New guitar - Ibanez 540R-LTD

So looking around the ol' blog, it's probably somewhat obvious that I'm obsessed with PRS and G&L guitars but somewhat less obvious how obsessed I was with Ibanez guitars a few years back. I've owned just short of 50 Ibanez models over the years... mostly a combination of signature models (JPM's, JS's, Jems/UV's, PGM's) and high-end RG's (Prestiges, J-customs). While I certainly dig the vibe of the PRSi and G&L's for the majority of gigging & recording I do, there is nothing quite as "shreddable" as a late 80's/early 90's Ibanez. I recently got the urge to shop for a JS, but after finding a good deal on a super-clean Ibanez 540R-LTD and realizing they were pretty close from a specs standpoint, I decided to pick up the 540R to add to the collection.

The Radius models were basically the pre-cursor to the Satriani signature models, so the basic construction is similar with a contoured basswood body and bolt-on maple neck with 22-fret rosewood fretboard. The key differences between the JS and the 540R: the 540R has the lo-pro edge tremolo, bound fretboard with sharktooth inlays, and an H-S-H pickup configuration with a 5-way switch (vs. the JS's original edge tremolo, small dot inlays, and an H-H pickup configuration with a 3-way switch and push-pull pots). This particular 540R is finished in jewel blue and has been signed on the back of the headstock by Reb Beach (Winger!).

Of course, it was only a matter of time before I started messing with the electronics... I removed the stock humbuckers and replaced them with a Dimarzio Mo' Joe and PAF Joe pair. I also installed a Schaller 5-way mega-switch to essentially take the middle single coil out of the circuit... the 5 combinations are 1) neck humbucker, 2) neck single, 3) neck single + bridge single, 4) bridge single, 5) bridge humbucker. The new pickups + the available switching combinations are now closer to the JS electronics than the original 540R electronics.

Here are a few pics of the recent acquisition... note the great condition for being almost 20 years old...





Next up... given my recent history, it's more likely to be another PRS or G&L than another Ibanez. But in closing I've got to admit that it is kinda fun having a shredder in the house once again!

--B