Ibanez ICHI10 Jescar EVO Gold frets vs Stainless Steel

[empty fern]

Just found out right now that the ibanez ICHI10’s original gold frets (Jescar Evo Golds) were discontinued and the guitar now comes with stainless steel frets for 2024 models.

Did a quick search and read that the Evo Golds have a hardness of about 250 and stainless steel are 300.

My main question is if its worth it to get the stainless steel ones, granted that I will have to pay more.
I have a local guitar shop that has a brand new one, but it still has the old Evo Gold frets on it. They have a 10% sale so in total after tax id be paying $992.
Or, I could buy a new one off sweetwater with the stainless steel frets for $1084.
There is a “demo” one available with SS frets with just scratches on the pickguard for $976 total as well.
So, would it be worth it to get the stainless steel fretted one? And if so new or demo?
Picture will be included of the scratches on the pickguard (i personally dont mind the scratches since ik how to buff them out)

[junior venture]

just go stainless steel

[empty fern]

Should I just get the demo model then?

[queen knot]

if the scratch doesn't matter to you, why not? it's 100 bucks less.

[empty fern]

Yea, but also its on sweetwater so I just emailed my sales person if they can give me a 10% discount on a brand new one. Mentioned my local shop has a 10% discount on their website for the one without the stainless steel ones. So i think i might be able to get a new one with SS for under $1000 🙂

[quasi karma]

if your looking for longevity get stainless steel, if your looking for a specific look get gold

to me stainless steel is way better as i don't really care for what color my frets are, they aren't something that people notice that often.