The same

Spent 15min playing each guitar today, strictly on the bridge pickup through the same set up. What's the point? Hearing what I specifically like about each guitar.

GIO: Despite being entry level, with the preferred features, it still sounds appealing.

SV: The S-series is always the second fiddle when Ibanez is concerned. RG had been the flagship model for this brand name but that tapered body coupled with an appealing neck is something.

I have never considered buying a new guitar as a move to replace the lower models. I respect every instrument the same, there's no pariah guitar in my books, just the ones that don't meet my needs. Mind you, some high end guitars don't meet my needs. 

Ibanez 2013: SV

I thought the Ibanez SVs were dead & buried but heck, no. They will be re-introduced in 2013, this SV5470 here, is one of them. It features a stunning quilted maple top & a line-up of EMGs. As if that wasn't enough highlight, it features a coil split switch (volume knob). Just a reminder that when the SVs debuted, they feature the SynchroniZR bridge & that's what you see here.

Ibanez: SV5470

The new Ibanez SV5470 is a sleek guitar. Many S-series fan had been waiting for a manifestation featuring a non-locking nut & a simpler bridge; Ibanez has delivered.

While there is much fanfare with the new, vey innovative, SynchroniZR bridge, there are other subtle refinements such as this rear forearm chamfering. The message is clear; Ibanez wants you to have the furthest fretboard reach.

I think I speak for the countless Ibanez fans out there: Please include the Auto-trim locking tuners in more models.