AR300 or SC420

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Author Message   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 8:17 am:    hi all my question is if given the choice between a 2005 korean built AR300 and a brand new 2001 JAPAN built SC420, and by brand new, i mean its still in the ibanez store and hasnt been sold cos people dnt seem to like it much... what would the nice folks at ibanezcollectors prefer given that both have magic fat tones, and are both great player guitars. i gave them both a whizz and they both amazing. i love the set neck of the AR300, solidly built, i could live with a bolt on for the SC but the only thing drawing me to it is its JAPAN built?? ideas? preferences? thanks claudio   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 8:27 am:    ohh, and are the korean built guitars really as bad as some make them to be?? this one looks pretty solid, inlays are good, finish is brilliant...   Michaelkaufman Username: Michaelkaufman Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 10:36 am:    If you're interested, I have a mint 1997 MIK AR300 which I think is nicer than the new ones. It even has tri-sound coil-tap switches which the new one doesn't have. It will be listed on eBay soon if no one from here buys it first. mk   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 11:18 am:    Guido, I'm a big fan of both, and own guitars from both series. It's no secret that I'm an SC fanatic. They both have great tones, but they are both on opposite ends of the weight spectrum. The AR uses a weight is no object approach, using lots of heavy wood and hardware. The tone is classic, full and softer. To me it really does the LP thing well - better than the real thing. But not much else, and the weight and shape kills me. The more modern SC still has mass where it needs is, but is feather weight in comparison, and is much more comfortable to play because of its contours and size. To me, the tone on the SC420 was a little bit too edgy, but that went away when I installed an SD SH-11 in the bridge. I'm a big fan if the wide, shallow v shaped neck. You can get some really versatile tones from the SC's 5 way switch, including some twangy ones. -Sven   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Friday, November 25, 2005 - 1:35 am:    hmm.. interesting points so far... Michael, i live in south africa which would pose a problem for shipping, that and the shipping would probably cost more than guitar itself, thanks anyways. Funkle, what do you think of the newer korean built guitars, are the materials really cheaper and the quality inferior? i have 2 vintage ibanez from 84 and 76 which are amazing, but to be honest, i really didnt see much difference in terms of sound and build... thats why im wondering why people dont seem to like korean guitars. that sc420 is very nice though... claudio   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 1:22 pm:    Claudio, There are differing opinions on this. It's almost like arguing whether old world wine is better than new world wine. Use your own judgement. The materials are not that much cheaper on the Korean models, but I think timber quality has declined over the years. The craftsmanship on the korean guitars is visually very good. Korean action is often a little higher, and even after a pro setup, the necks feel different than a MIJ neck - I have not warmed up to them yet - could be all in my head. Comparing my '81 AR100 to an '05, the best word is "different" - it has a looser, easier feel and more classic tone, maybe this is a result of 25 years of use? With the semi-hollows, there is no comparison. The resonance and power that comes out of my '81 AS200 is ridiculous! It is a jazz machine. The korean AS80 I had was a completely different guitar, much less acoustically active, but probably more versatile in terms of "modern" tones, but much more restricted sounding.   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Thursday, December 01, 2005 - 8:47 am:    thanks Funkle, believe it or not, just been offered an AR100 from 1983 from a fellow who doesnt know an awful lot about the guitar (he thought it was an AR500 from 1986, quite big differences between the two), anyways, my decision now is do i go withthe ar300 from korea or the ar100 from japan. i like the fact that its from 83 but it has two monster dings near the volume pots... must have falle off the stand or something... ouch. he wants to sell it for the same price as the ar300 goes for. arghhhh, confusion and decisions   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Thursday, December 01, 2005 - 1:24 pm:    Guido, If the AR100 is in reasonably good condition, anything under $500 or $600US would be a good deal. Will you get an opportunity to play the AR100? For me, an AR is a great guitar to have in my collection, but I would play the SC a lot more -Sven   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 5:48 am:    righto... to bring some closure to this thread, i dumped the ar100 idea, there was just too much damage (needed new bridge, extensive finish work and restoration, pup switch and vol tone knobs were changed etc...) and i dont have the time or resources to nurse it back to health. that said, i bought the 2005 ar300 from korea. the finish really is top notch, workmanship is superb, initially i was a tad let down by the pups but after putting on some new medium gauge slinkys and doing some minor adjustments, the best words i can conjure are... OH MY SOUL!!! what a machine! im honestly blown away. much better than i ever anticipated. i really cant comprehend the bad rap that mik ibanez gets. honestly, im a very happy camper and im certain this player is gonna serve me well. thanks for all the input guys. appreciate it. claudio   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 11:34 am:    Guido: Sounds good! Glad you are happy with your choice. I wouldn't have thought that a string change could make such a great difference. When you get a chance, let's see some pictures of your new Tone Monster!   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 4:13 am:    righto johns, as requested, heres a pic or 3...   Guidothepimp Username: Guidothepimp Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 6:29 am:    ok, lets try that again...   Michaelkaufman Username: Michaelkaufman Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 8:13 am:    I am selling an AR-300 similar to that one, however, mine has tri-sounds. Nice guitar: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380733501

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