[dtrax]

Whats up everyone,

I just sent Chris Woods a price quote for an Ibanez SZ 7 string guitar. Ibby SZ's have become one of my favorite ibanez style guitars lately and I've decided that I need a 7 string version. I've tweak the specs a bit (25.5" scale length as opposed to the standard 25.1", and I did away with the tiltback set-in neck and opted for a straight bolt-on).

Anyways, below is my email to Chris Woods and Co.. Seeing as he's got a staff now and a dedicated sales guy, I'm hoping that this project will be able to happen. I'm not completely set on my specs, but I've provided enough info to atleast get a good idea of how much this will cost. Let me know what you guys think.

Whats up,

I wanted to know if you'd be able to do an Ibanez SZ carvetop style body
in a 7 string format? The SZ's are set-in necks, but I'd prefer a
bolt-on. I'd like to keep with the same SZ style headstock; I'm not sure
exactly how to fit a 7th tuner on there, but perhaps you can rework the
design for a 3L+4R configuration? Also, I believe the SZ neck is pitched
back a few degrees (ala Les Pauls), but I'd prefer the neck be
straight/parallel to the body (ala Strats).

Here's a link for reference:

Ibanez :: Electric Guitars :: SZ : SZ320EX

Below are my specs:

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BODY

STYLE: 7 string guitar
SHAPE: Ibanez SZ carvetop
WOOD: Mahogany
NECK POCKET STYLE: AANJ
NECK PU ROUTE: humbucker (direct mount)
BRIDGE PU ROUTE: Humbucker (direct mount)
SWITCH: Les Paul toggle
BRIDGE ROUTE: Recessed 7 string Tune-o-matic (string thru)
TUMMY CONTOUR: Yes, standard
CONTROL CAVITY: standard Ibby SZ
TOP/REAR ROUTE: rear
JACK TYPE/LOCATION: side barrel
CONTROL KNOBS: V-V-T-TOGGLE (same locations as SZ)
CAVITY COVER: black plastic
FINISH: none

---

NECK

STYLE: 7 string guitar
HEADSTOCK SHAPE: Ibanez SZ-7
BACK CONTOUR: Wizard II 7
# OF STRINGS: 7
SCALE LENGTH: 25.5"
# OF FRETS: 22
FRETWIRE: 6100 (stainless steel if possible)
NUT TYPE: graphite
INLAY: black plastic dots (same location as SZ - notice the 12th fret)
NUT WIDTH: 48mm
HEEL WIDTH: 65mm
NECK ATTACH: ferrules
TRUSS ROD: standard
TUNING MACHINES: Gotoh
FINISH: none
WOOD BACK: 5 pc M/B/M/B/M
FRETBOARD: Maple

---

If I've left out any important details, please let me know. If you could
provide me with a quote from the above specs that would be great. I'm
currently budgeting for this project and plan to have the finances by
mid-summer.

Thanks,
Dan DeTora

[Rick]

That sounds pretty cool! I would personally rather have a 4/3 headstock but that's just me.

[7 Strings of Hate]

that will be fuckin hot, i'v been seriously considering having chris make me a s7 but in a neck through form

[darren]

That should be really cool. I wish they'd put a more pointy headstock on there, more like the Iceman headstock. The blunt "gumby" headstock they put on the SZ just looks weak to me.

[dtrax]

Originally Posted by darren

That should be really cool. I wish they'd put a more pointy headstock on there, more like the Iceman headstock. The blunt "gumby" headstock they put on the SZ just looks weak to me.

Thats a great idea. And it seems the Iceman style headstock has a bit more room to throw an extra tuner on there w/o too much modification. Good lookin' out.

[mikethedigimon]

Cross your fingers, I asked him for a custom S series guitar and he said he couldn't do the shape of the body

[dtrax]

Originally Posted by mikethedigimon

Cross your fingers, I asked him for a custom S series guitar and he said he couldn't do the shape of the body

Hm, that sucks. My guess is the back contour of the S shape is probably a bitch to do. To be honest, I'd settle for a carvetop like an RGA (very simple) on a SZ shape body. I've just out-grown the RG shape in my old age.