Price watch (94): Internal conflict

We could all agree that at the end of it all, price matters. Look at these Jacksons, the standard size JS12 is listing for just $20 more than the Minion. There is already a very niche appeal for the shorter-scaled Minion models & its further pressured by that slight price difference. The standard size JS will definitely be more appealing in the after-market. Both these guitars do not come with bags. The Minion requires a smaller bag, the Minion Series bag to be precise so that's $75 more before you bring it home. The Koda EGB ONE bag can fit the JS12, no issue, it's only $15. You do the Math, it's clear which one is more appealing for those of us with a limited shopping budget.

The American Performer P-bass is $250 more than the Japanese Heritage Series 60s P-bass. The Performer is Fender's most affordable American, while the Heritage is currently Fender Japan's top tier range. We all know how the Japanese make their Fenders - absolute respect for QC. Folks, that marginal difference, which one would you choose?

A Premium Ibanez (Indonesia) lists for more than $2K while the demure but irresistible Genesis (Japan) is about $500 lesser. Tough call, yes?

Disclaimers:

• decision-making is more than just looking at listed prices, other factors come into play (product appeal e.g. limited edition, discontinuity, playability, etc.)
• the figures above are domestic retail prices, many of us tend to veer into the dark side of the after-market more often than not
• buying anything, not just musical instruments, is a personal choice, regardless of the external influential decision-making politics involved

Pics: Fender / Ibanez

 

Selling: Ibanez RG721 (SOLD)

Letting this go after a good consideration. Some polish stains on bridge, slight corrosion on bridge pickup be informed.

• Ibanez RG721RW, Premium case included
• Pickups: DiMarzio D-Sonic/ Air Norton
• Condition: 8/10
• No trades/ reservations
• Self-collect @ CCK mrt station
• Queries/ confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Price: $650 (final)

Guitar is SOLD off. Thanks ✌️

Screw it

With effect from 2019, I will not attempt to save dead screws. These will be trashed immediately. No use being sentimental when replacements are readily available. 

The guitar in question is my Ibanez S970 which was brought out for re-stringing. Nothing fancy this time, just a trusty set of D'Addario 9s. I was removing the rear cavity cover to check if the electronics are in good shape & those rusty screws simply had to go.

It's also good to hear the 59/ Custom in action; this should be one of my fat-sounding pickup that doesn't mush-up at higher gain settings, thanks to the hybrid vintage components in there to keep things in check.

A good wipe down & lots of love for this guitar- one of my favourite S-Series because it's good-sounding & good-playing, as simple as that.

Price watch (9)

This 2017 Ibanez Premium RG6PC is now available here if you are interested in one.

This Prestige RG2550Z is also available and lists for $50 less than the RG6PC.

What am I driving at? I would classify both guitars as very high quality but we know the Premium model is not Japan-made & sits lower in terms of hierarchy, compared to the Prestige. Granted, the RG2550Z in the stores here might be a NOS unit & it accounts for that price difference but I'm reiterating the fact that as we hesitate to get the instruments we prefer, prices keep climbing. Very soon, the Prestige will necessitate a higher list price because it's a Prestige; it's of higher standing than the Premium & the prices should reflect the circumstances. 

On another note, we see the psychology of brand-price relationship. Nobody would want to pay too much for a non-Japanese Ibanez model but the fact that it's a Premium model, something that arguably commands a little more respect in terms of QC, the manufacturer wouldn't hesitate to place it in the higher price range. Consumers would subconsciously agree to this classification as well due to that crucial label there: Premium. Remove this from the instrument, it's just another Far Eastern manufactured instrument regardless of whatever soaring levels of QC it's manifesting. 

Ibanez: RG950QM

One of the new Ibanez Premium models this year- RG950QM. Nothing really special but that quilted headstock matching the body is a nice touch.

Ibanez 2013: Satch goes premium

These are the new Ibanez Satriani models for this 2013, please note that the JS2410 will only debut at the end of the first 2013 quarter- Spring time. We now have Premium manifestations of the Vai/ Timmons/ Satriani models. I'd say it's a wise move because it's a more worthy cause investing in them as opposed to some 'Jr' models that we've come across before where there were compromises in features in the name of cost-cutting.

Multi-tool

If you purchase an Ibanez Premium model, a multi-tool is included in the purchase as documented in the booklet above. I've talked to people who bought an Ibanez Premium guitar missing this accessory till its time to tweak the instrument then it dawned on them something's omitted . If it is not included in the purchase, do ask the seller/ dealer why this is so; there must be a reason... If they offer you an alternative, it's a reasonable consolation, otherwise, you might want them to discount the purchase price a tad. That's fair isn't it?

Premium tool

 Take a look at the interesting components of the Ibanez Swiss Army-type pocket tool which is complementary with every Ibanez Premium series guitar; it includes both flat & cross tip screwdrivers as well as a mini ruler. These make it a more complete unit than its generic counterpart which I bought at Daiso (that red one there) for $2... If you purchase a used Premium series guitar, remind your seller of its inclusion.