what are the tonal differences of these 2 guitars?
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-RE2EX1-Electric-Guitar?sku=519783
(basswood, rosewood)
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-RG321-Electric-Guitar?sku=512492
(mahogany, bound rosewood)
the only differences are the fret boards the wood the guitars made out of and the pickups
Well, first I have to say, I've always actually liked basswood guitars. I'm not alone, Eddie Van Halen and Kurt Cobain used them too. Voluntarily.
But the big tonal difference is going to be the wood. Mahogany has a dark, rich, heavy sound. Basswood has a very neutral, smooth, lighter sound. Meaning the second one will have more bass and low-midrange presence, while the first one will have more midrange. It'll be a fairly subtle difference.
I'm recommending the second one. Tonally, it'll sound heavier, especially with distortion. Also, basswood is soft wood; it's known for being easily dented. Mahogany is a little tougher. And for the same price, why not?