[Varjo]

Hi guys,

Once again I trust you for your better knowledge and opininions.

I've got this fine, '03 Ibanez RG1527. It's a nice guitar and all but I'm thinking of making a little "tuning" operation for it - a baritone scale neck. I was thinkin of 26.5" or 27", but no more. Of course new inlays, screw the dots, I've allready got an idea.

So here come the questions:
1) Is it actually a good idea? I'm using ADADGBE-tuning on it and sure, I can get it now, but it really isn't in perfect tune - I just can't seem to get ALL the strings in the right tune at the same time. Intonation has been set up "as close as possible".
2) Since it's quite a pricy operation - 800-900 euros on the neck - do I really need it?
3) There is of course the option of the neck profile, since it's custom made. So: 26.5" or 27"? Why? Or is there really any difference? What about the compound radius - I might have bad fingers but my Jackson DK2 has a custom radius, at least that's what they say, and I can't feel the difference to be honest. What about the profile - I keep hearing that the old UV necks have a profile to die for, but why?

I think that's about it. Oh one more thing. Please don't tell me that "dude for that price get a sc-607..." or "get a schecter..." or whatnot. I know those exist and they're not what I want

So, hit me with your ideas. Thanks!

[Naren]

No, you do not need it.

Your tuning is pretty much standard. ADADGBE? That's not a low tuning at all. It should be fine on a 25.5" scale as long as you have thick enough strings and set up the guitar for the new tuning and gauges (the truss rod, tremolo springs, action, etc.).

I have an RG1527 and I used to tune it to ADGCFAD with 10-59 gauge strings with no problems whatsoever.

If you really want a baritone, I would recommend buying a baritone and NOT buying a baritone neck for a guitar that is not a baritone.

[Anthony]

I think the only possible scale you could get to keep the intonation proper is 28". I think.

[D-EJ915]

Originally Posted by Anthony

I think the only possible scale you could get to keep the intonation proper is 28". I think.

actually you could have the neck be any length, just depending on how many frets you want the neck would change length

[ibznorange]

Originally Posted by D-EJ915

actually you could have the neck be any length, just depending on how many frets you want the neck would change length

Not quite, but youre close. You have to extend the neck a fret at a time. Youre scale length has to keep in the same ratio as the neck already is. that means you can go from 25.5" to 27" to 28.625"

For tuning to a, its really not necessary at that price.

[soldierkahn]

IIRC, the only thing you could do would be 28 5/8ths. I dont know about what Kagami is saying, but it makes sense. Youd throw off the intonation unless you sacrificed frets, but im not sure how many.

interesting concept tho.

[Xaios]

My RG1527 is AEADGBE, intonates just fine.

[guitarplayerone]

what gauge are you using for the low A? if its below 60, definitely up it before you do anything drastic. I've been using a 56 for a low B with four springs in the back and it still feels a little flubby. Next re-string I will try a .58 (but note that I don't tune down).

Just FYI Korn used A standard on their K7's and Apexes for years in A standard (not even drop A), and everything sounded dead on. So I definitely think that you need to check your setup, string gauges etc.

If you really want the 27" scale length, just buy an RG2077XL or 1077XL and sell the 1527. Comes out cheaper than a new neck that way. You won't have the typical issues associated with custom necks, the necks off those guitars are supposed to be killer, and you will end up with a better trem on your guitar than what you have now.

Did I mention offset dots?

[ibznorange]

Originally Posted by soldierkahn

IIRC, the only thing you could do would be 28 5/8ths. I dont know about what Kagami is saying, but it makes sense. Youd throw off the intonation unless you sacrificed frets, but im not sure how many.

interesting concept tho.

You can also do 27" for shorter than that. thats a one fret extension of 25.5
2 frets is 28.625"
from there, i forget what it is, i think like 30.6xx or something like that for a 3rd

[racerxfan]

guys, i followed the tune A E A D G B E, one question,have problem in neck tension when i make a downtune ?
i has acquired my rg 1527 2 months ago ...
tks ..