Ibanez JEM mutt...how much is it worth?

[sd403]

Since I still don't have access at another site after registering around a month ago (*grr*), I figured I'd try here after such great help with my posts getting info on my 1990 Jackson Professional Dinky Reverse (we named her "Ruby") awhile back.

A local shop a few days ago got a used JEM from a swap-meet and guitar show (which I missed, of course). They want $500, including a HSC (which I haven't seen yet due to lack of time).

I looked at this thing over and over, trying to figure out what year it was...and the more I look for info, the more I'm convinced it's not worth $500 even with someone to carry it around for you.

Here it goes:

1) Desert Yellow, but suspecting it's not original (either the guy making the routs was stoned, or it's been dinged a bunch and repainted). The neck is not AANJ.

2) Neckplate has the PA address, serial starts with "88".

3) Maple neck, dot-inlays, from a RG550 or 570; serial starts with "F9" I think.

4) Guard is matte black diamond plate (may even be aluminum); now has a 3-way toggle. IBZ USA F4 at the neck, IBZ USA F2 at the bridge. IBZ USA C2 single is gone.

5) Not positive on the trem, but doesn't look to be anything other than an original Edge or Edge Pro (although I haven't seen many other than those two and the Edge III).

6) It did feel nicely balanced, the neck was a bit scuzzy, but was smooth. Don't really know how much meat should be on the frets to not need a re-crown or whatever, but it didn't seem too bad.

Should I stay far, far away? If I check it out some more and decide to make an offer, what should be the max (even if it's just for the guitar)?

Thanks for the time, and I'll post pics of the Jackson once she comes back from the fret-level operation. = )

[MetalHeadMat]

At that price, you should've ran away, IMO of course.

Also, if it's the JEMsite you're waiting for, you have to PM the admin for access. I waited a year and a half to find that out. No lie.

[sd403]

At that price, you should've ran away, IMO of course.

Also, if it's the JEMsite you're waiting for, you have to PM the admin for access. I waited a year and a half to find that out. No lie.

Thanks for the reply; I was thinking that would be the answer, haha. After talking to the trade-in guy at the local Guitar Center (I know, I know... but he actually seems to be a decent and knowledgeable guy), he said the max (depending on better exam of the JEM and the case) would be $200-$300 tops. His big problem was not having the original neck; "At that point, why bother. It'd be better to just part it out." I may give it another look, since I'm not really into re-selling. My main thing is having a solid, great sounding guitar that I'm going to want to keep playing...which is why I love the Jackson. = ) And yeah, it was the site (trying not to name names)...I'll have to try and PM sometime. = )

[lhrocker]

Why don't you post a few pictures. The parts may be worth more than the whole. The older Jems were not AANJ, and I'd take one of those over the new ones any day.