@@drperkyreal4686 that’s what I thought, at first I thought you meant the Ibanez which led me to believe you didn’t hear the Ibanez but since you meant the Ibanez over the Ibanez and not the Ibanez over the Ibanez, clearly means you know how much better the Ibanez was over the Ibanez.
Bank account oh I remember having access to one of those things years ago before my wife banned me from using ours because of guitar gear very unreasonable woman i mean who the hell needs to pay bills and eat food I just don't get her way of thinking
Ibanez does not get nearly as much love as they should. I think too many players think of them as Metal or shredder guitars, but they offer a broad range of guitars suited for a variety of genres. Lot's of little innovations in there too as far as how the 5 way switch works, especially on the S series with the dual humbuckers. Rip your head off and feast on your entrails is my favourite quote of the day. Made me laugh out loud.
@Steve A guitar is a Guitar chief. If you don't like a distortion, then go with a acoustic 🤷♂️. Nobody gets an electric guitar to not use any effects. All about that distortion.
@Steve Well, I've never heard distortion being used in Blues so I wouldn't know. Then again, it isn't traditional blues if you're just distorting the guitar, now is it?
I will vote for the “S-Series”. Sounded so clean and precise. But that’s just my take. Loved your minute solo with both instruments. Darrell, you are a beast my friend! Loved your style and how you bring to the plate every time you make a video. Cheers from Texas!
@@DarrellBraunGuitar Haven't they got any IPA? I get a headache from the Grolsch Pilsener that I mainly bought for the strap locks. I still have 20 or so in my garage. Now I drink brown beers, white beers and IPA. IPA burst sounds good for a finish name, just like CAR. Three letters and you're done.
I own 6 Ibanez. 2 S series, 2 RG, one SA, and an acoustic. it depends what mood you're in. S is blues, RG is loud. one thing I can swear by is the necks on all are perfect. as you can see these guitars are beautiful and great craftmanship.
Its an inch thick in the body. Less that two inches where the neck meets the body of the guitar .. seriously thin guitar. I pick up my Gibson acoustic and I feel like I am playing a cinder block wrapped in a Volkswagen. I pick up my daughter's s series and I don't even know it's there. Its disgusting how thin it is and how great it sounds. No guitar that thin should sound that good.
It's thin, but the wizards at Ibanez created a paper weight (yes. it's very very light) sustain machine. You can play for hours with zero fatigue, and it takes Seymour Duncan Alnico PRO II's like a dream.
I love both guitars, but I have a soft spot in my heart for that s series! 😍 Personly, I don't think you can go wrong with ibanez. I've had a few and loved them all!
Both! The floating bridge will be my first choice with the S contour body shape and reverse headstock 🤘🏽😎, may be I will chose a Ibanez S series with Edge Zero with Zero Point Resistance 3 bridge, or Lo-Pro II. 👋🏽🙂🇻🇪
Couldn't agree more. That's further reinforced by the existence of the RGA, which is the result of Ibanez taking the RG, and making a purebred metal guitar.
These films are priceless to us mortals. I cannot thank you enough Sir Braun! I have an RG550 I bought in 1992. Still love it, and it still shows me where the sound is found.
Played clean, the S does sound to me considerably more clearly defined. Then again, I don't suppose anyone would buy an RG to play it clean. Great video - as always, Darrell.
I built an RG for a clean studio guitar!! Its a Gretsch-Slayer!! Neck P-90, Bridge Filtertron (with an added Spin-A-Split knob) and an Alinco V single in the middle spot (the other two are Alinco V as well) add a crazy five way switch and a Wizard Neck and it can; quack, scream, chickenpick, rockabilly, punk, rock or blues it up!
I have had my S for close to 10 years now. It is the only guitar you will ever need. If you ever get something else to add to your collection, it will be because it's a want, not a need. But it's always good to have a strat. Be sure you get one of those.
David Lawrence .. I bought my daughter an S621qm .. dragon burst finish . Take both those guitars and smash the top together finish. Beautiful guitar. She calls it her Harry Potter special.
Oh my gosh!! On the heavy riff comparison!!!! Don’t know if that was intentional or not but that riff sounds amazingly close to end of me by ashes remain. Love those guys
They are equally good Ibanez makes pretty good guitars we have seen you with that orange guitar in couple of videos and I got my eyes on one of them, my next guitar will be an Ibanez, I am also wondering why is Darrell not the lead guitar player on some famous band? Impeccable timing when he plays guitar.
Your comparison method and material used (including light and camera) is beyond magnificent: allows very clear comparison of guitar build and sound! And you're clearly a no-nonsense expert, of course. Please continue for decades!
Daniel Baber . I bought my daughter an S series over the RG .. it is so much lighter and the fixed bridge was the plus. Now she wants an s series with trem. I told her to get a job
I have an S470 MIJ (1997) and an RG1550 (2003) in this particular case the RG has a better trem, and in those days the S series had only 22 frets. Both guitars are quite similar sounding. The S series is nice to play in stand up position because of it's weight, but in seat position I prefer the ergonomics of the RG.
Can't go wrong with an Ibanez. I have owned like 10 different ones over the years. The only reason I ever got rid of any of them is because I wore them out. They have been my go to guitar that I have played out with for years. The two you have sound and look pretty good, the Mesa does them justice. I would have to choose both.......hahaha!
I was looking at the RG450MB but found an incredible deal on an S470DXQM! Got it for a song and I’m really loving it! Never thought I would go for any Ibanez “rock” guitar since I’m mostly a country player. But this new show I’m doing in Branson, MO covers a multitude of genres! I was using up to four guitars to get what I needed but with the Ibanez S, I’m down to two! And I could do the whole show with it alone! Thanks for your videos DB! You were very “instrumental” in my decision! Pun intended! Haha!
I had my 540s since 1992 It has the custom made badge on the neck and made in usa writing in the metal plate in the back. 30 years and still in very nice and straigh shape
This was amazing stuff and you have lovely phrasing. I love the RG’s a lot, but after this I think I might start looking more into the S Series. Considering they have a nice blues type tone or can handle it well. I love variety and Ibanez makes some very versatile guitars. Thanks a lot! 👊😎❤️
Ok. Did a bit of research. My take on the S series. Both the Premium and Prestige sound smooth, feel smooth but lacks bite in sound (Dimarzio pickups), the base S series feels ok but not as tight as the others however, it sounds much more agreesive and has lots of bite (Ibanez designed pickups). S series have Mahogany bodies and some alder. They seem to lose low end that the RG has but probably has better sustain due to the mahogany body being normally denser wood. Chugging at high volume between the two guitars may reveal proof of a difference in low end sound differences. Fret dressing and especially polished frets can make a HUGE difference in sustain. The RG in this video sounded like there was a loss in sustain because of poor contact between the string and the fret. Older tarnished strings would also cause this. Having both fret and string issues makes it even worst. I have experimented with shim and no shim in the neck pocket and to my surprise tbere is a difference. The shim added a sharper more focused tone where a no shim complete neck to body contact gave it a rounder and possibly low mids boost, not by much, but there was a change. Lots of variables including bridge materials and contact design to the wood. I prefer RG for heavy Rock and Metal and the S series could fit well in soul and blues possibly soft rock leads and perhaps even country as it seems to want to play soft sustaining leads mostly. The RG says, watch how many notes can be played in one second and then how balsy the low end on the top E string can get when you push that amp.
This is why Ibanez are my favourite guitar brand. They make gorgeous looking guitars with a gorgeous sound and a gorgeous build quality, bloody outstanding, just like my JEM JR
I own the three guitars you mentioned: an '85 Roadstar series II, a '91 RG and a 2010 S series. I agree with you regarding the S series is the most comfortable one. And definitely the look of the S is awesome! Your channel is very interesting, congratulations! (A japanese Ibanez lover musician living in Mexico) P.S.- The guitar I'm holding in the profile photo is my S.
I've been doing some hardcore research over the past few weeks because I really want to get my 2nd guitar. I got a Squier Strat right now and I really wanted something more modern in features and design and more setup for hard rock and modern lead guitar. All of that research brought me here, to the S Series. Just found out they don't make em in a lefty variant. Honestly heartbroken. I know playing lefty limits my options but that's how I learned.
I've been spying forever on an Ibanez S series (with some huge name) that is like yours but sapphire blue, got a single coil in the middle and has a floating bridge. My mouth absolutely water when I look at it. And I still prefer the S series after watching this.
I have been playing guitar for 40 years. Each guitar is an excellent guitar and also affordable. I have had several RG's since they have been introduced. I have never owned an S-Series, but have played a couple. For the money, these are really solid playable guitars. From the Beginner to the Advanced, I consider both guitars a Good Investment. I play many genres and each of my guitars serve a certain purpose. I own everything from Gibson, Gretsch, Fender, Jackson and Ibanez. It all matters on what you purpose the guitar for and your playing style.
I bought an RG Prestige model about 15 years ago and it spent most of its time in the stand. Just never enjoyed playing it. About 5 years ago I bought a used S470 and for me it's 1000 times better. The ZR trem just runs circles around the Edge bridges IMO.
Darell your videos are great !! Your methodology is the best and your playing inspires me ! Keep doing what you do ! Btw that s series is insane great tone sustain and gorgeous !! 👍👍
I prefer the S sound which is a bit warmer, but probably would like to have the trem option, cause one day I might know how to properly use it. Thanks for your videos, I am an engineer and guy your method sounds scientific to me and so accurate it is awesome. Hope you'll never have to be endorsed by one brand so that your vids remain as unbiased as they can be :-) Keep on rockin in a free world !
I loved this! Great tone, Great player. Had me tearing up with those wide bends, pre bends and some pedal tones OMG. Love that kind of playing. Such a nice, humble guy too. Liked and now subscribed!
I love the S! Been tossing around the idea of getting an S, either in the Dragon’s Eye Burst or Nita Strauss’ JIVA in Black and Blonde Burst, but idk... really like that one you’ve got right there. May have to see if I can find one of them.
After listening intently three times I need BOTH guitars to satisfy my G.A.S.: Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. The RG def has a wider dynamic range. Prob a great Rhythm guitar styles. It has that mid fill that makes the sound fuller, like a finely set up Strat. But not like a Strat. More like a very modded (chambered) Les Paul with a Bigsby? Its hard to describe BOTH guitars: They both sound awesome! The RG has more depth. but less crisp highs. It seems to be built to be the edgy rhythm guitar that can insert fills when the lead is resting. It can lead on its own, but sings in an ensemble! The S is like a barracuda to me: It has that bite but not the sustain. But it can rip your heart out and serve it to you on a plate while you're still breathing! The attack is a bit compressed (or is that the pedal?) and it just sings!! The ergonomics on this guitar are flawless! But looks don't make a guitar. On sound alone they are equal but different. If you want to make a musical statement and are proficient to do just that, the S is your vehicle! Its leads can stir the soul!
You are SO on the money when you say that there are RG's and S's with configurations for any-/everyone's taste and/or style. I can vouch personally for that as well, having an extended Harem of Ibbys of my own. I have RG's of many wood types from oiled mahogany to basswood with figured maple cap, Clear-coated to metallic, with bridge choices of Hard-tail to Edge trem to Floyd Rose, sporting set-ups with HH, HSH, HSS, which have hardware that is chrome, gold, satin, cosmo-black, pewter, well...you get the idea. AND I have some S series in the Harem including S, SA, and some SZ series as well. All but one solid mahogany SZ are topped in incredible Trans-colored Quilts, and one S actually has J.S.'s signature on the front! Nice upgrade! I personally like the oil-finished mahogany RG321/421 hardtails the most, but the S's are no joke and they all can purr just as well as they scream. "Versatile" is a way, and THE WORD, to describe any or all of them & easily what the Ibanez company does best! (And you thought GREASE was the word, huh? LOL!!)
Wonderful comparison, and you do justice to both guitars by making them sound amazing. It would have been great to compare with a mahogany body RG instead of the basswood.
I own a S420 with the ZR-Tremolosystem. If I would buy now a new Ibanez would take an RG cause its more made for the aggressive and metal things and the S is more bluesier, especially in the neck position. Greetings from 🇩🇪
My first Ibanez was an S670 that is a great workhorse, but the stock Ibanez Quantum pickups are just OK. But I recently picked up an S-based EGEN18 and it completely blew me away. It’s like an enchanted guitar that immediately makes you play better. I don’t know if it’s the ultra-thin neck or the custom HLM DiMarzios, but it lets you go fast, fast, fast while maintaining perfect tonality and is an absolute joy to jam on. The only guitar I’ve ever played that I’ve enjoyed this much is my trusty old Westone Pantera X275 which still rips and shreds like a beast.
I like the clean sounds of S series, it sounds more rebust and fuller tones. Both models are very impressive but I like the thin body of the S. I enjoyed your playing at the end of the video with both guitars dubbing the recording, very impressive playing.
I have to say it was probably the best guitar review Ive seen period. You really talk about things that matter and play to demonstrate the pros and cons of the guitars. Ive akways said guitars with floyd have less sustain and people argue with me. The tone is different too. Let me put it this way, if you want long ,warm, flowing melodic solos and jazzy sounds get an S, if you are metal o rocker only get the RG. Most reviews the reviewer only plays chug chug chords and cant play a 13th chord or diminished. You play very nice and your preset sounds very nice. Thank you
I love your tone comparison videos, something about the way you solo is just absolutely mesmerizing
Thanks so much CP ☺
Darrell Braun Guitar thanks for the pin!
He has good comp skills and melody
I installed Tone zones pickups on my 1994 SV470 when I bought it new, sounds great
This solo reminded me A7X - Seize the day
I really love the Ibanez but I’d have to say the Ibanez is the winner. I mean the Ibanez sounded really good but the Ibanez sounded better
The Ibanez sounds Aladeen to me!! :D
Are you talking about the Ibanez or the Ibanez?
@@syntheticfury1734 the ibanez
@@drperkyreal4686 that’s what I thought, at first I thought you meant the Ibanez which led me to believe you didn’t hear the Ibanez but since you meant the Ibanez over the Ibanez and not the Ibanez over the Ibanez, clearly means you know how much better the Ibanez was over the Ibanez.
@@syntheticfury1734 LOL
That's why I love this channel...I learn so much about guitars that I have zero experience with...very interesting!
The S is a tad more mellow, great sound. The Rg is more agressive. I would choose one of each and then RIP bank account :D
amen brother
Couldn't agree more brother!!
Not necessarily...you can come across some nice pre loved ones and you can save your account and enjoy these fantastic axes.
Bank account oh I remember having access to one of those things years ago before my wife banned me from using ours because of guitar gear very unreasonable woman i mean who the hell needs to pay bills and eat food I just don't get her way of thinking
Ibanez does not get nearly as much love as they should. I think too many players think of them as Metal or shredder guitars, but they offer a broad range of guitars suited for a variety of genres. Lot's of little innovations in there too as far as how the 5 way switch works, especially on the S series with the dual humbuckers.
Rip your head off and feast on your entrails is my favourite quote of the day. Made me laugh out loud.
Agreed!
They are an undervalued option 👍
Mitch Ross Music totally agree, also in basses. Hell, I even traded a Warwick for a Ibanez BTB5 string
they’re an absolute babe to play and feel so good
@Steve A guitar is a Guitar chief. If you don't like a distortion, then go with a acoustic 🤷♂️. Nobody gets an electric guitar to not use any effects. All about that distortion.
@Steve Well, I've never heard distortion being used in Blues so I wouldn't know. Then again, it isn't traditional blues if you're just distorting the guitar, now is it?
The soloing in this video.... MY GOD HOW BEAUTIFUL
I will vote for the “S-Series”. Sounded so clean and precise. But that’s just my take. Loved your minute solo with both instruments. Darrell, you are a beast my friend! Loved your style and how you bring to the plate every time you make a video. Cheers from Texas!
Thanks for the kind words Pablo!
@@DarrellBraunGuitar where is the the prestige guitar I can't find the color?
Hi!
Wild pilsner burst :)
@@DarrellBraunGuitar Thanks dude great video. Love the tone by the way
@@DarrellBraunGuitar Haven't they got any IPA? I get a headache from the Grolsch Pilsener that I mainly bought for the strap locks. I still have 20 or so in my garage. Now I drink brown beers, white beers and IPA.
IPA burst sounds good for a finish name, just like CAR. Three letters and you're done.
The S sounds phenomenal. I’ve been wanting to buy a Japanese RG for a while but you may have swayed me!
Gotta remember they have different pickups. They have a huge effect on the tone.
I gigged with a RG550 all through the 1990's. Pulling harmonics out of it is effortless. A pure metal stick with the Wizard neck. What a great piece.
Every guitar you play sounds amazing.
Thanks so much David!
I own 6 Ibanez. 2 S series, 2 RG, one SA, and an acoustic. it depends what mood you're in. S is blues, RG is loud. one thing I can swear by is the necks on all are perfect. as you can see these guitars are beautiful and great craftmanship.
I prefer the S, although none can go wrong with either of these!
Man... How thin is the S 😱
The strap button is thicker than the guitar 😱😱😱
Its an inch thick in the body. Less that two inches where the neck meets the body of the guitar .. seriously thin guitar. I pick up my Gibson acoustic and I feel like I am playing a cinder block wrapped in a Volkswagen. I pick up my daughter's s series and I don't even know it's there. Its disgusting how thin it is and how great it sounds. No guitar that thin should sound that good.
Its super light too, i have an ocean fade
@David Zimmerman man, i played an s-series ONCE 7 years ago and i still dream of owning one, the best feeling guitar if you want a fast guitar.
It's thin, but the wizards at Ibanez created a paper weight (yes. it's very very light) sustain machine. You can play for hours with zero fatigue, and it takes Seymour Duncan Alnico PRO II's like a dream.
I love both guitars, but I have a soft spot in my heart for that s series! 😍 Personly, I don't think you can go wrong with ibanez. I've had a few and loved them all!
I have been subscribed for over a year, and your soloing during this video has got to be the best I have heard!
Thanks so much Brett!
Maybe these crazy thin necks are helping me out 😄
Thinking the same thing. This was amazing!
I second that comment.
Which Ibby was your favourite? Let me know!
Thats Right... But between SA and RG I'll do chose RG 4 ever... Trust me!
Both! The floating bridge will be my first choice with the S contour body shape and reverse headstock 🤘🏽😎, may be I will chose a Ibanez S series with Edge Zero with Zero Point Resistance 3 bridge, or Lo-Pro II. 👋🏽🙂🇻🇪
My favorite was the RG
Big fan of the S series personally.
Darrell Braun Guitar ibanez
I know the RG seems genre-specific, but it's really not, any more than the Strat is. The RG can do anything.
Couldn't agree more. That's further reinforced by the existence of the RGA, which is the result of Ibanez taking the RG, and making a purebred metal guitar.
Morte Parla what about RGD? More metal than RGA?
Yeah, my RG djazzes real nice
yes I agree the rg can do anything, its not genre specific.
Considering people use it for death metal yes
S: super
RG: Really Good
Does this mean my ibanez sa is super awesome? :D
@@zekkari27 yep
What does JEM mean???
@@zekkari27 yes bro, go on playing 😀😀😀
@@Xero6969 Joyful Emotional Motion 😀😎👍
These films are priceless to us mortals. I cannot thank you enough Sir Braun! I have an RG550 I bought in 1992. Still love it, and it still shows me where the sound is found.
Slow lead sounded a lot like Pink Floyd's "Coming Back to Life". Nice 👌
Chris MacFarlane yup
Played clean, the S does sound to me considerably more clearly defined. Then again, I don't suppose anyone would buy an RG to play it clean. Great video - as always, Darrell.
@CHON
I built an RG for a clean studio guitar!! Its a Gretsch-Slayer!! Neck P-90, Bridge Filtertron (with an added Spin-A-Split knob) and an Alinco V single in the middle spot (the other two are Alinco V as well) add a crazy five way switch and a Wizard Neck and it can; quack, scream, chickenpick, rockabilly, punk, rock or blues it up!
I used to play S series guitars almost exclusively... then switched to RGs. I prefer RGs.
I just bought my first electric guitar... Ibanez S series HSS. I LOVE IT!!!
Good choice - I have a lot of guitars from expensive to cheap and I love them all as if they were my own children!
I have had my S for close to 10 years now. It is the only guitar you will ever need. If you ever get something else to add to your collection, it will be because it's a want, not a need. But it's always good to have a strat. Be sure you get one of those.
My first electric is also a SA HSS love it
I've bought a RG370 BMT last year and I really like it overall. Would love to own a S also. You just can't have enough guitars :)
I prefer the S Series. Awesome tone and so stylish, love it.
I love the red cap on the RG, I'm a fool for a red guitar. Put the red cap on the S and we have a perfect guitar.
David Lawrence .. I bought my daughter an S621qm .. dragon burst finish . Take both those guitars and smash the top together finish. Beautiful guitar. She calls it her Harry Potter special.
Sadly not a cap. Just a veneer.
That into jam is absolutely beautiful, wow
Beginning solo is like a reimagined version of Seize The Day’s solo 🔥
The S Series DEFINITELY! I have mine with the ZR tremolo system with actually it´s the best trem system that i´ve ever experienced in my whole life.
I bless you man for the solo on the final.. man what a sound you create ..you make me High. Lot of respect for you man
Oh my gosh!! On the heavy riff comparison!!!! Don’t know if that was intentional or not but that riff sounds amazingly close to end of me by ashes remain. Love those guys
😀👍
This is exactly the video I needed! I've been trying to decide between these two.
Glad to help :)
They are equally good Ibanez makes pretty good guitars we have seen you with that orange guitar in couple of videos and I got my eyes on one of them, my next guitar will be an Ibanez, I am also wondering why is Darrell not the lead guitar player on some famous band? Impeccable timing when he plays guitar.
I have an RG, but now I owe to myself to get an S.
Excellent demo, great playing, thank you!
Thanks so much MT!
Your solos always make me squeal like a pig and bring my hands to my face. Always beautiful. You never fail to make those instruments sing.
Your comparison method and material used (including light and camera) is beyond magnificent: allows very clear comparison of guitar build and sound! And you're clearly a no-nonsense expert, of course. Please continue for decades!
I was expecting something with that beautiful new grestch but this is just as good! Thanks man.
Thanks!
I felt bad for putting this one off for so long! Lol.
Hopefully Gretsch content next week
I have always loved the RG, but the S looks nice and thin and light. That particular S series guitar sounds a tad bit sweeter to my ears.
Daniel Baber . I bought my daughter an S series over the RG .. it is so much lighter and the fixed bridge was the plus. Now she wants an s series with trem. I told her to get a job
+Glenn Hiscock LOL!!!
S. I’m a classic Blues player, I think the sweet tones and crunch would lend some versatility to what I can present. Great compare!
Oh my god. The RG guitar looks so beautiful 😍😍😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥 That color is fire.
9:30 That's an Amazing solo, I would listen to that everyday 👌
These guitars play anything, anywhere, anytime.
I have an S470 MIJ (1997) and an RG1550 (2003) in this particular case the RG has a better trem, and in those days the S series had only 22 frets. Both guitars are quite similar sounding. The S series is nice to play in stand up position because of it's weight, but in seat position I prefer the ergonomics of the RG.
Thanks for sharing your experience with both models!.
Clean tones on the "S" Series sounded great. Lead tones were equally good. The guitar gods have smiled upon you and your beautiful instruments.
Can't go wrong with an Ibanez. I have owned like 10 different ones over the years. The only reason I ever got rid of any of them is because I wore them out. They have been my go to guitar that I have played out with for years. The two you have sound and look pretty good, the Mesa does them justice. I would have to choose both.......hahaha!
pcbullets they certainly look and sound great. Must check them out more.
How do you wear out a guitar?
I was looking at the RG450MB but found an incredible deal on an S470DXQM! Got it for a song and I’m really loving it! Never thought I would go for any Ibanez “rock” guitar since I’m mostly a country player. But this new show I’m doing in Branson, MO covers a multitude of genres! I was using up to four guitars to get what I needed but with the Ibanez S, I’m down to two! And I could do the whole show with it alone! Thanks for your videos DB! You were very “instrumental” in my decision! Pun intended! Haha!
Glad to hear it!
The light weight is a big bonus on long gigs too!
After playing my Ibanez for a couple of weeks, I picked up my Strat and it felt like it was 4 inches thick! Hahaha!
😄👍
Every time I watch this video I am so impressed with his technique
私は日本人です。Ibanezは日本の会社ですが、あなたの動画ほど詳しくIbanezの比較とレビューしている日本人は誰もいません。素晴らしい動画をありがとう！
RG all day long!!!! I love my 550 🎸🤟🏻
I like both but would start out with the S series first.
I like the S series' appearance . It's warm look. Both good guitars
I had my 540s since 1992
It has the custom made badge on the neck and made in usa writing in the metal plate in the back.
30 years and still in very nice and straigh shape
My two favorite guitars you've demoed so far, nice :)
This was amazing stuff and you have lovely phrasing. I love the RG’s a lot, but after this I think I might start looking more into the S Series. Considering they have a nice blues type tone or can handle it well. I love variety and Ibanez makes some very versatile guitars. Thanks a lot! 👊😎❤️
Ok. Did a bit of research. My take on the S series. Both the Premium and Prestige sound smooth, feel smooth but lacks bite in sound (Dimarzio pickups), the base S series feels ok but not as tight as the others however, it sounds much more agreesive and has lots of bite (Ibanez designed pickups). S series have Mahogany bodies and some alder. They seem to lose low end that the RG has but probably has better sustain due to the mahogany body being normally denser wood. Chugging at high volume between the two guitars may reveal proof of a difference in low end sound differences.
Fret dressing and especially polished frets can make a HUGE difference in sustain. The RG in this video sounded like there was a loss in sustain because of poor contact between the string and the fret. Older tarnished strings would also cause this. Having both fret and string issues makes it even worst.
I have experimented with shim and no shim in the neck pocket and to my surprise tbere is a difference. The shim added a sharper more focused tone where a no shim complete neck to body contact gave it a rounder and possibly low mids boost, not by much, but there was a change.
Lots of variables including bridge materials and contact design to the wood. I prefer RG for heavy Rock and Metal and the S series could fit well in soul and blues possibly soft rock leads and perhaps even country as it seems to want to play soft sustaining leads mostly. The RG says, watch how many notes can be played in one second and then how balsy the low end on the top E string can get when you push that amp.
This is why Ibanez are my favourite guitar brand.
They make gorgeous looking guitars with a gorgeous sound and a gorgeous build quality, bloody outstanding, just like my JEM JR
I own the three guitars you mentioned: an '85 Roadstar series II, a '91 RG and a 2010 S series. I agree with you regarding the S series is the most comfortable one. And definitely the look of the S is awesome! Your channel is very interesting, congratulations! (A japanese Ibanez lover musician living in Mexico) P.S.- The guitar I'm holding in the profile photo is my S.
Thanks man!
They are just so incredibly comfortable 👍
I've been doing some hardcore research over the past few weeks because I really want to get my 2nd guitar. I got a Squier Strat right now and I really wanted something more modern in features and design and more setup for hard rock and modern lead guitar. All of that research brought me here, to the S Series. Just found out they don't make em in a lefty variant. Honestly heartbroken. I know playing lefty limits my options but that's how I learned.
Entrance is like November rain + a day in the like + coming back to life mixed all together amazing work friend
I think I like the S better, but they are both beautiful guitars. Your playing is so smooth, it makes it hard to pick one or the other. Thanks
Anyone else hearing “Coming Back to Life” at 5:40? Sorry if Im pointing out the obvious but not sure if it’s intended.
Yes.... Coming back to life !!!!
I've been spying forever on an Ibanez S series (with some huge name) that is like yours but sapphire blue, got a single coil in the middle and has a floating bridge. My mouth absolutely water when I look at it. And I still prefer the S series after watching this.
I have been playing guitar for 40 years. Each guitar is an excellent guitar and also affordable. I have had several RG's since they have been introduced. I have never owned an S-Series, but have played a couple. For the money, these are really solid playable guitars. From the Beginner to the Advanced, I consider both guitars a Good Investment. I play many genres and each of my guitars serve a certain purpose. I own everything from Gibson, Gretsch, Fender, Jackson and Ibanez. It all matters on what you purpose the guitar for and your playing style.
I own 10 Ibanez Guitars. Japan and Korean are my favorites in that order. Amazing guitars.
I bought an RG Prestige model about 15 years ago and it spent most of its time in the stand. Just never enjoyed playing it. About 5 years ago I bought a used S470 and for me it's 1000 times better. The ZR trem just runs circles around the Edge bridges IMO.
Darell your videos are great !! Your methodology is the best and your playing inspires me ! Keep doing what you do !
Btw that s series is insane great tone sustain and gorgeous !! 👍👍
Thanks man! I appreciate it
great comparison. really appreciate the different tone, pickup combinations.
Love the S body. I also play keyboard with the guitar still strapped on, so the lighter, the better.
I prefer the S sound which is a bit warmer, but probably would like to have the trem option, cause one day I might know how to properly use it.
Thanks for your videos, I am an engineer and guy your method sounds scientific to me and so accurate it is awesome.
Hope you'll never have to be endorsed by one brand so that your vids remain as unbiased as they can be :-)
Keep on rockin in a free world !
I love that RG! Looks great and sounds awesome
During clean tone for each position, can hear the difference so greatly. S series definitely is another class on its own.
I always enjoy your playing. I am surprised how much better the S sounds to my ears. Two very nice guitars
Thanks Craig!
They are definitely a lot of fun to play!
I have an rg but man that S clean tone is dope 👌🏾
I loved this! Great tone, Great player. Had me tearing up with those wide bends, pre bends and some pedal tones OMG. Love that kind of playing. Such a nice, humble guy too. Liked and now subscribed!
Your intro solo reminded me a lot of the first few bars of the solo to A7X’s Seize the Day, which is one of my favourite songs so nice job
I love the S! Been tossing around the idea of getting an S, either in the Dragon’s Eye Burst or Nita Strauss’ JIVA in Black and Blonde Burst, but idk... really like that one you’ve got right there. May have to see if I can find one of them.
After listening intently three times I need BOTH guitars to satisfy my G.A.S.: Guitar Acquisition Syndrome.
The RG def has a wider dynamic range. Prob a great Rhythm guitar styles. It has that mid fill that makes the sound fuller, like a finely set up Strat. But not like a Strat. More like a very modded (chambered) Les Paul with a Bigsby? Its hard to describe BOTH guitars: They both sound awesome! The RG has more depth. but less crisp highs. It seems to be built to be the edgy rhythm guitar that can insert fills when the lead is resting. It can lead on its own, but sings in an ensemble!
The S is like a barracuda to me: It has that bite but not the sustain. But it can rip your heart out and serve it to you on a plate while you're still breathing! The attack is a bit compressed (or is that the pedal?) and it just sings!! The ergonomics on this guitar are flawless! But looks don't make a guitar. On sound alone they are equal but different. If you want to make a musical statement and are proficient to do just that, the S is your vehicle! Its leads can stir the soul!
Love the intro and solo on the RG. Really tells a story and makes it cry. You're an amazing player. 🎸🎸
You are SO on the money when you say that there are RG's and S's with configurations for any-/everyone's taste and/or style. I can vouch personally for that as well, having an extended Harem of Ibbys of my own. I have RG's of many wood types from oiled mahogany to basswood with figured maple cap, Clear-coated to metallic, with bridge choices of Hard-tail to Edge trem to Floyd Rose, sporting set-ups with HH, HSH, HSS, which have hardware that is chrome, gold, satin, cosmo-black, pewter, well...you get the idea. AND I have some S series in the Harem including S, SA, and some SZ series as well. All but one solid mahogany SZ are topped in incredible Trans-colored Quilts, and one S actually has J.S.'s signature on the front! Nice upgrade! I personally like the oil-finished mahogany RG321/421 hardtails the most, but the S's are no joke and they all can purr just as well as they scream. "Versatile" is a way, and THE WORD, to describe any or all of them & easily what the Ibanez company does best! (And you thought GREASE was the word, huh? LOL!!)
Wonderful comparison, and you do justice to both guitars by making them sound amazing. It would have been great to compare with a mahogany body RG instead of the basswood.
The S is more versatile as the RG. You can play with the S all Styles. Take the S!
Weights of these two guitars? You are the best videos and training! Clear speech and excellent stage presence!
Great comparison, Darrell! Thanks!
5:39 It sounds like "Coming Back to Life" by david gilmour
That s series is GORGEOUS!!
Very well done video. Congrats! I own an Ibanez S420-BBS and very happy with it.
I own a S420 with the ZR-Tremolosystem. If I would buy now a new Ibanez would take an RG cause its more made for the aggressive and metal things and the S is more bluesier, especially in the neck position. Greetings from 🇩🇪
The S has a cleaner sound the RG sounds more raw and dirty i like them both but i think i'll go for the S
Dang! Those both amazing!
My first Ibanez was an S670 that is a great workhorse, but the stock Ibanez Quantum pickups are just OK. But I recently picked up an S-based EGEN18 and it completely blew me away. It’s like an enchanted guitar that immediately makes you play better. I don’t know if it’s the ultra-thin neck or the custom HLM DiMarzios, but it lets you go fast, fast, fast while maintaining perfect tonality and is an absolute joy to jam on. The only guitar I’ve ever played that I’ve enjoyed this much is my trusty old Westone Pantera X275 which still rips and shreds like a beast.
Just remembered this solo from so long ago :D so nice to hear it again..
great video, i prefer the S Series
The S looked and sounded better to me.
I like the clean sounds of S series, it sounds more rebust and fuller tones. Both models are very impressive but I like the thin body of the S. I enjoyed your playing at the end of the video with both guitars dubbing the recording, very impressive playing.
I’m addicted to Darryll!! Thanks for a great comparison!!
😄 Thanks man!
I love rg's sound but blin, the S looks amazing!
Can we get a "how to" on these solos? There's something that just does something to me. There I SAID IT!
I have to say it was probably the best guitar review Ive seen period. You really talk about things that matter and play to demonstrate the pros and cons of the guitars. Ive akways said guitars with floyd have less sustain and people argue with me. The tone is different too. Let me put it this way, if you want long ,warm, flowing melodic solos and jazzy sounds get an S, if you are metal o rocker only get the RG. Most reviews the reviewer only plays chug chug chords and cant play a 13th chord or diminished. You play very nice and your preset sounds very nice. Thank you
I have both, it depends which one feels more comfortable to your body and your arm length. I feel most comfortable with the S series
the Ibanez S series is my dream but unfortunately my bank account doesn't agree
You bank does agree. It agrees it is a dream lol.
I'm in the same boat mate
Reverb has entered the chat: ten used guitars that won't break the bank.
Featured:Ibanez S series
Missing:SZ/SZR series