Ibanez LGB30 or GB10SE?

[JMoto]

So, the LGB30's are ~$800 used and I can't find any 10's that are much of a good deal (I think). Also a bit confused about which 10 is Chinese and which is Japanese? None of my local stores have an LGB30 so I'd be buying unseen. One local shop does have a GB10SEBS I could go poke. Thoughts? There's also a 40thii for 1k on Reverb right now.... Better/worse idea? They look a bit silly imho.

[ROCK1]

If anyone has played both the GB10 and SE, would you please compare the neck shapes and playability? I've heard the SE is thick, not my preference.

[helios]

These two guitars are almost dead opposite each other, even though they carry George Bensons name on the inside label. Like the others have said if you already have a 175 style guitar get the GB10se. It's an amazingly versatile guitar... Vintage example of the more upscale GB10 can be found for not much more money if you are a careful shopper. I got my early '79nt for $1500.00 - it has the most remarkable woods I ever saw on any GB10 except maybe one Mr. Benson was playing specially made for his stage use.

What are your views on the current LGB300 (MIJ) & PM200 (MIJ)? I have a AF200 and I like it.

[MoCee]

Just came upon this thread. Not sure if the OP made his/her purchase, but here's my personal experience. I've owned the LGB30, and still own the GB10SE. I also own and play the AF95RW. Past guitars that have gone through my possession: AF95, AG95, AG85, AK95, AF85, and others. I know for a fact, directly from the Ibanez rep, that the Chinese made guitars have the Chinese made Super58s and can be purchased from Ibanez for about $70 each. The Japanese made Ibanez have the Japanese Super58s and can also be purchased through Ibanez for $145 - 200 each. Yes, they are different. Do they sound different? Yes, they do. But with careful tweaking of your amp and pedal settings, and during a live gig, I doubt anyone will be able to discern any difference. You can check the parts page on Ibanez.com and compare the parts of the GB10 (Japanese) and GB10se (Chinese). You'll see the pups are different.

Regarding playability, action and tone between LGB30 and GB10se, both are smooth players with great fretwork. No issues with either one. However, their feel is different, as can be expected as they are different sizes. I also have an Epiphone ES-175 Premium with USA Gibson 57 Plus Classic pups. I bought the 175 when my LGB30 was stolen. I will keep the GB10se because it's a different guitar. In my opinion, for straight Benson style jazz, nothing beats the GB10 or GB10se. The 175 is great for jazz and also for rhythm when playing rock or pop. I also use it for original pop/jazz tunes.

So there is my opinion from personal experience. However, the final decision rests on the potential buyer actually playing the guitar. And by that I mean, not necessarily noodling or shredding at Guitar Center for 30 straight minutes, but play it as you would when you're gigging or recording or composing. In other words, play actual songs that you would play regularly. That's when you can decide what guitar is for you.

[Naquat]

I'm a bit older than most but younger than BigMikeinNJ. Maybe it's a Jersey thing as I lived there for most of my life but I personally wasn't put off by Mike's posts. When someone has years of experience I'm not put off by the approach, I'm taking in the advice.

The posts here offered info that would have taken hours more time to collect.

"And that's all I have to say about that" LOL

I like the look of your GB10NT !

Thanks BigMike !

[Rhythmisking]

Timidly sticking my toes into this discussion...

I've never had a MIJ GB10. I did have a GB10JS, the discontinued Korean model. I liked it quite a bit, but sold it...and now I can't remember precisely why. I hate to admit part of the reason may have been that it wasn't a "real" (MIJ) one, but as I recall some of it may have been the neck.

I found a "real" one last year, blonde, MIJ, late 70's for a very good price. It had some minor electronic issues (hence the good price), but the neck...uggh. Flat. I have tendonitis in my left thumb, wrist and elbow (yay). Thin necks are a problem for me; not the width side to side, but the depth front to back. I do lots of barre chords and need more distance between my thumb and fingers or it's bad. So my question is:

Do any of the various GB10 iterations have a fatter neck? Like at least .84 if not larger? I love everything about this guitar except the neck profile; at least the ones I've played. I'd love to have another.

Thanks!

[Gershom]

LGB30 is built in Indonesia not China. Mine just got off the boat.

[hagstrom]

I've replaced 2 of those tailpieces on LGB 30s with harp ones looks better as well IMO.

Hi Para, could you please let me a link of the harp tailpiece cause I’ll have to replace mine too and I don’t Know where can I find it and if are also other available options too, Thanks in advance.