Recommend a super-strat w/ real archtop MIDRANGE!

[rguser]

I really like the tone of mahogany back with a real maple archtop. There are several models in the high end range, such as PRS custom 24, Suhr modern carve top etc. Is there a good mid-range alternative? (too bad PRS SE custom 24 has a thin flat maple top ;(
all advice is welcome.
ps,
I really don't get why Suhr modern carve tops are on average one grand higher than PRS custom 24's, with bolt neck and dot inlays...
I have played PRS's before, but never a Suhr. I can't imagine the craftsmanship to be significantly better than a custom 24 which is basically flawless.

[Funkfingers]

I have played PRS before but never a Suhr. I can't imagine the craftsmanship to be significantly better than a custom 24 which is basically flawless.

Am I the only one who can spot the deliberate mistake?

IMO, thinking of a US-made PRS Custom 24 as a Superstrat is an error. (I have owned one for fifteen years!)

[Empty Pockets]

In my opinion, a Custom 24 is nothing if not a superstrat.

It is the superest of superstrats.

[verbotenco]

I really like the tone of mahogany back with a real maple archtop. There are several models in the high end range, such as PRS custom 24, Suhr modern carve top etc. Is there a good mid-range alternative? (too bad PRS SE custom 24 has a thin flat maple top ;(
all advice is welcome.
ps,
I really don't get why Suhr modern carve tops are on average one grand higher than PRS custom 24's, with bolt neck and dot inlays...
I have played PRS's before, but never a Suhr. I can't imagine the craftsmanship to be significantly better than a custom 24 which is basically flawless.

I think Cort is your best bet. The KX custom with JB and 59 installed as stock. About 500 plus dollars, including all the bells and whistles even Sperzel locking tuners.



CONSTRUCTION: Set-in
BODY: Mahogany w/ Flamed Maple Top
NECK: 3pc Canadian Maple
BINDING: Wood
FRETBOARD: Rosewood, 12" Radius(305mm)
FRETS: 24 / Large (2.7mm)
SCALE: 25 1/2" (648mm)
INLAY: "V" shape grey pearl
TUNERS: Locking
BRIDGE: TonePros Lic. bridge w/string through body
PICKUPS: Seymour Duncan SH1('59) & SH4(JB) (H-H)
ELECTRONICS: 1 volume, 1 tone (w/push pull), 3way toggle
HARDWARE: BN (Black Nickel)
STRINGS: D'addario EXL110(046-010)

[rguser]

I think Cort is your best bet. The KX custom with JB and 59 installed as stock. About 500 plus dollars, including all the bells and whistles even Sperzel locking tuners.

thanks! I didn't know about this model. The video on their product page shows a nice and thick maple top being cut by CNC. RGA121 is nice, too. Too bad it's discontinued. Does anyone know if the current models have real maple tops?

[AdamBrad]

Does anyone know if the current models have real maple tops?

I'm not sure what you consider a 'real' maple top (ie. maple carve vs. maple veneer), but the RGA72xxx (various models) are the midrange alternatives of the current range and the last few years.

This is the the RGA72QME: Mahogany/Quilt Maple, set Maple neck, EMG 81/85.

(a version with Ibanez Floyd is also available)

[rguser]

I'm not sure what you consider a 'real' maple top (ie. maple carve vs. maple veneer), but the RGA72xxx (various models) are the midrange alternatives of the current range and the last few years.

This is the the RGA72QME: Mahogany/Quilt Maple, set Maple neck, EMG 81/85.

(a version with Ibanez Floyd is also available)

RGA's are nice, especially the discontinued prestige models. The only current prestige model goes for more than 2k. I just sent a question to ibanez from their website asking if the non-prestige RGA72QME has a thick maple carved top or just a maple veneer on mahogany body. I suspect it's the later for ~$700 with real EMG's.

[phred]

How about getting a Carvin?
http://www.carvinguitars.com/customshop/carvedtop.php

[TheLivingDead]

The Ibanez RGA121!

Hard to beat in its price range.

Seen em around for $500-$600 used. Worth every penny.

[gman128]

The Ibanez RGA121!

Hard to beat in its price range.

Seen em around for $500-$600 used. Worth every penny.

I own one, bought it used, and it slays. The maple top is thick (at least 1cm at it's thickest) , it resonates so well due to the barely there finish; played unplugeed it is loud and when plugged in it roars. This is after you take out those $hitty v8/v7 pickups and replace them with something better. I chose duncan blackouts, now my RGA is my best sounding guitar for rhythm.

[TheLivingDead]

I own one, bought it used, and it slays. The maple top is thick (at least 1cm at it's thickest) , it resonates so well due to the barely there finish; played unplugeed it is loud and when plugged in it roars. This is after you take out those $hitty v8/v7 pickups and replace them with something better. I chose duncan blackouts, now my RGA is my best sounding guitar for rhythm.

I believe it! Every time I've played one I fell in love. They look great, sound great and feel great!

[DankStar]

The Ibanez RGA121!

Hard to beat in its price range.

Seen em around for $500-$600 used. Worth every penny.

Man that bridge looks like an air craft carrier! I'm guessing it stays in tune ok. I'm digging that guitar. Looks like an all around player's axe.

[rguser]

I just got a reply from Ibanez on the current RGA model's maple top:

Hello,
The body of the RGA72QME is mahogany with a maple veneer overlaid. Let us know if you need anything else!

Best Regards,
-Ibanez USA

why do they always discontinue the nice models!?

[Quencho092]

id go with the ibby if you absolutely love mega jumbo frets. I got turned off by the fat RG frets on a prestige model.

Bolt on's are amazing instruments, there's really nothing to hate or price range hate. Suhrs are great.

[verbotenco]

How about Ibanez SZ series? It looks similar to Cort and has a maple top.

[Jocelyn]

Ibanez S series bang for the buck.

[King IzzO)))]

ESP Horizon? I don't know how thick the tops are, maybe just laminates.

[Archer_of_Fish]

Brian Moore's import line is an excellent value.

You can probably find a good used USA Moore for a nice price if you do some looking

[uOpt]

PRS CE 22s can go at midrange prices. Good guitars.

[ImmortalSix]

I really like the tone of mahogany back with a real maple archtop. There are several models in the high end range, such as PRS custom 24, Suhr modern carve top etc. Is there a good mid-range alternative? (too bad PRS SE custom 24 has a thin flat maple top ;(
all advice is welcome.
ps,
I really don't get why Suhr modern carve tops are on average one grand higher than PRS custom 24's, with bolt neck and dot inlays...
I have played PRS's before, but never a Suhr. I can't imagine the craftsmanship to be significantly better than a custom 24 which is basically flawless.

What's the maximum amount of money you will spend?