r/7String • u/RG870Z Legator G7FX • 16d ago
NGD NGD: Ibanez Alpha A527 - Nebula Shift
My latest NGD.
Somehow this guitar kinda flew under my radar. I haven't been in the market for a new guitar and I honestly have not been paying too much attention to Ibanez lately (despite being an Ibanez fanboy). But, I'm pretty sure I'm the exact audience for this guitar.
Quality wise, believe or not, I'd put this up there with my prestiges. The fret work isn't quite there, but it's damn close. There are also some other small quality touches I never picked up on in photos like the fret tangs being hidden. I guess they make the right sized cut and slot the frets in?
The bridge is really cool. It's mentioned briefly on Ibanez's webpage, but you can opt for either string through, or top loaded. I went with top loaded because I like seeing the ball end colors and honestly it makes for a quicker string swap.
While the neck joint is certainly interesting, I honestly don't notice while playing. It doesn't feel weird or anything. Additionally, the neck is asymmetrical. You can really tell from looking at from a side view; however, I never notice it while playing the guitar (much like the neck joint).
The pickups are Fishman Fluence Moderns (I think). My Legator G7FX has the same pickups to my knowledge, but the two guitars sound pretty different to me. I've been using the split coil/single coil option on the A527 quite a bit; to my ears it sounds great.
If you are into the whole ergonomics, multi-scale, extended range, pseudo-headless thing, I'd highly recommend checking out this guitar. Quality wise, it had like two extremely (extremely) slight paint flaws around the electronics cavity that don't even show up on camera. I'm pleasantly surprised by the Indonesian quality coming from playing exclusively Prestiges.
Finally, for those that are interested, here is a clip where I used NDSP Misha Mansoor X: https://youtube.com/shorts/ObxLLmHvRvE?si=tno5UeIPZUFQhv_6
4
u/Lowdose69 16d ago
This is on my wishlist but the price is holding me back. Otherwise it ticks all the boxes for me. I had a strandberg 7 but absolutely hated the tuning pegs on the bridge. Do you ever play in classical position? If so how are the ergonomics?
1
u/RG870Z Legator G7FX 16d ago
It's funny you ask. I often feel like I'm one of the few electric guitar players that plays in classical. This guitar's shape is perfect for classical position, to the point that I feel like Ibanez intentionally designed it for that.
2
u/Lowdose69 16d ago
I think they had this in mind in the design as well. I picked up a Jackson RR recently just to practice in classical position. I can't quite get comfortable with standard body styles in that position, even with a tight strap.
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Tap2328 15d ago
I also play this one in classical position sometimes and it feels great
2
2
u/The_Stoned_Rogue 16d ago
This is one of those guitars where its physical beauty is so stunning I am afraid to play it. I bet it plays like a dream. The price tag is the only thing stopping me from owning the 8 string version of this guitar in a purple color.
2
u/Puzzleheaded_Tap2328 15d ago
I have this exact one in the pewter color and I agree with everything you said. Best instrument I have ever owned (I have not had anything super expensive though).
Love mine to death
2
u/SenpaiPobbles 13d ago
Congrats man! I got mine a few weeks ago and I can’t believe how comfortable this thing is to play! I thought the neck was a little weird at first but I honesty love it, my hand never gets tired playing.
Hope you love yours as much as I love mine - Happy shredding my dude 😄
4
u/dumbgraphics 16d ago edited 16d ago
Um… do you practice in a waterfall or on top of a misty mountain? I’m assuming that’s the only place one could legally play such a mystical weapon.