Ibanez RG1527 or Schecter Loomis 7?

[MusicianMike]

Hey everyone,

I've had a 7 string debate that's been annoying me for quite some time.
I've saved up some money over a couple of months and am ready to make
my first 7 string guitar purchase. But I'm stuck between two.

The two contenders are the Ibanez RG1527 and the Schecter Loomis 7.
Which one should I get?

 

[leonardo7]

I have both. Thats a really really tough decision. The way I look at it, which could I not see myself selling if I had to sell one? Id have to hang on to the Loomis and sell the 1527 but thats cause I have other Ibbys like the Apex 1 and 2127X to satisfy my Ibby needs. Thats a mighty tough decision there. If you like to mostly shred in the upper register and play cleans or just need a workhorse for practicing then 1527! But do you have another $200-$300 for a pickup swap? If you want a lower end riff monster that sounds amazing for soloing as well then Loomis! What guitars are you already playing?

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Those are two VERY different guitars, both with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Let's look at the specs:
Ibanez to Schecter
Basswood Body vs. Ash Body
Passive Pickups vs. Active Pickups
Ultra Thin Neck vs. Thicker Neck
Low-Profile Trem vs. Higher Sitting Trem
Bolt-On vs. Set Neck
This goes on and on.

Which specs do you usually like better in a guitar?

As for weaknesses, for the most part, everyone is in agreement that the RG1527 will probably need new pickups, though you could like them. As for the Loomis, the fretwork is not as great (from what I hear they don't crown them from the factory), though once again, your mileage may vary. Those are two relatively cheap and easy fixes.

 

[jimmyshred]

If you have the chance to go and play both of them, do it.
Thats the most sensible thing you can do.
If I had to choose one Id choose the Loomis, especially if you like active pickups because you already have them.

Ibanez to Schecter
Basswood Body vs. Alder Body

Its an ash body

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Its an ash body

Thanks!

Fixed.

 

[leonardo7]

As a generalization,

Ibanez RG1527 = Plays Better

Schecter Loomis= Sounds better


Its up to you to decide which is more important in this case.

 

[Samer]

As a generalization,

Ibanez RG1527 = Plays Better

Schecter Loomis= Sounds better


Its up to you to decide which is more important in this case.

This

 

[Trondset]

Hello everyone. I'm a proud owner of a Ibanez 1527 since late December 2009. I really like that guitar and I got nothing to complain about it. I like the pickups, but I will probably change them later on for something with more bite.

I can imagine this is a thought decision and it all comes to taste. I never really liked the feel of the Ibanez RG models, but somehow the 7-string RG fits perfect to me. It has a thin and comfy neck, and the tremolo is really good. The only real bad thing about it must be the color. It has the same finish as a Volvo Station wagon. how cool is that??

 

[Metalus]

Seeing as i love my S7420, id probably hafta go with the 1527. The whole pickup thing doesnt bother me seeing as id probably swap them out for some blackouts

 

[Sean Babiniec]

I tried both in the music store, ended up buying the 1527. To date, it is the most comfortable neck I have ever played. Neck pickup is good, but bridge pickup sucks. Replaced with DiMarzios and it is awesome!
I don't like thick necks so I didn't go with the loomis. Also, the frets weren't crowned on the one I played. Thats really wierd that they didn't take care of that in the factory.

 

[Metal Ken]

As for weaknesses, for the most part, everyone is in agreement that the RG1527 will probably need new pickups, though you could like them. As for the Loomis, the fretwork is not as great (from what I hear they don't crown them from the factory), though once again, your mileage may vary. Those are two relatively cheap and easy fixes.

I dont know where this stuff came from. My first loomis initially was over-crowned. But schecter's customer service is so awesome, they had me a properly crowned, new guitar to my house in less than 5 days.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

I dont know where this stuff came from. My first loomis initially was over-crowned. But schecter's customer service is so awesome, they had me a properly crowned, new guitar to my house in less than 5 days.

I heard this from Mesh (djpharoah) and he heard it directly from a high level tech/employee over at Schecter. He has no reason to lie, and based on the rather "meh" fretwork I've seen on Loomis, as well as a couple other Schecters, I agree with this.

You can ask him yourself if you want.

EDIT: I found the thread in question.
http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/pickups-electronics-and-general-tech/106358-fret-leveling.html

 

[I_infect]

I dont know where this stuff came from. My first loomis initially was over-crowned. But schecter's customer service is so awesome, they had me a properly crowned, new guitar to my house in less than 5 days.

Never a problem with mine, and the rare occasion I needed support... a cover plate, nut etc... they had my part out within a week no cost, no questions asked. So I must politely disagree with any fretwork comments, I've never experienced anything, and I currently own just about every Schecter in every color.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I tried both in the music store, ended up buying the 1527. To date, it is the most comfortable neck I have ever played. Neck pickup is good, but bridge pickup sucks. Replaced with DiMarzios and it is awesome!

I approve your decision and I agree 100% with the above statement.

 

[bjjman]

My suggestion is to play both and see which one you prefer the feel of. Their necks are completely different in feel. I love the thin, satin neck on the 1527 - to me it just feels perfect. The Schecter has a huge neck that, to me at least, feels cumbersome in comparison.

I'd agree with previous comments that you'd want to change the pickups in the 1527. With the stock ones it can sound undefined. I've got a pair of Bare Knuckle Miracle Man pickups in mine and it sounds awesome now!