NGD I've fallen to the dark side...

Edika · 08-06-2012, 07:40 AM

I know most of you came for the pictures but bear with me for a bit or skip the back story to the photos below. In general I have considered Ibanez guitars (yes it's an Ibanez) overpriced for what they offer and aesthetically really blunt. They have some sexy curves but the colors they use make them look cheap and not in a good way (like the new flashy premium guitars). When I first came to Montpellier 4 years ago I tried to scope out the music stores that were easily accessible and in one of the central ones I saw this guitar. It was very beautiful but the price tag didn't agree with me. I had recently purchased an expensive instrument (for Europe) and was not in the mindset of buying a new expensive instrument. Plus you know, bolt on, rosewood fretboard and pickups could have been better. I couldn't buy the hype for the neck profile. Truth be told I never actually tried one so I head my head up my ass about this. Pretty much I had written Ibanez off.
The good folk in ss.org, aside from creating major gas with their threads, have started to clear some misconceptions concerning woods, neck joint styles and pickups (I thank you for that) but still the price tag of the instrument was way to high. I happen to pass by the shop in the beginning of July where I saw a very steep cut in price (it was the summer sales period). I asked to try the guitar out of curiosity and was literally blown away. It was hanging in the wall for 4 years (probably more) with the factory strings and it kicked MAJOR BUTT. This was a mistake since I knew I must have this guitar. After a discussion with my better half she caved in when I promised to sell some stuff first and not blow more money. I had half decided to sell my halfstack and buy something smaller as well as my BC Rich jrV deluxe since I wasn't into the V shape that much finally. The sales would last until 31st of July and then it would go to normal price. Long story short I managed to sell my Mesa Triple Rec head, put some cash on top and got me this beauty:

So it's an Ibanez RG20063 puzzle top guitar. It has a two piece mahogany body, the top is made by AAA flame maple and ovangol pieces, the neck is 5 piece maple walnut with a gorgeous rosewood fingerboard and jumbo frets, it has an Edge Pro tremolo, Dimarzio/Ibz pickups and Gotoh tuners. It has a 5 way switch which must put the pups in single coil mode (I think) and has an oil finish. As you can guess the guitar needed some cleaning after so many years on the wall so:

After cleaning the frets and oiling the fretboard:

and with new strings on:

Back shots:

With better lighting and more untidiness:

At some points I'll get better shots and more artistic but for the time being I prefer to just play it. It's so smooth I am stunned. I tried it in the shop I bought it since I knew I wouldn't have an amp and I was amazed by the pups. I plugged it to my laptop after I cleaned it and changed strings and tried the patches I had created. The pups are very very good. I found information that these were made specifically for this model and closest market models are the super distortion for the bridge and the Steve Morse for the neck. I tried to play afterwards my DC747 which I consider a very easy to play guitar and my hand wouldn't move. One mishap was that somebody had stolen the whammy bar, but the guys at the store told me that they would order a replacement with no charge of course.

I have a couple of questions for you guys. One what should I use to clean/protect the oil finish. Some people suggest additional layers of oil after some time and then buffing with a cloth, while a couple have suggested a wax finish to better protect the wood. I don't want this guitar to be a case queen but I want to protect it as much as possible.

Second I changed the strings to a D'addario regular/light set (9-46) from a light set (9-42) of an unidentified set and I had to turn the screws for the strings quite a lot to bring it level (it was level with the previous set). Most Floyds can be setup with two springs with a 9 set, but with three springs I found I had to put a lot more tension in comparison to the previous set. What I did wrong is that I removed all strings but didn't have something to block the tremolo. So I had to use the strings to raise the tremolo and I am afraid I might have damaged the springs. Maybe it's normal but I didn't expect that much difference in tension for such a small difference in gauge. The case also didn't have any extra springs so I don't know if this is normal or if there should be two more springs.

Anyway thanks for looking! I am in love with this instrument. It's just screams quality and it sounds/plays awesome! So Ibanez I take back all the negative comments I might have made about the guitars you make (at least the prestige models)!

Philip N · 08-06-2012, 07:50 AM

Now that's a tasty guitar! Reminds of the one the guy from See You Next Tuesday used to play/own.

philip

Edika · 08-06-2012, 07:59 AM

A member here used to have one Adam of Angels. The good thing is that it's not only looks but it plays awesome!

GTailly · 08-06-2012, 08:14 AM

Looks classy in its own way. I like it.

Enjoy the guitar mate.

Edika · 08-06-2012, 08:16 AM

Thanks man

peagull · 08-06-2012, 08:52 AM

I understand your point about this forum and Ibanez guitars. I'd always disliked em, but seeing so many fine examples on this site has made me reconsider that unjust dislike I had for them.

And that is a super cool guitar you have scored. HNGD

Andromalia · 08-06-2012, 08:59 AM

Holy cow.

HighGain510 · 08-06-2012, 09:18 AM

Love the puzzle piece series, they were killer guitars! Played one of the red ones a while back, but it was close to when they first came out so the price was still REALLY high!

Definitely more reasonable on the used market. Congrats man!

Edika · 08-06-2012, 11:03 AM

Thank you guys! The price it had originally was the suggested retail price translated in Euros which was 2300. I wouldn't pay that much since I wouldn't be able to afford it. The sale price they had was very reasonable and thus this baby came back with me

!

I am actually considering selling my Carvin DC747 alongside the other stuff I've put for sale. This is how impressed I am with this instrument!

BucketheadRules · 08-06-2012, 11:08 AM

This adequately expresses my feelings towards that guitar.

engage757 · 08-06-2012, 11:13 AM

I had one of each of the Puzzle guitars. ....ING AMAZING instruments! Congrats!

Jack Secret · 08-06-2012, 11:21 AM

Ah, the old Ibanez puzzle. I bought one at the Guitar Asylum in Miller Park, NY years ago. Wasn't a bad guitar, honestly.

Adam Of Angels · 08-06-2012, 11:36 AM

I've had three of those, and they are awesome guitars. Just make sure you baby it very well, because that oil finish doesn't protect the wood in any way. Also, some really wide-open pickups will turn that thing into a tone machine.

MFB · 08-06-2012, 12:00 PM

Damn those puzzle tops are as sweet as I remember them being

AkiraSpectrum · 08-06-2012, 12:30 PM

very cool!

SkullCrusher · 08-06-2012, 12:36 PM

WOW thats nice. BTW I love Montpellier!!!!

Edika · 08-06-2012, 12:39 PM

^If you visit Montpellier sent me a pm

rifftrauma · 08-06-2012, 01:06 PM

Grats dude, glad you enjoy it, welcome to the dark side!

IbanezDaemon · 08-06-2012, 01:28 PM

Fantastic, that is super cool. Love it!!!!

Edika · 08-06-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Of Angels

I've had three of those, and they are awesome guitars. Just make sure you baby it very well, because that oil finish doesn't protect the wood in any way. Also, some really wide-open pickups will turn that thing into a tone machine.

I remember when I was looking about information for these guitars that I saw the for sale threads lol! I plan to baby it as I do all my guitars but if you have any advice as to what to use to preserve the body and back of neck I would be grateful.
For the time being I like the pups on this one a lot. It will be some time before I think of swapping them. But what kind of pups did you have in mind or have tried with these?

Edika · 08-06-2012, 01:38 PM

I was kind of ad my eye on the Ibanez RG827 premium (the red one

) but was really skeptic about the quality. I was also thinking about the RGD2127z as I really liked the aesthetic of this instrument. Now I don't know if I will disappointed by the standards set by this guitar!

s4tch · 08-06-2012, 02:20 PM

This is one of the few 100% wife-compatible guitars.

Stunning looks on pictures and in person, too. Félicitations!

fortisursus · 08-06-2012, 02:46 PM

It was this same guitar that made me love fall in love with Ibbys. My friend had one and made me jealous as hell! Not to mention his sounded awesome as I'm sure yours does also.

Jackrat · 08-06-2012, 05:51 PM

Quick question, what kind of material do you use to clean your frets?

Lasik124 · 08-06-2012, 06:21 PM

This thing looks great!

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08-06-2012, 07:40 AM	#1
Edika SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Londonderry, N.Ireland, UK Posts: 1,343 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	NGD I've fallen to the dark side... I know most of you came for the pictures but bear with me for a bit or skip the back story to the photos below. In general I have considered Ibanez guitars (yes it's an Ibanez) overpriced for what they offer and aesthetically really blunt. They have some sexy curves but the colors they use make them look cheap and not in a good way (like the new flashy premium guitars). When I first came to Montpellier 4 years ago I tried to scope out the music stores that were easily accessible and in one of the central ones I saw this guitar. It was very beautiful but the price tag didn't agree with me. I had recently purchased an expensive instrument (for Europe) and was not in the mindset of buying a new expensive instrument. Plus you know, bolt on, rosewood fretboard and pickups could have been better. I couldn't buy the hype for the neck profile. Truth be told I never actually tried one so I head my head up my ass about this. Pretty much I had written Ibanez off. The good folk in ss.org, aside from creating major gas with their threads, have started to clear some misconceptions concerning woods, neck joint styles and pickups (I thank you for that) but still the price tag of the instrument was way to high. I happen to pass by the shop in the beginning of July where I saw a very steep cut in price (it was the summer sales period). I asked to try the guitar out of curiosity and was literally blown away. It was hanging in the wall for 4 years (probably more) with the factory strings and it kicked MAJOR BUTT. This was a mistake since I knew I must have this guitar. After a discussion with my better half she caved in when I promised to sell some stuff first and not blow more money. I had half decided to sell my halfstack and buy something smaller as well as my BC Rich jrV deluxe since I wasn't into the V shape that much finally. The sales would last until 31st of July and then it would go to normal price. Long story short I managed to sell my Mesa Triple Rec head, put some cash on top and got me this beauty: So it's an Ibanez RG20063 puzzle top guitar. It has a two piece mahogany body, the top is made by AAA flame maple and ovangol pieces, the neck is 5 piece maple walnut with a gorgeous rosewood fingerboard and jumbo frets, it has an Edge Pro tremolo, Dimarzio/Ibz pickups and Gotoh tuners. It has a 5 way switch which must put the pups in single coil mode (I think) and has an oil finish. As you can guess the guitar needed some cleaning after so many years on the wall so: After cleaning the frets and oiling the fretboard: and with new strings on: Back shots: With better lighting and more untidiness: At some points I'll get better shots and more artistic but for the time being I prefer to just play it. It's so smooth I am stunned. I tried it in the shop I bought it since I knew I wouldn't have an amp and I was amazed by the pups. I plugged it to my laptop after I cleaned it and changed strings and tried the patches I had created. The pups are very very good. I found information that these were made specifically for this model and closest market models are the super distortion for the bridge and the Steve Morse for the neck. I tried to play afterwards my DC747 which I consider a very easy to play guitar and my hand wouldn't move. One mishap was that somebody had stolen the whammy bar, but the guys at the store told me that they would order a replacement with no charge of course. I have a couple of questions for you guys. One what should I use to clean/protect the oil finish. Some people suggest additional layers of oil after some time and then buffing with a cloth, while a couple have suggested a wax finish to better protect the wood. I don't want this guitar to be a case queen but I want to protect it as much as possible. Second I changed the strings to a D'addario regular/light set (9-46) from a light set (9-42) of an unidentified set and I had to turn the screws for the strings quite a lot to bring it level (it was level with the previous set). Most Floyds can be setup with two springs with a 9 set, but with three springs I found I had to put a lot more tension in comparison to the previous set. What I did wrong is that I removed all strings but didn't have something to block the tremolo. So I had to use the strings to raise the tremolo and I am afraid I might have damaged the springs. Maybe it's normal but I didn't expect that much difference in tension for such a small difference in gauge. The case also didn't have any extra springs so I don't know if this is normal or if there should be two more springs. Anyway thanks for looking! I am in love with this instrument. It's just screams quality and it sounds/plays awesome! So Ibanez I take back all the negative comments I might have made about the guitars you make (at least the prestige models)! AcousticMinja, AkiraSpectrum, engage757 and 2 others like this. New songs from my band Semic Stains up at: http://www.myspace.com/semicstains Check 'em out!

08-06-2012, 07:59 AM	#3
Edika SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Londonderry, N.Ireland, UK Posts: 1,343 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	A member here used to have one Adam of Angels. The good thing is that it's not only looks but it plays awesome! New songs from my band Semic Stains up at: http://www.myspace.com/semicstains Check 'em out!

08-06-2012, 08:14 AM	#4
GTailly Intellect's Minion Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 737 Thanked: 14 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Looks classy in its own way. I like it. Enjoy the guitar mate. "The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice." - George Eliot

08-06-2012, 08:16 AM	#5
Edika SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Londonderry, N.Ireland, UK Posts: 1,343 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Thanks man New songs from my band Semic Stains up at: http://www.myspace.com/semicstains Check 'em out!

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08-06-2012, 07:50 AM	#2
Philip N ss.org Regular Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 53 Thanked: 20 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Now that's a tasty guitar! Reminds of the one the guy from See You Next Tuesday used to play/own. philip

08-06-2012, 08:52 AM	#6
peagull Urwało mi dupę Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: West Yorkshire, Uk Posts: 336 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I understand your point about this forum and Ibanez guitars. I'd always disliked em, but seeing so many fine examples on this site has made me reconsider that unjust dislike I had for them. And that is a super cool guitar you have scored. HNGD

08-06-2012, 08:59 AM	#7
Andromalia Pardon my french Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 4,100 Thanked: 42 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Holy cow.

08-06-2012, 09:18 AM	#8
HighGain510 Cold As Ice Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 12,476 Thanked: 226 Feedback Score: 31 reviews	Love the puzzle piece series, they were killer guitars! Played one of the red ones a while back, but it was close to when they first came out so the price was still REALLY high! Definitely more reasonable on the used market. Congrats man! Edika likes this.

08-06-2012, 11:03 AM	#9
Edika SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Londonderry, N.Ireland, UK Posts: 1,343 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Thank you guys! The price it had originally was the suggested retail price translated in Euros which was 2300. I wouldn't pay that much since I wouldn't be able to afford it. The sale price they had was very reasonable and thus this baby came back with me ! I am actually considering selling my Carvin DC747 alongside the other stuff I've put for sale. This is how impressed I am with this instrument! New songs from my band Semic Stains up at: http://www.myspace.com/semicstains Check 'em out!

08-06-2012, 11:08 AM	#10
BucketheadRules Annoying idiot Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Posts: 3,382 Thanked: 105 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	This adequately expresses my feelings towards that guitar. Edika likes this. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out my YouTubings by making clicks upon this most generously provided link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ConnorFGuitar?feature=mhee You can thank me later. Or throw stones, it's your call. It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious...

08-06-2012, 11:13 AM	#11
engage757 Caparison Whore Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St. Augustine Beach, Florida Posts: 3,653 Thanked: 152 Feedback Score: 26 reviews	I had one of each of the Puzzle guitars. ....ING AMAZING instruments! Congrats! *Some favorites: Caparison Angelus HGS/Customs, Mayones Regius', Dingwall ABZ, Blackmachine B6/B2 and a Carvin CT6. My own little favorite slice of heaven.* Staff writer/Gear reviewer- Ignition Music Magazine/ Wax Music Magazine. Check out my Facebook G.A.S. - inspiring pages and show us your gear/G.A.S.! http://on.fb.me/ZjgcKg Then Check out our affiliate pages: Bass- http://on.fb.me/10dpigi Studio- http://on.fb.me/10tqZjP

08-06-2012, 11:21 AM	#12
Jack Secret Third Street Saint Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 439 Thanked: 46 $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Jack Secret is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Ah, the old Ibanez puzzle. I bought one at the Guitar Asylum in Miller Park, NY years ago. Wasn't a bad guitar, honestly. If you don't like Carvin, you probably haven't played Carvin.

08-06-2012, 11:36 AM	#13
Adam Of Angels Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mount Pleasant, PA Posts: 5,907 Thanked: 89 $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 73 reviews	I've had three of those, and they are awesome guitars. Just make sure you baby it very well, because that oil finish doesn't protect the wood in any way. Also, some really wide-open pickups will turn that thing into a tone machine. Edika likes this.

08-06-2012, 12:00 PM	#14
MFB I'M A MONSTER! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 7,399 Thanked: 84 Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Damn those puzzle tops are as sweet as I remember them being (´･ω･`) *In space, no one can hear you bree.* - Metal Ken

08-06-2012, 12:30 PM	#15
AkiraSpectrum SS.org Regular Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 962 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	very cool!

08-06-2012, 12:36 PM	#16
SkullCrusher GAS machine! Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cambs, UK Posts: 677 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	WOW thats nice. BTW I love Montpellier!!!! Edika likes this. Mayones setius gtm 6. Blackat feral singlekat on order. (June)

08-06-2012, 12:39 PM	#17
Edika SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Londonderry, N.Ireland, UK Posts: 1,343 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	^If you visit Montpellier sent me a pm New songs from my band Semic Stains up at: http://www.myspace.com/semicstains Check 'em out!

08-06-2012, 01:06 PM	#18
rifftrauma Big Gulps huh? Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: virginia Posts: 177 Thanked: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Grats dude, glad you enjoy it, welcome to the dark side!

08-06-2012, 01:28 PM	#19
IbanezDaemon Raptus regaliter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: UK Posts: 643 Thanked: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Fantastic, that is super cool. Love it!!!! "Because I got no feel - I got no emotion My riffs aren't real - I just go through the motions"

08-06-2012, 01:38 PM	#21
Edika SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Londonderry, N.Ireland, UK Posts: 1,343 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I was kind of ad my eye on the Ibanez RG827 premium (the red one ) but was really skeptic about the quality. I was also thinking about the RGD2127z as I really liked the aesthetic of this instrument. Now I don't know if I will disappointed by the standards set by this guitar! New songs from my band Semic Stains up at: http://www.myspace.com/semicstains Check 'em out!

08-06-2012, 02:20 PM	#22
s4tch SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hungary Posts: 845 Thanked: 26 Feedback Score: 7 reviews	This is one of the few 100% wife-compatible guitars. Stunning looks on pictures and in person, too. Félicitations! Edika likes this.

08-06-2012, 02:46 PM	#23
fortisursus SS.org Regular Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Central, NJ Posts: 410 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	It was this same guitar that made me love fall in love with Ibbys. My friend had one and made me jealous as hell! Not to mention his sounded awesome as I'm sure yours does also. Edika likes this.

08-06-2012, 05:51 PM	#24
Jackrat SS.org Regular Join Date: May 2011 Location: Tampa FL US Posts: 141 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Quick question, what kind of material do you use to clean your frets? Look at all the ....s I give!

08-06-2012, 06:21 PM	#25
Lasik124 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: South Jersey Posts: 837 Thanked: 12 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	This thing looks great!

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