Separated at birth (yet again)

This is the wonderful but discontinued Ibanez SZ model, wish it was back...

Conceptually, Schecter's C1 model & the Ibanez SZ are only slightly differentiated.

We can say so for Yamaha's (discontinued) RGX model here as well.

Not forgetting Cort's Katana offering- they are all fundamentally similar with slight differentiation to respect the design/ copyright threshold.

When a particular guitar design establishes a forte in terms of appeal, it will be imitated. Many of us will not hesitate to embrace the design fundamentals in other manifestations because having an experience with one, we know what to expect from the other. Ibanez's SZ & Yamaha's RGX are sadly extinct; they were both very good guitars for the money but the manufacturers have their reasons to do away with them.

Case for SZ

You own an Ibanez SZ (discont'd) series & wish to invest a hard case for your beloved instrument...

You can't make do with the M100C model which perfectly houses the RG/S model but NOT the SZ/SZR series. The case you see above is the Ibanez W50SZ/ W50SZR which provides the correct depth for the thicker bodied instrument. The interior padding is simply impressive to say the least. However, unlike the M100C, this one's much heavier, not recommended if you are going to lug around your instrument.

Ibanez: SZ2020 (disct'd)

This isn't quite the familiar Ibanez headstock. It was originally spotted on the S-Classic before its implementation in the SZ series which are (sadly) phased out to date. The pic above is my SZ2020 (disct'd) which is dear to me. Some people said I spent too much on a Korean guitar when they don't yield a tremendous gain for the money but in perspective, it apllies to other guitar brands in general; is it justified to spend excessively on an upper tier model knowing the returns are marginal?

I chose the SZ2020 because first & foremost, it sports a satin finish which is still my preferred finish type. Secondly, the default Seymour Duncans (American) are superb in this guitar through all my amps. After actually handling this guitar during its pre-purchase scrutiny, its playability & feel are simply appealing. This guitar was manufactured by Korea's World Music Company which currently handles all PRS SE models; doubting its QC would be the last thing to do.

I like this guitar also for its quirky scale length: 25.1". Not as snappy as a Fender, not as boomy as a Les Paul either, very individual in its lure.