Ibanez SZ720FM

I traded in an Ibanez Artcore Jazz guitar that I really didn't play much for the solid body SZ720. Both guitars were purchased from a local shop in the Kansas City area. Since I traded up for this guitar I only know the list price at the shop was $599 without case.

The first thing that caught my eye about this model was the Abalone binding and the full neck inlays. I also found the color quite different from anything else I have seen. The one that I have is the smoky gray finish which changes its appearance depending on lighting conditions. In sunlight and flourescent lighting it looks more Gray with Navy tones and under incandescent lighting tends to have more of a purple shade to it. Right off the rack this guitar played quite well. I generally have my local luthier tweak new guitars that I purchase, but in this case I didn't see any reason to waste the time and/or money.

I have to think really hard to find something that I don't like about the SZ720. If I had to pick something I guess it is a bit heavier that some other guitars that I have owned. As well I am not used to a guitar that does not have a pick guard. I will have to see what more playing time has to say about that issue. Although I am used to having a pick guard on my guitars I will admit that I like the appearance much better without one. Another comment that is either good or bad depending on your viewpoint is the fact that this guitar is made in Korea. If you're a tried and true American made consumer I guess it's bad news, but if you want the playability and quality of a $1200 American made guitar for $599 it's very good news.

I have only had this unit for a couple of days now, but all indications are that it is a very solid guitar. It looks and feels like it is quite durable. I have not found any construction or quality issues. All frets are very smooth, binding and finish is flawless. I am also very pleased that this unit has a set neck. The tuners seem quite adequate. The first night I played for hours and hours and did not have to retune once.

The Ibanez SZ720FM has now taken top honors in my collection. It's somewhat sad for me to say that after only two days I have placed this quitar in my #1 wall position in place of my long term favorite Gibson SG. I have always loved the SG and thought I would never like anything better, but never may have arrived the day I purchased the SZ720

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

Ibanez Korean manufacturing
22 boxes
microphones produced in collaboration with Seymour Duncan, these are duncan design.
Vibrato Travesa fixed ropes.
one volume, two tones, a micro three-position selector (there are two double humbuckers).

Set neck (nice)

UTILIZATION

Sleeve, not as rounded as the end ibanez rg style or sword, but super nice. The frets are not jumbo they are narrower and taller.

The access to treble is very correct, facilitated by the presence of the set neck. The guitar is super light for its size and the coating past the body and the handle is of excellent workmanship and very pleasant to the touch: it slides alone.

Weakness: pickups: Duncan of design not just great for drooling distos own but play their role in the clear.

Above all, what beauty, inlays on the fretboard are flamming the most beautiful effect!

SOUNDS

To play metal as I do, is not: to change the pickups.
Whether on tube amps or digital as Zenter of Hugh and Kettner, this guitar sounds great.

OVERALL OPINION

Excellent choice, value for money on top and do not tell me that because Korean manufacturing c c pourri, because this one, she buries a lot of Japanese and U.S. models!