NGD - Budget Ibanez Content

Grumpyrocker

So I've been aware for some time that my heavy guitars and my shoulder aren't getting along. More than 20 minutes of playing my Les Pauls have me in pain. I did think of selling one of my heavier guitars and getting something equally high(ish) end but light. But decided that I'd be daft to sell a beloved Les Paul and so bought a relatively inexpensive Ibanez S521. Ordered on Sunday evening from Thomann, and it arrived here five minutes ago. Great service. Also £50 cheaper than anywhere in the UK.

I haven't plugged it in yet. Initial impression is that it is exactly what I was after. It's simple, very light and its minimalist aesthetics are very pleasing. As you might expect at this price point the finish isn't totally perfect - the fret ends are rather sharp. However it's a good looking guitar, for a great price and best of all it hardly weighs anything.

not_the_dj

Looks very nice. Happy NGD

grungebob

I had the S771 hard tail which is identical except a middle singlecoil added. Once set up and fret polished they are just great guitars, very light and easy to play. They have a very big sound to them. I tried changing the pickups to some SD's I had but ended putting the originals back in as they suited the guitar better.

Grumpyrocker

Given how slim the guitar is I am surprised how much sustain there is unplugged. Still not actually plugged it in yet as I've been busy this afternoon. Neck feels really great, very playable and the high fret access is superb - I don't normally venture up there much!

I wasn't planning on doing much with it - not even changing pickups. This is my bang around in the study guitar now. 

Nunogilberto

Looks great. The MOL finish is lovely.

Grumpyrocker

I plugged it in. Sounds damn fine.

meltedbuzzbox

I have looked at that ibby several times 

You cant go wrong at the price they sell for

I would suggest you see a sports therapist about that shoulder. Buying a lighter guitar is not a fix for a problem like that 

Grumpyrocker

It's a weight, fitness and posture issue. I am already working on it. But come on, wife approved guitar purchase, they are like gold dust.

meltedbuzzbox

no approval needed in the buzzbox house hold :-)

Grumpyrocker

I didn't say it was needed

UnclePsychosis

Get a decent neoprene padded strap. Makes a huge difference to perceived weight.

Neotech Mega - well worth it.

Hertz32

I have a 3" wide Dimarzio Cliplock on my mahogany Ibanez, wonderfully light feeling after adding that  
Congrats on the NGD, looks reet purty that!

Grumpyrocker

Thanks.

I bought a gel pad that fits over my guitar straps last week. It's really good, will probably use it with my camera bags too.