The Watering Hole

Looky what Ibanez is finally offering domestically...

http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-JCRG20126

Damn, J Customs are something else, supposedly as well made a guitar as anything out there. Thanks for the link. Gonna have to read the specs and drool over the pics tomorrow when I've got more time. I'm pretty well set on guitars these days, it's really been amps giving me gas...

Shocked the hell out of me.  I get the Ibanez email spam thing, and saw that pop up.  Just about crapped.  Even used, J Custom's still cost a bit.

I remember reading a couple of years ago they were gonna try the J. Custom market out over here...but it never materialized. Maybe now it's a go with the conditions as they are and all, especially Japanese guitar manufacturing, which supposedly really got hammered by the Tsunami, closing several of their biggest plants down (so I read anyway).

Got to play one of these yesterday afternoon - they're already surfacing in Guitar Centers. Pretty much a drool worthy guitar in both looks and play (except the over the top, fruity vine inlay, which was throwing me off)...but the price, yikes, $3,699 for the one I sampled...I'll never own a new one, lol.  

When I've seen them used here in the states, they're running near $2k.  I know what you mean.  I'm a little so-so on the inlay.  

Which one was it?  The red one or brownish one?

Yep, definitely steep for a new one, even used (for me)! And in the end, it's just a guitar, I mean if you're "joe six pack" and play, you play, do we really NEED that pricey of a toy?! I doubt I'd wan't to play something that elegant every day, lol, be too scared to harm it. Leave it for the likes of Vai. ;)

Actually, the one I played at the Atlanta GC is BLUE.

EDIT: Here we go...this is the exact one they have on hand in Atl.

Link

I didn't realize they were offering that color.  I only saw those two colors on the Ibanez site.

I know what you mean.  I would spend the money on a smoking MusicMan Petrucci.  

Mmm...  Pointy!  :D

I'd go PRS Studio...  But I have to admit Chris has me interested in the Petrucci.

Same here...I feel more comfy buying 'bang for buck' type gear, just suits me better I guess. There are around 3 or 4 used Music Man Axis guitars in the area, ranging from $1,100 to $1,400, they sound and play great, look sexy, etc, now those have been tempting...but I need another guitar like I need another guitar.  ;D

Kabala — Aug 29, 2012...but I need another guitar like I need another guitar.  ;D

I hear that.  The beauty of it is, that doesn't matter.   ;)  Amy and I were discussing guitars yesterday and she was asking why I hadn't bought one yet. I said "because I can't decide between the PRS Studio or the 305,"  She said "I told you to just get both of them."  I said "well, I kind of want to check out the Petrucci guitar too, before I buy the PRS." She said "well, you can have two, and wait til next year to buy the other one."  I about fell out of my chair.  

Dang I love that woman!  

which petrucci are you looking into howie? i'm also considering either a prs studio, or a custom 24, or possibly another petrucci 6 or 7  ;)

not sure which model but, they have 3 at GC. Two are the private reserve ball family blah blah and are $2900.  One is only about $2K and has the piezo system, etc.  It's painted, where the other two are flamed tops.  

yeah, i really like the flame top petrucci in that firebursty color. but i'm also interested in the 2010 jpx 6/7. it's the one that came out with a chambered basswood (or alder?) body, mahogany tone block, and maple top. also comes with a 5-way switch rather than the 3-way toggle. the finish is nice too, sparkly purple, but idunno. the flame top looks sooooo good.

The two flame top Ball Family Reserve models at GC are blue. and the painted one is a sparkley bright blue color.  

I know there are perks to the BFR's (especially the tonal block), but I'd get another in the regular series again instead.  Why?  The neck isn't painted.  Au natural.  Feel like butter.  First time I tried a BFR, I knew something didn't feel right and I couldn't peg what immediately.  After 5 minutes I looked down and saw a painted neck.  

I definitely prefer the finishing of the non-painted neck.  My Silhouette has a natural neck like my old JP and feels awesome.  Still would like to have a JP again, but I really do dig my Silo.  

I'd definitely encourage you to try the less expensive one.