Almost bought a JEM today

[PowerTube]

Double post...

[walshula]

I hear another sure fire way to spot a fake Jem is by the position of the pick-guard, there should be the same amount of body exposed around pick-guard on the entire lower horn. So... the pick-guard should be centered perfectly with the lower horn if that make sense. Most fakes will show more body on the bottom of the horn and less on the top or visa-versa.

[PowerTube]

Thanks for all the info, guys.

Since I've sort of had Ibanez on the brain because of this, I went to Guitar Center today and checked a few out. They definitely have their share of low-end $199.00 crap. But in all fairness, so does Jackson and everyone else. However, there was an Ibanez RG of some flavor that I took off the wall and checked out. The frets literally cut my left hand slightly. No kidding. This was on a $449.00 guitar. I've never seen this on the cheapest of Jacksons.

Then I came home and played a bit on one of my Soloists. There is NO comparison with any Ibanez I've ever picked up. This GC has a JEM 777 on the wall for $2700.00 and some change. I almost asked to see it "just because." I think it has hung there for at least two years now. How can they justify such a price for a bolt-on with DiMarzio pickups?

[leftykingv2]

Thanks for all the info, guys.

Since I've sort of had Ibanez on the brain because of this, I went to Guitar Center today and checked a few out. They definitely have their share of low-end $199.00 crap. But in all fairness, so does Jackson and everyone else. However, there was an Ibanez RG of some flavor that I took off the wall and checked out. The frets literally cut my left hand slightly. No kidding. This was on a $449.00 guitar. I've never seen this on the cheapest of Jacksons.

Then I came home and played a bit on one of my Soloists. There is NO comparison with any Ibanez I've ever picked up. This GC has a JEM 777 on the wall for $2700.00 and some change. I almost asked to see it "just because." I think it has hung there for at least two years now. How can they justify such a price for a bolt-on with DiMarzio pickups?

The same way Gibson can justify 4K for a set neck P.O.S. You really need to play some high end stuff from them. I have an RG 1550 ML that was $1149.99 brand new and it's the cats ass bro. The five piece maple walnut neck is incredible and the Edge trem is outstanding. I'll put my Jem's or Satch models against any guitar from any brand and they'll hold their own. Also to be fair you're comparing a low level Ibanez that's $450 bucks to a USA Soloist that's a $2400.00 dollar guitar. Of course it doesn't match up but take a J.Custom down off the wall that's 4K and see if it matches up. Or a 3K jem I'll bet you it'll be a lot closer than you think. You might be surprised by what you find out because the high end Ibanez stuff is top notch all the way. Other wise so many pros wouldn't swear by them. Including Marty Friedman who left Jackson for Ibanez and a myriad of other incredible players.

[leftykingv2]

Listen to this cover by this guy with a $1200 dollar Satch model. This is the mid line Satch model not even close to as nice as mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPJ0GRx91RY

[PowerTube]

Listen to this cover by this guy with a $1200 dollar Satch model. This is the mid line Satch model not even close to as nice as mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPJ0GRx91RY

I'm not saying that they don't make some good stuff because I know they do. But I still think Jackson offers a lot more bang for the buck within each price tier.

[pianoguyy]

As a 27 year owner of Jackson, i agree that they used to be the bang for the buck winner.
But i can't say that anymore. I really am disappointed with their low end.
Maybe I just expect more from the name?


I can't believe its 27. I keep saying 20. But i guess 27 is too far from 20 to be passable.

[PowerTube]

I really am disappointed with their low end.

I guess we need to define "low end." To me, that's mainly the JS Series and the older X Series. I think everything from the MG Series and on up ($500.00-ish) is excellent for the money.

[leftykingv2]

I'm not saying that they don't make some good stuff because I know they do. But I still think Jackson offers a lot more bang for the buck within each price tier.

The Ibanez low end line does leave something to be desired. That being said I have seen Chinese and Indian made Jackson's that suck just as bad if not worse than some of the low end Ibanez guitars.

[PowerTube]

The Ibanez low end line does leave something to be desired. That being said I have seen Chinese and Indian made Jackson's that suck just as bad if not worse than some of the low end Ibanez guitars.

I can see that. I had an Indian-made DX10X once. It was a hunk of junk with a terrible single-locking trem, "Duncan Designed" pups, etc....

[VitaminG]

Then I came home and played a bit on one of my Soloists. There is NO comparison with any Ibanez I've ever picked up. This GC has a JEM 777 on the wall for $2700.00 and some change. I almost asked to see it "just because." I think it has hung there for at least two years now. How can they justify such a price for a bolt-on with DiMarzio pickups?

what do the Dimarzios have to do with it? Is a guitar equipped with Duncans in inherently more valuable guitar?

[leftykingv2]

what do the Dimarzios have to do with it? Is a guitar equipped with Duncans in inherently more valuable guitar?

To me it is No in all seriousness the only DiMarzio pick up I have ever played that I like are the Evolution's. I don't know why I don't like the others I have played which include the Tone Zone, Air Norton, Super D, X2N and many more but for some reason I just didn't get along with them. I am not saying any of those pick ups are bad either because they're definitely high quality but they're just not to my taste and or liking.

[pianoguyy]

what do the Dimarzios have to do with it? Is a guitar equipped with Duncans in inherently more valuable guitar?

But in the case of the Jem, the pickups we selected as part of its design.
Steve chose woods, and then pickups to compliment the woods...
To give tonal harmony with the universe of the musical goddess Sheila.
Or some weird new age bullshit like that

[leftykingv2]

Vai's Jem's are Alder not Basswood minus the one we're talking about in this thread and Evolution pick ups sound good in any wood.

[straycat]

I've had lots of RG models most were made in Japan late 80's early 90's and they were great guitars I can't knock them at all.
Had a USA Custom assembled at the Hollywood Calif artist relations dept and it was a good one too.
Are they worth $2700 no I don't think so to be honest but if they can get that price more power to them.