Ibanez rules! I have a 1980 Artist that still looks and plays like a dream. My 1987 RG560 that I bought new in Jan of '88 is still going strong. Ibanez make nice guitars. Period.
How does it sound clean with the mahogany body? Does it sound very deep like a les paul? I have the rg3550mz, which has basswood and the dimarzio like yours and its kinda bright compared to my gibson. I'm thinking I might want to upgrade to the newer mahogany prestige.
@GoldenRatio Yeah, people tend to say that all guitars that doesen't have one of those vintage looks (you know, like most carvins, they have that bluesy, vintage look), have no soul.
Ibanez guitars are really technical, its not for nothing that Vai, Gilbert, Satriani , uses those. Anyway there's no soul thing, theres music, interpretations etc..
I have seriously considered buying an Ibanez RG prestige model but I've heard that the trem on Ibanez guitars are made out of cheap metal and indentations are created where the steel strings rest (most notably on the high strings). Have you encountered such problems with this guitar?
Good question - and one which is pretty hard for me to answer! I'd really recommend doing your own research (eg. looking at various Ibanez forums and some videos on here which are relevant to this particular issue). You're right though, Ibanez has been accused of using cheap alloys for their trems but I really don't know if they've resolved this problem now that the Prestiges are made in Japan by Team J. Craft (as of 2009). I know that people have had problems with the old ZR trem...
cont:....due to parts breaking and snapping. I've not had any such problems with this guitar however (but then again, I'm not a huge whammy bar abuser so...). The Edge Zero trem seems to be made to a high standard in my opinion, and I really can't see the arm socket breaking even with heavy use. Trems are bound to wear down over time though (if I were you I'd be more worried about the quality of the metal used to make the knife edges).
Thanks for the reply. I am not a heavy trem user either so I suppose it shouldn't pose much of a problem. I've seen the RGT320Z model for about $1600 (closeout price) on various websites and I'm thinking of snatching one up considering it retails for $2500. It too has the Edge Zero trem and I have read that some people ended up replacing it with OFR. Seems like such a waste.
That really does sound like madness! A real waste indeed! The Edge Zero is great in my opinion. The tuning stability is about as good as you'll get. I know that some Ibanez players prefer the older Edge Pro (in particular the Lo-Pro) trems, but I've owned Prestige guitars with that trem and I honeslty can't see what's better about it. I think the socket screw for the trem arm is far superior on the Edge Zero. Sure, it's not a perfect trem (the fine tuners could be better, the trem could have...
cont...: ...greater mass overall to help improve sustain but that's about it really). Also, you don't have to mess around with screw drivers when adjusting the spring tension on the Edge Zero. I think that's a pretty good design feature. So yeah, replacing such a good trem with an OFR seems downright stupid. Why buy an Ibanez if you're just gonna do that?! Finally, I'd recommend that you try out a few Prestiges before you buy the
RGT320Z in order to see if the sustain is good enough for you!
@GoldenRatio I don't know. I have limited experience with the Edge Zero but from what I've found the OFR has a VERY light feel to it. It's very simple yet very effective. The Ibanez Trem's seem to require a lot more force. I really doubt I would replace an upper level Ibanez trem with an OFR but despite the convenience options the OFR has some magic missing from any of the other brands.
ive owned an played ibanez for over 8 years they are as strong and reliable as they come ...even my first cheapo ibanez still functions like new no trem problems ever...however an esp i own with an original floyd rose has given some issues trem wise ive had to change the trem locks on the bridge 2 times ...ibanez Trem is 100% perfect from the higher end ZR trem to the low end trem units on ther cheaper guitars
depends... only the s series prestige has shit trem. if you look at the rg prestige, the edge pro stays in good tune, and the new zero is even better... like you can literally abuse it and it stays in tack
I think this is the same guitar John Petrucci played when he was with Ibanez. Same body style. Let me say that the J petrucci model was and is teh best guitar I have ever played in my life. John played an all basswood body with an AIR NORTON neck this guitat is Mahogany with a flame maple top, Wonder how this sounds. Im gonna play one soon,
I really want to play one of these guitars before I buy anything else but the nearest dealer's hundreds of miles away. what does it sound like, if anything is similar? Why hasn't anyone else posted one yet so we can hear it. Someone else must have bought one of these beauties.
Trust me, you wouldn't have wanted to hear me record any actual playing with the terrible webcam I used to capture this! I even had to include music in this video because the background 'hiss' from the camera was so bad.
hey dude whats up.... do you have problem on the action of your guitar??????can u tell me how many mm on the 6th sting(height)14th fret n 1st string?????thnx
No, I don't have a problem with the action. No fret buzz at all. Do you want to know what the action on my guitar is or just what the 'recommended height' is for electric guitars? If you want to know the latter just search on Google...
I would really, really like to but unfortunately there's a problem with the camera I've got. For some reason (and this has only developed in the last few months) it seems to produce an excessive amount of background noise and therefore would completely mess up the sound quality. I'll try my best to get another (decent) digital camera however and put up some videos in the very near future.
They are passive. Much better than active in my opinion... I would never go back to using EMGs or anything like that again. And yes, they are high output pickups so there's plenty of power in that department. The sustain is also pretty good considering the guitar has a bolt on neck and a floating bridge.
I assume you're talking about the RG3570Z and the RG3550MZ...? Well, it just depends on what you want really. If you want a single coil in the middle then you'd have to choose between those two models. The only other difference that comes to mind is the type of wood used for the guitar bodies. Both the 3570Z and the 3550MZ have basswood bodies whereas the 3620Z has a mahogany body. I can't really say that one is better than the other...try them out.
hey man, nice guitar. i was just wondering what the controls are for on the back of the guitar. the ones that correspond to the bridge, never seen anything like them before. thanks
I got this guitar last week. The gorgeous blue flamed maple top is stunning to look at. The neck really is amazing to play - effortless shred! Beautifully made guitar. I have decided to replace the pickups with DiMarzio Evolutions though because the higher output better suits my playing style. Thanks for all your help dude.
Is it possible to get replacement fine tuners from Ibanez? Sounds like a design fault or poor manufacture? I like the look of your fretboard, looks quite dark, did u oil it?
Not sure about that. From what I've heard, Ibanez aren't the best for sending out spare parts (they won't give you a replacement neck for a start...). The fine tuners could be a pain if you were tuning the guitar under pressure (eg. onstage with sweaty hands) but because they are so responsive (the slightest of turns - and I mean the slightest! - alters the tuning ) you don't need to turn them that much anyway. It's not a major problem, they're just not properly designed with ergonomics in mind.
Ps. Have u had any issues with the guitar? Does it stay in tune after whammy use?how does the neck feel to play on? Are you happy with it overall? Cheers.
Cheers, I was hoping you would say that - Petrucci used the Air Norton, and I imagine the Tone Zone will be in the Petrucci ballpark? I had MM JP but didnt like the fact it had no floyd, it was constantly going out of tune.
The Tone Zone is great - really, really good for soloing! It would definitely be in the Petrucci ballpark, yes.
Issues with the guitar...not a lot tbh. As I've probably said before, the fine tuners suck (almost zero grip!) and the sustain could be better (but I can't really complain considering the fact that the guitar has a bolt on neck and a floating bridge!). And yes, the guitar most definitely stays in tune after SERIOUS whammy bar abuse. The neck is also amazing. The best Ibanez neck imo.
Yeah, definitely. I don't play much of that sort of stuff myself but I can't see why this guitar couldn't be used for prog metal. Have you checked out Petrucci's signature guitar though? It may be better to go with that...
Funny you should mention that. I've actually been experimenting with some lower tunings (drop D, drop C and C sharp) over the last few days because I wasn't quite sure how it would work either. Anyway, I've given it a go and it's incredibly easy!
There's no need to adjust the spring tension in the same way that you would with a 'normal' Floyd Rose bridge (i.e. there's no need to take the back plate off or use a screwdriver). All you have to do is turn the thumb wheel to alter the spring tension. That's about all there is to it. Obviously you have to make sure that the trem is level with the body of the guitar and that can take a bit of time but overall it's a much easier process compared to other floating bridges!
Yea,that sounds easier than the Floyd.I've been looking at some guitars and if I get one with a Floyd like trem then I want it to be fairly easy to down tune,but thx for sharing about it :D caz this might be a pick!
Yes, it's very good as well (you can even get good harmonics with it). It has got a pretty high output of course so it doesn't sound too dull/flat and lifeless like some other neck pickups I've used over the years. I have had to adjust the height of the Air Norton quite a bit (basically experimenting moving it up and down because I didn't like the height it was at straight out of the box so to speak) in order to get exactly the right sound but I've got something that I'm happy with now.
Looks great! One question though.. I can still find the rg3520z for 500 usd less (350 eur). do you think it's worth paying this extra ? Well you do get the real DiMarzio tonezone and airnorton...
Same thing I can find a RGT220Z for 2300 usd (1600 eur)... it's an obsolete model but do you think it's a good last stock opportunity ?? It's a neckthrough although the finish is just natural wood... and no Tonezone or Air pickups...
Do I think it's worth paying the extra for this guitar (the RG3620Z), rather than getting the RG3520Z? Hmm...tough question. As you say, you do get proper Dimarzios on the 3620Z which is of course a good thing. If you were to buy the 3520Z, realistically you'd have to change the pickups at some point because they're not all that great. Can you be bothered doing that? It's up to you...
cont...It also depends on what kind of neck you want (or more specifically, what is more comfortable for YOU). As far as I'm aware the 3520Z doesn't have a Super Wizard neck but I'm not sure if you're bothered about that...
I think the RGT220Z would be a great choice btw. I'd much rather have that than the 3520Z, I have to admit. Ibanez's neck- through RG models are great. All you'd have to do is get some good pickups and you'd have an amazing guitar!
Ultimately that's the best thing to do - try them both out! And under no circumstances should you rush into a decision! I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll prefer the RGT220Z however, due to it's sustain (bear in mind that a bolt on neck+floating trem doesn't always provide the best sustain...)
Perhaps hahaha...it would be great if more metal players used pickups such as this (that actually have *tone*) rather than horrible EMGs.
I'm also not a fan of signature guitars - I would never buy one. I don't see why you'd want someone else's guitar so to speak...especially considering the high price of most sig. models...each to their own I guess.
Hey man, Congrats on such a beautiful guitar. I've been eyeing this thing up for a while now and was wondering if it does metal well? I like bands like megadeth, nevermore, testament, overkill etc. but i don't want a JUST METAL guitar if you get me. I'm wanting something that i could take into a band of almost any genre and know it will get the job done well. I like all forms of metal and rock and while im sure it does rock well im not sure if it will do metal. Please reply and congrats again!!!
Yeah, it can do metal well. I play stuff such as Judas Priest, Slayer, King Diamond, Rammstein, Deathspell Omega, some Megadeth ect etc . The Tone Zone is a pretty high output pickup of course so it can definitely cope with heavy distortion....
Cont...Having said that, the Tone Zone can clean up very well so you're not just limited to playing distorted stuff all the time (as you may be if you had sterile-sounding EMGs or a Dimarzio X2N - I know this from experience!). That's the great thing about Ibanez RGs and S's - they're not strictly 'metal' guitars. They're very versatile. Try the guitar out though and see if you're able to get a sound that's metal/heavy enough for YOU. That would be my advice...hope this helps!
Hey man, thanks for the reply and yeah that really does help loads! Yeah I never buy before I try, it's amazing how many people do though, but they are idiots! I wasn't sure about the Dimarzios because I've never heard man metal bands use them, but if they play Megadeth like you say I'm sure they are no problem. Yeah I'm glad you say that they clean up well too because I'm a huge fan of Hendrix songs like Little Wing and Hey Joe as well as some other classics. I'm a huge Paul Gilbert fan too!
I'm not aware of many famous metal guitarists that use the Dimarzio Tone Zone and the Air Norton (there must be some though - check the Dimarzio website to find out) but that doesn't mean they can't be used for metal. Dimarzio's are obviously amazing pickups, that goes without saying. Paul Gilbert is a big fan of the Tone Zone so if you like playing his stuff you can't really go wrong with this guitar!
Yeah Paul is also a fan of the RG, that's what his signature is based of, however I'm not really a huge fan of playing a guitar with someone else's name on it, especially if I'm going to spend all that money! I think this is probably the guitar I'm going to go for, assuming of course it plays nice and there are no features that really grind my gears (e.g. volume knob so close to the pick ups I acidently turn it down)! I don't know any metal players that use these pick ups either, New trend here?
Thanks for this. I have been drooling over this guitar for a while now...it is so damn expensive! How does it feel to play? Do you think it's worth over £1700?
Yeah, it is pretty damn expensive (I pushed my budget to the absolute limit with this one!) but it's definitely one of the best Prestige's that Ibanez make along with the RGT320Z (that guitar is even more more expensive but it does have a neck-thru construction. Having said that, the pickups on the RGT320Z aren't that great so you'd probably have to change them...)
Hey, thanks for your reply. I think this guitar is the one I will go for once I get the money together - it is stunning to look at and I bet it feels and sounds amazing. Any chance of a vid of you playing her? Cheers.
Basically, I'd advise you to try as many different guitars in this sort of price range as possible (Caparison, ESP, Suhr, Vigier, PRS...) . Don't rush into a decision, whatever you do! I'm not trying to put you off this guitar or anything because it really is a great instrument but one of those other makes may suit you better...I don't know.
I was actually going to put up some vids of me playing the guitar but I don't have a decent camera atm...
Before I owned this guitar I had an RG1820X Prestige and the neck on that thing wasn't even in the same ballpark as the Super Wizard neck on the 3620Z. I'm not going to lie, some Ibanez necks are not very good at all (not as smooth as they should be, badly sanded etc - don't believe the hype about Ibanez consistently making flawless necks on the Prestige models!) but I can't complain about the new Super Wizard. It's a joy to play.
Definitely try and play the 3620 (or another Ibanez with the Super Wizard) for yourself before you buy anything though because all the necks are slightly different. If you're paying that amount of money you want perfection!
Have you thought about checking out some other guitars by different companies? I'd definitely recommend Caparison. They make amazing guitars and you could get a neck-thru model (Frozen Sky TAT) for the same sort of price as the 3620Z. You could even buy a Suhr!
Well as you say the 3570 does indeed have a different finish (no flamed maple top) and features an H-S-H pickup configuration. Some other differences include the fretboard/body inlays, the volume/tone knobs and the fact that the 3570 has a bound rosewood fretboard . The main difference however is the body wood. The 3620Z has a mahogany body, not basswood. I was sick of basswood hence why I opted for the 3620Z.
Mahogany is a much better tone wood (hence why it's used on high end guitars such as the Ibanez J-Customs). In my opinion it has more depth and clarity. You get a fuller, richer tone in other words. Having said that, I wouldn't say that the 3620Z is the darkest, heaviest guitar around - far from it in fact! The maple top and rosewood fretboard add a bit of brightness to the sound so the overall tone is pretty even. It sounds great.
No, it's not customized at all. As of 2009, Ibanez make both a Himalayan Black and an ABB (Atlantic Blue Burst) version of the guitar. I preferred the blue.
I finally got this guitar after searching high and low, the Ibanez Flagship in my opinion : )
LapizLazuli333 1 month ago
pure guitar porn.. its an amazing machine... !!!!!!!!!
alfalfasprout69 5 months ago
Beautiful guitar! Very nice
ShredableGuitar 1 year ago
Type PRIZE before youtube and hit enter
RawrLance 1 year ago
Ibanez rules! I have a 1980 Artist that still looks and plays like a dream. My 1987 RG560 that I bought new in Jan of '88 is still going strong. Ibanez make nice guitars. Period.
PixxyLixxx 1 year ago
the only perfect guitar is the one you make for yourself. but even then, it is only perfect for a short period
m0j0101 1 year ago
How does it sound clean with the mahogany body? Does it sound very deep like a les paul? I have the rg3550mz, which has basswood and the dimarzio like yours and its kinda bright compared to my gibson. I'm thinking I might want to upgrade to the newer mahogany prestige.
eclipse504 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ibanez guitars dont have much soul. Too clinical and perfect like a PRS
udroheath 2 years ago
Nonsense. The soul comes from the player - not the guitar! Also, how can a guitar be 'too perfect'? I don't think such a thing exists.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago 21
@GoldenRatio Yeah, people tend to say that all guitars that doesen't have one of those vintage looks (you know, like most carvins, they have that bluesy, vintage look), have no soul.
Emil315 1 year ago
Ibanez guitars are really technical, its not for nothing that Vai, Gilbert, Satriani , uses those. Anyway there's no soul thing, theres music, interpretations etc..
phenixer 2 years ago
@udroheath
I think I have just read the most stupid comment on Youtube related to guitars.
On another hand; Nice looking guitar!
gitarmats 1 year ago
I have seriously considered buying an Ibanez RG prestige model but I've heard that the trem on Ibanez guitars are made out of cheap metal and indentations are created where the steel strings rest (most notably on the high strings). Have you encountered such problems with this guitar?
MaestroMike673 2 years ago
Good question - and one which is pretty hard for me to answer! I'd really recommend doing your own research (eg. looking at various Ibanez forums and some videos on here which are relevant to this particular issue). You're right though, Ibanez has been accused of using cheap alloys for their trems but I really don't know if they've resolved this problem now that the Prestiges are made in Japan by Team J. Craft (as of 2009). I know that people have had problems with the old ZR trem...
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
cont:....due to parts breaking and snapping. I've not had any such problems with this guitar however (but then again, I'm not a huge whammy bar abuser so...). The Edge Zero trem seems to be made to a high standard in my opinion, and I really can't see the arm socket breaking even with heavy use. Trems are bound to wear down over time though (if I were you I'd be more worried about the quality of the metal used to make the knife edges).
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
cont: Sorry I can't be of more help... I guess this is a question that can only really be answered after owning the guitar for a few years.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Thanks for the reply. I am not a heavy trem user either so I suppose it shouldn't pose much of a problem. I've seen the RGT320Z model for about $1600 (closeout price) on various websites and I'm thinking of snatching one up considering it retails for $2500. It too has the Edge Zero trem and I have read that some people ended up replacing it with OFR. Seems like such a waste.
MaestroMike673 2 years ago
That really does sound like madness! A real waste indeed! The Edge Zero is great in my opinion. The tuning stability is about as good as you'll get. I know that some Ibanez players prefer the older Edge Pro (in particular the Lo-Pro) trems, but I've owned Prestige guitars with that trem and I honeslty can't see what's better about it. I think the socket screw for the trem arm is far superior on the Edge Zero. Sure, it's not a perfect trem (the fine tuners could be better, the trem could have...
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
cont...: ...greater mass overall to help improve sustain but that's about it really). Also, you don't have to mess around with screw drivers when adjusting the spring tension on the Edge Zero. I think that's a pretty good design feature. So yeah, replacing such a good trem with an OFR seems downright stupid. Why buy an Ibanez if you're just gonna do that?! Finally, I'd recommend that you try out a few Prestiges before you buy the
RGT320Z in order to see if the sustain is good enough for you!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
@GoldenRatio I don't know. I have limited experience with the Edge Zero but from what I've found the OFR has a VERY light feel to it. It's very simple yet very effective. The Ibanez Trem's seem to require a lot more force. I really doubt I would replace an upper level Ibanez trem with an OFR but despite the convenience options the OFR has some magic missing from any of the other brands.
jdsony 1 year ago
ive owned an played ibanez for over 8 years they are as strong and reliable as they come ...even my first cheapo ibanez still functions like new no trem problems ever...however an esp i own with an original floyd rose has given some issues trem wise ive had to change the trem locks on the bridge 2 times ...ibanez Trem is 100% perfect from the higher end ZR trem to the low end trem units on ther cheaper guitars
Dreamscapevirus 2 years ago
depends... only the s series prestige has shit trem. if you look at the rg prestige, the edge pro stays in good tune, and the new zero is even better... like you can literally abuse it and it stays in tack
emperorof420 2 years ago
what song play?
EduardGalchenko 2 years ago
The music used in this video is the start of the track 'Old Thunder' by Ahab.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
bosta....
leloguitar 2 years ago
"bosta", a guitarra? porquê?
NonEternal 2 years ago
o video....
leloguitar 2 years ago
nice guitar
aaa8181 2 years ago
I think this is the same guitar John Petrucci played when he was with Ibanez. Same body style. Let me say that the J petrucci model was and is teh best guitar I have ever played in my life. John played an all basswood body with an AIR NORTON neck this guitat is Mahogany with a flame maple top, Wonder how this sounds. Im gonna play one soon,
Justice4themeek 2 years ago
OMG! You've got the same couch that I'm sitting in right now! xD
Also, nice guitar! :)
Gonna buy one when I get the moneh :D
FreddySeeFreddyDo 2 years ago
I really want to play one of these guitars before I buy anything else but the nearest dealer's hundreds of miles away. what does it sound like, if anything is similar? Why hasn't anyone else posted one yet so we can hear it. Someone else must have bought one of these beauties.
marcusmchapman 2 years ago
what an epic guitar haha
noobaxeman 2 years ago
I came. But you should have played on it too, GoldenRatio.
DonQuixotec 2 years ago
Trust me, you wouldn't have wanted to hear me record any actual playing with the terrible webcam I used to capture this! I even had to include music in this video because the background 'hiss' from the camera was so bad.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Well can't you just use your phone camera or something? :)
DonQuixotec 2 years ago
hey dude whats up.... do you have problem on the action of your guitar??????can u tell me how many mm on the 6th sting(height)14th fret n 1st string?????thnx
dennis6666666666 2 years ago
No, I don't have a problem with the action. No fret buzz at all. Do you want to know what the action on my guitar is or just what the 'recommended height' is for electric guitars? If you want to know the latter just search on Google...
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
dude, please post a video of you playing this. i really want to hear it.
heMANshred 2 years ago
I would really, really like to but unfortunately there's a problem with the camera I've got. For some reason (and this has only developed in the last few months) it seems to produce an excessive amount of background noise and therefore would completely mess up the sound quality. I'll try my best to get another (decent) digital camera however and put up some videos in the very near future.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
i jizzed just by watching this vid... i want that guitar so baddddd
elsepulcro 2 years ago
This video is absolutely pornographic! Orgasm-inducing guitars Ibanez are!
Atrumus 2 years ago 13
PLEASE!!!
i must know!!!
what's the song???????
nice geetar brah!!
mesuhlikemusic 2 years ago
Sorry it took so long to get back to you...
The song is entitled 'Old Thunder' and it's from the album Call of the Wretched Sea by the funeral doom band Ahab.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
awesome guitar. Im just about to buy it.
Does the Dimarzio Air norton and the tone zone are active or passive pickups?
What about of the response of the humbuckers? Does it has good output and sustain?
Thank u
vickersmaster 2 years ago
They are passive. Much better than active in my opinion... I would never go back to using EMGs or anything like that again. And yes, they are high output pickups so there's plenty of power in that department. The sustain is also pretty good considering the guitar has a bolt on neck and a floating bridge.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
thank u my friend.
vickersmaster 2 years ago
its very hard to find this model on the USA guitar stores
vickersmaster 2 years ago
do you think this is better than the prestige rg with the air norton neck true velvet middle and tone zone bridge? or both the same
metallicarocks66 2 years ago
I assume you're talking about the RG3570Z and the RG3550MZ...? Well, it just depends on what you want really. If you want a single coil in the middle then you'd have to choose between those two models. The only other difference that comes to mind is the type of wood used for the guitar bodies. Both the 3570Z and the 3550MZ have basswood bodies whereas the 3620Z has a mahogany body. I can't really say that one is better than the other...try them out.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
hey man, nice guitar. i was just wondering what the controls are for on the back of the guitar. the ones that correspond to the bridge, never seen anything like them before. thanks
racerx3065 2 years ago
There's only really one 'control' on the back on the guitar and that's the thumb wheel which is used to adjust the spring tension. Very simple.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
I got this guitar last week. The gorgeous blue flamed maple top is stunning to look at. The neck really is amazing to play - effortless shred! Beautifully made guitar. I have decided to replace the pickups with DiMarzio Evolutions though because the higher output better suits my playing style. Thanks for all your help dude.
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Cheers for your help. I ordered this guitar, should be with me today. I will let you know how I get on with it :-)
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Yep, definitely let me know what you think!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Is it possible to get replacement fine tuners from Ibanez? Sounds like a design fault or poor manufacture? I like the look of your fretboard, looks quite dark, did u oil it?
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Not sure about that. From what I've heard, Ibanez aren't the best for sending out spare parts (they won't give you a replacement neck for a start...). The fine tuners could be a pain if you were tuning the guitar under pressure (eg. onstage with sweaty hands) but because they are so responsive (the slightest of turns - and I mean the slightest! - alters the tuning ) you don't need to turn them that much anyway. It's not a major problem, they're just not properly designed with ergonomics in mind.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
And no, the fretboard has not been oiled (yet!). It is quite a nice piece of rosewood though. Pretty dark as you say.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Cheers for your help. Great to hear it stays in tune, do you have the trem set as floating trem?
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Yes I do. I took out the ZPS3 bar a day or so after I got the guitar and I don't think I'll be putting it back in any time soon.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Ps. Have u had any issues with the guitar? Does it stay in tune after whammy use?how does the neck feel to play on? Are you happy with it overall? Cheers.
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Cheers, I was hoping you would say that - Petrucci used the Air Norton, and I imagine the Tone Zone will be in the Petrucci ballpark? I had MM JP but didnt like the fact it had no floyd, it was constantly going out of tune.
Axemaniac 2 years ago
The Tone Zone is great - really, really good for soloing! It would definitely be in the Petrucci ballpark, yes.
Issues with the guitar...not a lot tbh. As I've probably said before, the fine tuners suck (almost zero grip!) and the sustain could be better (but I can't really complain considering the fact that the guitar has a bolt on neck and a floating bridge!). And yes, the guitar most definitely stays in tune after SERIOUS whammy bar abuse. The neck is also amazing. The best Ibanez neck imo.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Gorgeous guitar! Do you think it would be good for prog metal eg Dream theater type stuff? Cheers.
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Yeah, definitely. I don't play much of that sort of stuff myself but I can't see why this guitar couldn't be used for prog metal. Have you checked out Petrucci's signature guitar though? It may be better to go with that...
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
How do you down tune(like drop-C or drop-D)with a tremelo like this?
Rocker5777 2 years ago
Funny you should mention that. I've actually been experimenting with some lower tunings (drop D, drop C and C sharp) over the last few days because I wasn't quite sure how it would work either. Anyway, I've given it a go and it's incredibly easy!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Cont...
There's no need to adjust the spring tension in the same way that you would with a 'normal' Floyd Rose bridge (i.e. there's no need to take the back plate off or use a screwdriver). All you have to do is turn the thumb wheel to alter the spring tension. That's about all there is to it. Obviously you have to make sure that the trem is level with the body of the guitar and that can take a bit of time but overall it's a much easier process compared to other floating bridges!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Yea,that sounds easier than the Floyd.I've been looking at some guitars and if I get one with a Floyd like trem then I want it to be fairly easy to down tune,but thx for sharing about it :D caz this might be a pick!
Rocker5777 2 years ago
How is the flight case ?
zarkaba 2 years ago
The guitar case? It's just the standard Ibanez Prestige hard shell case with the (excellent) red interior. Can't fault it at all in fact.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
I don't speak very well english sorry ..
zarkaba 2 years ago
Hows the sound?
mas199483 2 years ago
Very good. The Tone Zone is one of the best pickups I've used.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
How About The Air Norton?
Is it Good?
mas199483 2 years ago
Yes, it's very good as well (you can even get good harmonics with it). It has got a pretty high output of course so it doesn't sound too dull/flat and lifeless like some other neck pickups I've used over the years. I have had to adjust the height of the Air Norton quite a bit (basically experimenting moving it up and down because I didn't like the height it was at straight out of the box so to speak) in order to get exactly the right sound but I've got something that I'm happy with now.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Thanks for The review!
Cause Its was Hard To Find This Guitars Review in The Net
mas199483 2 years ago
Hello !
I have some questions about this new ibanez prestige :)
Especially I would like to know the diferents tone of this guitar, the clean tone and of course distortion tone.
THX
zarkaba 2 years ago
Looks great! One question though.. I can still find the rg3520z for 500 usd less (350 eur). do you think it's worth paying this extra ? Well you do get the real DiMarzio tonezone and airnorton...
Same thing I can find a RGT220Z for 2300 usd (1600 eur)... it's an obsolete model but do you think it's a good last stock opportunity ?? It's a neckthrough although the finish is just natural wood... and no Tonezone or Air pickups...
mindwalkr 2 years ago
Do I think it's worth paying the extra for this guitar (the RG3620Z), rather than getting the RG3520Z? Hmm...tough question. As you say, you do get proper Dimarzios on the 3620Z which is of course a good thing. If you were to buy the 3520Z, realistically you'd have to change the pickups at some point because they're not all that great. Can you be bothered doing that? It's up to you...
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
cont...It also depends on what kind of neck you want (or more specifically, what is more comfortable for YOU). As far as I'm aware the 3520Z doesn't have a Super Wizard neck but I'm not sure if you're bothered about that...
I think the RGT220Z would be a great choice btw. I'd much rather have that than the 3520Z, I have to admit. Ibanez's neck- through RG models are great. All you'd have to do is get some good pickups and you'd have an amazing guitar!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Thanks a lot for the prompt reply!! I'll keep your opinion in mind and hope to be able to try them both out :)
mindwalkr 2 years ago
Ultimately that's the best thing to do - try them both out! And under no circumstances should you rush into a decision! I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll prefer the RGT220Z however, due to it's sustain (bear in mind that a bolt on neck+floating trem doesn't always provide the best sustain...)
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Perhaps hahaha...it would be great if more metal players used pickups such as this (that actually have *tone*) rather than horrible EMGs.
I'm also not a fan of signature guitars - I would never buy one. I don't see why you'd want someone else's guitar so to speak...especially considering the high price of most sig. models...each to their own I guess.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Hey man, Congrats on such a beautiful guitar. I've been eyeing this thing up for a while now and was wondering if it does metal well? I like bands like megadeth, nevermore, testament, overkill etc. but i don't want a JUST METAL guitar if you get me. I'm wanting something that i could take into a band of almost any genre and know it will get the job done well. I like all forms of metal and rock and while im sure it does rock well im not sure if it will do metal. Please reply and congrats again!!!
meakmeakmeak 2 years ago
Yeah, it can do metal well. I play stuff such as Judas Priest, Slayer, King Diamond, Rammstein, Deathspell Omega, some Megadeth ect etc . The Tone Zone is a pretty high output pickup of course so it can definitely cope with heavy distortion....
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Cont...Having said that, the Tone Zone can clean up very well so you're not just limited to playing distorted stuff all the time (as you may be if you had sterile-sounding EMGs or a Dimarzio X2N - I know this from experience!). That's the great thing about Ibanez RGs and S's - they're not strictly 'metal' guitars. They're very versatile. Try the guitar out though and see if you're able to get a sound that's metal/heavy enough for YOU. That would be my advice...hope this helps!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Hey man, thanks for the reply and yeah that really does help loads! Yeah I never buy before I try, it's amazing how many people do though, but they are idiots! I wasn't sure about the Dimarzios because I've never heard man metal bands use them, but if they play Megadeth like you say I'm sure they are no problem. Yeah I'm glad you say that they clean up well too because I'm a huge fan of Hendrix songs like Little Wing and Hey Joe as well as some other classics. I'm a huge Paul Gilbert fan too!
meakmeakmeak 2 years ago
I'm not aware of many famous metal guitarists that use the Dimarzio Tone Zone and the Air Norton (there must be some though - check the Dimarzio website to find out) but that doesn't mean they can't be used for metal. Dimarzio's are obviously amazing pickups, that goes without saying. Paul Gilbert is a big fan of the Tone Zone so if you like playing his stuff you can't really go wrong with this guitar!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Yeah Paul is also a fan of the RG, that's what his signature is based of, however I'm not really a huge fan of playing a guitar with someone else's name on it, especially if I'm going to spend all that money! I think this is probably the guitar I'm going to go for, assuming of course it plays nice and there are no features that really grind my gears (e.g. volume knob so close to the pick ups I acidently turn it down)! I don't know any metal players that use these pick ups either, New trend here?
meakmeakmeak 2 years ago
Thanks for this. I have been drooling over this guitar for a while now...it is so damn expensive! How does it feel to play? Do you think it's worth over £1700?
Axemaniac 2 years ago
Yeah, it is pretty damn expensive (I pushed my budget to the absolute limit with this one!) but it's definitely one of the best Prestige's that Ibanez make along with the RGT320Z (that guitar is even more more expensive but it does have a neck-thru construction. Having said that, the pickups on the RGT320Z aren't that great so you'd probably have to change them...)
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Hey, thanks for your reply. I think this guitar is the one I will go for once I get the money together - it is stunning to look at and I bet it feels and sounds amazing. Any chance of a vid of you playing her? Cheers.
Axemaniac 2 years ago
No problem. Sorry that the reply was so long!
Basically, I'd advise you to try as many different guitars in this sort of price range as possible (Caparison, ESP, Suhr, Vigier, PRS...) . Don't rush into a decision, whatever you do! I'm not trying to put you off this guitar or anything because it really is a great instrument but one of those other makes may suit you better...I don't know.
I was actually going to put up some vids of me playing the guitar but I don't have a decent camera atm...
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Cont: Regarding playability...
Before I owned this guitar I had an RG1820X Prestige and the neck on that thing wasn't even in the same ballpark as the Super Wizard neck on the 3620Z. I'm not going to lie, some Ibanez necks are not very good at all (not as smooth as they should be, badly sanded etc - don't believe the hype about Ibanez consistently making flawless necks on the Prestige models!) but I can't complain about the new Super Wizard. It's a joy to play.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Cont...
Definitely try and play the 3620 (or another Ibanez with the Super Wizard) for yourself before you buy anything though because all the necks are slightly different. If you're paying that amount of money you want perfection!
Have you thought about checking out some other guitars by different companies? I'd definitely recommend Caparison. They make amazing guitars and you could get a neck-thru model (Frozen Sky TAT) for the same sort of price as the 3620Z. You could even buy a Suhr!
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
What is the difference between this and the 3570Z? They seem exactly the same except the finish and the 3570 has a middle pickup.
manseed 2 years ago
Well as you say the 3570 does indeed have a different finish (no flamed maple top) and features an H-S-H pickup configuration. Some other differences include the fretboard/body inlays, the volume/tone knobs and the fact that the 3570 has a bound rosewood fretboard . The main difference however is the body wood. The 3620Z has a mahogany body, not basswood. I was sick of basswood hence why I opted for the 3620Z.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
Thanks. What's the difference to you between mahogany and basswood?
manseed 2 years ago
Mahogany is a much better tone wood (hence why it's used on high end guitars such as the Ibanez J-Customs). In my opinion it has more depth and clarity. You get a fuller, richer tone in other words. Having said that, I wouldn't say that the 3620Z is the darkest, heaviest guitar around - far from it in fact! The maple top and rosewood fretboard add a bit of brightness to the sound so the overall tone is pretty even. It sounds great.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago
why the fuck is it blue instead of himalayan black? customized?
VideosOutOfBoredem 2 years ago
No, it's not customized at all. As of 2009, Ibanez make both a Himalayan Black and an ABB (Atlantic Blue Burst) version of the guitar. I preferred the blue.
GoldenRatio 2 years ago