Jems over priced?

[Wizard of Ozz]

Re: Jems over priced?

I think they are.

Get a RG15XX or higher model RG, and you'll save $1000 or more. You'll have to swap out the pups, there is no monkey grip or goofy colors, but you'll still come out far ahead.

I suppose if you're really a die hard Vai fan, then you just can't stop yourself.

[Jimi D]

Re: Jems over priced?

I've owned five Jems and two Jacksons (a nice Soloist and a Customshop Dinky) and though I don't have ANY of them any more (needed a bigger neck!), the last to go was my '90 Jem Floral 77FP... That thing killed any of my Jacksons in the tone department - but I put Breeds in it! [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I loved that guitar; too bad it was antagonizing my arthritus and RSI... I'll admit that they're pricey new, but the Vai sig. thing is certainly part of that... Then again, if you think a new Fend... um, I mean Jackson is cheap, look again! Gimme an Ernie Ball Music Man Axis or Petrucci over either of 'em, any day... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[AfterForever]

Re: Jems over priced?

everytime is overpriced these days.. (f*cking euro..)

3 euro for 1 hamburger..

anyway back on topic..

A Jem 7VWH is about 2000 euro over here (Netherlands).. which is pretty much.. but I totally love that guitar.. fast neck, beautiful inlays, love the sound of the evolutions and the feel of the trem..

[quiksilver]

Re: Jems over priced?

Interesting DK1 comparison. I agree that is the closest Jackson offers to the JEM, and while the DK1 offers MIA cachet and all-MOP inlays, the JEM has scalloped frets, vine inlay, all access neck joint, smart output jack, etc., plus it's a signature guitar, which usually increases a guitar's price.

I have been seriously coveting a JEM for awhile now. They seem overpriced to me, but maybe that's cuz I want one! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I love the looks of the Floral Print (but no AANJ! [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] ) and the swirled models (too much $ for me), but due to the alder body/ebony fretboard, I'm shooting for a 7VWH. Most 7VWHs seem to go for about $1200 used on eBay.

[shredmonster]

Re: Jems over priced?

I haed one for many years. Blue Floral. IMHO they sound best in a highly processed environment.

Extremely fast necks and great harmonics are its best points (as well as my favorite looking guitar of all time).
Cheap parts.
This was reflected in tone - which is lacking unless you process the thing.
When put next to a quality Jackson there was no comparison when it comes to tone.
Changed the pickups to Evolution but still not impressed with the sound.

[RR05xx]

Re: Jems over priced?

Intersting read. I had a one of the "vine" Jams in the 88-89 time frame. Paint/inlays were kind of wild. Nice smooth neck as I recall (on a par with a USA BC Rich gunslinger of the same time frame in the finish feel), but a little to "flat". I hated the floyd copy (although it was not as bad as the ESP copy, which I think is total crap). Overall, it is one of the few guitars that I DO NOT regret selling.

[Posepatrol]

Re: Jems over priced?

The DNA one looked the coolest, and Old School Green

[wodka]

Re: Jems over priced?

The market sets the price, so no. The PGM model is a great deal. I prefer it over the JEM.

[jwoods986]

Re: Jems over priced?

I have loved Jems (and Universes) since they came out in 87. But I do think they are too much new, look for a used one. One thing I have noticed though, they hold their value a lot better than Jacksons. With the recent price increases from both companies, a new white Jem and a USA select graphic are around $2100 w/case (MAP). Now, go to eBay and see what they each go for. I routinely see USA Jacksons go for under $1000 but you have to really search or get a beater to get a white Jem for under $1200. In fact, I've bid on two (with a max bid of $1200) in the last month that went for over $1400!

[jacktheshredder]

Re: Jems over priced?

YES - way over priced - guess since they're associated with Vai they can get by with charging more. Hell theyre only selling you part of a guitar the price should be reduced [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Ninja Guitar]

Re: Jems over priced?

In my opinion yes, they are overpriced. But, they are fine guitars. If you want one, just search around for a used one. Cheaper price, plus, already broken in.

[Wizard of Ozz]

Re: Jems over priced?



If Liberace played guitar, it would have been this one. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Just kidding [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]. I actually played the JEM7vsbl (blue version of the one pictured above) a few days ago. The first thing I noticed was how heavy the guitar was. Much heavier than a USA Strat. Also the neck felt a little wider/chunkier than your run of the mill RG/Wizard neck. Nice axe, but still overpriced IMHO. You can get a new DK1 in a solid color for ~$1300 and it's just a much nicer sounding/playing axe IMHO. YMMV