Going straight from a GIO to the Premium is not a really fair comparison tho. Premiums are like 3 times more expensive. You should have had something like the RG370 in there to bridge the gap bewteen the GIO and Premium.
Yh the RG370DXz is epic, its the same guitar that I have in my profile pic. I'm not even sure if I want to get get a premium or prestige model, might just upgrade the spec on my RG370 to the level of th J custom (get the frets treated, Upgrade to DiMarzio pickups, upgrade trem, locking tuner, ect)
just found the premium rg370 with the edge ero 2 and dimarzio picks. gonna pick it up next friday, for 500 bucks. just tried it out today and it kicks ass
If you're set on getting an RG, I would recommend saving up for a vintage 5xx model, like the RG550, 560, 565, 570, etc. They're basically the same quality as modern Prestige models (theoretically better than the Premium line), but you can sometimes find them for as low as $350. Average prices range from about $450-550, though the RG550 in particular can go up to $800 just because of demand.
Going off on a tangent here, but speaking of the naming convention of the different Ibanez grades, I always thought it would make more sense for the top-of-the-line models to just have the name on the headstock. Words like "Prestige" just look so cheesy to me. Superior quality should speak for itself.
@@leonmohan1708 yeah man they hold up really well. The trem systems can be a little fiddly but once you had it set up properly itll go for ever. Great back up or first guitar. New pick ups when needed and this thing can grow with you as a player.
@@HeadingForTomorrow look for RG421 or that model number with some suffix. I think the RG421 and RG421EX (which is no longer in prodcution but might be in stock at some sellers) are the cheapest.
@@HeadingForTomorrow gio are worse yes, the hardware and setup feel cheaper. Buy an RG standard if it's in your budget, definitely worth the money. If you have the option to try a gio in a nearby shop, see if you like it. I wouldn't have it shipped online, though.
I have the Indonesian GRG150DX in pearl white and I just LOVE it, the feel, the growl, the sound in general. The shark tooth inlays look cool too. I have noticed that when I'm playing it people think I'm better than I am. an added bonus!!!!!
Honestly, I can't even hear a huge difference that justifies the price difference. Probably issues with keeping the tune, built quality, overall longevity and other things determine the price, rather than the sound...
Paul Glover well people should appreciate it. Its not easy to make video, editing and other stuffs plus making a fair opinion and anything under the sun haha anyway, subscribed already so ill get notif as soon as head to head comparison is ready! Thank you so much for making videos mate!
You should add the J Custom to the comparison. Many people would think it's merely prettier Prestige, but ever since I bought mine, I barely have any words to describe how amazing everything on them feels. Especially the tops and fretboards, that give it an absolutely sublime tone.
I really enjoyed that. Nice job guys! I just recently picked up a favorite guitar of mine, an RG470, natural finish, Floyd Rose trem. Love it to pieces. Ever played one? Such a beautiful guitar to play. Could you perhaps let me know what the two riffs are you play?
I have 3 Ibanez's . A GIO RGR style. Super cheap used and with a good setup its my goto for practice. I also have a Prestige "S" . The neck is so sweet! I have small hands and the super wizard neck is perfect. One thing I dont really like is the middle SC. But the rest of the guitar is amazing especially the ZeroEdge trem. The last one is my #1. My Prestige RGR . But those dimarzio pups were awful. Really depressed me after i spent almost 2g's on it. Put in some SeymoreDuncans distortions in there and It is perfect for me. Ibanez is a great company and always makes great products in every price range.
Lastly, sometimes your voice is really quiet on your videos, whats the reason for this, just camera audio? just a little pointer for slight improvement :)
There’s a pretty noticeable difference between the premium and prestige guitars. I have a PGM80P which is a premium and I also have a Team J Craft PGM301 and the 301 is such a beautifully crafted instrument it’s far superior to the Gibson and Fenders I’ve had in the past. I’d definitely recommend the prestige line you can pick them up on eBay for really good prices AND they come with a really great hardcase.
Paul Glover Is the RG421 the same as the RG421 EX? This is what it is called in Japan where I live anyway so I’m thinking about getting that one. Thanks for the video!
Older post with great content being an Ibanez RG fan since the 80’s finally getting my first RG570(JB) in 89’, later around 07’ picked up a RG370DX(whitew/sharktoothinlays)& in 20’ I bought the reissued RG550(NP)”Genesis” and still play all three! I’ve owned Fender American Standard Tele & Strat also a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I got rid off them over time just keeping my RG’s for the music I like to play and the wizard necks made them feel like they were made for me. Just an opinion from a player starting in the 80’s as a teen. Only one I regret getting rid of was the butterscotch Fender American Standard Tele I had picked in the 90’s but always Ibanez RG till the end for me!#Ibanez#RG#570/550#RG❤#🎸🤘🏻🔥
What happen to some divebombs, squeals, and just out right whammy bar mahem! Not only is that fun, but we would hear and see how well it stays in tune. I have a 1993 RG 270. I weighs almost 8 lbs. It has a Seymour Duncan JB at the bridge equipped with coil split, jazz at the neck with an original Floyd Rose tremolo. The dam thing kills most of my fenders and Gibsons. I just love it. Gotta check out some of these newer models. Great instruments. Just because an instrument is made in Korea or Japan doesn't mean there is no quality in the build. They have a lot of pride and honor when it comes to building guitars. Tell my music buds that all the time . Rock on!
Totally agreed. I'm planning to rebuild RG 270 that just bought quite recently. Obviously it is a second hand and sadly, it's in a pretty neglected state. In spite of it, I already love this model (it's Korean and solid built) and would like to experiment with a few upgrades and restore it to mint condition. Will replace the pick ups with Dimarzio/IBZ Prestige set ( still keep the original HSH configuration) and also rebuild original Floyd Rose tremolo. I'll replace the original 6 saddles with new double locking ones. Hopefully it will keep the guitar in tune all the time. Have you experienced any problem with tuning (with Floyd Rose original) ? How often does it goe out of tune ? Anyway, the new set of 6 new saddles comprises of 3 matched pairs of different height; Low (E & e string), Medium (A & B string) and High (D & G string). It looks correct and right! A friend of mine assured me that it would be possible to do this upgrade in the old Ibanez fitted with the old Floyd Rose. Of course, it is going too be a challenge, but that doesn't deter me from doing it. The new saddles look cool! Each saddle comes complete with Locking Screw and String Retainer Block. Fingers crossed ( planning to start after Xmas, in new year)
Subscribed because you gave good reviews (Just ordered an Ibanez gio grg 121 yesterday as my first guitar to learn on) and you got that scouse accent. (shoot me If I'm wrong) Ha cheers from Australia.
The RG550 is a fucking legend of a guitar, built to standards that easily equal those used on multi thousand dollar prestige guitars of current times. It's the Ibanez version of a 69 Stratocaster or Les Paul. Even the reissues and shit don't hold u
no iron label? i love the iron label series because alot of them dont have that middle pick up which i never really had a use for and i feel like im going to hit it when i pick. i have an s series iron label and its a pretty sweet guitar. its super light, has passive dimarzios (i like passives better than actives) locking tuners, a silky smooth ebony fretboard and a great blue green burst finish. i know the prestige is the top of the line ibanez but the iron labels have more of the specs i like. ibanez is just a great company all around and the necks are incredible. thanks for the review.
I have a GIO series one...And i changed everything on it....Just the wood left....I put on neck end midd position prestige series Japan pickups and neck is MMK Japan pickup....(becouse the stock ones/PSDN are very bad pickups, for me)I do all electronics,wiering and push/pull things and i have a very proffesional and exspensive guitar and sound and, the most important i have "my"sound and my guitar....Unique one....So.... People, make your personal sound on guitars....Not Steve Vai,Joe Satriani....There are they, and you are you ;)
Dude, you left out the standard RG? Bummer! If you ask me, the comparison between the standard and the premium is the one that counts. Difference in sustain. Hardware comparison. etc. I think most people want to know if the upgrade is worth it for them, or if maybe they would want to mod a standard RG etc. Just my thoughts.
Hi Paul, nice vid as usual, do you like the RGD serie ? what are your thoughts about the RGD , and is there any chance we see you one day reviewing one ? thank you !
I purchased an RG450, the QC was horrible. The routing for the the trem on top was all jagged. It looked like it was cut with a hand saw. The least they could have done is sand it. If it had been sanded I would have kept it. Splurged on the RG Prestige 652 AMHL. Night and day.
Still my fav axe that. Yeah ive heard a few things lately. Seems to be when bought from the bigger stores. At my Ibanez HQ they dont let a fart past them. Where you based? 🧟♂️
@@PaulGlover I'm in the Seattle area, so Guitar Center is one of my only option unless you want to shop at Seattle vintage guitars, and pay 3 times as much for a vintage guitar.
Yeah I agree just didn't have the time to go through all of the range so when with lowish mediumistic and super high end models. The video would have been way longer. Maybe next time dude. 🤘🧟♂️🤘
you can't be cavalier with it like you can with the edge and lopro edge. And by that I mean you can't do things you really should avoid doing with any knife edge system like, adjusting the height of the bridge posts under tension. because the of the metals used
Previously I used Ibanez guitars with Edge Zero II. It's a good bridge but: 1) It's difficult to set properly (just any type of Floyd Rose system) 2) Cost a lot changing drastically the price of guitar (in a cheap stuff of course) 3) Basically It has no effect on the tone Better use that money to put better pickups or woods for example...just like many Premium Ibanez guitars (:
I had it on my S770PB-CNF thought it was good at first but then I swapped it for an original Edge Zero and I cannot even compare, the tone, sustain, quality of the bridge itself, tuning stability. My friend who did the work for me also installed the Zero Point System 3 which came with the bridge
Rory MacKay just improvising stuff dude. I try not to practice or play a song as i want to here/feel where the guitar takes me. not to sound super hippy like lol
The only downside I would say here is the playing of only 2 positions for all that have 5 way selectors. Still good to hear both clean and distorted sounds from each.
Paul... what is the best, small, Amp for the Ibanez Prestige RG652AHMFX. I have the guitar on order. Will arrive in a week or two. In the mean time, I need to pick up a good bedroom practice Amp. What are your thoughts on the Fender Mustang 2 (v.2)? Thanks 4 your help...
Great presentation,... A question; I play Vigier and Ibanez and have a couple of RGs... One of them is an old Gio that I really like the feel of , and is different to the one in this video. It has ; a floating trem system Locking nut Everything is black including trem system, tuners, screws etc.. And at 12th~18th frets it has the thinnest Ibanez neck I have ever played or even handled !?! i bought it second hand a while ago now when I knew very little about Ibanez except that Steve Vai designed the Ibanez Jem and Joe Satriani played them. Any ideas or comments would be appreciated Cheers from John in Hampshire ;~)
+Paul Glover only recently found your Vids (Really enjoying them) as considering getting an Ibanez (normally a Fender man) what settings have you got your delay set to?as I'm using a DD5 and I find its either not enough or way to much
Stick it in the loop with E level at 9 o'clock FBack at 11 D time straight up and 800ms. Hope that helps man. If it still to there put a -10db pad on if your amp has one on the loop.
I own an Ibanez RG3120 02' and an RG721 14' Premium the one with the rosewood top. The 3120 is the best guitar i've layed my hands on but the 721 was so good i couldnt pass on it even though i had a great instrument already. For 630 euro i dont believe there are any better guitars out there than the Ibanez Premium.Great value.If you dont have the dope for a Prestige the premium are such cool guitars.
I already had a decent LTD EC 330. Just got an Ibanez GIO because I’ve always wanted an Ibanez and to get used to the scale length. Thinking about upgrading to prestige one day. There a big difference in feel between the GIO and Prestige?
In my opinion I think the fairy door covers look cheap and ugly. I personally wouldn't want them on a high quality guitar. Definitely practical but looks terrible
So guys, I have been Playing guitar for about a year and half and ever since, I didn't change my cheap squier bullet strat and I have been thinking of buying a good ibanez guitar with a good tone for metal and high gain stuff. Any recommendations?
55 bucks for an RG is worth a punt man. The trem will be an Ibanez in house design so works the same way. Not sure without a model number if you can fit a floyd but for fiddy five id well have it 🧟♂️
@@PaulGlover Thank you. I don't know what pick ups are on. I think I'm going tomorrow and pick it up. The neck and action felt very good. Very low, 24 frets two humbickers and a middle single coil. They also had a Gio. Dont know which is better, but the RG series looked better.
@@PaulGlover Thanks Paul. Yeah, can go wrong with the old good DX 1 (latest ver X) - one of the favourites of Joe Satriani, I've heard. Is your amp model IRT-120H?
Prices are all changing due to covid and sites but at the time the mid premiums where around £900 and the prestige is topped by the J Custom range (not featured here). Currently premiums are around £1100 and prestige about £1800? Hooe this helps buddy. 🤟🧟♂️🤟
I didn't really learn anything new that I couldn't have learned by going to ibanez's website. What would be more useful is a more practical test between the models. You mention tuning stability. I bet the gio holds tune better... why because its a float bridge vs a floyd. Gotoh vs ibanez tuners... is there really a difference? pickups... most people would replace them anyways so a pickup comparison wouldn't be of much value. You can replace tuners and pickups easily assuming there is a problem with them. What about the construction and the woods used? Is there any significant difference to the feel and sound? How is the fret job between premium and prestige? Are the metals used in the bridges significantly different? Some assume Indonesian made parts are inferior.. but are they truly? etc. etc.
ken masters mate we don't get paid for this and we do our best with what we have. what you requesting takes a lot of time to research and then subsequently film then edit. This is more of a how we find them comparison. Think you should put together a video though dude people might dig all that stuff.
Thanks Paul. I do not doubt the time and effort - thank you for posting the video! I think a lot of people would find this info useful. I've just been at it for too long I suppose :) I would love to do a video on the topic. But I'm certain you and your team can do a much better job with these videos compared to any hack videos I come up with lol. I don't have all the answers but videos like yours does peak my interests and opens up a healthy discussion. Cheers.
ken masters I bet the gio doesn't hold tune better, the original edge bridge is arguably better than the German made original floyd rose. Set up the guitar correctly and it will stay in tune even after heavy tremolo use, it's the same bridge Steve Vai uses on the jem. The materials are top notch, won't find any better made bridge unless you pay $1000 for the titanium floyd rose.
Cheapest - neck -clean 3:12
Cheapest - neck - dirty 3:33
Cheapest - bridge - clean 4:05
Cheapest - bridge - dirty 4:22
Mid price - neck - clean 7:39
Mid price - neck - dirty 8:01
Mid price -bridge - clean 8:54
Mid price - bridge - dirty 9:16
Expensive - neck - clean 13:16
Expensive - neck - dirty 13:46
Expensive - bridge - clean 14:31
Expensive - bridge - dirty 14:57
Wow bud, this is amazing work. Thank yo thank you thank you 🧟♂️💋
Going straight from a GIO to the Premium is not a really fair comparison tho. Premiums are like 3 times more expensive. You should have had something like the RG370 in there to bridge the gap bewteen the GIO and Premium.
Yh the RG370DXz is epic, its the same guitar that I have in my profile pic. I'm not even sure if I want to get get a premium or prestige model, might just upgrade the spec on my RG370 to the level of th J custom (get the frets treated, Upgrade to DiMarzio pickups, upgrade trem, locking tuner, ect)
just found the premium rg370 with the edge ero 2 and dimarzio picks. gonna pick it up next friday, for 500 bucks. just tried it out today and it kicks ass
RG450 is like $300 now, should be next up after GIO I think.
It is what it is
@@HeadingForTomorrow I have a 450 and I def agree
I just got a GIO and I love it. Dirt cheap and plays perfect.
which one did you get?
M2
Me too
With a good amp, any guitar can sound good, but it really comes down to the feel! Nice video mate
Exactly. Pickups and amp is what makes 95% of the sound, but how comfortable your guitar feels in your hands... thats just something yoy cant replace.
Been playing for a year and just got a gio for Xmas with a reversed headstock and floating tremolo, already love it
I like the sound of the Gios: no bells and whistles, just your basic, vintage technology sound.
Why did you skip the "standard" line (i.e. the guitars between Gio and Premium, that just say "Ibanez" on the headstock)?
Yeah, where's the standard RG? I just bought the RG 421ex-bkf and was hoping to hear how it sounds in the hands of someone who isn't awful...
Yeah, the RG421EX is between the GIOs and the Premiums. A nice bet for a begginner.
If you're set on getting an RG, I would recommend saving up for a vintage 5xx model, like the RG550, 560, 565, 570, etc. They're basically the same quality as modern Prestige models (theoretically better than the Premium line), but you can sometimes find them for as low as $350. Average prices range from about $450-550, though the RG550 in particular can go up to $800 just because of demand.
Going off on a tangent here, but speaking of the naming convention of the different Ibanez grades, I always thought it would make more sense for the top-of-the-line models to just have the name on the headstock. Words like "Prestige" just look so cheesy to me. Superior quality should speak for itself.
Alacress Tbh, I like the "Prestige" icon on the headstocks. The styling of it just looks nice, to me.
GAWD I love Ibanez guitars!! 😍Got 3 so far and I will never get rid of them. 😌❤ And great video dude! 👌
The Kekke mate they are just the best. Thanks for dropping by dude and thank you for the kind words man.
Anytime Ibanez brother! Keep up the good work! :)
How is the quality on an RG350dx, would you have one as your 2nd guitar ie your 1st proper guitar?
@@leonmohan1708 yeah man they hold up really well. The trem systems can be a little fiddly but once you had it set up properly itll go for ever. Great back up or first guitar. New pick ups when needed and this thing can grow with you as a player.
Get an RG. you will not be disappointed. just do it
How is RG450?
I got the cheapest RG, RG 321ex fixed bridge. Its great.
@@HeadingForTomorrow look for RG421 or that model number with some suffix. I think the RG421 and RG421EX (which is no longer in prodcution but might be in stock at some sellers) are the cheapest.
@@HeadingForTomorrow www.ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/rg421_1p_04.html
@@HeadingForTomorrow gio are worse yes, the hardware and setup feel cheaper. Buy an RG standard if it's in your budget, definitely worth the money.
If you have the option to try a gio in a nearby shop, see if you like it. I wouldn't have it shipped online, though.
Where's the Iron Label?
I have the Indonesian GRG150DX in pearl white and I just LOVE it, the feel, the growl, the sound in general. The shark tooth inlays look cool too. I have noticed that when I'm playing it people think I'm better than I am. an added bonus!!!!!
Well, funny thing but I liked the GIO sound the most! )) It has kind of a wild renegade sound!
Honestly, I can't even hear a huge difference that justifies the price difference. Probably issues with keeping the tune, built quality, overall longevity and other things determine the price, rather than the sound...
This is a good overview mate but i will still be waiting for your next head to head video! Thanks for making time for all this!
Sieg Mac mate we love it and thank you for appreciating what we do. Some head to heads coming soon buddy.
Paul Glover well people should appreciate it. Its not easy to make video, editing and other stuffs plus making a fair opinion and anything under the sun haha anyway, subscribed already so ill get notif as soon as head to head comparison is ready! Thank you so much for making videos mate!
You should add the J Custom to the comparison. Many people would think it's merely prettier Prestige, but ever since I bought mine, I barely have any words to describe how amazing everything on them feels. Especially the tops and fretboards, that give it an absolutely sublime tone.
Awesome!! Now my wish list of guitars just got bigger! 😎
Great comparison! Just throwing out there that the RG550 Genesis is another great model and the price isn't too bad either.
Your so so right mate the Genisis are amazing!!!!
Hey mate. Nice to meet you. Was this filmed at headstock??
no mate this is a studio in st helens i work from
I really enjoyed that. Nice job guys!
I just recently picked up a favorite guitar of mine, an RG470, natural finish, Floyd Rose trem. Love it to pieces. Ever played one? Such a beautiful guitar to play.
Could you perhaps let me know what the two riffs are you play?
The double cutaway Les Paul style Gio play like butter, stay in tune. Would recommend to anybody, perfect beginner guitar.
Nice comparison video, thanks for showing the differences.
Thanks for the appreciation dude. Its appreciated lol 🤟🧟♂️🤟
@@PaulGlover Yeah I will definitely buy the prestige from watching this. Too bad J custom is so expensive but I'll get there one day lol 🤘
Just now i was watching Paul Gilbert now i m watch Paul Glover
I have 3 Ibanez's . A GIO RGR style. Super cheap used and with a good setup its my goto for practice. I also have a Prestige "S" . The neck is so sweet! I have small hands and the super wizard neck is perfect. One thing I dont really like is the middle SC. But the rest of the guitar is amazing especially the ZeroEdge trem. The last one is my #1. My Prestige RGR . But those dimarzio pups were awful. Really depressed me after i spent almost 2g's on it. Put in some SeymoreDuncans distortions in there and It is perfect for me. Ibanez is a great company and always makes great products in every price range.
Now that a bunch right there, well done man 🤟🧟♂️🤟 i love the d'mazio but ive been swinging towards barenuckles as well? Hmmm
never get tired of watching your videos dude !
That prestige sounds fantastic! looks sweet too! nice demo, buddy.
For the money you will struggle to find a better guitar than the Ibanez Gio...and yes i do have one.
i have an rg120 which is the original gio series but it does say that from 1999 and it sounds awesome
Lastly, sometimes your voice is really quiet on your videos, whats the reason for this, just camera audio? just a little pointer for slight improvement :)
Hey paul keep up the great work these videos are great, definitely need more views
Thanks Nath really means everythi g to me that dude. welcome to the Horde.
I want that 2nd guitar shown. Better than my RG. Looks awesome too
mrgitarman and so you should but dude just look at what the premium range is doing in 2017. EPIC
There’s a pretty noticeable difference between the premium and prestige guitars. I have a PGM80P which is a premium and I also have a Team J Craft PGM301 and the 301 is such a beautifully crafted instrument it’s far superior to the Gibson and Fenders I’ve had in the past. I’d definitely recommend the prestige line you can pick them up on eBay for really good prices AND they come with a really great hardcase.
Those hard cases especially used smell like shit
Indonesian GIOs are probably the best playing budget neck guitar ever... It plays so good it even beats most high end guitars in terms of playability
Ken T Gios blow me away everytime i pick one up man. Great guitars full stop
Deciding on 2 weeks away this summer or just staying at home and getting a prestige and a four pack
digitalsketchguy sometimes home is best 😉🧟♂️
Gio , Standard , Premium , Prestige , J.Custom . Something is missing
Wesoły Damianek standard and J custom dude. This was not a Complete range comparison. Just kinda beginner, intermediate, pro thang.
LACS - Ibanez Los Angeles Custom shop.
Jem
@@naegleriafowleri2230 also need try iron label and axio series
I have the RG421 and for a beginner i love it
Mate it is hands down the best guitar pound for pound. Great build and awesome looks. Well done dude. 🧟♂️
Paul Glover Is the RG421 the same as the RG421 EX? This is what it is called in Japan where I live anyway so I’m thinking about getting that one. Thanks for the video!
Older post with great content being an Ibanez RG fan since the 80’s finally getting my first RG570(JB) in 89’, later around 07’ picked up a RG370DX(whitew/sharktoothinlays)& in 20’ I bought the reissued RG550(NP)”Genesis” and still play all three! I’ve owned Fender American Standard Tele & Strat also a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I got rid off them over time just keeping my RG’s for the music I like to play and the wizard necks made them feel like they were made for me. Just an opinion from a player starting in the 80’s as a teen. Only one I regret getting rid of was the butterscotch Fender American Standard Tele I had picked in the 90’s but always Ibanez RG till the end for me!#Ibanez#RG#570/550#RG❤#🎸🤘🏻🔥
What happen to some divebombs, squeals, and just out right whammy bar mahem! Not only is that fun, but we would hear and see how well it stays in tune. I have a 1993 RG 270. I weighs almost 8 lbs. It has a Seymour Duncan JB at the bridge equipped with coil split, jazz at the neck with an original Floyd Rose tremolo. The dam thing kills most of my fenders and Gibsons. I just love it. Gotta check out some of these newer models. Great instruments. Just because an instrument is made in Korea or Japan doesn't mean there is no quality in the build. They have a lot of pride and honor when it comes to building guitars. Tell my music buds that all the time . Rock on!
Japanese > american
Totally agreed. I'm planning to rebuild RG 270 that just bought quite recently. Obviously it is a second hand and sadly, it's in a pretty neglected state. In spite of it, I already love this model (it's Korean and solid built) and would like to experiment with a few upgrades and restore it to mint condition. Will replace the pick ups with Dimarzio/IBZ Prestige set ( still keep the original HSH configuration) and also rebuild original Floyd Rose tremolo. I'll replace the original 6 saddles with new double locking ones. Hopefully it will keep the guitar in tune all the time. Have you experienced any problem with tuning (with Floyd Rose original) ? How often does it goe out of tune ? Anyway, the new set of 6 new saddles comprises of 3 matched pairs of different height; Low (E & e string), Medium (A & B string) and High (D & G string). It looks correct and right! A friend of mine assured me that it would be possible to do this upgrade in the old Ibanez fitted with the old Floyd Rose. Of course, it is going too be a challenge, but that doesn't deter me from doing it. The new saddles look cool! Each saddle comes complete with Locking Screw and String Retainer Block. Fingers crossed ( planning to start after Xmas, in new year)
you forgot the standard RG line (RG 3xx and 4xx) the line between GIO and Premium
bpabustan didnt forget man just couldn't get on in time buddy.
Paul Glover ah ok
I have ordered one of those... rg 370ahmz. Beautiful guitar and feels so nice compared to the other cheap ones ive used
@@invertedv12powerhouse77 what's your feedback about the 370 now, 2 years later? any mods? some say its heavy
I have a couple of old Ibanez's. Always great guitars, but it sounds so eighties through that Laney..
Another great vid Paul, thx
Thanks man.
Subscribed because you gave good reviews (Just ordered an Ibanez gio grg 121 yesterday as my first guitar to learn on) and you got that scouse accent. (shoot me If I'm wrong) Ha cheers from Australia.
AlphaAlex1 thanks man and yeah dude im well scouse lol. welcome to the team bro and congrats on the new axe. 🎸
No love for the RG series/standard? Some of the korean and japanese RG series were well crafted and deserved a shout out!
I agree mate and will do but just did not have one in time for this shoot.
Very useful vidoe mann! Thanks a lot!
Our pleasure. 🤟🧟♂️🤟
Love my s320 comes with zr bridge, metal knobs, inf 1 and 2 pickups , locking nut, 3 pieces neck, 5 positions switch .I am very happy.
Nice comparison Paul, thanks for sharing!
Thanks dudeface.
I have RG550 made in Japan from 1990. and still work like a new!
yeah! but the rg 550 will be the next fucking legend like the old stratos but in over 20 years or more
The RG550 is a fucking legend of a guitar, built to standards that easily equal those used on multi thousand dollar prestige guitars of current times. It's the Ibanez version of a 69 Stratocaster or Les Paul. Even the reissues and shit don't hold u
So I will never sell my RG550. This guitar is going to the grave with me ;)
Cool! Good luck with this babe :)
I bought the rg550dx in ruby red and just an amazing guitar.
thx for the love Paul.
Nice comparison, personally I LOVE my RG752LWFX, it's literally the best guitar I've ever played.
Great guitar. Thanks for stopping by man hope to see you round here often mate
Awesome vid... Going to purchase the Prestige RG652AHMFX-NGB. Love at first sight/listen!!! What amp do you recommend to go with her?
Ibanez!!!! Bring back the RG series! You know? The one we could afford!
no iron label? i love the iron label series because alot of them dont have that middle pick up which i never really had a use for and i feel like im going to hit it when i pick. i have an s series iron label and its a pretty sweet guitar. its super light, has passive dimarzios (i like passives better than actives) locking tuners, a silky smooth ebony fretboard and a great blue green burst finish. i know the prestige is the top of the line ibanez but the iron labels have more of the specs i like. ibanez is just a great company all around and the necks are incredible. thanks for the review.
Armando Gemei mate you are so right......i feel another shootout coming....... BIBBY!!!!!!!!
do it!!!
I have got J. Custom RG8520, and i love it, even though it is heavy. EDIT.- By the way, you forgot to discuss J. Custom line.
I will in another comparison video, maybe coming soon. 🤟🧟♂️🤟
I have a GIO series one...And i changed everything on it....Just the wood left....I put on neck end midd position prestige series Japan pickups and neck is MMK Japan pickup....(becouse the stock ones/PSDN are very bad pickups, for me)I do all electronics,wiering and push/pull things and i have a very proffesional and exspensive guitar and sound and, the most important i have "my"sound and my guitar....Unique one....So.... People, make your personal sound on guitars....Not Steve Vai,Joe Satriani....There are they, and you are you ;)
Hey Paul, just discovered your channel and subscribed in an instant but please tune up the next time. Keep it up, man! :)
Dude, you left out the standard RG? Bummer! If you ask me, the comparison between the standard and the premium is the one that counts. Difference in sustain. Hardware comparison. etc. I think most people want to know if the upgrade is worth it for them, or if maybe they would want to mod a standard RG etc. Just my thoughts.
That Premium is a bit out of tune, or is it just me?
It's not just you.
The G string is flat... Not a ton but it is indeed flat. During the clean demo one can really hear it.
Great vid fellow Glover
Hi Paul, nice vid as usual, do you like the RGD serie ? what are your thoughts about the RGD , and is there any chance we see you one day reviewing one ? thank you !
mate love them. some new flavours coming soon so I'll be all over them man. watch this space.
That sounds great Paul ! look foorward to seeing you reviewing them brother !
I purchased an RG450, the QC was horrible. The routing for the the trem on top was all jagged. It looked like it was cut with a hand saw. The least they could have done is sand it. If it had been sanded I would have kept it. Splurged on the
RG Prestige 652 AMHL. Night and day.
Still my fav axe that. Yeah ive heard a few things lately. Seems to be when bought from the bigger stores. At my Ibanez HQ they dont let a fart past them. Where you based? 🧟♂️
@@PaulGlover I'm in the Seattle area, so Guitar Center is one of my only option unless you want to shop at Seattle vintage guitars, and pay 3 times as much for a vintage guitar.
I like ibanez guitar is very enjoy and styleesly good job..
Thanks dude!!!!
the premium serious is a fucking slap in the face...
Love the vid and the guitars. Where can you try one of these RG652AHM? - it's exactly what i am looking for!!
Think they are now stock for 2016 but this was a limited run. great guitar; so versatile!
+Paul Glover is the rg752ahm coming in the UK. any idea cause if it comes to Uk it comes to asia!
+Mr.CuSO4 i know there is a hardtail version coming to the uk mate, but not with an edge them. If i find out more ill let you know buddy.
Would be good to see a Standard in the mix, as well. It's a pretty important bracket between the GIO and Premium.
Cool video, though :)
Agreed mate, watch this space for more ibanez range shenanigans!
premium rg 970 is a beast!!
Where is the RG series? i think it should be included otherwise great review
Yeah I agree just didn't have the time to go through all of the range so when with lowish mediumistic and super high end models. The video would have been way longer. Maybe next time dude. 🤘🧟♂️🤘
Edge Zero II is an awesome bridge. Don't know why people don't like it.
tuning
Nope, stays in tune just as well as any other bridge... I do prefer the Original Edge though.
you can't be cavalier with it like you can with the edge and lopro edge. And by that I mean you can't do things you really should avoid doing with any knife edge system like, adjusting the height of the bridge posts under tension. because the of the metals used
Previously I used Ibanez guitars with Edge Zero II. It's a good bridge but:
1) It's difficult to set properly (just any type of Floyd Rose system)
2) Cost a lot changing drastically the price of guitar (in a cheap stuff of course)
3) Basically It has no effect on the tone
Better use that money to put better pickups or woods for example...just like many Premium Ibanez guitars (:
I had it on my S770PB-CNF thought it was good at first but then I swapped it for an original Edge Zero and I cannot even compare, the tone, sustain, quality of the bridge itself, tuning stability. My friend who did the work for me also installed the Zero Point System 3 which came with the bridge
Hey paul love your work. Can you tell me if Ibanez is making and decent lefty besides the gio
paul id love it if you did a review on the ibanze gax 30
I've got the RGIR20FE. I like it a lot. Gotta love a fixed bridge.
got the ibanez gio grg 170 dx totally worth the price
Ishrat Khan i bought that too, candy apple, it's awesome!
I personally don't use tremolo systems in my guitars so I don't have tuning issues very much
What song were you playing? Awesome vid!
Rory MacKay just improvising stuff dude. I try not to practice or play a song as i want to here/feel where the guitar takes me. not to sound super hippy like lol
The only downside I would say here is the playing of only 2 positions for all that have 5 way selectors. Still good to hear both clean and distorted sounds from each.
Paul... what is the best, small, Amp for the Ibanez Prestige RG652AHMFX. I have the guitar on order. Will arrive in a week or two. In the mean time, I need to pick up a good bedroom practice Amp. What are your thoughts on the Fender Mustang 2 (v.2)? Thanks 4 your help...
What a shame the lack of the zps3 on the prestige one. This system is also mounted in some j custom models
I fo love that trem, bit the edge is a winner dude. Fluttery and buttery 🤘🧟♂️🤘
Am I the only one who expected Mortician - Zombie Apocalypse to start playing after the little intro about walking dead?
Great presentation,...
A question;
I play Vigier and Ibanez and have a couple of RGs...
One of them is an old Gio that I really like the feel of , and is different to the one in this video.
It has ;
a floating trem system
Locking nut
Everything is black including trem system, tuners, screws etc..
And at 12th~18th frets it has the thinnest Ibanez neck I have ever played or even handled !?!
i bought it second hand a while ago now when I knew very little about Ibanez except that Steve Vai designed the Ibanez Jem and Joe Satriani played them.
Any ideas or comments would be appreciated
Cheers from John in Hampshire
;~)
I'm thinking about buying a RG370PBZ, any opinion?
Does has higher action?
Action can be set up to your needs on all guitars.
heyyy what do you think about the ibanez GRG121Dx !? is ibanez grg170dx better than grg121dx? waiting for your answer. :)
+Paul Glover only recently found your Vids (Really enjoying them) as considering getting an Ibanez (normally a Fender man) what settings have you got your delay set to?as I'm using a DD5 and I find its either not enough or way to much
Stick it in the loop with E level at 9 o'clock FBack at 11 D time straight up and 800ms. Hope that helps man. If it still to there put a -10db pad on if your amp has one on the loop.
I own an Ibanez RG3120 02' and an RG721 14' Premium the one with the rosewood top.
The 3120 is the best guitar i've layed my hands on but the 721 was so good i couldnt pass on it even though i had a great instrument already.
For 630 euro i dont believe there are any better guitars out there than the Ibanez Premium.Great value.If you dont have the dope for a Prestige the premium are such cool guitars.
agreed man. awesome axes bro well done!
agreed man. awesome axes bro well done!
agreed man. awesome axes bro well done!
+Paul Glover Thanks mate,likewise.
I already had a decent LTD EC 330. Just got an Ibanez GIO because I’ve always wanted an Ibanez and to get used to the scale length. Thinking about upgrading to prestige one day. There a big difference in feel between the GIO and Prestige?
Gotta love Asus2 to Cmaj7 😊
Good very much.
hey what are your thoughts on the RG350DXZ? I play mostly metal/hard rock with occasional blues
Why don't the prestiges use that super handy fairy door truss rod cover?
Unchainedmaple888 its a great question man.
Unchainedmaple888 maybe the concept is it's good quality and doesn't need to be adjusted often.
In my opinion I think the fairy door covers look cheap and ugly. I personally wouldn't want them on a high quality guitar. Definitely practical but looks terrible
So guys, I have been Playing guitar for about a year and half and ever since, I didn't change my cheap squier bullet strat and I have been thinking of buying a good ibanez guitar with a good tone for metal and high gain stuff. Any recommendations?
Legen*wait for it*dary depending on budget dude but look at the iron label stuff. Its epic and cheap for what you get.
I found an RG at pawn shop for 55 dollars. But the tremolo is not Floyd Rose. Can I put one on? Does anyone recommend it?
55 bucks for an RG is worth a punt man. The trem will be an Ibanez in house design so works the same way. Not sure without a model number if you can fit a floyd but for fiddy five id well have it 🧟♂️
@@PaulGlover Thank you. I don't know what pick ups are on. I think I'm going tomorrow and pick it up. The neck and action felt very good. Very low, 24 frets two humbickers and a middle single coil. They also had a Gio. Dont know which is better, but the RG series looked better.
What about ESP? Are their necks fast? I've never played an ESP or LTD in my life, never even seen one in person. (No guitar shops where I live)
EElectric_M yeah dude more jackson like than ibanez. Very good guitars and the ltd offer great value.
i have a ibanez gio gs 130 but cant find much info on it it has a black metal flake finish and 2 humbucker pickups
Any guitar can sound great provided you can really play.
True as well but it helps you to grow if your instrument is awsome. 🤘🧟♂️🤘
RG 2550e forever! I equipped mine with Gravity Storm and Virtual Blues pups. One of the greatest guitars I have ever played.
Paul, BTW, what distortion pedal are you using during your demonstration?
Its the lead channel of the irt head buddy. I do use a DS 1 X as a boost on all channels to add some hair.
@@PaulGlover Thanks Paul. Yeah, can go wrong with the old good DX 1 (latest ver X) - one of the favourites of Joe Satriani, I've heard. Is your amp model IRT-120H?
@@danielcooper7718 i opted for the 60 the 230 is so so loud lol. I can barely crank the 60s without promoters wanting my head. 🧟♂️
@@PaulGlover Have you replaced 6L6 with EL34, as some pros do?
@@danielcooper7718 i have 60 watt heads one with 6l6 the other with el84 just so get the best of both. But i do prefer the els i think.
Didn't say how much the mid premium was? Also, I thought the RG Series was the mid range price......and the the RG Prestige the top end models?....
Prices are all changing due to covid and sites but at the time the mid premiums where around £900 and the prestige is topped by the J Custom range (not featured here). Currently premiums are around £1100 and prestige about £1800? Hooe this helps buddy. 🤟🧟♂️🤟
@@PaulGlover thank fr replying in detail mate, appreciate that as a beginner.....most just send a thumbs up!
Damn I have an older model gio almost exactly like that one but with a straight head stock
i have that gio model... it doesn't distort that much in my case... maybe cuz of amp settings
The Abhinav Not the settings, just your amp
I didn't really learn anything new that I couldn't have learned by going to ibanez's website. What would be more useful is a more practical test between the models. You mention tuning stability. I bet the gio holds tune better... why because its a float bridge vs a floyd. Gotoh vs ibanez tuners... is there really a difference? pickups... most people would replace them anyways so a pickup comparison wouldn't be of much value. You can replace tuners and pickups easily assuming there is a problem with them. What about the construction and the woods used? Is there any significant difference to the feel and sound? How is the fret job between premium and prestige? Are the metals used in the bridges significantly different? Some assume Indonesian made parts are inferior.. but are they truly? etc. etc.
ken masters mate we don't get paid for this and we do our best with what we have. what you requesting takes a lot of time to research and then subsequently film then edit. This is more of a how we find them comparison. Think you should put together a video though dude people might dig all that stuff.
Thanks Paul. I do not doubt the time and effort - thank you for posting the video! I think a lot of people would find this info useful. I've just been at it for too long I suppose :) I would love to do a video on the topic. But I'm certain you and your team can do a much better job with these videos compared to any hack videos I come up with lol. I don't have all the answers but videos like yours does peak my interests and opens up a healthy discussion. Cheers.
ken masters nice one mate. we will as always take this on board for future vids. take care man.
ken masters I bet the gio doesn't hold tune better, the original edge bridge is arguably better than the German made original floyd rose. Set up the guitar correctly and it will stay in tune even after heavy tremolo use, it's the same bridge Steve Vai uses on the jem. The materials are top notch, won't find any better made bridge unless you pay $1000 for the titanium floyd rose.
Trent F i agree the edge is a stable unit as is the Zero, true set and forget.
I used ibanez s series coz i think its sexy model of ibanez models
And you would be right mate, S for SEXY!!! 🤟🧟♂️🤟
S for Sexy but i dont think so..
Sexy is S very thin.. thanks
Are the tunes your playing from a song? I like!
I just got the ibanez egen 8 herman li signature guitar, have you ever tryed one and if so whsts your take on them
I enjoyed it mate i love the S range as well as the RG. Glad your digging it man. 🤟🧟♂️🤟