Choosing my first (Ibanez) 7-string

[Neon_Knight_]

25.5” scale is fine for standard tuning or tuning down a whole step or so. If you plan to tune down lower than A, you may want to go with a longer scale length. Otherwise, it’s a matter of personal preference.

There's one about a 1.5 hour drive from me.
The pickups have been upgraded to DiMarzios (unconfirmed model, as installed by a previous owner) and the seller doesn't have the hard case (I presume 7-string RGDs come with a case, but don't fit a standard RG case due to the neck width + length???).

 

[odibrom]

... different scales lengths, different cases. Ibanez 25.5" cases are for 25.5" guitars... Gator Cases has some cases and gigbags that suit 27" models, so that can a solution if you buy that RGD.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

... different scales lengths, different cases. Ibanez 25.5" cases are for 25.5" guitars... Gator Cases has some cases and gigbags that suit 27" models, so that can a solution if you buy that RGD.

The Gator XL "extra long" case appears to be suitable + very reasonably priced, so thanks for that.

From a look on the Ibanez website, it wouldn't fit in the standard M300C case, but the MR350C might be ok.

 

[tecs99]

@odibrom
According to the Ibanez Wiki, RG1527s initially had Ultra necks, then switched to Wizard-7. Both profiles have the same specs on paper (unlike the 6-string equivalents), but clearly this isn't true. Based on the 6-string equivalents, I would expect the Ultra to be more rounded (C-shaped) and the Wizard-7 to be flatter (D-shaped)...does that match your experience?

I think I can confirm this true as I have a 1527 in cosmic blue (purple) , serial 2002 that has the rounded C shape, unlike the later era stuff that’s more D shaped…I would say both feel the same in the middle of the neck width. Neither is better or worse for me

 

[odibrom]

The Gator XL "extra long" case appears to be suitable + very reasonably priced, so thanks for that.

From a look on the Ibanez website, it wouldn't fit in the standard M300C case, but the MR350C might be ok.

I have an RG8 and it fits an XL case from Gator, which are kind of nice.

 

[Tom odd 7]

The difference between 25.5 & 26.5 is barely noticeable.
However it is there, not only in the neck but also in the total length.
Wich causes a tiny adjustment in playing position.
Mine came with that case :

 

[Neon_Knight_]

Just had an offer accepted for this:



Any guesses what model the aftermarket DiMarzios are?

 

[l1ll1]

D

Just had an offer accepted for this:

View attachment 120643 View attachment 120644

Any guesses what model the aftermarket DiMarzios are?

Damn. This with a reversed headstock and set neck is kind of my wet dream.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

D

Damn. This with a reversed headstock and set neck is kind of my wet dream.

I've always thought guitars look most aesthetically "balanced" when the headstock slants away from the longer horn. So a standard headstock on a guitar with a longer upper horn (RG, RGD, RGA, S etc.) due to the longer upper horn, but a reverse headstock on a Xiphos.

If the XPTB720 (reverse headstock & neck-thru) was MIJ, I probably wouldn't have been able to resist.

 

[odibrom]

Just had an offer accepted for this:

View attachment 120643 View attachment 120644

Any guesses what model the aftermarket DiMarzios are?

... my bet is either D-Activators or Fusion Edge...?

That lady looks clean.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

... my bet is either D-Activators or Fusion Edge...?

I'm hoping for D Activators. Haven't tried the 7-string version, but love them in several of my 6-strings, so they would definitely be a strong contender if it still had the stock pups (which I would presumably not be content with). I upgraded the Fusion Edges in my RG8520 to D Activators (I wouldn't normally describe replacing DiMarzios as an "upgrade", but for me the D Activators are simply better in every way).

EDIT: There's no 'DiMarzio' logo embossed on the bobbins, so I presume they can't be Fusion Edge.

That lady looks clean.

There's some slight wear to the paintwork on the back (along the edge that would rest against your thigh when playing seated), a fine hairline scratch between the tuners (from a clumsy string change) and the cosmo finish on the fine tuners is slightly worn. Otherwise pristine.

 

[odibrom]

... we're to assume you're now a proud 7 string owner? Don't forget the mandatory NGD thread!...

 

[Neon_Knight_]

... we're to assume you're now a proud 7 string owner? Don't forget the mandatory NGD thread!...

The NGD thread will come once I've collected it. 😉