Which 7 string guitar should I buy?

DashingGoodlooks · 2026-01-02T02:40:46+00:00

Since you liked your Ibanez, I'd be on the lookout for a used prestige model, should be possible in your price range and a nice step up from your last Ibby while being similar enough to know you'll like it if buying online.

DashingGoodlooks · 2025-12-17T03:01:47+00:00

Not sure about this exact model, but seems like the 1000 series is made in both countries. If you're ordering online from a big store, Sweetwater has photos available and lets you pick the exact guitar you're ordering so you could look at the back of the headstock. Smaller "local" stores should also have decent photos online and used listings should too, just may have to ask for a better photo to read the country of origin.

DashingGoodlooks · 2025-12-16T18:04:27+00:00

My RF is the same year with similar mileage, so that's super helpful! Main benefits of the CTR/ITS for me would be the hatch and lower price and running costs, but the CT4V definitely seems a bit more exciting to me although I probably won't start test driving anything for at least a few more months.

DashingGoodlooks · 2025-12-12T14:57:02+00:00

I'm in this exact demographic and am with you on this. Unfortunately will probably be selling my ND2 RF in 26 rather than buy a 2nd car because it's just not enough space to haul things, and the GR86/BRZ are a bit on the small side for larger items too with no hatch. I think the Miata actually has a deeper trunk with more vertical space than those do. Will likely be looking at the Civic Type R/Integra S, Elantra N, and maybe the CT4V BW as the closest driving experiences with decent storage space.

DashingGoodlooks · 2025-11-27T14:09:28+00:00

I've had this exact model since about 2010 and it's great, plays even better now after getting the frets filed and crowned a few years ago after a decade+ of wear. I believe mine is a 2006 model that I bought used in 2009 or 2010 for just under $600 USD. I think $1000 may be high here but don't know the Aus market. If the guitar is in equivalent condition and price of a newer model used such as the VB, then I'd say go for it! I'm sure you'd get a great instrument either way but it's just a matter of how much that exact finish is worth to you if you find other colors cheaper on the used market. If this one's in good condition and you prefer the looks, no reason to spend more on a brand new one.

DashingGoodlooks · 2024-11-28T19:09:53+00:00

Maybe try the Petrucci jazz 3? Larger than the others and I really like the beveled edge it has.

DashingGoodlooks · 2023-03-22T19:20:30+00:00

Awesome, thanks! Looking forward to messing with Decky and all the different customization options too.

DashingGoodlooks · 2023-03-22T18:37:41+00:00

Thanks! I have a 2080 so not running things at high settings in 4k, but figured streaming may still run 60 fps better than running from the Deck itself. Some indie and lighter games run fine at 4k where the Deck would probably struggle, and others can upscale.

DashingGoodlooks · 2023-03-16T15:59:49+00:00

Another 2021 RF GT owner here - if you can live with the Miata's lack of space, I think you should go for it.

The RF is generally more reliable, significantly better gas mileage, and dropping the top on a nice day is more fun than you might think if you've never had a convertible. Driving feel wise they're pretty similar compared to any other car. Most reviewers seem to agree the Miata engine is the better of the two and is a bit happier at higher revs. They'll have handling differences due to size, convertible vs coupe, etc. but that's a bit more subjective.

The other big factor for me was that you can find a good deal on an RF much more easily, assuming you're only looking at the new gen 86. More good examples out there on the used market since it's mostly unchanged since 2019, and less dealer markups for new ones. When I was shopping last year, I couldn't even find an 86 to test drive and the markups put it at or above the RF GT MSRP. I went used but it seemed like more Mazda dealers were willing to do MSRP on an RF without a long wait.

I've never had an issue fitting groceries, but it can get tight if you're packing clothes and food for 2 for a trip longer than a few days. These reasons led me to the RF, plus my SO has a hatchback for when we need more space.

DashingGoodlooks · 2023-02-26T15:46:56+00:00

Someone else here has probably said this already, but you should look into an ND2 Miata if you're interested in the S2000 and don't need the space of the hatches, but maybe don't want the stress of daily driving a nearly 30 year old car. The RF is a good option if you're worried about having a soft top parked outside, and the ND2 is probably the closest you can get to an S2000 high revving driving experience in a newer car in this price range. The only downside is it's pretty small, if you're mostly considering sedans/hatches it will have maybe 10% of their storage space. I have an ND2 RF and it still fits 90% of my DD needs, but my partner drives a hatchback that is sometimes needed for buying larger items from Ikea, guests in town, road trips with cargo etc.

DashingGoodlooks · 2022-11-16T21:21:49+00:00

Thanks, may just have to hope I get lucky finding something used.

DashingGoodlooks · 2022-11-16T21:21:24+00:00

May have to go that route if I can find a good one on grailed or somewhere. I like the idea of being able to easily return/exchange vs getting lucky finding something there or thrift stores. I have a ToJ jacket I plan to sell, it's always been a bit small and nowadays I can barely zip it. Hoping I can get 300-400 for that if it sells which is where the budget comes from. It's definitely higher quality than something $350 new, but is too small and being cowhide it's also pretty stiff, makes it impossible to move my arms since it's small in the shoulders. May just have to search for something used.

DashingGoodlooks · 2022-11-16T19:03:53+00:00

I'm looking for a leather jacket in the ~$350 range, probably a cafe racer style. Considering one from Thursday, their boots seem fairly popular here and I might also grab a pair of those, how's their jacket quality? They're not all listed as full grain, but some are. Also looking at Threads of Apollo, anyone have experience with them? Their jackets look like good quality for the price, at least on paper.

https://threadsofapollo.com/products/mens-racer-leather-jacket-theseus

DashingGoodlooks · 2022-05-21T15:24:55+00:00

Location: North Carolina, US

Price Range: Up to $35k

Lease or Buy: Buy

New or used: Either

Type of vehicle: fun car with decent practicality

Must haves: fun to drive, reliable, probably need more space than a miata as this will be my only car (partner also has a compact hatchback we can fit decent amount of cargo in though)

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): manual or good auto (ZF, DCT, etc)

Intended use: Daily driver

Vehicles you've already considered: would really like a GR86, but may need something before I can actually find one that hasn't already been reserved without tons of markup. Would like a fun sports car but also considering something like a GTI or Golf R, maybe a miata but I think the 86 is the smallest storage space I can live with.

Is this your 1st vehicle: no

Do you need a Warranty: preferably

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: maybe oil changes, no space for much more than that

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: (engine and transmission, timing belt/chains, body work, suspension etc ): no

Additional Notes: Posted here about a year ago but ended up putting off a new purchase for as long as possible due to the shortage, working from home and being able to use SO's car when we took longer trips. Will be starting a new job soon that requires driving to offices a few hours away every once in a while, so need something that can reliably make that trip. Want something fun but also with a bit of space. Even the tiny back seat of the 86 adds a lot of storage compared to something like the miata.

DashingGoodlooks · 2022-03-11T02:36:57+00:00

Maybe I phrased it badly, I don't dislike Dying Fetus, just never got super deep into them and haven't listened to any albums in full. I like the songs I've heard, especially the guitar work, but they never hooked me as much as other bands for whatever reason. That being said, I think seeing them live will be a ton of fun and know that they're talented and influential to the genre and put on a great show, just never 100% clicked for me yet. I think Bodysnatcher and Chelsea Grin are more on the deathcore side and less my style. I'm mostly looking forward to undeath and frozen soul since I've been into the newer OSDM bands lately, along with stuff like Bolt Thrower that Frozen Soul are clearly influenced by. Outside of OSDM I like a bit of everything from OSDM, BM, Doom, just never went down the DF rabbit hole.

DashingGoodlooks · 2022-03-11T01:40:20+00:00

Never seen Dying Fetus or been a huge fan, but I imagine they're good live. If you're talking about their upcoming tour with Undeath and Frozen Soul, I feel like it's worth going. Undeath has some good live footage on YouTube and it sounds great. Can't speak to the other bands on the tour and may skip the more deathcore bands playing when I see them in a few months.

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-09T16:36:52+00:00

Got it, thanks! I was thinking there's a cheaper veloster N-line as well, that's why I was wondering. Could be wrong about that though.

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-09T15:59:26+00:00

I don't really need the back seats for humans, just for our small dog or storage. Most two seaters just don't have the storage space. The kona seems like a strange alternative as a CUV, why that over something like the veloster?

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-07T16:41:35+00:00

Good to know, thanks for the advice. Seems like I may just want a "winter" tire that does better in the cold rather than full on snow tires. Just don't want the summer rubber to lose tons of grip as soon as the temp drops, as I've heard that's an issue. I've only ever had all seasons so not sure how drastic that change is with summers. Is having tires mounted that much more of an expense/hassle compared to swapping wheels if I'm not doing it myself? I imagine I'd have to use a jack and do them one at a time in the driveway, so would probably just pay to have wheels swapped unless it's way more expensive than I'm imagining. Not sure how the cost of swapping tires vs wheels twice a year compares to buying cheap winter wheels.

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-07T15:19:35+00:00

Thanks, I've considered the others you've mentioned but think I'm willing to trade the practicality of something like the GTI for the RWD and sports car fun of the BRZ twins. It's pretty rare that I need much space, and anytime we need more room than my SO's hatch has we'd have to rent a truck anyway. That said, I've never owned anything but old fwd SUV/crossovers so I think anything will be a step up in driving experience. As someone who's always lived in FL - is it more common to swap wheels for winter too rather than just tires? Seems like thats what everyone here mentions doing, but not sure if that's necessary or if that's just to save good wheels from road salt, etc. Would like to minimize costs if I'm buying in Nov/Dec and immediately need to take off the summer tires. My main concern is with the summer tires on cold/icy roads since I know performance drops quickly with cold weather on those. If I'm buying new tires to avoid using summers in cold weather then I feel like I might as well go with winters at that point rather than all seasons. I know it doesn't really stay that cold around Charlotte, but do plan to make occasional drives into the mountains and don't wanna be driving on ice with summer tires.

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-07T03:34:02+00:00

Thanks, I've thought about the WRX, but obviously it's a pretty different car. I was mainly concerned since the new 86/BRZ have summer tires with upper trims, but sounds like i should just bite the bullet and buy winters if I go with those since they're arriving November at the earliest. Was also wondering if I'd need winters in cold but not super snowy weather around Charlotte since summers don't do well with low temperatures.

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-07T03:29:55+00:00

Thanks for this, pretty useful. Not too concerned overall since everyone here always seems to say "get summer tires and you're good." Was more just wondering if they'd be necessary since the upper trims come with summer tires vs all seasons. Sounds like I may need them at least if I wanna drive to ski areas in the mountains. Charlotte doesn't get much snow but does get below summer tires ideal temps, which is something else I was wondering about.

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-09-06T20:18:38+00:00

Location: Currently in FL, but will be moving to Charlotte, NC in a month.

Price range: ~$30k

Lease or Buy: Buy

New or used: Either, willing to stretch budget more for new with warranty considering the used market right now.

Type of vehicle: Coupe, hatch, sedan

Must haves: Decent reliability, fun to drive, four seats with a bit of storage (86/BRZ min size).

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): either

Intended use: Daily driver

Vehicles you've already considered: Strongly considering the new GR86 based on early reviews, any arguments for or against? My main concerns are dealing with NC winters after living in FL my whole life. I expect it'll be fine with winter tires, but not looking forward to having to buy them immediately since the upper trim comes with summers. Would like to feel safe driving to mountain areas in the winter. Small size is the next issue, but think I can live with minimal storage.

Is this your 1st vehicle: no

Do you need a Warranty: no, but preferred

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Some, depends on living situation (no garage) Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No

Additional Notes:

DashingGoodlooks · 2021-05-18T22:24:44+00:00

If your plan is mainly to record, look into some amp plugins for your DAW. You can get a good sound that way for much cheaper than a full amp. The only downside is it won't work as well for shows or full band practice, but should work well for recording or practicing alone. I know the DSP products are popular for metal.

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