Ibanez S470DXQM Quilted Maple Electric Guitar

Maple neck. Mahogany body. 22 jumbo frets.

Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

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"Beyond Sweet"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
Mine came with a very nice case, 4 allen wrenches, and a (cheap, like always)10 foot cord. This is one of the best built axes I've ever bought, plain and simple. Fit and finish are excellent, and the only tweaking needed was a slight intonation adjustment. The ZR tremolo is an amazing bit of engineering! While it took a little bit of studying, (the manual could be clearer) once I got it figured out it was time to be amazed. This thing has not slipped out of tune yet, at all. The fine tuners on it could be a little easier to grip, they're too smooth. Overall, I absolutely love the ZR! It's a well thought out and executed piece of equipment, and it definitely does it's job well. The choice of woods is classic, and the body shape of the S lets the tonal characteristics of the wood shine through without straining your shoulder. I got the Blue Moon Burst finish, and with the quilted maple top, and black chrome hardware, it is one gorgeous axe!!

Quality:
As I said in "Features", fit and finish are excellent. There were no loose screws or parts, and the only adjustment it needed was a slight tweak to the intonation. The action was set perfectly for me. the Blue Moon Burst finish is gorgeous, and I found no flaws in it at all. Overall feel is very solid, and well built. I expect this axe will handle anything thrown at it, and age gracefully. There's a reason there's so many old Ibanez's out there, they're tough.

Value:
Buying a Ferrari for the price of a Kia would be a good metaphor for the value of this guitar. Easily outperforms guitars costing 2-3 times as much, and looks better while doing it as well.

Desirability:
Beautiful finish, sexy body shape, state of the art tremolo...What more could ya ask for? Oh, and the ladies think it's pretty, too!

Sound:
The '07's have Infinity 1 (neck) Infinity Single (mid) and Infinity 2 (bridge) pickups instead of the Powersound pickups. I've found the S470 to be extremely versatile in tones. The humbuckers are warm and expressive, with excellent clarity and note definition. NO MUD! The single coil in the middle mates nicely with the humbuckers, and gives a spanky tone on it's own. Playing the S470 through my Peavey ValveKing 100 I can get sparkling clean to snarling crunch to super saturated high gain, and they ALL sound great. We play Beatles, CCR, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, SRV, Megadeath...practically every kind of rock and blues out there, and I have yet to find one that I can't use this axe for. My only quibble would be that the neck pickup MIGHT be a little dark sounding for me, but that hasn't stopped me from using it at all!

Ease of Use:
Ibanez is known for making great playing axes, and this is no exception. The neck is fast and easy playing, with low action and no buzz. Very straightforward controls mean you don't need to fiddle around much to find your sound. The ZR tremolo is no harder to work with than any other locking trem, once you get it setup. Changing strings is standard locking trem stuff. My lone clomplaint is with the manual. As is typical with manuals translated from Japanese to English, it can be confusing and unclear at times. This one got me in a critical area, ZR Trem setup. I finally had to rely more on the diagrams, but they were mislabeled at points as well! I got used to strange Asian to English translations a long time ago, so it doesn't surprise me at all anymore. It can actually be amusing at times!

Support:
I guess they'll be good, haven't needed them yet.

Overall:
This one isn't going anywhere! It's the perfect combination of looks, sound and playability. I've been looking for an axe like this for years, trying all kinds along the way. When you find "IT", at that kind of price, you hang on to it. I would like to get another Ibanez in the same style, different color, maybe different pickups for variety. I bought this over an ESP/LTD EC400VF because of the trem and the light weight, though I've been a huge ESP lover for years. I couldn't be happier with the choice, though I still may buy the ESP! I may get another Ibanez instead, we'll see.

7 of 7 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

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"Modern Royalty"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
The ZR Tremolo is DEFINITELY a step up from any Floyd Rose, or even Ibanez's own Lo- Pro Edge system. Thanks to the new design, which involves a system with two smaller springs to keep the floating trem fixed at one point and a tension adjustment, as well as a ball bearing pivot system instead of the traditional knife edge. All those factors make for the most solid trem I ever lay my hands on. You can lay your right hand palm on it and play staccato rythms, and it just won't move!But as soon as you grab the bar, it will respond. It also has more mass than the flimsy Floyds, thus improving sustain. Wang bar enthusiasts, beware : this system is not only an improvement in stability, but also in accuracy. When used (as mentioned before : it'll stay where it is when not using the bar), it'll have you working a bit harder, as it responds to even the slightest hand or finger movement; this no doubt due to the ball bearing pivot system, which is more unforgiving than the knife edge. When testing this guitar before purchase, my pinky trembled a bit from pulling up the bar, and the tremolo just followed the movement. It's just that good! Good enough to have you go back and woodshed on all your wang bar techniques. The best tremolo system I ever played with, no question!

Quality:
The guitar was in great condition when I bought it. I always inspect everything on every guitar I buy (not that I do every week ;-)), and this one was just impeccable. It had two control stamps on the backplate, which means this baby survived an inspection before leaving the factory. Made in Korea just got a whole different meaning : excellent value for money!

Value:
You would NEVER, EVER suspect this was a factory built instrument. It's just SO good! The used woods are excellent, the finish is impeccable, no loose screws, no bad potmeters... When this line will be terminated, I dare say that the value of these guitars will go up. In 10 years time, these babies will be much sought after. Get one while you still can. On second thought, don't. I want 'em!!

Desirability:
Sex appeal? If this baby turned into a woman after playing, it would be a catwalk model! The quilted maple looks so good, and the brandy brown finish just make this guitar shine! That's why I tried it out in the first place. Of course, looks aren't everything, but it has everything else; otherwise I wouldn't have bought it, no matter how gorgeous it looked.

Sound:
The pickups yield a very pronounced and clear sound. It has depth, balance and definition. WHat more can you ask from a pickup? The inbetween sounds with the single coil make this baby sound like either a strat (in the bridge-middle position) or a tele (neck-middle position) when played clean. Pink Floyd fans, beware! This axe will have you playing David Gilmour's clean parts for hours, Eugene! Overall, the sound is tight and clear, even when heavily distorted. The only snag, in my opinion, is that they're a bit hot. I'm not a fan of hot pickups, because they tend to distort too easily, and it's the pickup that brings it on, not the amp. If Ibanez could make these babies available with less output, I'd be in Guitar Heaven! For now, I just screwed them as far down from the strings as I could get away with, without losing definition and sustain. That'll do nicely for now.

Support:
Never had to...

Overall:
This guitar is no better or worse to me than all my other guitars. I bought them because of their distinctions, and all have their purpose. When I will buy another guitar, it will be for the same reasons, or to back up the ones I have (when touring, you can never be prepared enough if something goes wrong with your gear!). Since I own both a Strat and an Les Paul, and I have a great sounding and looking work horse, I would venture into other sounds : Tele, ES-335, Rickenbacker...

7 of 7 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

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"Just my opinion"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
The ZR trem is a nicely engineered system. Took about 15 minutes to set up, and this was the first locking type that I've used. Wasn't set up as received. Intonation was more difficult to adjust than the action and tuning, but it was close. Check the forums at Ibanez' web site for a walk through. Don't forget to stretch the strings completely or you'll be frustrated.

Quality:
The action reminded me of my $60 Harmony acoustic. The nut is a few thousandths higher than necessary and the strings are factory set at least 1/4" from the frets. Lowered the action to the minimum specified in the manual and there is some buzz and rattle. Needs some material removed from the bottom of the nut and a light fret dressing. Fit is as good as I've seen, maple top is well book-matched, finish acceptable - a couple lines where the lacquer (clear coat) didn't flow out, but they were buffed nearly flat and virtually invisible. The first guitar that I received had a few frets filed flat, and the frets had file marks on top - not crowned or polished. It had several other problems with bridge, nut, and pickup alignment so it went back to zZounds - no problem. Had a replacement in two days.

Value:
Value to me is as comparable to a new Strat (better trem on the 470). That works out to 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of a new Strat. Still have to get the frets cleaned up on this one. Maybe the Strat would need some attention too?

Desirability:
I would like to have the rear of the body dished out as I did with my Strat, more of a curvy '60s profile. Just so that it would fit better. The red burst on curly maple looks just like fire. My wife likes me in bright colors.

Sound:
Many reviewers want to replace the p'ups with something hotter. I find the bridge and neck to be clean and powerful, hot enough for blues and rock with a tubed amp. Get a pedal to cover the range of distortion you like. The center selection is close to my 70's Strat, probably a little hotter - not as thin sounding. This setup is very flexible and the mahogany tone stands out. It has it's own voice.

Ease of Use:
I don't plan on modifying anything to get better tone. Gets a variety of sounds, nice bite and punch. Can be played very clean if you roll off the volume knob a bit.

Support:
I would like to send my 470 back to have the action and fret dressing issues resolved, but having seen the filing they did on the first one, maybe not. Maybe I'll call just to talk.

Overall:
It's the best with regard to features in it's price range. The trem is very nice mechanically and the various finishes make a nice package. The trem bar is even clear enameled.

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"Great guitar (if you're a rocker)...buy it NOW!"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
I've had absolutely NO problems what-so-ever. I do my own set-ups and lowered the action when I received this one. I'd still like it a tich lower, but the Wizard II neck makes up for the fraction of an inch I lose in height. It's a VERY fast neck! (Note: I like my actions very-very low).

Quality:
Made great! No blemishes, no buzzes, no chips, no fusses, no hanging chads!

Value:
This is all about perspective, and I own and have played much more expensive guitars....this Ibanez holds its own. I'm not a guitar snob that believes cost is the dominant factor in a good guitar...being a good guitar is the thing that makes it a good guitar (pretty simple, eh?!)

Desirability:
Beautiful!

Sound:
I've been playing 29 years and I have a 20+ year-old Westone (British distributed now) and a Les Paul Standard, and this Ibanez holds its own in the "shred" department. I personally like the sound of the pickups and don't plan on changing them out (excluding the single coil, but I'm not a single coil guy). The sound can be very clean, but "dirty" up easily (Iron Maiden-style, not System of a Down). I've had this guitar for half-a-year now and I like it more every day. NO problems what-so-ever.

Support:
Haven't needed it...now THAT'S great support.

Overall:
Holds its own against anything I've seen or played in much higher price ranges.

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"Great guitar but............."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
The two features that really stand out on this guitar are the neck and the bridge. The neck is a three peice maple neck and it is extremely comfortable and smooth. The bridge is extremely stable and comes with a knob intonation adjustment (really usefull!) and a tremsetter. The brige is a good bridge for dive bombs and stuff like that and with a few improvements to the bridge that Ibanez could possibly make (STOP THE BUZZING PLEASE!!! when you play certain notes the bridge will buzz if you use 10 guage strings!!!) A good effort on Ibanez's part but the tremolo could definately be improved (still great for the money though).

Quality:
This guitar is really tough!!! it can withstand most situations which on a normal guitar would cause dings and scratches. The only gripe is that the lacquer attracts fingerprints (and a lot of them), as well as the knobs, tuners, and bridge (but you dont touch your bridge often anyway).

Value:
Yes this guitar is definately worth the price but I would have expected a little more in terms of the sound.

Desirability:
This thing is really heavy despite the thin body (mostly because of the maple top and the neck). Nevertheless this guitar is still great.

Sound:
I play a lot of styles of music. This guitar when played clean has a good fat sound like a les paul, however the sound from the bridge is great for chords, but leaves something to be desired in terms of lead when playing high notes that something is more definition (mids are really good on this guitar). On distortion the entire perspective changes the pickups really pick up harmonics (especially the bridge which is an alnico V pickup for a fat les paul sound), and the neck pickup (which is ceramic for a clearer sound) is great for shredding. The middle pickup is great for clean tones and (if you can take a little noise) also pretty good for distortion. The action on the guitar might need to be raised a little because of buzzing and some fretting out but a bridge and truss rod adjustment should take care of that. There may be some buzzing when you play but the buzzing is not picked up by the amp.

Ease of Use:
If you know how to operate (change strings) a floating trem then good. If you don't that is your problem. The knob spring tension adjustment is a feature that makes this guitar much easier to use.

Support:
never dealt with Ibanez.............. (hopefully wont need to either)

Overall:
Its great but out of the box there have to be things that need to be fixed. (bridge etc...) This guitar would sound great with a dimebucker (Im getting one) for more highs and better harmonics, if you want more harmonics get the dimarzio EVO-2

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"The best guitar at this price ever built."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
Heck, whats it lacking? The tremelo truly is the most advanced and best on the market. The quilted maple tops looks are simply unreal. I cant keep this out of my friends hands. Its stunningly gorgeous. Nice weight/balance. Good tuners, nice beautiful headstock with binding, also on the neck. Great looking strong hardware. You will drool.

Quality:
Perfect. In every way, in every detail. Heck, Ive had it for 4 months and still havent changed the strings, and it still sounds great. In over 20 years of playing guitar this is the best Ive every owned, played, or looked at. I am beside myself in happiness over such a lucky buy. And I was pessimistic, thinking it couldnt possibly be as good or as beautiful as I was expecting. Well... I was wrong. Thanks Ibanez. 10 Stars! This is a road guitar. The finish seems indestructible. The worst aspect of its quality? Get real, this things incredible. I poured over every millimeter of this thing. Its perfect. Flawless. You wont believe your eyes when you get this. I should say though that the plastic pickup selector has no business being on this guitar. It should be something else befitting its quality and beauty. Even if you think the pickups are pure garbage, get this guitar, as itll be worth it. Youll see.

Value:
Hell, look at the ratings and reviews. How you can get a better guitar than this for less than a grand? I dont know. This thing will surpass all your expectations in looks, quality, tone, playability, and reliability. I know guitars. This ones a keeper. Theres no chance you will ever get a guitar as good as this for this price from another guitar maker. How Ibanez makes this for this price I dont know.

Desirability:
This guitar will give you a woody the moment you unwrap it. Trust me. There is no better looking guitar. Its stunning. Take it outside into the sunlight and itll blow your mind.

Sound:
It sounds more than great. No annoying hum from the single coil. Amazingly the volume and tone controls actually operate from 1 through 10, unlike others which seem to go 3 to 7. Nice disparity between the neck and bridge humbuckers. It makse for lots of different tonal qualities. Excellent sound.

Support:
I have to give a 10 because the best type of support is that of never needing it. Ive treated this guitar brutally, shredding it up, going to town on it. Ive waded into a burning lake of musical fire since recieving this. No need for support. Support? I dont need no stinking support. Its perfect. (maybe to be fair I should say its a 5 or something because Ive never needed it? I dont care.)

Overall:
I suppose Ive written so much already this may not be used as a review, but its the best Ive ever played. And Ive played them all. Love the neck, headstock, the body's unreal, its perfect. The quilted maple top is incredible. Id kill before selling this, which Ill never do, and Id cry until I managed to get another. How it could get any better? I suppose the pickup selector thing could be made of birdseye maple or something.

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Ibanez S470DXQM Quilted Customer Review

Overall:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * . . . . . . . 3 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
 
 
 
Quality:
The quality of this hardware is the worst I have ever seen. I've had this guitar for 1 year and the frets and all of the other chrome hardware is discoloured and looks like crap. I had a 1991 RG570 for 10 years, when I sold it it still looked brand new. I have an 18 year old Washburn that looks new. This thing sucks.

Sound:
It sounds good

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