[Drew]

Originally Posted by GuitarGod1036

That was the first question that fell out of my face. Look, I don't know why, but they do.

*pictures snipped for conciseness*

I mean, it's not like I'm making this shit up to start an argument. I've stripped 4 Ibanez RG's. Three RG7620's and one RG550 and they ALL had these same characteristics.

Interesting. And I'm also not disagreeing to start an argument. Well, I guess I am, but only for the sake of an argument (in that it'll bring information forward) more than to just be a dick. It doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense to me, either, but that's a pretty convincing shot...

I know they veneer the Jem 7vwh's- I guess alder's pretty soft and the early protos had problems with the finish soaking in too much and discolouring, so they gave it a thin basswood veneer. Although, come to think of it, Fender never had any problems, and basswood's probably softer than alder. Maybe it's something they do to all their high-end guitars?

Either way, this makes no sense to me, especially since Chris's really looks unveneered- I'm not saying you're wrong (cause you certainly look right), but it's sure strange.

-D

[Toshiro]

The basswood veneers on JEM7V guitars are there so you don't get finish lines like old Fenders do. Basically you're covering the joints between the pieces of wood used to make the body, alder has a tendency to shift at the joints and create 'lines' in the finish.

[Drew]

ahh, there we go. Couldn't rememebr the exact reason.

Think basswood is prone to this, too? Apparently, anyway, Ibanez thinks so, but I can't remember if I've seen this on low-end RG's.

-D