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Ibanez SZR 520 TGB review

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Ibanez SZR 520 TGB is an instrument that is pretty much like a Gibson Les Paul with better upper fret access because of an additional body cutaway. Thick mahogany body, one-piece mahogany set-in neck, T-O-M bridge with strings through body design and two high output humbuckers built on strong neodymium magnets..

Tuning stability 7/10

Tuners are mediocre. Nut is properly cut and installed, neck is a bit bendy because of its construction. It's a one piece neck, which is good for sustain.

Acoustic sound 8/10

Nice, loud and mahogany like. Fine sustain except for one note (G note, 12th fret on G3, 8th fret on B2) that quickly looses its primary frequency, leaving harmonics that can last for very long as long as you vibrate the string slightly. BTW slight vibrato makes most of the notes last forever.

Electric sound 8.5/10

Pretty high output humbuckers with cool dynamics and harmonics. Neodymium magnets, tight sound.

Finish 9.5/10

Perfect. Not a single flaw on this one except that frets could be better polished and more slippery.

Neck 8/10

The neck is a Gibson type with its 12" radius and 24.75" scale. Not great for shredding, but pleasant and playable with good upper frets access.

Table 1 Ibanez SZR 520 neck dimensions

Dimension Value
Width at nut 43mm
Width at 24th fret 57mm
Thickness at 1st fret 20mm
Thickness at 12th fret 22.5mm
Fingerboard radius 12" (305mm)

Features 8/10

Standard features, nothing fancy. Nice bridge with no sharp edges.

Balance 10/10

Comfortable instrument, well balanced and shaped.

Weight 8/10

Given a very thick mahogany/maple body I expected more weight.

Price 7/10

Price - around 400 euros new. If not the tuners, and one quasi dead note it would be a fine price.

Specification:

  • 22 medium frets
  • 24.75" scale
  • 1 piece set-in mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Thick 60mm mahogany body with flamed maple top
  • 43mm standard nut
  • Fixed tune-o-matic style Gibraltar III bridge with strings through body
  • Ibanez tuners
  • Ibanez Neo-Z humbucking pickups (HH)
  • 3-way switch
  • 2 volume pots
  • 1 tone pot
  • Finish - TGB (Transparent Gray Burst)
  • Year of production - 2009
  • Country of production - China
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