I first bought one from a friend in 1989 for $250 with a case. I used it to record on my trusty old Tascam 4-track cassette for hundreds of songs and many different styles (metal, country, hard rock, gothic etc). Somewhere along the way it was stolen. Then, in 2018 I started to look for another and was surprised that the prices had shot up a lot. Some were going for 6-700 bucks in dubious shape. After a few months search I landed one for, you guessed it, $250 (no case) I was thrilled to have my baby back! I had it fully serviced and set up by a pro and man, does this thing rock like a McLaren super car. Versatile in sound range, insanely awesome action, total shredder and very good looking to boot! I will never again be separated from my red beauty. Now I record digitally and it really does the trick. This is a must guitar for any Ibanez lover.