Ibanez RG770DX

Sounds Live in Newcastle, UK for £699

Only manufactured for a short time with Dimarzio pickups before Ibanez downgraded the spec I think to the RG660DX, this guitar represented superb value for a great instrument. Fantastic wide neck with very low factory setup action. Awesome tones between the three pickups from sweet glassy clean to thrash and beyond.

In the UK it is quite difficult to get spares for worn parts, like whammy bar bushes. As a result have had rattly whammy bar for ages. Other than that, absolutely great.

Candy apple red finish with stylish clear scratch plate. Body mounted pickups give better sustain. Old style neck mounting is a bit uncomfortable at the high end of the neck.

Fantastic professional quality guitar for a not so professional price. Been superb now for years, just wish Ibanez didn't keep discontinuing guitars of such high spec for poorer copies.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The RG-770 has gone through many reiterations throughout its time as a model, and it's actually been recently re-released a few years ago. This review will mainly be talking about one of the original models that were offered. These guitars feature all the same great features you'd find on any regular RG-550/RG-570, but they also feature a clear pickguard, crazy finishes, white binding and some special sharkfin inlays.

UTILIZATION

There are various models of these that were released. The one I played had a blue colored body, maple fretboard, original Edge trem and original neck joint. The Wizard necks on these are great if you're into really thin, flat necks. They allow you to absolutely blaze through solo lines with ease. The original Edge tremolo is probably one of my top three favorite floyd roses out there; it stays in tune and handles any abuse you can throw at it. While the old style neck joint is prone to finish cracks and lacks the access the AANJ has, I find that they sound better for whatever reason.

SOUNDS

The older model RGs sound very huge compared to today's RGs for whatever reason. I'm not sure if it's quality of wood or what, but I really like the older RGs like this. The basswood body with maple neck/rosewood fretboard makes this guitar really sing for lead lines, and it's probably my favorite wood combo for leads. The pickups are pretty dull sounding, but replacing them isn't a huge issue considering you can generally find these really cheap on eBay. Just be sure to get one that isn't a parts guitar. I really like to install DiMarzios in these as I feel they fit basswood the best when compared to other companies out there.

OVERALL OPINION

The RG-770 is a great RG for anybody looking for a tremolo equipped guitar. Some people dislike basswood, but I find it can sound very musical with the right amp and music style. Since these are pretty old, be sure to find one that hasn't just had a neck swap or something.

Ibanez RG 770 DX. Color: Candy Apple Red. Body stocky, round rosewood (1 pice), rosewood fingerboard "Shark". Channel Wizard. Floyd Rose vibrato License. Blocks-strings. Micro: 2 single / 1 double, splitable.

UTILIZATION

Excellent guitar extremely easy to play thanks to its handle end trs.

I do not put that 9 / 10 because the only BMOL I think is its weight (probably less onerous than a Les Paul is the same APRS qd feel good two hours together!)

SOUNDS

Microphones extremely versatile allowing all styles of music.

OVERALL OPINION

A guitar that would be perfect (if "easy" and so versatile) if a little more silent lgre.

An excellent choice regardless of the level in all cases.