NGD: 8-string Ibanez classical

[Dayn]

So I was going to pick it up tomorrow but screw that, right?

As far as I'm aware, I'm perhaps one of the first to get this in Australia. From what I understood of the conversation my store was having with the distributor, I grabbed one from the first shipment. Not sure how it is world-wide, but here we are.

Quick shots with my S4 outside. It was actually overcast for a change.

First, the case...

Then the guitar itself.

That headstock.

And finally, RG2228 for scale.

My verdict: amazing. The neck and string spacing is slightly wider than the RG2228, and the scale is shorter at 25.5", as opposed to 27".

It's tuned with the stock strings in standard, with a low D and B string. Had to tune it of course, as it fell slightly out of tune. Strung with stock strings, the website lists it as:

Savarez 510CJ(set) + 5207R(7th) + 5208R(8th) Nylon strings
(.0295/.0335/.0413/.0297/.0356/.0440/.0500/.0590)

Am going to tune it to drop E tuning with La Bella strings (using an .080 for the bottom) to match my RG2228.

It's one hell of a loud guitar, even on the low B string. Not sure how a low E with .080 will fair, but we'll have to see.

Plays very well. Extremely low action for a classical guitar. I'm well-impressed.

Stays in tune. The tuning machines were extremely stiff, so they don't slip at all. After it's adjusted, apart from the 7th and 8th falling out of tune a little, it's rock-solid. Nothing wrong with the frets at all, either. No electronics.

What else can I say? She's a sexy one.

 

[Xiphos68]

Well. Nothing less than Epic that is for sure.

Congrats man!

 

[Hollowway]

Finally! I've been waiting for someone to get one. Now, just chug along on the low E and we'll invent classical-core.

 

[Dayn]

Finally! I've been waiting for someone to get one. Now, just chug along on the low E and we'll invent classical-core.

Way ahead of you. It's a bit loose and lost some power when I put it in drop E, but when I stick a La Bella .080 on there it's going to absolutely boom. It's already had a test-run with some Nile.

 

[Daf57]

That's so cool! Segovia on steroids!

Congrats, man! Awesome instrument!

 

[OmegaSlayer]

So much WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
HNNNNNNNNGGGGD!!!

 

[rockskate4x]

Awesome, man! I'm glad these are finally coming out of the woodwork. If you have recording capabilities i'd love to hear some soundclips. HNGD!

 

[octatoan]

Nile on a classical guitar.
</tech-death>

 

[Chri]

Holy ....! Want

 

[Konfyouzd]

Guess I gotta git me one now... Anybody wanna buy a classical 7?

 

[Hybrid138]

So awesome!!!

 

[teamSKDM]

very sick.

 

[skeels]

skeels likes this

 

[Santuzzo]

looks beautiful!
Congrats!

 

[Kwirk]

Holy crap, the 2228 for scale blew my mind.

 

[Skyblue]

Well DAMN. That's one awesome guitar.

Any chance to see or hear her in action?

 

[Dayn]

Well DAMN. That's one awesome guitar.

Any chance to see or hear her in action?

No chance of seeing, but there might be a slim chance of hearing, though it might take a few months. I need new strings to handle the insane low end, and I need to learn how to come to grips with it.

I'm having trouble with the shorter scale. Although the lack of any fret markers doesn't help, it's the shorter scale that's doing my head in. I keep trying to play everything one fret lower than I should be; I'm too used to 27".

On the plus side, it seems classical guitars (at least this one) aren't as affected by string tension as electrics are. I have the 7th and 8th strings tuned to A and C# (yes, just above a bass's low B) and the only thing that's wrong is the fret buzz on the 8th and generally lower volume. And that's with the stock strings designed for D and B of course, so they're rather loose.

So if I get those heavier strings on in the future, it should sound much more powerful. I've been playing Animals As Leaders' New Eden on it, and to hear a classical play notes that low is really satisfying.

I wasn't sure the 25.5" scale would do it, but... it's not an electric guitar, it's a different beast. And aside from only having 18-19 frets instead of 24, it's the best classical I've played. It fills the perfect spot in my instrument lineup. And to be sentimental, it fills the perfect spot in my heart.

 

[Hybrid138]

recording please

 

[splinter8451]

Lemme know when you wanna sell

But for real man congrats, I really wanna check these out.

 

[Velokki]

Jesus m' f'in Christ! How does the 8th string sound? Clips, clips, clips!