I have both the IBZ 7421 and the C 7 Blackjack. While the C 7 is overall a better instrument the Ibz has the better neck (IMHO). The C 7 has a thicker neck and access to the upper frets is hampered by the thick cutout. I also tune B-E ,so the extended scale of the C7 puts more tension on the strings making it harder on the hands after extended playing time. If your a shredder I would lean toward the IBZ, drop riff chunk-C7. One notable exception-Jeff Loomis. He rips on his C7/Hellraiser but then again I'm betting he dosent tune B-E.