Any Ibanez Know-it-alls?

[Musician78]

I have 3 guitars on Craigs list right now. A 98 Jackson PS-2, a 2003 Jackson KVX10 and a 1991 Charvel 375 Deluxe on Craigslist. Someone offered to trade me his 2000 Ibanez JEM 7V for all three. This sounds like a killer deal to me... but... how do I know that this Ibanez isn't some sort of a fake? If it was a Jackson, I would probably be able to tell, but I really don't know Ibanez guitars.

[Axegrinder87]

First I'd check the last few frets. Most fakes aren't scalloped. Then I'd go by the serial, assuming there is one. A visit over to jemsite will be the best advice.

PS, All Ibanez JEMs are fake. Vai doesn't play an Ibanez....

[SixstringKing]

First I'd check the last few frets. Most fakes aren't scalloped. Then I'd go by the serial, assuming there is one. A visit over to jemsite will be the best advice.

+1 on that! Next to Les Pauls, the Ibanez Jem VWH is probably the most copied guitar out there.

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/f15/is-this-a-fake-jem-uv-how-amp-where-to-ask-no-new-threads-on-fakes-45347.html

Also, make sure it has an ebony board(`93-`03).

http://www.jemsite.com/jem/model/jem7vwh2.htm

[Axegrinder87]

Indeed, forgot to mention rosewood started in 2004.

[straycat]

If the serial number is ink stamped with no clear coat over it stay away.The serial number should be black and under the clear.

[SARJ]

I just had my hands on a seriously fake JEM with the monkey grip and all. The only give away was it didn't say Ibanez.

[Robotechnology]

Use your own ears with respect to the rosewood vs ebony fretboard models. I have a sparkle blue jem which sounds to me better than the white jem. The only difference besides color is the 7VSBL is rosewood.

[bsteff666]

PS, All Ibanez JEMs are fake. Vai doesn't play an Ibanez....

OK...do tell. What does he play then?

[MetalHeadMat]

It must be something to do with the serial number, the fakes are really good, don't even feel fake.

Make sure it has all the markings it should have, the 20-24 scalloped frets, (or 21, I forget ), and make sure the inlay doesn't look like shit.

[Axegrinder87]

Merely trying to antagonize the ancient ghost built arguments that fill the net.

Though despite any theory or fact, Steves guitars truly are not off the shelf models.

[Axegrinder87]

To the OP, what's up? Seen/played/acquired the JEM yet?

[church2224]

Merely trying to antagonize the ancient ghost built arguments that fill the net.

Well hello Mr. Ed Roman!!

[Axegrinder87]

You've found me out

[QuantumRider]

OK...do tell. What does he play then?

Steve Vai's guitars are built by Carruthers Guitars, which are branded Ibanez so as to maintain appearances with respect to his endorsement deal.

[tonemonster]

Steve Vai's guitars are built by Carruthers Guitars, which are branded Ibanez so as to maintain appearances with respect to his endorsement deal.

is this for real?

I had heard of some artists doing this, but didnt know this one. or are you just pulling our leg?