misterstomach wrote:Yeah, the Yamaha sg's are actually a double cut les Paul style and not an sg at all. They used sg as a model name going back into the '60's when they weren't copying gibson at all. The '60's and early '70's sg's are all kinds of crazy shapes. In the mid '70's when all the Japanese companies were copying gibson and that's what the market wanted Yamaha jumped on board and made that awesome double cut les Paul design. They just kept the model name as sg cause that's what they'd always done. Even though in the beginning it was a coincidental similarity in name to the gibson guitars. Obviously it throws a lot of people off who are expecting an actual sg copy.
All that being said, unless you're looking at a nicer one like an sg 1500 or better, I'd probably go with the ibanez. The 700 and 800's aren't quite on par with the artists in terms of materials and build quality. Although they are still good guitars. I'd go with the ibanez anyway on that list although I wouldn't kick that tokai out of bed by any means.
The SG800 onwards are exceptionally well made, and the lower models are still very good for what you can sometimes find them for. The SG1000 is easily on par with the AR100. However they do tend to be more beat up and cost a lot more. The SG1000 goes for £1000 in the UK now while I picked up my AR100 for £600. For the money, the Artist is much better value, but the SG1000 is still considered an equal, it's just become overpriced now since the demand is so high.
samzadgan wrote:I thought you had an Ibanez Ar100...you've spoken about it before, which is why i have been considering it...the only thing holding me back is that fact that i already have 1 Ibanez...which is a stupid reason, but gives you an insight as to how my mind works!
As far as the Yamaha...the one thing holding me back on the 700 is the fact that it doesn't have neck binding...and i know, 1 day, when i have the money, i would get a tobacco burst SG1000 and getting something that isn't quiet what i want may be a waste of money...thats the same argument as the LP Studio...I know one day i may get a Custom or similar so the Studio is never going to cut it for me. So...looks like I'm leaning towards the Tokai too...
As far as the Tele...you could get custom Tele bodies made up pretty cheaply...or, what about the old Peavey Tele's? they were suppose to be really comfortable guitars.
Yeah, the AR100 is a fantastic guitar. The only problem is its a bit tooooo fat sounding. I'm still searching for a guitar with the fatness and sutain of a Les Paul and the airiness and bite of a Tele. Also it's pretty heavy. Damn comfortable though. It fits to the body extremely well. It's probably the best guitar I own, but I play my Strat more as the Artist gives cramps in my fretting hand if I play it for long periods of time.
samzadgan wrote:thanks for the advice guys.
so nows its narrowed down to the Ibanez and Tokai…ill be pulling the trigger in a week…so will have to see which one is still available when i have the cash!
The Tokai will hold its value extremely well, but for a unique guitar the Artist is where it's at. It's 50/50 for me. I would have to play them side by side to choose since they're both equally excellent on paper. Got any pics?
