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

[@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.

[@musicafteroldage]

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

[@mangoherpson]

Man I love Ibanez RGs, so metal but not over the top. I recently got a new blue 5120m and I love the thing, had been drooling over it for a couple years.

[@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..).

[@gowaitinthetruck7614]

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

[@rockking1295]

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

[@BenEller]

Thanks so much!

[@ScottyBrockway]

Grats on 500k Ben.

[@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!

[@mestengo22]

Happy Xmas Uncle Ben amazing 3120

[@Jalex_Owns]

Nice Blues Brothers reference. :)

[@daniels7624]

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

[@shalomshalom735]

Beautiful guitar man! congrats.

[@BenEller]

Thanks, I love it!

[@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!

[@bestboy897]

hearts alive

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

yussss 🌊💙🌊 TAKEN DOWNNNN WITH HEARTS ALIIIVE

[@tombarone5657]

100% we need a reissue.

[@randallhaney7909]

Cool story & Happy Holidays Uncle Benny Bob.

[@BenEller]

Same to you!

[@itsmikeay]

I will never let mine go again, made that mistake once already. Fool me once, won't get fooled again.

[@wackojacko3962]

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

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Loved the Satch 4.50 mins in

[@nickfox7756]

Awesome video Ben. I enjoy the stories

[@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 😅

[@harshvardhanbhatt7555]

My guitar is gonna kill your mama is an underrated classic!

[@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.

[@Rtzaman25]

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

[@ClassicPass_]

YOU Uncle Ben, are the real King of RGs!

[@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!

[@brianrinehart8202]

They need to reissue a lot of their older models. Outside the Genesis line, everything they make now is hideous. I'd live to see the RG3550, RG1550 & RG770. I finally rattled enough cages to get them to expand the Genesis line by 2 colors. But they need more!

[@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.

[@markobjeli2959]

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

[@BenEller]

Many thanks, man!!

[@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

[@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!!!

[@anitawinser6753]

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

[@BenEller]

♥️♥️

[@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.

[@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.

[@amesmilesoff4768]

Nice guitar, good story, all the best Ben 👍

[@andyracer20]

I want one!!! Reissue this baby!

[@k5elevencinc0]

Beautiful Ibby!!

[@BenEller]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Prisoner1O5]

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

[@lyricbread]

Dang, if that story didn’t warm your heart like a morning after a heavy night of drinking beer fart or put you in the holiday spirit, I don’t know what to tell you. ❤

[@_Strez]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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... 🤘🏻

[@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!

[@metalheadpunk]

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

[@BenEller]

Twinsies 4ever!

[@MehYam2112]

I love my 3120. I have a Jem VSBL and JS1000 from the same year, and the RG is by far my favorite. This was back in 2002-ish, when Ibanez redesigned the trem and decided to flush existing stock to make room for the new model. Turns out people preferred the older one for various reasons, but the deals on Ibanez guitars went ridiculous - $1000/$700 for the Jem and JS respectively - brand new - and I scored my 3120 used for $500. I don't want them to reissue!

[@CommonInsider]

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

[@BenEller]

Best Satch album!!!

[@sheriewart8100]

Yes please Uncle, another guitar story

[@Feverdream7777]

Ahh.... that RG 3120.... I bought one brand new in 1997 thinking it would be/perform just like a Jem ...it was so gorgeous ...but... nope...got it home..and realized it feels nothing like a Jem... sold it 6 months later... I regret it... never bought my Jem either... 1. Neck Profile was different/thicker 2. Lo Pro Edge didn't flutter AT ALL like an original Edge... it was super stiff, not dynamic at all 3. Original Pickups didn't sound like a Jem at all. 4. Jems were $1000 more at the time. I spent $1100 on the RG 3120 originally...couldn't really put up the rest of the cash for a Jem 7v

[@BenEller]

It’s a different vibe for sure! To each their own! Love my Jem floral.

[@Feverdream7777]

@@BenEller I sold it to an acquaintance / co worker who had recently got out from a 5 year prison sentence for attempted murder with a machete. True Story. The guy's old roomate broke in and stole his old school Red RG 565, sold it for meth... when he found out, he tried to kill him...

[@BenEller]

@@Feverdream7777whoa

[@gbigwuk]

I had both RG 2820s blue and orange. Really wish I still had them.. stunners

[@johnscott2076]

Drugs are bad, mmkay

[@VilleKuitunen6]

Morristown Craft Beer festival is second only to the Strawberry Festival.

[@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!

[@michaeldonofrio414]

Love to see a video of the neck thru RG

[@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.

[@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.

[@stellaspoochpitfeaturingro3522]

Sounds like a J Custom is next on the Ibby list Uncle Ben, kinda like the one in my profile pic

[@alexminser1482]

Awesome guitar and awesome story, thanks for sharing

[@BenEller]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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!

[@CyberDocUSA]

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

[@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!

[@HoleLeashIt]

this is very similar to Petrucci's JPM100, which is cool. Hope they do reissue either 1 of those. They maybe have to change the JPM a bit of course unless JP allows it 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.

[@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.

[@6Stringers]

very nice. Ibanez is one of those brands that arent very nice to us leftys lol. One can dream

[@briandennehy6380]

I hear ya brother

[@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 😅

[@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

[@ghosthand3of9]

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

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@mdargusch]

I have a RG770 with all cosmo black hardware. It came with a Lo-Pro Edge for my year only. Before that it had an original Edge. Mine has the sharkfin inlay on a dark fretboard (rosewood?). I swapped-in some EMG Hetfield pickups and all solderless wiring. It is currently set-up for CGCFAD.

[@Brutalharmon]

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

[@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!

[@Keith_from_LBC]

@5:15 You haven't really showcased a guitar properly until you play some Mastodon on it. Well done... sounds beautiful.

[@Keith_from_LBC]

Hey Ben, have you ever listened to "The Taste of Chaos Ensemble performs Mastodon's Leviathan"? It's a string quartet doing an amazing rendition of the masterpiece we know as Leviathan. Check it out. It's life-affirming. 👍🏻

[@guitarmemoir]

You already own several of my dream guitars for Suhr.

[@BenEller]

They’re incredible!!!!

[@guitarmemoir]

@@BenEller And I am jealous. ;-)

[@Creature1009]

I think what makes this special is that it doesn’t have those UGLY dot inlays in the middle of the fretboard like 98% of Ibanez guitars. That one change makes such a massive difference.

[@BenEller]

Corner dots are so classy!

[@creamwobbly]

No holes in the fingerboard is best!

[@felipevalli]

Hell yeah! How many guitars do you have?

[@BenEller]

Almost enough!

[@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.

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

Some of your clean playing reminded me of some Ihsahn and Opeth stuff I have heard, haunting and interesting. I used to be intrigued by guitars that have a split coil thing going on, but then I fell in love with Teles and now have a Tele for single coil tones lol.

[@briandennehy6380]

Mastodon is what your referring to I reckon

[@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!

[@elizabethgarrison8928]

What was the first riff from? Was that Steve Vai?

[@Socomite]

I believe that riff was from a song called "My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama", which is originally by Frank Zappa but famously played by Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Eric Johnson at the first G3 tour as a jam song in 1996.

[@insidious.92]

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

[@bestboy897]

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

[@BenEller]

It's my happy place!

[@DisruptedSinner]

Yes, the 3120 should definitely be reissued but also in a LEFTY twilight blue!!

[@nicholastotoro7721]

They need to bring this back. I bought a blue one like that brand new in the early '00's, then got a red one in '02 or '03 when Musicians Friend was blowing them out for like $599!!!

[@BenEller]

Insane! Yeah man, we need a reissue now!

[@scottop1972]

i want to see another full video on the neck through

[@erichartwell6792]

You are awesome and deserve it 💯🤘🏻🙌

[@BenEller]

Appreciate it!

[@tommfrink]

Uncle Ben, I wish you could've been my Step Dad big dogg 🤘

[@BNGamesYT]

In the mid aughts I stumbled on an Ibanez RG1570 in "Prestige Black" which is actually a very dark brown sparkle. It was in the used section for $300 and I could not believe my luck. Best neck on a guitar ive ever played or owned. I happen to like the Tone Zone which I put in the bridge, but I loved the standard single coil sound so I left the mid alone. In the neck I put in a Neck Position Evolution pup I pulled out of a 97" JEM Jr. I bought with a completely destroyed body. Its a weird mashup, but it works.

[@barbosaoficial]

I love Ibanez guitars and I crave for rgt one

[@jessenicholson1777]

Great color on yours. A lot of these become very green, which isn’t the best look. I was getting back into playing in 2008, went into my local Guitar Center and was all set to buy something like an RG2550 when I saw one of these on the wall. This example was very heavily played and overpriced for the condition, but I was hooked. Wasn’t able to find a blue one but found a red one that I had for a while.

[@TheMisanthropist432]

It is. Best guitar i have ever had in my life.

[@BenEller]

The best!!!

[@leftofzeroofficial]

My og 550 is my personal dream RG. Road flare red. Mmmm.

[@hjalmarwidmark5906]

Love the colour! My first guitar was RG320 dark red. Still love that guitar. My mom says hi & shes wondering if you want your Scorpion shirt back?

[@carlos27835]

I have the transparent red, wich pickups are yours?

[@BenEller]

Head to 10:30!

[@carlos27835]

I went there but didnt understand, lol, my english is not good enough , thanks to Google I found them, very expensive by the way! ​@@BenEller

[@BenEller]

@@carlos27835ah sorry! They’re the Suhr Aldrich pickups, they’re fantastic!

[@rickyleeengle]

Just do a full ibanez video with all of your stuff

[@mylogify]

RG550 is great, and very high quality, with a nice price. The neck was just a little too thin for me, it's slightly flatter and maybe thinner than Prestige Super Wizard, but still great guitar! It's great for Ibanez to make these guitars in Japan, and affordable. I'd want to see more of them making reissues.

[@ibanezleftyclub]

One of my biggest ever guitar regrets was selling my RG3120TWL, now I’ll never get another one, less than 30 exist and the last one that tried to sell went for over $5k lol

[@TheUncleshoes]

FastFret is for lovers.