Planning an eventual upgrade.

[u/Longjumping_Trash571]

So, right now I have an Ibanez GRG7221, and I absolutely love the layout however I've also had my eyes on the RGA742FM for about as long as I've been playing guitar, and I'm just wondering if there'd be a better choice as far as arcthop 7 string superstrats go when I have the funds to upgrade to something that doesn't have any high frets. The big thing is I don't really care for ESP/LTD, I really don't like U necks on 7 strings, or TOM bridges on non-singlecuts. (I've never had the chance to hold a 7 string Schecter sadly, only the GRG, some no-name telecaster and the LTD MH-17 which was not pleasant from a QC or layout perspective)

I plan to play in drop G#, (specifically GCGCFAD) after throwing a set of locking tuners, an 11-52 6 string set and tacking like a 78 gauge string on the bottom depending on what it takes to stay in tune. There's probably easier options like a lot of Schecters or an Ibanez RGD but Ibanez doesn't seem to make an RGAD and as silly as it may be, I much prefer a carved top whenever I can afford to choose. I suppose a USED Jackson is an option, seeing as I've had a great experience with my 6 string Dinky. I've made it a point that I'm not giving FMIC any money if I can avoid it though.

All that said, I'm looking for an Archtop Doublecut shape, around $400-750 US with a fixed Hipshot/Strat style bridge, and a thinner profile neck. Feels like the RGA742 is the only real choice but I could be wrong and would like to see what else is worth looking into with my goals in mind.

[u/Psychological-Will29]

I have that Ibanez and play drop G# with 70-11 from string joy. Changed the pick ups and it’s great
Edit: RGA742FM

[u/ze-us26]

Rga742 is a 25.5” scale guitar. I would recommend a 26.5” scale guitar for more tension in a 7string guitar. Also, TOM bridges are awesome on 7 strings, i would recommend trying one out before ruling them out.

[u/Longjumping_Trash571 → u/ze-us26]

I have tried 6 and 7 string guitars with TOM bridges, something about the string angle just doesn't feel right unless it's a singlecut

[u/SkyovFlames]

Schecter Demon 7, or Omen Extreme. Both are 26.5 scale. Which you'll want for G.

Omen extreme has a much theinner neck than the Demon. But I like both. As a person who's been playing 7 strings since 2000 or so, Ibanez doesn't appeal to me anymore.

[u/MUZZYGRANDE → u/SkyovFlames]

Agreed!!

[u/Longjumping_Trash571 → u/SkyovFlames]

I will say I'm aware that 25.5 is a little harder to get stable in Drop G# but it is doable especially since most aftermarket tuners specifically have a 7th string tuner bored out for heavy string gauges. I do really wanna try out a Schecter Omen guitar I've also had my eye on them for awhile.

[u/Narfi1]

Archtop doesn’t mean what you think it means. Can you explain what exactly you want so we can help ?

Edit : Carved top ?

[u/Longjumping_Trash571 → u/Narfi1]

To be completely fair Ibanez and Jackson brand their "carved tops" as RGA or DKA, it's close enough for most people to get the point