Ibanez RG370AHMZ | Part Two

◀ Part One

In the previous post on this gorgeous Ibanez RG370AHMZ, I highlighted some of its more pertinent specifications. Now, in this post, we'll take a closer look at the Edge Zero II tremolo bridge, ZPS3Fe "counter-tension tuning stabilizer system;" and also the control cavity components.

The Edge Zero II tremolo bridge consists of a cast alloy base plate, individual saddles; and fine tuners. As a "double-locking tremolo" system, the bridge works in conjunction with a locking nut. But you knew that already, right?

Meanwhile, the ZPS3Fe "counter-tension tuning stabilizer system" consists of two "sub springs," string stopper, stop rod and spring adjustment knob. Ibanez believes that the ZPS3Fe helps to "ensure tuning stability" by returning the tremolo more "quickly and accurately" to the neutral position when the tremolo arm is released. 

I'm no expert on tremolos and such, but I do say that the ZPS3Fe works as it should and saves a lot of time and labor during setup. For one, the spring adjustment knob and stop rod eliminate the need for fiddling around with screwdrivers or tapered wooden blocks. 

The control cavity appears to be shielded with conductive shielding paint, and the inside of the cover with aluminum foil. Components include an Ibanez 3SWLSP5 five-way switch and two dime-sized Alpha (Korea) pots.

Now, what does the Ibanez RG370AHMZ sound like? To answer that question, do check out any of these great YouTube videos:

Moonrunner Music 

Megahurtz30 

Bax Music UK

Dawsons Music & Sound

 

Ibanez RG370AHMZ | Part One

Part Two ▶

According to Darrell Braun Guitar, "... this RG is straight up blue-tiful!" I couldn't agree more, Darrell. I was grinning from ear to ear when one of these beauties came in for a string change and setup recently. Now, without further ado, let's peruse some specs, based on information sourced from Ibanez and the Ibanez Wiki; as well as my own observations.

Body: Solid ash, bound

Finish: Top - Blue Moon Burst (BMT), Back and Sides - Natural

Neck: Maple, Wizard III profile, bolt-on, All Access Neck Joint (AANJ)

Fretboard: Maple, 16" radius, 25.5" scale, 24 jumbo frets, black dot inlays

Bridge: Edge Zero II tremolo bridge with ZPS3Fe "counter-tension tuning stabilizer system"

Pickup Configuration: HSH

Bridge Pickup: Ibanez Quantum Bridge (humbucker/passive/ceramic)

Middle Pickup: Ibanez Quantum Middle (single-coil/passive/alnico)

Neck Pickup: Ibanez Quantum Neck (humbucker/passive/ceramic)

Controls: Master Volume/Master Tone/5-Way Pickup Selector

Hardware: Cosmo Black

Well folks, that's about it for this introductory post. In Part Two, we'll take a closer look at the Edge Zero II tremolo bridge, ZPS3Fe "counter-tension tuning stabilizer system;" and also the electronics. Meanwhile, do enjoy the pics :)

Ibanez RG350EXZ Restoration: Part Three

Related Posts   

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Howdy folks :) This is the third and concluding post on a black Ibanez RG350EXZ that was sent in to be restored to gigworthiness. The guitar was strung with Ernie Ball RPS Slinkys (009-042) and set up. I must say that setting up the Edge Zero II double locking tremolo system was a relatively painless experience; thanks to the ZPS3Fe "counter-tension tuning stabilizer system." Turning a large knurled thumbwheel sure beats messing with screwdrivers and wooden blocks any day of the week. With that, I take my leave. Thanks for checking in, and do enjoy the pics :)

 

 

Ibanez RG350EXZ Restoration: Part Two

Quick Links:    Part One | Part Two | Part Three

In Part One, we examined the main features of the Ibanez RG350EXZ. Now, in this post, I'll talk about what was done to restore this guitar. We'll begin with the electronics, then. The pickups were in working condition; albeit a little cruddy. The control cavity components were totally shot, however. 

As can be seen in the pics, the pots, switch and output jack were either rusty, corroded, encrusted in salt; or a combination of all three. This being the case, the pickups were cleaned and polished to best of my ability; with extra care taken so as not to rub off the silk-screened characters. Following this, new Alpha A500K pots, five-way switch, poly 0.033uF cap and Neutrik/Rean NYS229 jack socket were wired in.

As for the Edge Zero II and ZPS3Fe, both were covered in grime; crud and dust. The entire tremolo system was dismantled, and serviced separately. The Edge Zero II was first subjected to electrolysis in a sodium bicarbonate bath, and after a close encounter with a heat gun; disassembled, lubed, and reassembled. The ZPS3Fe was taken apart, cleaned and lubed component by component; and finally put together again.

Basically all the hardware components were given a good cleaning, lube job and polish; as they were in a pitiful state. The objective was to save as many of the original components as possible. Sad to say, none of the pickguard or trem cavity screws were retained; as they were too corroded to be of any use.

Well, folks, that's about it for this post. Thanks for dropping by, and hope to see you again real soon. Stay safe, stay healthy; and God bless :)

 

 

Ibanez RG350EXZ Restoration: Part One

Quick Links:    Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Folks, here's another fine example of how not to treat your guitar. It's an Indonesian-made Ibanez RG350EXZ, sent in for a major restoration. According to the Ibanez Wiki, this model was introduced in 2011 as a replacement for the RG350EX. Its main distinguishing feature is the Edge Zero II double locking tremolo system with the ZPS3Fe "counter-tension tuning stabilizer system." Here are some specs for your perusal:

Body: Basswood
Finish: BK (Black)
Neck: Wizard III/three-piece maple
Fretboard: Bound rosewood/24 jumbo frets/Sharktooth inlays
Neck Pickup: INF3 Humbucker
Middle Pickup: INFS3 Single-Coil
Bridge Pickup: INF4 Humbucker
Bridge: Edge Zero II/ZPS3Fe
Hardware Color: Cosmo Black
Pickguard: Aluminium