other I've ever played, I just can't put it down I freakin love this guitar.
With all the customization why not just purchase a higher end prestige especially with how much you paid for the guitar, new high end pickups, new high end locking tunners and pick guard?
This is one of the guitars that Ibanez sent me, my choice in pickups changed as I started playing more.
The 5 way switch is interesting. Could you talk more about how you had that feature installed? I've only seen Fishman pickups with stock 3 way switching
The 5 way is a standard option with the Abasi set, there's diagrams on the Fishman website for it
Uses the 5 way instead of push/pull knobs
I get it man, you love your Sig model Kiesel and wanna bring more awareness to it. It's something to be proud of and a dream of a lot of players to have an instrument to our exact specs. I missed the slow factor and "cursed" nature of the RG in the moments you played it on camera though but whatever pumps you up and motivates you as an artist is A.O.K. with me.
Thanks mate. This video isn’t about promoting my signature model, I wouldn’t have waited until the final few seconds of the video to mention it if it was. It’s more about the specifics of this RG, a guitar that I used at a crucial part of my timeline returning back to the guitar scene. I wanted to share what I really like about it, and the slight quirks that it has.
Overall, it’s an amazing guitar and as mentioned I’m really happy to have it in my collection.
This isn’t a bash at Ibanez either, I have many Ibanez guitars including none US/Japanese models that play absolutely fantastic 👍🏻
I had the same impression. He is trying to sell some Kiesels.
Any changes or upgrades done to this guitar? I don't see this color.
This is how it was for me. In 2018 I got a used Schecter C-1 Plus for like $200 on eBay. It came, and I fell in love with the guitar. Then I got a G&L Tribute Legacy from like 2005 on eBay (also in 2018) for $280, and I fell in love with the guitar. It made me realize my whole life of playing SG bodies and Les Paul bodies was just me being stubborn. Ultimately I settled on PRS and the S style shapes, and that's mostly all I play now. My main is a CE-24 and the other is a SE Custom 24 with Fishmans in it.
It's amazing how a totally random guitar can speak so much to you and make you realize so much about your preferences.
Still gotta grab a McRocklin signature though soon!
Interesting thank for the comment mate.
As an owner of 14 guitars atm with 3 Ibbbys I would add that no trem comes near The Edge (the original one) in terms of flutters and the feel. I love the thin necks on my Ibbys and prefer the smoothness of maple boards (as well as esthetics), but I wish them have SS frets like I have in my much more expensive customs. It all comes to personal preferences. But I don't like making advertisement statements as bashing other guitars just because of their feature set. That being said, great playing and sound \m/
You never cease to amaze me
Wow, thanks!
I had an RG-550. White with black pickguard. I had a DiMarzio in the bridge (can't remember the name but it was one that Satch was using back in the day) and wanted the FRED in the neck but the store was out of stock and I didn't want to wait so I ended up with a PAF PRO. I ended up butchering the guitar with a color shifting paint job (green-purple-blue). My Jem Jr is basically an RG-550 so I guess I can say I still have an RG-550.
Your tone aways is phenomenal. I need to go back to previous videos to see how you get it. I use Neural DSP's Soldano plug-in. Looking at getting one of their different amp plug-ins. I don't know which one yet.
Something special is coming :)
My prestige frets are screwed. They oxidize faster than I have ever seen. Ibanez didnothing to help me. Have to send it off for SS refret. Really frustrating.
I had the similar issue when I started playing seven string I would slide one fret short from time to time, the issue was that longer scale length screwed with my brain.
But once i got use to it the problem was gone.
I just put a modern ceramic in the bridge of an old crusty Ibanez 2EX...something. Gave it a whole new life. Never played any Fishmans but hated the stock V7/V8 combo. The hype got to me and I caved. 🤷♂️ Happy I did though, they sound great!
Edit, can't wait for the next live stream. Always makes my day. You and Hutch are awesome!
Reminds me of my RG a lot. Custom pickguard, flame maple top, super fluttery bridge...
Aaaand also the sticky situation too.
I find that the issue comes from those the nickel frets on it.
At every string change I give them a nice polish and the guitar plays like a dream.
However they oxidise very quickly on that guitar compared to my other guitars that I play even more.
I might just have to refret with stainless or sell that thing at some point...
you kinda nailed why they oxidize quicker. You play it less so the natural polishing that occurs from the strings grinding on across the frets doesn't happen as often as guitars you play more. While it may seem the less you play, the less oxidation, it's actually the opposite as long as you periodically wipe down your guitar after playing to remove corrosive sweat etc.
@@solidus317 the loop! It oxidised more, so I play it less, so it oxidises more...
Still tops of the frets stay nice and polished, but the rest of the fret gunks very quickly.
For example my PRS that I play even less stays real nice for much much longer.
I recon it's the quality of fret material mostly with this one.
Still anecdotal, because my hands get sweaty quick too lol
Interesting thank you!
Dude, I have an Ibanez RG 870 qmz red desert, and I have the same "sticky problem" with the fretboard. I thought I was insane, but finally found someone who has the same problem. That's sad, we both have stunning guitars but we can't play properly on then..
So weird! Thanks for sharing.
Nice fluttery whammy bar! mate👍 I can totally relate to what you are saying. Tried so many guitars especially the 2 most famous ones: Gibson and Fender, they are awesome guitars.
BUT for me the one that always get the most play time is my Ibanez JEM 777 Loch Ness Green (like the one hanging on your background)🙂and my Suhr Modern Pro. The Main reason is the playability, - both plays like butter. My only complain about the Jem777 is that it has a "bolt-on" neck instead of the standard Ibanez "set neck" on almost all RG's. - very hard to reach the upper frets with a bolt on - but it's sublime craftmanship, the full maple smooth and thin Wizard neck with scalloped upper frets is enough to compensate.
I would always prefer playability over tone or any other factors anyday, If I got to choose to own only 1 guitar between a $4,000+ Vintage Les Paul or Custom Shop Strat VS a $500 Ibanez, Jackson, ESP, Schecter that plays great and effortless.....I'll choose the cheap branded "Superstrat" anyday. It's seems foolish But its just my own preference and opinion. Just sharing..thanks for the Ibanez video.😀 Cheers!🤟
Hi Thomas, really love it when you go deep storytelling about your guitars. It is what my nerdy guitar brains really like a lot ☺️ Also in one comment you said that Kiesel has nothing to do with this video and that is a good thing. Or else people might think it is some type of bias sponsor video. I would love to hear more of your honest reviews on all of your non-Kiesel guitars.
That being said I personally have not tries out Kiesel yet myself but it is definitely on my want list. Right now I am exploring other brand guitars that I buy second hand. That way I get to know all the different tonewoods, scale lenghts, pickups, hardware, radiuses, etc. without losing the bank. Then if it is not my liking I sell the guitar for the same price I bought it or for or a little under. This for me is a clever and cheap way to get familiar with different guitars.
E.g. I tried an Ibanez RGD model for its 26.5 scale length and 15.75 inch radius fretboard. It has its advantages but I couldn’t get used to the wider neck and also the sound this longer scale produced. The radius was fine though. The body was very thick ash and very heavy. Now I know that 26.5 doesn’t work for me. 25.5 is for me still the best
Now I would like to try an Ibanez Prestige with a basswood body and Wizard neck with the 17 inch radius. I’m very curious!
Thanks mate. No brand will even have a say in what I say my videos or live streams. If they tried that shit I wouldn’t work with them. All of these guitar videos are just my opinion.
@@McRocklin awesome! 👌🏻
News update! Instead of buying the Prestige I bought a second hand Kiesel DC700 built in 2019, received yesterday. It has the 20 inch radius and thinner neck profile with the hipshot tremolo bridge. The built quality looks and feels really good. I’m very curious the upcoming weeks in my Kiesel experience ✌️
Maybe your frets became a bit to low so that you touched the fingerboard more? The Ibanez Prestige Rosewood fingerboards are a bit rough I think so that feels difficult to slide around sometimes.
Nethertheless I own 6 RG Prestiges. One of them feels like a foreign body to me but the others are great. Sometimes it's strange :D
Maybe it’s that. Thanks for the suggestion and comment.
U are in another level
Probably the god level dude!
Wow thank you!
I think it still sounds pretty awesome!!
Oh for sure. It sounds great!!
Looks wicked with the fishmans
That RG looks and sounds stunning !!!!!!
You haven't talk about your signature series fishman 🤔
Waiting for the official release mate.
The Edge2 trems are GREAT! As good as the Hipshot trems on Kiesels are, the flutter on the Edge2s are just so darn fun (especially with the extra work you've done on it too). I absolutely agree with you on the weight; my RG550 feels like a ton compared to the Zeus. Like you say though, when you go into performance mode, you need an instrument that you can trust and one that just feels like an extension of yourself. Although I haven't done any live performances with my Zeus, I have been on it for hours straight, and not once has it felt any different even once the hands heat up.
Thank you Sean, seems like we’re two like minded guys!
That trem is the Edge Zero, it's still nicer than the Hipshot, but not quite as good as the original Ibanez Edge 👍
@@Soloist1983 Oh good lookin out. Is there no such thing as an Edge2? I thought I read that's what is on my RG550 but I may have been mistaken
@@seanwinter007 550 would have either an Edge or Lo-Pro Edge, that's the best floating bridge ever made. Hardened steel locking posts, hardened steel knife edges. Ibanez re-invented the Floyd back in 87, made it kind of unstoppable
@@Soloist1983 You are right about that. I just got an RG 550 Genesis with an original edge trem and it's amazing. It's better than the Gotoh locking trem I have on an ESP. I also have an S570 with the Edge zero and it's a great trem too. They both flutter like crazy.
I'd like to order a Kiesel but their atrocious customer service puts me off. When they deliver a guitar with a fault it can be an uphill battle to get them to actually fix it and that is if you're a US customer. As a UK resident, if they sold me a lemon I guess I'd be up shit creek.
Not to mention Jeff Kiesel's propensity for calling out customers on social media and saying they are idiots because they're not happy with their sub-standard guitars. Classy.
If you want a totally neutral opinion we
have a bunch of School Of McRock members in the UK who’ve
recent had Kiesel deliveries, no issues and fantastic builds.
Feel free to join www.mcrocklin.com/discord to chat with with them.
To stop the sticking on the wood, either have higher frets or slightly scallop the neck. I love the feeling of scalloped necks.
I can't find my RG420WK (anywhere) online. Honestly, do people hate the damned thing? I've had mine in a case for years, only to bring it out to dust it. It's in mint condition with no scratches or marks or fret-wear of any kind. It has been plugged in to an amp only twice. It's been discontinued, and no more information is readily available about it. I wonder if it can actually be a rare one.
Amazing guitar IMHO... the whole neck and sticky things is odd yet I have experienced that myself on my Genesis 570. I have JEMs and multiple RGs and that is the only one that I have that issue with from time to time. I too have tried multiple things to correct it and it didn't start doing that until it was a couple of years old... otherwise the guitar is perfect.
Out of everything I own though my 8750z is often my go to guitar. The weight on yours is probably from the top rather than the body as mahogany isn't a heavy wood. Personally I like my guitars to be 8 to 9 lbs which means many RGs and JEMs are light... that is good for long gigs though.
If you haven't played a J Custom neck I would encourage you to try one, it's a little different than a Prestige IMHO... can't really nail how, you just need to play one.
In regards to neck shape I go back and forth... I've been playing a 50s LP quite a bit lately and it's like a baseball bat, especially compared to my Ibanez. In between I have found I really like ESP necks and the neck on the Tremonti quite a bit. Not as thin as my RGs but not like the Gibson 50s. I do plan to pickup a Kiesel at some point but out of everything to me I know that if I have to take one single guitar to play everything, multiple genera, the J Custom has never let me down.
Cool cheers
I bought an Ibanez Rg550 genesis recently. It's been in the case for a while but the Squier Affinity Tele hasn't!
Maybe the frets are not that tall anymore from the wear an by touching more of the actual fretboard the fingers get stuck more than when the frets were new and tall
Interesting
Great video sir.
I like it. I usually find Ibanez guitars to have too thin of a neck, but I do have an SV Japanese guitar with a 2 point Gotoh trem and locking tuners and I have a Japanese S series with the low pro edge that rocks. I put in some different pickups in it because I didn't really like the Ibanez stock R7 and R8 or whatever they are called. That said, I still prefer my Japanese Charvel with a killer Schaller Floyd rose. That guitar can be thrown against the wall and won't go out of tune. 😂. Plus, it has a cool lava crackle 80s finish so you can't miss my good looks and charm on stage. 😂 It makes me catnip to the ladies. 😂 Just kidding.
Great stuff. Really like your channel and you're an excellent player with a very unique Vai style. One can tell Vai rubbed off on you with your lead playing especially. Vai is a guitar god though, so that's killer.
I'm more of a John Sykes, Led Zeppelin, Ted Nugent, Joe Perry guy. ♥️🤘♥️
Be safe and well my friend and thanks for being value into my life with these excellent video.. ♥️🤘♥️🤘
Thanks for your comment!
I bought my first Ibanez in 1983 as a starter guitar for $200. I still have it, I still play it almost daily. I have recorded with it, took it with me on the road and it's completely stock except for a volume pot I replaced. It's my baby. Btw, I am a big fan.
I just put the strings in backwards. I first feed the strings trough the tuners. So the washer ends up at the tuner. Only need the cut the string once. Fast and easy restrings. Faster than locking tunners in my opinion
I never noticed how heavy and chunky a B5 chord can sound until I started watching Tom, seems like his go-to rather than Open E like most rock and metal players.
It’s the default Shred Club chugggg haha 🤘🏻
Interesting. Sometimes you bond with an instrument for a time, other times for life. Perceptions change with time for sure.
Your playing is superb! I was an Ibanez man through and through for years, but as I got older and my hands got bigger/thicker, I don't really like their thin necks anymore.
Hey, thank you! Yeah that makes sense.
I had the black version of this. Beautiful guitar, beautiful neck, best Ibanez I owned, but I sold it doh!
As I age i am loving the RG necks more and more.. and since you are not getting along with this beauty.. (nice mods btw).. I'll take it.. fantastic playing ..
What a clever way of pushing your Diesel signature guitar. If your fingers start sticking to your Ibanez fretboard it is either due to your strings or because your fingers have been at places where they got sticky.
I'm happy with my RGs!
Trust me, this guitar burnt me in a few situations. Love Ibanez and this guitar in general though. Just because you’ve had all positive experiences it doesn’t mean someone else can’t have an issue.
Wow and RG with the S1 bearing bridge!
I love my early 2000’s RG 44 neck through!
Swapped the Dizmarzio with Seymore Duncan’s! I also have the blood red 2009 Ibanez S with that exact same bridge! I love it!
I string all my locking guitars in reverse,with the ball end at the stock and the clipped ends at the bridge!
Been doing it since the 90’s!
Please play the 19 solo!
When i was 12 and 13 we played it in battle of the bands and i nailed it but we got second to a Van Halen tribute playing Ain’t talking bout love! Ha!
The crowd loved 19 though!
I still have that original first copy in my car! Ha! Thanks buddy! Crisis
I was ibanezer when im start learning and playing guitar. But today with the new brand rising, i kind a try all guitar and some really good and some just ok. And for now im liking the gibson atm.
RG4LYFE.
I have an average RG42DX from 2005 and it plays much better than anything in that range should. That being said, owning an RG is akin to self-flagellation sometimes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Oh, and that flutter is RIDICULOUS.
As someone who is considering his first RG, you have to tell me why it's like self flagellation, and any advice on model? I cant go over 1k. .
@@Danthehorse It’s fine unless you’re not prepared to deal with floating bridges and locking nuts 😂 It’s also super fun trying to set them up; still trying to get the hang of it.
🙌🏻
I have the Ibanez Premium and it’s my first Ibanez brand mostly I use LTD but it all change when I bought my first rg hahaha the neck is thinner which is I prefer and the feel of the guitar is premium quality
I'm a huge fan of anything Ibanez, I'll gladly buy this thing from you :D
I'd understand if you told back of the neck made you stick to flat notes, but fretboard?!
Yep totally.
I got an RG517 FSV for my 17th Birthday in 96. It was Silver Metal Flake. Best guitar I ever had. Regret selling it because I thought I needed the money more at the time. Now, wish I had that guitar.
That is one pretty RG. This video made me laugh because I play mostly Ibanez RGs but I have been on the edge (no pun intended) of having a couple of Kiesels built. It's like the world is trying to push me the rest of the way over lol. I would love to see exactly what that mod was to that Edge zero. You don't happen to have any pictures or more info on what was done? The flutter on that thing was from another world!
Haha sorry! I don’t have any additional details but feel free to jump on www.mcrocklin.com/discord
I’ll post some more info there asap.
I'm going to start buying up late 80-93 MIJ Jackson/Charvel's. As original as possible. They're the best RG style guitars built that's somewhat affordable, if you find the right deals and reputable dealers.
I have a first year RG and it’s such a great guitar. Can’t believe I play it as much as I do.
Is this just a really long non ad ad for your Kiesel sig?
Of course not, I mention that for 3 seconds at the very end of the video where most people won’t reach. This is a great RG, with a bit of a kink :)
I miss you playing Ibanez! The Floral Jem specifically. Nothing against your Kiesel guitars.
👊🏻
I've got a 5120m. I just couldn't warm up to the fishman fluencies that came stock...I changed them out to dimarzio Super D's and man do I now love the guitar.
Working and teaching full-time in a store that sold a large amount of instruments,I was able to pickup just about anything and be comfortable.
That’s good, but when you play dangerously close to the edge - every little piece of the puzzle counts.
@@McRocklin True.....True
Beautiful guitar
I’ve had a couple of RG’s of different variations the last one being a Genesis collection RG550 and both had basswood bodies.
Absolutely incredible tone. I wish my RG prestige sounded like this 🔥🔥🔥
Its in the hands they say
@@chelososamusic I think is this case some of it may be in the Fishman. Most prestige come with air Norton/tone zones.
I have a 2000 RG470. I modded it with Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups. Love the guitar. Ibanez builds lovely electric girlfriends. Never for sale!
I wish there was a DIY of how to improve the flutter of Floyd Rose like Vibratos (aka Tremolos)
I also love this, but my FR (and Edge Zero II) don´t do it nearly)that long.