Ibanez 2013: RG2721

This is the 2nd Ibanez RG to feature the Tight End R bridge; RG2721. Yes, that quilt top is gorgeous but this 2013, Ibanez makes it clear their tops mean serious business. In addition to a captivating laminate top-most layer, selected models feature a 4mm cap so we get 3 layers of serious considerations for the money. In this RG2721's case: 1) Mahogany body 2) Maple cap 3) Quilted maple laminate.

Topless

You've seen my Grassroots G-LP-50S (otherwise clik HERE)- notice the flame top, yes? For lower tier guitars, despite the gorgeous flame top you see, it's actually a visual deception. Manufacturers equip these instruments with the thinnest cap material (referred to as laminate) for obvious cost restrictions. They just want to get the visual captivation going, oblivious to the fact that a substantial cap would do wonders to tone. Other manufacturers don't even bother including a wooden laminate, they make do with photo tops- yes, it involves the photographing of a gorgeous flame/ quilt top & pasting this image on the guitar body to give an illusion of a wooden presence (back in the late '90s, some of the Japanese Fenders are of this make).

Back to the pic shown here, a quick look into the pickup cavity reveals no real maple cap/ laminate for that matter so the implication here is rather obvious.