How I Got My First DREAM GUITAR!

[@BenEller]

Thanks for watching! If you want even more rg3120 magic, watch the extended and ad-free cut on my Patreon page here, even for just $1 a month! www.patreon.com/posts/118365065?

[@n0nyabznss]

Uncle Ben, I would’ve put a set of crunch lab and liquifire on that RG. The suhr pickups sound really muddy. Like you, I’ve always been in the hunt for a pristine 3120 but can’t seem to find one without it being so beat up on the edges of it including the natural binding. As for the reissue idea..... I’m all for it and you should also contact Rich Harris at Ibanez Rules to see if he’d want to assist with that request.

[@genesnodgrass]

The new Ibanez catalogs were like Christmas.

[@BenEller]

For real!

[@behindthen0thing]

Yup

[@Murphy_R9]

Yeah especially back when they had those USA Customs with graphics and dimarzio's! I used to want all of them back then!

[@drcockles]

I got my RG560 in for my 18th (I’m 51 now) I’ve still got the catalogue with all the guitars and artists, Rocky George from Suicidal Tendencies was my favourite then 🤟🏽

[@torcher78]

Oh, you’re not kidding, bro. I still have quite a few of them over the years. They are like my Bible for the greatest guitar company that ever existed

[@BenOlendzki]

Ben. Apologies for the long post - but thought you might be interested in another 3120 story. My name is also Ben and I'm also a guitar player (cough...around the same age) that cut his teeth on 80s shredders and REH videos. Now we also share the 3120. I loved your story, and I share your absolute devotion to the 3120, so I thought I'd share mine as well. I grew up in central MA, an hour and a half from the nearest Guitar Center. Whenever I'd go as a teenager, I'd make them pull down the Vai EVO from the top rack. That was my dream guitar until I was 17 in 2000 and the 3120 showed up. I just knew from the first time I laid eyes on it that we were meant to be together. I worked at a music store for a couple of years...I know how much they did NOT want to pull that thing down for a kid every couple of months but I never took no for an answer. One day that guitar was gone. Sold. The day before I came to play it. Backordered too, none in stock anywhere. Then a few months later, maybe Feb 2001, the new ones were released and they had one. It was even better than the 2000 model, the top was a perfect 10/10 and holy moly the playability, the action, the look/feel/vibe! I collected my savings and had to buy it. I called the store to have them set it aside and they told me it just sold. I was heartbroken. Fast forward to May of that year (2001). It was my last day as a senior in high school and we got out early. I came home to pick something up, walked into my bedroom and there was an Ibanez case sitting on the bed. Popped the latches and there she was...my favorite guitar of all time. My dad had secretly bought the newest one the day I saw it and gave it to me as a graduation gift two months later. I currently own dozens of guitars, Gibson custom shop stuff, USA strats, another RG550, an OG Washburn Dimeslime...all great guitars and I love them all for different reasons but the one...the one I have the most hours one, the one I progressed the most on, the one that I grew into the player I am, the constant solid rock that I always grab for is my 2001 RG3120TW. I didn't like the Dimarzios either, and especially the Tone Zone in the bridge! I put the Seymour Duncan Jupiter Rails in mine and it really opened up the guitar like you said and like yours did. Again, like you, I had the frets leveled/polished/dressed (though in fairness I did the wearing myself so it felt okay). Only real difference is our string gauges (and I cut my hair a long time ago when the music industry spit me out). It came with 9s, so I ran nothing but super slinkys on it for two decades...until a few years ago. When I swapped out the pickups, I decided to go heavier. I play 10-52 on everything else, so I settled for 10-48 on the 3120, tuned in E standard, compensating by using two of the noiseless coated heavy duty FR springs. It's absolutely dialed and stable no matter how many wanks and dives - it's always dead nuts. Yes, a lot stiffer than stock in my setup for sure, but dang i can abuse it for real and it stays perfectly zero'd. I did a Symphony of Destruction solo playthrough with it (and some other stuff you know all the notes to) on my channel if you want to see it in action. (Yeah, we're both Marty/Nuno/EVH guys too...similarities are wacky man.) Like a brother from another mother. Anyway, glad you got your 3120! It's in good hands.

[@TheGalilee416]

I absolutely love guitar stories like these. Guitars touch our hearts in ways nothing else can. If you know you know.

[@richardscudamore3712]

As a proud owner of a 1987 RG-550, I have to give THAT guitar the title of "Best RG", but admittedly, yours is amazing. With an even better story. I got mine in the early 90's. Originally I did not have enough money for the guitar, but kinda similarly, the guy I bought it from accepted the cash I had, and let me owe him the rest!! It took about a month of washing dishes at a fancy hotel, but I paid in full. Very thankful for that dude.

[@theaterdreamer]

I picked up an RG Prestige 652AHM about four months ago, with the antique white blonde finish, and it’s seriously the nicest guitar I’ve ever played. The neck is crazy comfortable, and the original Edge trem is fantastic. I love the pairing of the DiMarzio Tone Zone and Air Norton humbucker. Just a glorious example of Japanese craftsmanship at its finest.

[@brentstoner7029]

That's awesome, Ben. I believe when you put good things out in the universe. Good things come back to you. You help all of us with your videos. Whether you realize it or not. So, keep up the good work and Merry Christmas, Uncle Ben!!!

[@BenEller]

Thanks man! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@ClassicPass_]

YOU Uncle Ben, are the real King of RGs!

[@gowaitinthetruck7614]

They definitely need to reissue this. It’s a beautiful guitar.

[@bestboy897]

hearts alive

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

yussss 🌊💙🌊 TAKEN DOWNNNN WITH HEARTS ALIIIVE

[@titustorkelsonmusic]

What an incredible story! Guitars mean more when there is some work and/or waiting time before you just get them. I got my dream strat last year after saving/dreaming for a long time. Now I can’t pass by it without playing Keep up the shredding!

[@rockking1295]

I'm a sucker for blue finishes! That figuring looks awesome! Amazing guitar, more amazingier player.

[@BenEller]

Thanks so much!

[@wackojacko3962]

Careful what you wish for, you just might get it! Happy Holidays 😊

[@jaymitchosky]

Yes, reissue please. 🤘🏻 Love that violin finish. Terrific story!

[@fisheatingjoe]

ohh! That intro to Secret Prayer gave me a shiver up my spine. I used to listen to Crystal planet non stop when it came out.

[@willchug]

Same, Crystal planet on endless repeat.

[@musicafteroldage]

Well deserved. Your super hard work does not go unnoticed. thank you! - the actual stepdad

[@diogorenato]

14:32 definitely it's worth reissuing this model! Do it for us Ibanez!

[@thehaunted1]

Excellent human that did that for you

[@BenEller]

I agree!

[@amesmilesoff4768]

Nice guitar, good story, all the best Ben 👍

[@metalheadpunk]

Dream Guitar Twins!!! Thank you, Uncle Ben.

[@BenEller]

Twinsies 4ever!

[@markobjeli2959]

Men, your guitar collection is awesome. Playing is out of this world.Cheers

[@BenEller]

Many thanks, man!!

[@halfhourpowerhour]

I live through you whenever make video with this guitar. I had the first year of the 3120tw. It had a block inlay that said “prestige” at the 24th fret. I ended up having to sell it to get through a rough patch and miss it every day. Love the story on how you got yours!

[@HunterRouth]

Video on the RGT3120 Please and Thank you! 🤘🏻 Merry Christmas Ben! Congratulations! The tones were glorious.

[@mestengo22]

Happy Xmas Uncle Ben amazing 3120

[@ExpatZ266]

Mine is my 1991 RG570, I replaced the pickups with BKP's and it is still my go to grab and rock monster that is was the day I bought it back in the 90's. Ibanez rocks hard.

[@liorauf]

Congrats man! 🤘

[@randallhaney7909]

Cool story & Happy Holidays Uncle Benny Bob.

[@BenEller]

Same to you!

[@keystonekrawler6242]

Yes, a reissue for both right hand AND lefties! ❤

[@Metalltool]

That RG is smokin' my man. Congrats. You deserve it for all the charity work you've been doing on KZbin. I wish Ibanez would do more for us godforsaken southpaws, but you take what you get. I got myself a RGR752 a month ago. My first Prestige and what a beast. It's Ibanez for me when it comes to playability and accessibility. But im also a Sucker for ESP 😅

[@willchug]

4:50 Secret Prayer. Same kind of story for me, I got my RG520QSTK in 99 , lots have come and gone but it is still with me because it’s an absolute beast of a guitar. Have whittled the collection down to 24 keepers over the years and it has never left. 👊

[@greenesak]

Graduation present in 1990 was a jewel blue Ibanez RG570. That guitar and the color still catches my eye to this day like a first love.

[@adhaskym.a9536]

In my many years of playing guitar and as a guitarist, every Prestige Ibanez is a proper guitar. The weight, the build, the look, everything.

[@DreidMusicalX]

I have a 2000 model RG Custom from Japan and love it. 25 years later and it is still kicking ass. I have changed the pickups and switch and pots. Still love it. I love the one you have if I were to get another it would be the model you have.

[@nickfox7756]

Awesome video Ben. I enjoy the stories

[@CC-qb9sm]

Enjoyed this and you have my vote as a “yes” for a video on the other 3120 and how you got it. Have a good weekend!

[@chucksaeger7500]

Great story. We should all be so lucky. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@sheriewart8100]

Yes please Uncle, another guitar story

[@insidious.92]

... not a single low-budget guitar! Sensei has a style🤘🏻

[@TeamZleep_]

Last week I got my dream RG (RG5121) but not with a fun story like this! I vote for all of the Ibanez story/videos!

[@frantiseksvarc1672]

Just checked my local guitar second hand and one gentlemen is offering 3120 in that violin colour. Looks great.

[@BenEller]

Dude!!!!! If you’re not getting it, please send me the link!

[@frantiseksvarc1672]

@@BenEller Looks like my comment with the link was removed. Where can I send it?

[@Xplora213]

@@frantiseksvarc1672he advertises his email every video 😅

[@Prisoner1O5]

Dang it still sounds so good! The synergy sounds great with it.

[@nOpOrOpMoP]

this is the guitar that started off my Ibanez addiction lol. I got mine in 2002 as a gift. it was used but in mint condition and still in my possession to this day.now i own 11 RGs ranging from standard models to sugi made models. hands down my favorite guitar of all time. I believe Ibanez makes a Prestige 3120 which basically just denotes that it's made in Japan otherwise I think it's basically the same guitar with different color options I imagine. Great video my man, showin us Ibanez guys/girls some love... 🤘🏻

[@juansic2]

Hey Ben! It's a Beatiful Ibanez! Yes, we want the violet RGT history please!

[@michaelgallegos8811]

I still have my 1991Rg565 candy red bought at a mom n pop shop in 1992 a guy ordered it and changed his mind it came with a demarzio crunch lab in bridge and rail air Norton in neck,its still n excellent conditions no cracks or chips..Great video Ben ✌️🎅🎄

[@Rtzaman25]

Gorgeous guitar. Really glad you were able to get it! I’d love to see more prestiges with a proper maple top.

[@anitawinser6753]

AMAZING TALENT AND GUITAR !!! YOURE THE BEST UNCLE!!!

[@BenEller]

♥️♥️

[@ScottyBrockway]

Grats on 500k Ben.

[@badtonestudio]

Yes reissue! Yes more guitar stories! Dude the Lydian? stuff you be playing is bending my ear, I dig it.Lesson please? Thanks for sharing the story, good vibes are always appreciated, and you do deserve nice things.

[@shalomshalom735]

Beautiful guitar man! congrats.

[@BenEller]

Thanks, I love it!

[@TjByers369]

Had a RG350EX. Black with mirror pickguard. Tuned to C with a blocked trem, 12-56 strings, and a D-tuna. Absolute work horse. Amazing setup with immaculate intonation. With a capo and that D-tuna, I could play just about anything from early QotSA to Mastodon, to AC/DC. Love the RG series.

[@nuno_veiga]

I love my IBANEZ 3120. great video man❤

[@brandonjackson5865]

The RG in its final form, I’ve been drooling over these for at least 10 years now, every year it seems like they never miss with the ultra high end RGs , the older RG920qm will get you most of the way there for less than 1000 used but as an Ibanez RG fanatic these are the ultimate RG ( midlife crisis guitar) for an 80s baby. Awesome story, how you attained said Fiddle, there’s still good people out there people need to hear about them, thanks, also double cream pickups would also be sexy AF in that blue flame top.

[@barry3045]

Wanted a new Ibanez RG 550 in black when I was a teenager. And , well I still want one now. Cheers 👍😢

[@cpamiseso]

My first dream guitar was also an Ibanez, RG 1550 (reissue of the notorious 550 of the 80s) back in 2003. Had it sold because of financial issues and a change of playing style (I don't really shred, so I swap it for a Telecaster). Still drooling every time I see a video of Ibanez. First love never dies.

[@alexminser1482]

Awesome guitar and awesome story, thanks for sharing

[@BenEller]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@artotian]

congrats on the beauty and on 500k subs dude!

[@daniels7624]

Still got my 1989 RG550 in White. Had 16 gigs with it and its all beat up but i love it.

[@CyberDocUSA]

Merry Christmas, brother! Great story behind the acquisition of this tone monster. Peace to you and yours.

[@bestboy897]

the room looks so nice with a stack of amps and plants

[@BenEller]

It's my happy place!

[@mitchoburrito2836]

Like you Uncle Ben, im a MASSIVE ibanez fan and have several of my own. So please do more stories on all your Ibanez models!!!

[@CommonInsider]

@4:56 Secret Prayer got me so nostalgic so fast

[@BenEller]

Best Satch album!!!

[@luisgalarraga7652]

In 2003 I was in love with the blue 3120. I spent a year saving up and ended up buying a new 2001 deep red 3120, which I still have and is the only guitar I would never sell. Later I was able to buy a used blue 3120 in excellent condition and a blue 3620 as well. I sold both of them and I never stop regretting it.

[@ricksmusicworld711]

I'm an Ibanez guy too. I see them as Japanese swords. I love the shape of the Jem and JS both. I feel like they are exotic, the Ferrari of guitars. This is a beautiful axe.

[@canyonrider9]

Nice! I saw these in my first Ibanez catalogue that I got in a music store in the 2000s. One of the last series that had the Lo-Pro Edge Tremolo back then before Ibanez introduced the Edge Pro as the successor.

[@Sparksnorthern]

Ben, congrats! I actually just ordered my own bucket list item: LP Standard 50's in Heritage Cherry - arrives Monday! 🤘 Hope you have an amazing Xmas with your friends and loved ones! Keep up the amazing content in the new year and keep slapping your step kids around when you hear that questionable rhythm behind closed doors!

[@BenEller]

Congrats! You’re gonna love it! Merry Christmas!

[@kennedy5150]

I have the same one you have and I like it. Can't beat it for what I paid for it years ago. Great Video!!

[@_Strez]

Thanks for suggesting the Suhr pickups on my LP Tribute ben! Got them installed and havent looked back

[@user-ir2bj3re1z]

Very nice guitar Ben. 😀🤙

[@MattGx_]

I have one of these, an RGA121 and RG2620qm. All guitars I dreamed of owning as a broke high schooler. Something about those early to mid 2000s prestiges have some kind of mojo. Would love to see a reissue of them someday!

[@Soloist1983]

1997-2001 was PEAK Ibanez, start of the J-Custom and Prestige models. RG3120, RG7CT, RG7CST, all the amazing j-customs, RG1802, RG1880, JCRG1/2/3/4/5, RG8520, the JPM's, the 90ths, the 10ths (for Steve Vai and JS dropped), the double edge models. I'll never forget when the Ibanez distributor blew out the 3120's, on sale for $599 right before they were discontinued. I bought like 5, sold 3, kept the 2 best ones, it was insane. I still stalk the used gear pages for those old 1997-2001 Ibanez Prestige/j-customs. Btw, you playing the "Secret Prayer" intro on that 3120 brings me right back to the JS Crystal Planet tour, nostalgic as hell over here, it's 1998 all over again :)

[@TavaresProject]

Totally agree. This should definitely be reissued

[@TheMothmonsterman]

Thanks for always making such uplifting, inspiring and informative content. It’s a bleak world out there sometimes and it’s nice to know there are still good folks and great guitars 🤘🏻

[@andyracer20]

I want one!!! Reissue this baby!

[@donniebrook9900]

Cool type connection for me. Lloyd was the name of the owner of Roselle Music in Roselle, Illinois. Ted Nugent bought his gear from Lloyd for the Amboy Dukes. I met Ted while picking up my guitar at Roselle Music for a little tune up and he was there because he just did a guitar clinic there. We talked, he played my guitar and liked it. I asked him what he’s been up to and he said “I’ve been doing some things with Tommy Shaw”. A couple of months later, The Damn Yankees came out 😊

[@eddiejr540]

It’s funny how we all have our different tastes…I have a tone zone in 3 guitars and love the way they sound😎

[@xPanDaemonx]

I bought my 3120 used from Rich Harris. It was my first real guitar and it’s still my main axe. He always setup the guitars to perfection too

[@mazingaball]

Reissue! Reissue! Reissue! I want to add this to my Ibby collection. Thanks, Unc B! Also, that purple one, is an Ibanez RGT3120. Another epic guitar.....I would love to see a vid on that one as well.

[@wizaxed]

I have a '92 RG570 that has a Lo-Pro Edge and I agree that it is a fantastic design!!

[@BenEller]

The Lo-Pro Edge is awesome!

[@TheCliff82]

Love the RG3120! I bought mine new 24 years ago when I was 17yo and it's been my main guitar since. Ibanez should definitely reissue it!

[@MaekjuJwo]

I remember wanting this model really badly as a teenager. I was actually searching up photos of the guitar this morning before seeing this video! The timing is scary lol

[@DanielBobke]

Very cool story Uncle Ben! Can only find one of these on Reverb right now and the guy wants $2000!! I don't think it is worth near that much, but can't blame the guy for trying. It definitely has a beautiful top and I like those pickups you put in it.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Loved the Satch 4.50 mins in

[@Xplora213]

Wow. Had a jam buddy who bought this exact same guitar. Funny when we are this old that these things just come back. It was a good guitar.

[@BenEller]

It really is a great guitar!

[@ghosthand3of9]

Killer guitar. I just got one of my dream Ibanez guitars. RG3550

[@Socomite]

I can certainly attest to the niceness of RG3120s, own a few myself. I have one TW getting a refinish, and inspired by your pickup choice I'm putting in a Suhr Aldrich for the bridge. Just in case you're looking to jazz up that 3120, cosmo black hardware looks extremely nice on a TW (but of course that's going to be pretty expensive..).

[@Jalex_Owns]

Nice Blues Brothers reference. :)

[@k5elevencinc0]

Beautiful Ibby!!

[@BenEller]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@erichartwell6792]

You are awesome and deserve it 💯🤘🏻🙌

[@BenEller]

Appreciate it!

[@mallardtheduck406]

I have an Ibanez RG 470 MIJ Fugiyen plant in 1993, Emerald Green metal flake , All original, a few light scratches barely noticeable. It is for sale. I miss playing guitar due to Psoriatic Arthritis. That guitar finish is sweet!!!

[@jblancoes]

I also like that RG model a lot but for me, my white whale was an Ibanez USA custom from 1994. It took a few years but I finally ended up getting one.

[@MilitantOldLady]

I always felt like Ibanez RG's were so utilitarian that it really didn't matter what trim or "prestige" they were. From the most basic RG to a Japan built one, there's been one used to perform or record iconic albums across a range of genres.

[@zecrotic]

My uncle gave me his rg3120. At that time the frets were ruined and he wore grooves in the fretboard from were tye strings would hit. He also did a bunch of dive bombs so the wood after the 24th fret is chewed up. He bought a replacement neck but never put it on. One day I told him I wanted to put the new neck on to get it playing again. After I did that and handed it to him he noodled around for a minute, said that it played well and that I could have it. Later I refretted the beat up neck with EVO gold fretwire and put it on an rg470 body that has A copper finish on it. The gold fretwire and copper body look awesome together.

[@michaelhudson2096]

Someone in the comments above said this is the RG in its final form. That is so true. Back in the day a friend who lives in the UK bought an RGT3120 online and had it shipped to my house to hold for him til he could get over to the USA to pick it up. I loved it so much that I traded my JEM 77FP for an identical one, and that seems to have ended my Ibanez gas once and for all.

[@Robbie28]

They have a guitar show in Dallas next may. I think I am gonna bring money this time if i can and really gonna try and get something. I went last year not planning on anything and they had SOO much stuff. Was my first time at a place like that and it was just awesome to see all the guitars from the 80's (Jems in particular) I really would LOVE to get one of those with the Pyrimid fretboard inlays.

[@Brutalharmon]

Cool man!!! Im from Sw Va over here....I didn't know you were a local guy!! Too cool.

[@denmut]

I love these guitar stories! I used to have a collection of PRS USA Singlecuts including a USA Tremonti. I stupidly sold them to try other guitars or when I was broke. Now I am still broke without my guitars :) Kidding apart, it still hurts when I see these guitars online. Cheers.

[@FortisUrsus]

I was just reminiscing about how I bought this same model off Craigslist for $350 11 years ago! Definitely should have kept that guitar. Those 90s Ibby’s are great!

[@BenEller]

Crazy! Those 90s models were made to last!

[@TLCarrra]

I found an old RG560 for $25 at a pawn shop. Restored and playing great today!

[@SpookyApparition]

I really like the Ibanez RGs I've played but there are like a million variations and I have no idea what the best ones are. Whoever came up with Ibanez's naming conventions is a monster.

[@Hegder]

Right?? I own one of the Ibanez S series but can never remember which one it is until I look it up 😂

[@ChrisHariis]

I had the same color RG-3120 with the Lo-Pro Edge. bought new in 1999 from Parker Music in Houston. Paid 850 for it and was a great guitar, mine came with a Tone Zone and an air Norton. Traded it a long time ago and regret it. Have an RG-652 AHM in Translucent White with an ash body and it is equally nice, sounds better as well. Wish still had the 3120 as well. Great video!

[@the_hessian__]

I used to go a shop in the 90's that had a Universe like once a week to play it. Never had the money. I knew they were special.