10 out of 10
"Guitarists look no further: Ibanez has built this guitar for YOU!"
Feature:
Ibanez gets an A+ again. They go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need to jam right out of the box. It comes with a whammy bar, allen wrenches for bridge/tuner/action/anything adjustment. It also comes with a 10 ft. 1/4" standard cable for guitar-amp hookup. I usually just leave it in the case with my tuner.
The best feature (obviously) is the Edge III bridge. Trust me, I've read all the reviews that complain about how horrible the Edge III is and how unreliable and unstable it is. But with a proper setup, it functions just like it should. Sure, Ibanez makes much better bridges, but if you don't want to shell out for Prestige model with an Edge Pro/Zero bridge, then the Edge III is a good substitute. If I decide I really have problems with it, I'll just pop on a gold OFR, as they have the same cavity size (or very VERY similar size).
Another great feature is the neck through construction. It makes accessing the upper frets so easy and shredding up there smoother than warm butter.
Quality:
A++. The guitar is beautiful. I couldn't find a single thing wrong with the stock setup of it. Everything was done to perfection. The only thing was that the pickup selector cap had to be popped off. I couldn't select just the bridge or just the neck pickup with the cap on. A mere annoyance, doesn't affect really anything, just looks a little less flashy.
Value:
Oh gosh. The value of this is absolutely insane! I got it on clearance sale for 400. I would definitely pay full price for this though. You get a sick guitar for a freaking amazing price. Made of mahogany, which is used on those spendy guitars. If you don't want to shell out 1000 for a Prestige, this is the best alternative. I've also heard people who've been playing Ibanez guitars for years say this is Ibanez's best woodwork to date.
Desirability:
This thing is sex. A white body with multicolor inlays are complemented perfectly by the gray hardware. It shines perfectly on a bright stage. The only thing that would make this the sexiest guitar is if it had gold hardware like the JEM7V. But even so, the hardware is still beautiful like it is.
Sound:
From Metal to Alternative to Blues, from Metallica to B.B. King to Satriani and Vai, this guitar can do it all. Keep in mind, these aren't DiMarzio Evolutions or EMGs, they're IBZ stock pickups. But for stock pickups, I think they're definitely an A+. The bridge pickup sometimes sounds a little muddy, but with minor Tone/Volume adjustment you can fix it just fine.
Ease of Use:
I had to give it an 8, just because the bridge takes a lot of time to restring. It's hard, but I just go down to the local music shop if I run into trouble with it or need any assistance with a part. I don't want to risk messing this beauty up. However, tuning is super easy. You just tune it and lock it and then forget about it for weeks! It comes with a manual, which instructs you on tuning/restringing, and on the Ibanez website there's a detailed video guide on restringing an Edge III. Overall, its a guitar, just shred it!!
Support:
Haven't dealt with Ibanez so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for making a really sweet axe!
Overall:
Overall, this is amazing. I can't believe Ibanez would allow this to be sold at such a low price. Gibson Les Paul's don't even have this nice of a construction. I believe they use set necks, and the neck through is much nicer in my opinion. If you're looking for a fantastic shred guitar at a steal of a low price, then I suggest that you get this. You will really not be sorry!
Submitted: 02/21/2009
Style of Music: Rock, Alternative, Jazz, Metal, Ska, anything!
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9 out of 10
"Fire it up, straight up beauty."
Feature:
its not a floyd rose bridge, but its really sturdy and no need to tune when most others are tuning. Great for onstage.
Quality:
very good quality, the paint job is really something. I'd look at this thing in a store, thats what i did before buying it offline, i mean this thing is spectacular.
Value:
i got mine on sale,
Desirability:
as soon as i saw this when guitar shopping, i knew i had to have it.
Sound:
its a sweet sound, but i think the pickups are pretty weak, not alot of crystal clear highs, but im sure if you through in some dimarzios it woud sound pretty hott.
Support:
never had any problems
Overall:
It's a beautiful guitar, with stock pickups, can't complain i see this guitar as a lasting member of my collection
Submitted: 02/08/2006
Style of Music: Metal, Modern Rock
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