Coach me about: J-Customs?

[pott]

Hi folks; so in my (way too many vs. acquired skills) years of owning guitars, I've never owned, and barely even played, an Ibanez.

A somewhat local shop is hoarding tons of J-Customs. I can't quite go there and try them all, so I wanted to interrogate the hive-mind if that's alright, and gather some insights.

I've played three of them (none electrified, just playing out in the shop and feeling the guitar):
* https://Reverb(dot)com/item/8511044...02-silky-black-aaaa-flame-maple-japan-fujigen was ok. I dig the looks of it. It's a nice guitar but didn't feel worth the (second-hand) price-tag.
* https://Reverb(dot)com/item/8343286...rg8420ze-aaa-maple-top-red-spinel-w-case-tags was INCREDIBLE. Immediate mojo. But the (beautifully worked) frets were way too used. So it needs a refret. The frets were awesome; hemispheric ends, no visible fret slots, FLAME MAPLE BINDING, yes. This thing was super cool. The top isn't great and it has EMGs which I don't care for one way or another but... this was a good axe.
* https://Reverb(dot)com/item/85441011-1994-ibanez-rrg-6hh-custom-made-natural-pre-j-custom-spot-model. Completely uninspiring. I won't use words like 'good' or 'bad' here. Maybe 'meh' is the right one? I couldn't find a single interesting or redeeming feature about it.

They have a few more I'm into, but haven't been to play: https://Reverb(dot)com/item/8756319...-deep-red-flame-top-near-mint-w-case-hangtags, https://Reverb(dot)com/item/8850314...170-hsh-neck-thru-transparent-blue-w-dimarzio, and especially https://Reverb(dot)com/item/8632027...d-dark-lapis-lazuli-near-mint-w-tags-coa-case.

What I'm interested in knowing/learning from folks who actually know their stuff:
* Hardware durability and ease of setup. I am 100% familiar with most floating bridges including Floyd-Roses/Schaller designs, I'd have no issue with a top-mount Kahler (well, besides it being a Kahler), but I've never experienced the Ibanez stuff. Is it durable? Will the knife-edges need sharpening often? How stable are the posts?
* Brand/range reliability and consistency. Yes, I can try more of them, and I likely will. But for those of you who have owned more, how consistent have you found them? Given the huge gap in overall quality and inspiration potential between, say the red 8420 and the pre-J-Custom RRG6HH, I'm very curious and hoping this could be just one fluke. By reliability and consistency, I mean 'can I trust picking-up two guitars of the same range from the same brand and know I'd get the same levels of expected quality?'. For example I've had a dozen or so Music Man, and never once had a dud. Loved them all.
* Price. A lot of them are cheaper on other Reverb offers, and there are many other J-Customs going for more than the rough ~2.5k range I've been looking at. Do these prince ranges bring any significant change in expected quality levels? Are the ones I'm looking into priced fairly given the added guarantees of buying from a shop?

Thanks all! Sorry for the more generic questions. Ibanez may be one of the top 3 or whatever brands for modern music out there, I just never got to play them until these ones peaked my curiosity. Thanks for sharing any insights!

 

[Neon_Knight_]

Brand/range reliability and consistency. Yes, I can try more of them, and I likely will. But for those of you who have owned more, how consistent have you found them? Given the huge gap in overall quality and inspiration potential between, say the red 8420 and the pre-J-Custom RRG6HH, I'm very curious and hoping this could be just one fluke. By reliability and consistency, I mean 'can I trust picking-up two guitars of the same range from the same brand and know I'd get the same levels of expected quality?'. For example I've had a dozen or so Music Man, and never once had a dud. Loved them all.

'J.Custom' on the headstock denotes certain features* and a level of attention to detail and QC that surpasses other Ibanez models (including Prestige).

A lot of the '90s MIJ RGs advertised on Reverb / eBay as "pre-J.Custom" or "J. Custom...(pre-J.Custom)" are just spot models or limited runs. They are no better quality than other MIJ RGs of the same era...just less common.
Lately, people also seem to refer to models with a 'Custom Made' fretboard inlay as being "J.Custom", but that's a purely aesthetic feature with no actual meaning. It seems that someone at Ibanez just thought it would look good. For example, the 90's 540S and S540 had this inlay, but there was nothing "custom" or superior about these MIJ mass production models...they were the S series equivalent to the RG550 (i.e. very good guitars, but not J.Custom level).

For awareness, a lot of people fawn over pre-Prestige MIJ RGs, often referring to them as "golden era" and sometimes advertising them as "Prestige...(pre-Prestige). Just like "pre-J.Custom" models don't match the quality or features of a J.Custom, these "pre-Prestige" models don't match Prestige. For example, Ibanez massively upped its game on fret finishing when the 'Prestige' line was introduced...but the non-Prestige MIJ Genesis line (current models that co-exist with the Prestige line) do not have Prestige fret end treatment...so "Prestige" does actually mean something.

*J.Custom RG features:
Superior fretwork - i.e. hemisphere fret ends.
An even more contoured / ergonomic AANJ neck joint, compared to a Prestige / Premium / Standard RG.
The most luxurious feeling satin neck finish that I've ever encountered. I love the Prestige satin neck finish, but the back of a J.Custom neck is sooo silky smooth.
More premium figured tops.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

A significant factor in the price variance of J.Custom models (aside from optimistically inflated Reverb listings) is how many of each model are produced.

For example:
The 2025 RG8570 & RG8527 models are both production models (i.e. loads made, with production increased to meet demand). They are built to J.Custom specifications and quality, by FujiGen Gakki, but are less expensive than more limited J.Custom models

Some other J.Custom models are manufactured in very limited runs (anywhere from one to several hundred units, with no further units made if it sells out). Being more limited and unique brings a bigger price tag, even if there is nothing "better" about the guitar compared to production model J.Custom.

Then there are Sugi J.Customs, which are built by Sugi rather than FujiGen. Sugi is widely revered and considered to make superior guitars than even FujiGen J.Custom. These models are made in extremely limited runs (single unit runs are not uncommon), using premium materials and unique specs / finishes, so command higher price tags (routinely 2-3 times as much as an RG8570).
So far in 2025, Sugi has only released three Ibanez RGs (three units, not three models!) - JCRG25C01 (one unit) and JCRG25C02 (two units).

 

[tedtan]

First off, if these are used, then all bets are off. It’s more about the condition of that individual guitar than it is about the consistency between new guitars within a given line.

Second, Ibanez hardware is top notch (typically made by Gotoh).

Last, used guitar pricing is often as much or more about rarity/collectibility as well as condition. Are you collecting or playing?

 

[pott]

Thanks all! Yes I am very familiar with shopping for second-hand guitars, or guitars in general, I just have 0 context over Ibanez and J-Customs.

It'd be very much for playing. NOT for collecting and very much not for investing (I don't flip).

That RG8540ZD is looking mighty good, I hope I get to try it.

So-much for my 'never another floating trim' decision.