SL-1 Vs' RGT-42

[Rhmsc8]

Hello all.

I may get flamed for this, but here goes anyway.

Just curious what anyone here thinks about this.

I have heard people state that the RGT-42 is Ibanez's answer to the Jackson SL series.

My opinion is this. In terms of quality. I think that both guitars are sound, very much so! I can't get over how the RGT is so much cheaper than the SL-1. I innitially thought that it was more like the SL-3. However it blows my SL-3 out of the water. The next runner up would be the SL-1. In comparison it really holds it's weight well against the SL-1. The differences being, Rosewood Vs' Ebony and Basswood Vs' Alder. Both have binding. I am not comparing electronics or finish. As the USA made jack would win hands down on anyhting finish related excluding a minute few.

If I had to pick one, I would go SL-1. Not due to playability. But due to the aspect for me, that I grew up in a blue collar home with a GM worker as a father. So the Made in USA says a lot to me. But thats neither here nor there.

IF were talking stock, I also say the SL-1. As it has SD pups and better electronics. However the first thing I did was drop a set of EMG's in one and SD's in the other. At any rate forget about electronics.

I just want to compare playability and quality of workmanship.

At any rate I was so impressed with the RGT Series that I bought 2, an RGT-42 BP and a RGT-42 FM DR. I already own and SL-3 and SL-1. Unortunately I couldn't afford 2 SL-1's

If you have played both what is your take on the two?

Just curious.....

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

I'm beginning to think that a lot of Jackson's stuff is sort of overpriced...Ibanez and ESP are making guitars that are a lot of guitar for the money and Jackson is starting to slip behind in the competition...

[pagemalicious]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

I've tried out a RGT-42 before, everything on the guitar seemed top quality. The sound was pretty good too and the playability was cool. If i had the money i would buy a SL1, but like alot of people i can't afford the 1500+ price tag [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[pro-fusion]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

The RGT-42 is a good deal--particularly if you can score a used one. I've played one and thought it was pretty nice. The only drawback is that the 42 has the cheapo EdgePro II trem. The pre-2003 RGT-42s had TRS II trems, which are also cheapo stuff. The one I played had the TRS--it stayed in tune, but I imagine it would wear out a lot faster.

The true head-to-head Ibanez competitor to the SL1 is the Japanese-made RGT-3120. Those have mahogany bodies, DiMarzio pickups, and EdgePro I trem. They are hard to find, however, and I'm not even sure Ibanez sells them in the USA anymore. Also, the RGT-3120 is more expensive than an SL1, I believe. For what you get (USA hand-made with top-shelf hardware), Jackson Select Series guitars are really the best value out there among high-end guitars.

[1trussell]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

Yeah, the RGT-3120 and SL1 would be a better comparo. I've played an RGT-3120 and it was pretty nice. The RGT-42's are the Korean version and really can't hold a candle to the SL1's. That's not to say that they aren't great guitars for the money, they are. They are just not up to the standard set by the SL1. Now, the SL3/RGT-42 comparo would be a better one, in my opinion. Then it might get tough to call and price could be a determining factor for a lot of people.

2 cents, take it as it is.

[pro-fusion]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

Given how much Jackson charges for the SL3, I'd say the RGT-42 is the better deal. The only advantage to the SL3 is that you get real Duncans on it.

[Mikernaut]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

I own both a RGT-42 and a SL1 and while I agree the Rg is pretty nice guitar the SL1 way outweighs it in my opinion. It comes down to the features you personally like and budget. As for me the Duncan JB, the shark inlays, and the ebony fretboard really were more to my liking. The only thing that really annoys me on the Rg is the neck construction behind the string lock, it curves out with 2 bolts there and feels abit awkward. So when reaching to play something out of my 4 guitars, the Ibanez is #4 and gets the least attention.

[Inearthed]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

RGT-42 is a pretty good guitar. If I was a musician on a budget I would grab one. I prefer the feel of the USA Soloists I have over that. The RGT-42 plays a lot like the Korean SL4H (or whatever the name of it was) that I used to have about two years ago. The USA Soloist just played smoother and had that feel. The Ibanez was a great guitar but it just didn't have that feel to it. Though I do really like this Ibanez series. They play nice and their price is very reasonable. If you look hard enough you can find a used SL1 for the same price with case.

[agresivo]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

How about comparing an Ibanez RGT-42 vs a Charvel 650XL/Model 6?

[1trussell]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

That would be like comparing the RGT-42 to an SL1 with a rosewood fretboard. The Charvel 650xl is a much better guitar. It's a beast.

[pro-fusion]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

[ QUOTE ]
That would be like comparing the RGT-42 to an SL1 with a rosewood fretboard. The Charvel 650xl is a much better guitar. It's a beast.

[/ QUOTE ]

I definitely agree with this. The modern SL3 is really just the current version of the 650xl, but Jackson has cheapened things up quite a bit over the years--on the 650xl you got real MOP inlay, real Schaller Floyd, and active electronics, not to mention a build quality/fit & finish that was probably 95% of the $$$ USA guitars. The current SL3 doesn't live up to that standard, from the guitars I've played.

Since 650xls and RGT-42s both sell used on eBay for about $350-400, I'd say the 650xl is much the better deal. But I would still rather have the RGT-42 over an SL3.

[quiksilver]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

[ QUOTE ]
The RGT-42 plays a lot like the Korean SL4H (or whatever the name of it was) that I used to have about two years ago.

[/ QUOTE ]
If you're referring to the Jackson SL4 (similar to an SL2H, but MIJ, 22 frets, rosewood fretboard, moto inlays, licensed Floyd), they were made in Japan, not Korea.

[JonnyJobe]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

[ QUOTE ]
I'm beginning to think that a lot of Jackson's stuff is sort of overpriced...Ibanez and ESP are making guitars that are a lot of guitar for the money and Jackson is starting to slip behind in the competition...

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, and it seems like the other companies' prices are dropping and Jacksons are going up. I was just noticing how the RR5 jumped up about $100 from last year's musicians friend.

[markD]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

you know, i have little problem buying USA Jacksons new, but i totally agree that ESP and Ibanez are giving them a run for the money. with the price increase that Jackson just had, to me, they are getting to be a bit absurd - like buying a gibson. the reason i started buying USA Jacksons in the first place was because i was sick of modding Ibanez and ESP guitars.

i mean, c'mon...ESP offers an LTD Hammett model with a real floyd and neck thru for 899. it even has the little skull inlays.

the real reason Ibanez and ESP out sell jackson is the import line. Ibanez's Korean guitars kick total ass, and they are cheap...but they don't look cheap (at least now they've dumped the TRS bridge!!). jackson's imports maybe overall better, but they look and feel cheaper to me (JS30 series anyone?)...:eyes:

the USA line is getting more and more out of reach for working musicians, pretty soon they'll be prestige pieces like a PRS or Gibson (sh*t, here they pretty much are).

[guitar geek]

Re: SL-1 Vs\' RGT-42

in the Netherlands it is even worse, you won't find a USA soloist/jackson. my import charvels are already way better than most guitarowners have (model 6 and 750). here a usa jackson costs easily over $3000 new, used $1600, go figure.

Harrald