Opinions on the Ibanez EX series

[Rich#6]

I just bought a Ibanez ex370 to flip. BUT I also have a RG320FM and was thinking about switching the necks because the EX has triangle inlays and neck binding and the RG has dots and no binding. It maybe in only in my head :ROTF: but the EX neck feels better too. The specs are real close though.
I hear bad things about the EXs but the RG seems to be the same quality and both are made in Korea.

[DonP]

?

It's an IBeenHad?

[lerxstcat]

Well, it's over 20 years old sin ce they preceded the RG Series, so if anything was gonna go bad with the neck it seems that it would've by now.

The only thing I disliked was the big red EX that splashed over the logo. Not all of them had that though, and the ones that didn't looked basically like an RG neck, not quite as thin as the Wizard neck but I like them better.

Theres a guy on Ebay selling some NOS Ibanez necks including some EX necks with the bound neck and triangle inlay. You could probably swap the hardware off your RG neck and sell it for more than you'd pay for the EX neck. Sorry I don't have the link, I was just browsing and didn't save it but they were starting at $9.99 with $10 shipping.

[straycat]

EX is the low low end of the line.

[Rich#6]

thanks guys
the neck is straight and yeah I thought I might get more for selling the RG neck too. I was going to part the Ex out anyway. No Big Red EX on this neck. It is almost the specs of the Wizard II that is on the RG but just feels different/better.

I don't think the 320 RG is that far up the pole either Straycat.:ROTF: My old quilted 320 had binding and "fins" but inlay was cracked and I couldn't get rid of the buzz from the 12 to the 15 frets even after a pro setup.

Yes it is an Ibanez, I like what I like. the RG has a great purple flame top that is actually purple not pink like my 2 Jackson Dinkies:ROTF:

[wilkinsi]

Paint over EX logo. Sorted.

[Mr Metal]

They are about the same level of build and quality. Both were made in Korea. EX was around as Ibanez's entry level line when all their better stuff was made in Japan. Some of the new Korean RGs fit that bill now.

My only comment is that by flipping necks, you create a "mutt" and your guitar is not original anymore.....So the main question in my mind is whether you are intending to use these guitars as parts for a project, or as originals with some possible residual resale value in the future. Since neither are high end models and not rare or highly in demand, they should be good candidates for projects.

[Rich#6]

I have already changed the pickups in the RG . the Ex is going to be sold for parts on ebay. I looked at the 2 necks closer, even though they are both 24 freters they are not cut the same. I was looking for a quick swap which is not what I have here.

[lerxstcat]

EX is the low low end of the line.

You sure it was only low-end? I recall an EX3700 that came with bound flametop body and gold Floyd Rose. It's possible it was still lowline but it sure looked like a higher-end model. This was 20-odd years ago when lowline models didn't come with flame tops like they do today.

My impression was that it was what they called their superstrat line before they introduced the RG series, with model #s going from low to high telling you where in line the model fit. I could be wrong....

[straycat]

Binding or not they are still bottom line.If you like the neck keep it by all means just put it on the body you like.I have a plywood Kramer but the maple/maple neck is to die for so when I find the correct alder baretta body I will have a nice neck to put on it.

[Rich#6]

I am wondering if it is a simple as
EX -MIK
RG - MIJ

[Mr Metal]

RG320FM is MIK.......

[Rich#6]

RG320FM is MIK.......

I hear bad things about the EXs but the RG seems to be the same quality and both are made in Korea.

I know read my first post.

Back when they were making the EXs there where only a few RG models. Higher numbered in the 500 and 700 series which the higher end ones were made in Japan.