AliExpress floral neck, scalloped from 12th to 24th fret (finally ended building a new guitar from parts)

[Piing]

I've bought it from this shop and it was delivered from Singapore to Bangkok in 2 weeks. I've installed it on a RG550LTD, and I am pleasantly surprised with it. The frets are well polished and leveled, and the playability is excellent.

I only had to make two small adjustments:
1) Round the edges with a file, to fit it into the end of the pocket neck
2) Lower the nut by removing the included spacer

I miss the scallops when I move below the 12th. Maybe I will send it to a local luthier to do a full scallop

 

[Piing]

After the successful experience with the AliExpress neck, I have ordered a Poplar body for only $48 including shipping

I will re-fret the original Ibanez to put it back at the RG550LTD, and I will use the floral scalloped to build the new one. I have a spare Floyd Rose and a Dimarzio Gravity Storm that are hungry for a body

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32978739072.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.13ec4c4duZPThs

 

[Justincase]

Always been leary about ordering one those knock off necks...are they anywhere close to wizard profile?

 

[Piing]

Always been leary about ordering one those knock off necks...are they anywhere close to wizard profile?

It is 2 mm thicker than the Wizard. This one has 21mm at the 1st fret and 23mm at the 12th fret, while the Wizard has 19/21. I feel equally comfortable with both profiles. I wouldn't have noticed or measured if you don't ask

 

[GiRa]

I bet it's thicker because it's based on an original Jem neck.

 

[Justincase]

It is 2 mm thicker than the Wizard. This one has 21mm at the 1st fret and 23mm at the 12th fret, while the Wizard has 19/21. I feel equally comfortable with both profiles. I wouldn't have noticed or measured if you don't ask

View attachment 86660

That's quite thicker than a wizard (17/20).
I prefer the super wizard (17/19).
Not sure if I'd like the Ali neck.

 

[Andy Eagle]

The original wizard is 17mm at the first fret and the first Jems are 19mm.

 

[Piing]

I have a tough decision to make. What is the opinion of the ladies?

Other pickguard suggestions are welcomed

 

[Justincase]

I like the white one

 

[GiRa]

The original wizard is 17mm at the first fret and the first Jems are 19mm.

I remember the Jem being 2mm thicker than a Wizard but I got the actual measurements wrong

I think 21 it will more comfortable for longer playing sessions.

 

[Piing]

The Wizard at my RG550LTD measures 19/21

The Wizard comes in different sizes

 

[Andy Eagle]

The Wizard at my RG550LTD measures 19/21

The Wizard comes in different sizes

The later ones, Wizard 2 and 3 but the big deal when it came out was 17mm at fret 1.

 

[Justincase]

The Wizard at my RG550LTD measures 19/21

The Wizard comes in different sizes

What's printed on the neck heal?
Ibanez used those 550 #2 necks on all kinds of different MIJ models. I've seen them on MIJ 470,420,550,ECT. Which are wizard 2 necks 19/21 with the 15.750 radius....my least favorite Ibanez neck but still very playable once you get used to it. Those 5-piece super wizard 17/19 with the 17" radius are just SOOOOOO much easier to play.

 

[Admin M@]

1. Solid Black
2. White.
3. Black one with flowers.

 

[yek]

The one that matches your shoes.

I have a tough decision to make. What is the opinion of the ladies?
View attachment 86705
Other pickguard suggestions are welcomed

 

[Piing]

What's printed on the neck heal?
Ibanez used those 550 #2 necks on all kinds of different MIJ models. I've seen them on MIJ 470,420,550,ECT. Which are wizard 2 necks 19/21 with the 15.750 radius....my least favorite Ibanez neck but still very playable once you get used to it. Those 5-piece super wizard 17/19 with the 17" radius are just SOOOOOO much easier to play.

There is nothing printed at the neck heal. Or if there ever was, it is gone after 26 years.

According to the serial number, Production year: April 1995, Factory: FujiGen Gakki, Nagano. I bought it on 95 or 96

RG550LTD from 1994-1997 came with Wizard (1-piece maple), and from 1998-1999 with Super-Wizard (3-piece maple/ bubinga)

 

[Justincase]

There is nothing printed at the neck heal. Or if there ever was, it is gone after 26 years.

According to the serial number, Production year: April 1995, Factory: FujiGen Gakki, Nagano. I bought it on 95 or 96

RG550LTD from 1994-1997 came with Wizard (1-piece maple), and from 1998-1999 with Super-Wizard (3-piece maple/ bubinga)

View attachment 86713

Strange. Maybe they varied depending on the guy shaping the Neck. 2mm seems like alot of tolerance. I meant "wizard prestige" (not super wizard) 5 peice is my favorite (RG1420F) Sorry. Sooo many different ones it's easy to get the names confused.

 

[Justincase]

My question now is "Why on earth would you swap out a MIJ wizard for a Chinese knock off?" Lol

 

[Dave Merrill]

I have a tough decision to make. What is the opinion of the ladies?
View attachment 86705
Other pickguard suggestions are welcomed

Bottom right! What is that, clear with orange tint?

 

[Piing]

What is that, clear with orange tint?

The vendor calls it "Metal Darker Gold Color Look Like Darker Yellow"

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32978739072.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.13ec4c4duZPThs

It looks like orange, yes. It reminds me of the Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder "Lambo Orange". That one doesn't look bad with a black pickguard.