Should I get a PRS or an Ibanez guitar?

Question

So I'm getting a new guitar. Thing is, I can't pick between PRS and Ibanez.

When it comes to guitar style, I mostly lean towards metal, rock, and (occasionally) some blues. I prefer playing fast licks, heavy distortion, and a LOT of whammy. But I also love the smooth blues tone.

I've always loved PRS, but the price was sorta out of my reach. Ibanez is more affordable for me, and so far I love the specs.

So which guitar should I get? Please give me some comparisons (a comparison on their tremolo would be nice) and your opinion (please don't give me an "it depends on your personal taste" answer because it's not very helpful). Thank you very much!

Answer 1

I would definitely lean towards Ibanez. PRS makes great guitars, but for a lead guitar or shredding machine, my first pick is always Ibanez. They have the lowest string height clearance of all the guitars, have the thinnest necks, and although I prefer neck thru designs, their AANJ (all access neck joints) make their bolt ons great for a lead player rather than PRS's block style ala Fender. Most of their tremolos are sturdy as hell. They are also one of the best bang for your buck guitars out there. Im not sure what your price range is, obviously they have all different levels. Their GIO stuff is crap. Prestige is the high end, premium is fairly high end, and their regular stuff is decent. If you are open to getting used ones on Ebay, you will get more of a bang for your buck too. I typically swap pickups out in my Ibanezs, but their stock humbuckers arent so bad. Look into their RG series or RGA. They both have 24 frets. If you are ok with 22 frets, the S (Sabre) series is a lightweight guitar that may fit you well also. Don't get anything under a 300 series as the tremolos become unreliable. Older 400 and 500 series on Ebay are the equivelant of their premium 800 and 900 series today. If you can afford it, aim for a prestige used.

Answer 2

Don't get me wrong, they are both great brands, but if you like 'a LOT of whammy' then go with an Ibanez! If you want the best bang for your buck, then go with the RG450M, they are about $400. The floating tremolo is so awesome, I have a very tough time trying to go back to a fixed trem.

Answer 3

Listen to Walter, the man knows his stuff!!