My First Good Guitar - The Ibanez S Series

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This was my first good guitar and I was so hyped when I bought it (mom not so much). Now that I got it setup and tweaked a little, I am super hyped and it is a joy to play. Seriously guys, get a good setup.
Hi! I am Brian Bower. I am a rock and metal enthusiast who loves to play guitar, make videos and talk! I have been playing guitar consistently since I was 15 years old. I love talking about gear, playing, whatever. I mainly have been playing Ibanez guitars for the better part of 15 years. Some of my favorite acts are Rush, The Tragically Hip, Steve Vai, King Diamond, Textures, Yngwie Malmsteen, Hammerfall, Pyramaze, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Beyond Creation and many others. I am open to playing other types of music. I have also been uploading off on to KZbin for years. If you like my content, give me sub. Thanks for checking out my channel! Rock on!

[@BadazzShovelhead]

I have the Ibanez S Prestige S6521Q great guitar- Sorry deleted the other comment - meant to say great job on the video - I like how you come across as a normal person who is just rightfully excited about something and knows what he is talking about- Nicely done man.

[@BrianBower]

Thank you . Yeah man, I like these things. I plan on using this one in my next cover too. It is a solid guitar. Haha you're the first person to say I am normal in a long time haha. Thanks for subbing btw! I would like a prestige Ibanez or J custom someday. There is a new prestige. Its a green one with a lo pro edge. Just more than I need to spend now.

[@FraterAlex]

Ibanez S Series are very great guitars! They are a fantastic player's guitar, and can hang with the best.

[@BrianBower]

I totally agree. Been playing this one the last few days.

[@amcdonald7479]

This looks like my S series i got in 2006ish . Love it

[@stk658]

I also got a similar one as a present in 2006 buddy 🙌😉 almost 20 years ago and still love it ❤

[@PhilOFF]

It sounds Great!

[@BrianBower]

Hell yeah. I've been missing out for 5 + years. Been playing it a lot too. Also I have been watching some of your videos too!

[@PhilOFF]

@@BrianBower thanks !

[@neildonnelly5029]

I have a 1985 pr 1660 made in Japan great guitar

[@vitoft]

One year later just to say i have exactly the same color guitar. Great sound🤟🍻

[@BrianBower]

Thanks and congrats! I still play this one a lot. Even used it in the X-Japan cover I recently did

[@paulscountry456]

Any Ibanez made in Japan at either the Chushin or Fugijen factory are Quality and the best of Ibanez.

[@BrianBower]

I love the Fugijen stuff. I played one of the new RG’s from Japan and it was so good!

[@andyy6481]

@@BrianBower what makes it so good?

[@BrianBower]

@@andyy6481 the title implies my first good guitar as in not a student model.

[@benjaminanthony5201]

Great video

[@BrianBower]

Thank you! I am still rocking this guitar. It will be in the next week. You can also see it in our X-Japan cover

[@lukeli901001]

nice!

[@allylawgroup]

That was amazing! What song is that? I love it and would like to learn it one day.

[@BrianBower]

Thanks! I had to go back and listen. It was just music I wrote for this video and never played it again! Maybe I should revisit it. I do have music I’ve written scattered throughout the channel. If you wanna hear some, check out Faceless Rhino and Distant. I have a new one coming in the near future.

[@vincentherron2258]

I still have my 1987 S540. It still the only electric I play.

[@TSoneonetwo]

my #1 is still a 2001 S520, walnut finish. it has an origianl edge tremolo. I also have a RGXXVCR, which has a ZR bridge. to me there simply is no comparison. the original edge is, in my book, second only to a german made Floyd. the first thing I did with the ZR was to delete it's zero return function which virtually eliminates the ability to flutter the bridge. I agree, I can feel the give in the ZR from the pot metal that must be used to make them. I keep contemplating replacing it with either an original edge or a Floyd.

[@BrianBower]

Original Edge is the best. I have it too which I might have said in this (I haven't watched this in a few years) and it by far is a better bridge.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

The Saber is a great guitar.. The S Series was good enough for one of the greatest fusion players of all time! His name is Frank Gambale. ...and, If you are into Death Metal at all.. Luc Lemay from Gorguts used a Saber for a very long time!

[@BrianBower]

I know of Gorguts. I will need to listen to them again. I usually need to be in the mood for that style. I do like me some tech death though.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Did you find that the color of your guitar changed with time? Mine used to be a gorgeous sapphire blue and now it is grey. 🙈

[@willman100]

Great Video. Do you find the S series sounds thin or full? I ask if it can keep up with the RG series because it's so thin. Thanks

[@BrianBower]

I wouldn't say thinner. They have different body materials though. The RG being basswood & the S being mahogany. Mine have different pickups. Keep in mind the S series is thick in the center and only thin towards the edges. They both play really well. There are better S series than mine. Mine however holds tuning very well.

[@childrenoftheabzu]

Its not an acoustic where the wood and body and all that really matter.

[@hanovergreen4091]

Still have the guitar Brian? Just pulled mine out and, as always, wonder why I don't play it more often. Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@BrianBower]

I sure do! I haven’t played it much lately. I really should change that. It plays awesome. Frets are getting worn on it though.

[@Helldorado72]

great video!

[@BrianBower]

Thanks man! This is my most viewed video to date.

[@Helldorado72]

@@BrianBower Ive always had a soft spot for Ibanez. My first was an RG-570 in 1990. Also yer playing is super tight!

[@BrianBower]

@@Helldorado72 I also have a 570! (My video on that sucked by it lead me to this one) Thanks man. I am okay at it

[@danteyoutu]

Nice guiturd!!

[@BrianBower]

Guitarrrrrrr

[@SkullCloud11]

Well, every guitar sounds good in the hands of a good guitarist...

[@BrianBower]

Most do! Once in a while, we have an exception!

[@casabuenaquerhojakeb.8332]

Very tasteful playing! May I ask who your influences are?

[@BrianBower]

Thank you dude. I like a lot of rock and metal like Rush, Steve Vai, Textures, Pyramaze, and lot of the old school metal a lot of us grew up with. I like some of the new stuff too. I am all over the place really.

[@casabuenaquerhojakeb.8332]

@@BrianBower Haven't heard Pyramaze and Textures before, will definitely give a listen tho, any recommendations? Your vid made my day by the way I was just weighing my options for my next guitar and I saw your vid definitely worth the watch

[@BrianBower]

@@casabuenaquerhojakeb.8332 Tomorrow I have one comparing the S series with my Ibanez RG too. I am just getting that upload ready. Textures was sick. Pyramaze's old stuff was incredible too. You probably know Queensryche? They're a band I enjoy as well. I think as I get older, my tastes have changed some.

[@casabuenaquerhojakeb.8332]

@@BrianBower will definitely check out your next vid, I have listened to queensryche I forgot why I didnt listen to them again will definitely check them out again either

[@BrianBower]

@@casabuenaquerhojakeb.8332 Operation Mindcrime is considered the best

[@tapfishchallenge]

Just bought my daughter an Ibanez Gio. I can’t understand why Ibanez refuses to release a left handed S series. Totally buy one for myself.

[@BrianBower]

Nice. Do they make an S Series GIO. I have never thought about it but you're right. I have never seen a left handed S Series. I really like these

[@federicopamparatov8805]

I have a s470 98 Korea and is amazing .. left handed of course . Look for it un EBay .

[@Iam_Dunn]

I think you might be mistaken as to the purpose of that set screw you removed. It doesn’t set the intonation, that is done via the hex screws holding down the saddles. That screw sets the amount that you can pull the tremolo sharp. :)

[@BrianBower]

What I meant is its for adjusting the intonation when you loosen the hex screw. It must be multi purpose?

[@Iam_Dunn]

Brian B ...I’m confused.... LOL... You took it out and stuck it in nut that releases the string from the saddle. That doesn’t have anything to do with the intonation. The intonation hex screw is closest to the pickup. When you take the set screw out, does it actually fit in and turn the string release nut (which would also allow it to loosen the intonation nut)? If it does, I’ll admit that I never knew it could do that. I never took the set screw out, I only ever used an Allen wrench. I wish I still had mine to check. They are great guitars. :)

[@BrianBower]

@@Iam_Dunn I got reading about it. I probably just explained it badly. You loosen the hex nut and with this piece screwed into the back of the saddle, you can pull or push the saddle forward. It is what I thought it was. Sorry for the confusion. You do need the allen wrenches but I am sure you could do it without this thing. Its a weird trem. I wish the guitar had an Edge Lo Pro!

[@Iam_Dunn]

Brian B ...Im at www.manualslib.com/manual/522298/Ibanez-Zr-Tremolo.html?page=2#manual right now looking at it, and I have just realized that my guitar did not have the same system. Wow, it’s true that you do learn something new every day (for me it’s that I’m old and my brain is fried from too many....ummmmmmmm... ‘substances’ consumed in the 80’s) LOL. Sorry about my questioning your information! :)

[@Iam_Dunn]

Wow, this is kinda wrecking my brain at the moment. I just got off the phone with my old bandmate who is a guitar and amp repair tech at a very well renowned store in Ottawa. I asked hime if he remembered the 540S I used to play and he said he did. I have absolute memory of having a set screw on my trem that would stop the guitar from pulling sharp too much. I CAN NOT find any indication that Ibanez ever had a bridge like that other than the ZR, which I am positive I did not have. My bridge was more like the Edge Pro, but with a set screw. My buddy told me I’m going senile..... But, I think I just found another Mandela Effect that I can add to my list.... ugghhhh, don’t get me started on THAT!! LOL

[@kdog3980]

Dude!!

[@BrianBower]

Sweet!

[@bluwng]

Are the ZR tremolos the ones that pivot on a bearing vs knife edge?

[@kylezakk]

The ZR tremolos pivot on a bearing. Its a better design Imo but I wish there were more upgrade parts for it

[@hanovergreen4091]

@@kylezakk NO kidding. My fine tuners are wearing out and I have no idea how to fix them or get parts.

[@jamesfagan7823]

Brian James fagan in Ireland you are brilliant brother iam on a budget are ibenez standard a good guitar 🎸 really iam going to get one this week what do you think

[@BrianBower]

I assume by standard you mean like not Premium or Prestige? That would be somewhat like this one. Should be totally fine. My recommendation would be getting a setup on it aka action, intonation which will do you wonders. I don’t see why it won’t work!

[@BrianBower]

Also just make sure you like how it plays!

[@TurpTesta]

Beat me to it

[@BrianBower]

Turpadjent

[@rianraonarvekar]

Full name please thinking of getting one

[@BrianBower]

I believe it is the S470DXQM in red. There were orange and blue ones too. Tip: If you can get a bit better version with an Edge Lo Pro, do that.

[@treishtrei]

Same for me. An s320

[@BrianBower]

Nice! I just wish mine had an original or lo pro edge

[@treishtrei]

@@BrianBower yes. The standard bridge after 10 years starts to show weaknesses that it doesnt return to 0 anymore. Goes a little flat and I need to operate the fine tuners once every 2 days. However I removed completely the tone knob and the switch, have just one Pegasus in bridge, and new CTS pot. My best guitar and I have an usa prs, no joke...only that the prs stays in tune forever :)

[@BrianBower]

@@treishtrei I have never really tried a proper PRS and would love to

[@skrrrtmilk6087]

I have one in black

[@BrianBower]

MrTopHat 2347 There are so really nice ones out there for sure

[@valeriewebber9413]

First!🌈👩‍🎤🦄🎸🎶

[@BrianBower]

Third!

[@orange70383]

I have that exact guitar and am looking to sell it.

[@BrianBower]

How comes? I just played mine for a bit

[@carlitoxb110]

ibanez s621qm comes with fix bridge

[@BrianBower]

Yes! There are so many variations of Ibanez's out there now

[@lomoholga]

Only bad thing about Those guitars are the top mounted output jack

[@BrianBower]

Mmm this doesn’t bug me in this case. It’s a preference thing. I like the Charvel pro mod jacks (I think that’s the one I thought was super)

[@lomoholga]

@@BrianBower I just got a charvel promod dk24. I don’t get the benefit of the odd Jack placement. Great instrument all around! Only ‘downfall’ is no stainless steel frets eh.

[@BrianBower]

@@lomoholga that’s mainly why I didn’t buy one as I felt Solar’s had better specs. I still want a Pro Mod though

[@lomoholga]

@@BrianBower I hear you-the market is totally moved to stainless frets, roasted necks, locking tuners as standard for super strats. Maybe Charvel will release stainless fret bolt on neck replacements! Still Floyd rose system is 100% stable but I’m happy with the performance of the Charvel’s vibrato system- just can’t get as crazy.

[@samblack5313]

I like that about it. I have a guitar in my hands for many hours a day, not having the jack on the edge is great.

[@shanewalton8888]

Don' t apologize for the Zed. lol

[@BrianBower]

Haha I am very much a Canadian in this respect. I say sorry and zed!

[@shanewalton8888]

@@BrianBower I live in Japan, but born in Northern Alberta so I know. lol

[@BrianBower]

@@shanewalton8888 Nice man. I have never been to either place.

[@BadazzShovelhead]

My fiance is a British lawyer in London, she hates zed, calling desert pudding the one I really agree with is instead of saying H when people say 'haitch'- So when I am over in London for work or hanging with her on vacation- I make sure I say zed, pudding, and haitch as much as possible :) Trying to work all 3 in the wedding vows.Anyhow, Brian the more I watch this video the better it is- I like "goofy" people and I mean that in the best way as in someone who isn't up his own ass with being overly serious.

[@KaosII1968]

Do you guys really talk like that up there.??

[@BrianBower]

Not sure, I'll ask around and get back to you eh!

[@Juicexlx]

Yes, they do. I'm from Québec and French, but East Coast Canadians have colourful English accents. Some Irish, some Scottish and then, mixes of French and English like the Acadians or New Brunswick people.

[@kimblers]

Are you Canadian?

[@BrianBower]

Yeah ehhh

[@kimblers]

@@BrianBower I really enjoyed you video. It took a second to place the regionalisms.

[@BrianBower]

@@kimblers I find it funny when people notice my accent in this videos

[@dadgad1046]

Zed is dead... Zed was killed by Z. Z didn't have to carry those dead letters with him and when the final battle came Zed could not survive Z's quicker moves. Long live Z king..

[@BrianBower]

Zed isn't dead. I don't know why anyone would think this?! P.s I am Canadian hahah

[@lomoholga]

Cape Breton or Newfoundland???

[@BrianBower]

Not from CB and I am not a Newfie. Now that would sound thick!

[@lomoholga]

@@BrianBower yeah hence why I don’t have a channel! Lol.

[@BrianBower]

@@lomoholga don’t let that stop you. Check out my friend Lee Armitage. He has a Yorkshire accent.

[@lomoholga]

@@BrianBower well then there is the lack of talent component on my part. Lol

[@shanewalton8888]

I'm thinking of getting an S for my daughter, because I see a lot of women play them. Unfortunately for me I'm left handed and Ibanez is not making an S for us lefties at the moment.

[@BOBANDVEG]

Did you get her one. How is it?

[@shanewalton8888]

@@BOBANDVEG I bought her an Ibanez Gio. She plays it some but prefers acoustics.

[@jamesfagan7823]

Sounds Irish has a little Irish in the voice 🤔

[@BrianBower]

Haha I am not Irish but I think I have some in me. Nova Scotia, Canada is where I am from.

[@lomoholga]

What is your accent?????

[@BrianBower]

Sexy af lol! JK it’s not. Nova Scotia so Canadian I guess but accents vary across the country. We will say Nova Scotian

[@lomoholga]

@@BrianBower I’m from cape Breton and I spotted your mainlander accent right away. Lol. Got times b’ye

[@BrianBower]

@@lomoholga that’s super cool! Nice to run into here. I’m from East Hants

[@lomoholga]

@@BrianBower Mira river. Subbed! Rare to hear a good bluenose accent on KZbin! Keep it up

[@jayz6008]

Cringey faces

[@BrianBower]

I was born cringey but not as cringey as Jay Z's music :P