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Ibanez S520EX Tremolo: In-Depth Review & Comparison

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The Ibanez S520EX Tremolo, a sleek and powerful electric guitar, stands as a testament to Ibanez's renowned craftsmanship and innovative design. Renowned among shredders and rock enthusiasts alike, this six-string powerhouse is synonymous with speed, comfort, and versatility. Let's delve into the intricate details and captivating features that make the S520EX Tremolo a standout choice for discerning players worldwide.

The Ibanez S520EX Tremolo's reptilian aesthetic is as striking as its performance. Available in striking finishes like Black Night, Purple Neon, and White, its smooth, contoured body offers premium comfort during extended play sessions. But the S520EX is more than just a pretty face; it's a beast under the hood, primed and ready to unleash a sonic onslaught.

The Bodice: A Perfect Canvas

The S520EX Tremolo's body is constructed from mahogany, a tonewood renowned for its warm, resonant characteristics. This, coupled with the three-piece mahogany neck, bestows the guitar with an exceptional resonant frequency and a sustain that's seemingly endless.

a red electric guitar laying on a black background
a red electric guitar laying on a black background
an electric guitar sitting on top of a wooden table
an electric guitar sitting on top of a wooden table
an electric guitar laying on top of water
an electric guitar laying on top of water

Ibanez has struck a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation in the S520EX. The beefy mahogany body is complemented by a fast, ultra-thin, five-piece jatoba/walnut neck. This combination ensures breathtaking playability and stability, treading the line between modern speed and classic tone.

A Cut Above: The Wizard neck profile

The S520EX Tremolo's pièce de résistance is its Wizard III-8 neck, a triumph of ergonomic design. With its muscular but comfortable profile, it's a dream come true for shredders.ahooligans. Nicely rolled edges allow for effortless string bending, while the deep cutaways provide unrestricted access to the higher frets.

two electric guitars sitting side by side on a black background, one is red and the other is black
two electric guitars sitting side by side on a black background, one is red and the other is black
Used Ibanez RG520QSTB
Used Ibanez RG520QSTB
an electric guitar sitting on top of a white sheet covered tablecloth with a black body and gold trimmings
an electric guitar sitting on top of a white sheet covered tablecloth with a black body and gold trimmings

Equipped with Ibanez's derniers word in fret technology, the T1000าตletes, the S520EX Tremolo offers unparalleled playability. These super-steep, secretly finished frets ensure smooth string bending and extreme tuning stability - a must-have in a guitar designed for the aforementioned ahooligans.

Pickup Power: Seymour Duncan's '59s arrive in style

The S520EX Tremolo is armed with Seymour Duncan '59 pickups, consummate professionals in the pickup world. These humbuckers deliver a broad dynamic range, from glassy cleans to rich, expressive distortion. The bridge pickup, a '59 Model, offers that classic PAF tone, while the neck pickup, a '59 Short Stack, provides a beefier, warmer tone perfect for rhythm work and lead lines.

Accessed via the three-way pickup selector switch and single master volume and tone knobs, these versatile humbuckers are ideal for a wide range of musical genres. Additionally, the push-pull coil split function allows for single coil tones, expanding the sonic palette even further.

a blue electric guitar laying on top of a fur covered bed next to a white blanket
a blue electric guitar laying on top of a fur covered bed next to a white blanket
an electric guitar sitting on top of a white table
an electric guitar sitting on top of a white table
a guitar sitting on top of a wooden table in front of a bookshelf
a guitar sitting on top of a wooden table in front of a bookshelf
Bound 2
Bound 2
All About the Ibanez PIA: Steve Vai's New Signature Guitar - Guitar Gear Finder
All About the Ibanez PIA: Steve Vai's New Signature Guitar - Guitar Gear Finder
a black electric guitar sitting on top of a table
a black electric guitar sitting on top of a table

Tremolo Control: Plucking at the Past

The Ibanez S520EX Tremolo's tremolo bridge, a tried-and-true design featuring six spring loaded saddles, offers excellent tuning stability and sustain. Each saddle is adjustable, allowing players to fine-tune the tremolo's performance to meet their specific needs.

The tremolo arm is securely fastened and perfectly positioned for easy, ergonomic operation. The double-locking design ensures tuning accuracy, even during aggressive tremolo usage. Whether you're a subtle warbler or a tremolo fiend, the S520EX Tremolo's bridge is ready to help you craft your sonic vision.

Bending the Rules: A Tale of Tremolo Versatility

The S520EX Tremolo's tremolo bridge is far from a one-trick pony. Its double locking feature enables players to perform radical string bends and aerial acrobatics without fear of losing their tuning. This added stability also means that the tremolo can be used more aggressively, allowing for greater versatility in soundscaping.

an electric guitar sitting on top of a table next to a black strap and case
an electric guitar sitting on top of a table next to a black strap and case
IBANEZ RG1570
IBANEZ RG1570
a red electric guitar sitting on top of a tripod in front of a door
a red electric guitar sitting on top of a tripod in front of a door
an electric guitar laying on the couch with its head resting on it's neck
an electric guitar laying on the couch with its head resting on it's neck

Combined with the guitar's high-output pickups and supremely comfortable neck, the tremolo system offers players the ability to express their creativity freely, whether that's through subtle vibrato or all-out whammy bar dives and pulls. With the S520EX Tremolo, Ibanez proves that regulation tremolo use is a thing of the past.

The Ibanez S520EX Tremolo is a labour of love, a fusion of high-end craftsmanship, sonic innovation, and timeless design. Whether you're a seasoned player seeking your next musical challenge or a budding guitarist looking for your first high-performance instrument, the S520EX Tremolo is more than an electric guitar - it's an experience. Don't just play; express yourself with the Ibanez S520EX Tremolo.