Good price for a Floral JEM?

[Newc]

Ok, I'm REALLY trying to avoid Ibanez because of a rotten Customer Disservice issue, but I've always liked the JEM (monkey grip and all).
So, since the pinnacle of the original JEMs is the Floral Pattern, what's a decent price for one?

Also, speaking from an investment standpoint (which is really not my style, but you know...) which would be the better one to get: a Floral JEM or a new EVH Art Series production model?

[Drsracing]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

The Jems usually go for like $1250 I think, that was atleast back when I was into them.

The EVH will always gor for more just because it's EVH

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

If older ones from 90's, I have seen ones for around $1000 or little more for newer ones.
I had an older one and it looked great and played great but sounded terrible.
Maybe it has to do with the pickguard or the Paf-Pro in the bridge position, it sounded like no sustain or very weak.

[toddstaples]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

[ QUOTE ]
If older ones from 90's, I have seen ones for around $1000 or little more for newer ones.
I had an older one and it looked great and played great but sounded terrible.
Maybe it has to do with the pickguard or the Paf-Pro in the bridge position, it sounded like no sustain or very weak.

[/ QUOTE ]
I have to agree. My other guitar player has a early FP Jem (89, I think) and the Paf Pro that was in it sounded So Bad... [img]/images/graemlins/sick.gif[/img]...
It was lovingly replaced with a New X2N. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[toejam]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

I've always wanted a blue floral Jem! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[quiksilver]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

I like the looks of the Floral too, but I'd consider a pre-2003 7VWH if I were you. With ebony fretboard, alder body, Evolutions, and AANJ, it's the best Jem you can get IMO.

[hammer84]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

When I was looking at FP jems a while back the ones that were made with real fabric where going for more than the newer ones.

[Newc]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

Hmmm. I was eyeing a newer one on Ebay, but then noticed it's got the vine inlay. That sorta thing (inlays on every fret) screws with my visual, so I guess that's out [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Thanks folks [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[jgcable]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

Newc, go to the Jemsite and check out the hit or misses section. Their assesment of Jems is pretty accurate. If you want investment go for a multiswirl. They all play and sound great. Don't listen to the Ibanez bashers here [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] The only questionable model is the 555 Jem jr. The Lockness is a great investment and if you want a n affordable killer Jem you should look at the DBK. The early florals are all expensive and worth every penny of their high price. BTW... the early RG550 plays almost identical to the early Jems.

[1trussell]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

[ QUOTE ]
Newc, go to the Jemsite and check out the hit or misses section. Their assesment of Jems is pretty accurate. If you want investment go for a multiswirl. They all play and sound great. Don't listen to the Ibanez bashers here [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] The only questionable model is the 555 Jem jr. The Lockness is a great investment and if you want a n affordable killer Jem you should look at the DBK. The early florals are all expensive and worth every penny of their high price. BTW... the early RG550 plays almost identical to the early Jems.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is pretty much dead on.

[hippietim]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

I've played a ton of JEMs - a buddy of mine had one of each. There is no question about which one sounds and plays the best IMO - the 7VWH. Evolution pickups, Alder body, Ebony board, etc. Next in line would be one of the early pink, yellow, green, or floral ones. The in between ones are all excellent - those just stand out. Also, the green ones are pretty collectible as well but still somewhat reasonable pricewise since a lot of them are in "player's" condition. John's right, stay away from the 555 - they're not terrible or anything but it ain't a JEM IMO [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[shredmonster]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

I had a Blue Floral one for 4 years. I would recommend checking out the JEM fan club forum.

Some JEMs are better than others.

I did not like mine. It was great looking and had an outstanding neck. But it sounded like crap even after I changed the pups - very buzz saw sounding.

You could get great harmonics and other sounds out of it but the tone sucked if it was not heavily processed.

Cheap parts and feel. The tremelo bent a lot during vibrato weakening the vibrato effect.

I sold mine for $1000 which is about what you can get for that particular model.

OK as a collectors item but I would not have one as my main guitar.

[RR05xx]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

I had a green floral in like 88-89 time frame. Kept it like 6 mos, then dumped it, I have positive memories of the guitar, but I do not regret selling it.

I want to say that the oiled neck on the early ones were really good from my memory and if you like these guitars, try for an 80s model - I think you will be very happy.

[nonamemx]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

I saw one of the green/black floral ones at GC for $900 a year or 2 ago. I looked at it several times, falling in love with it, until I came one day and it was gone. Snoozed and lost. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Newc]

Re: Good price for a Floral JEM?

On the other hand, I can maintain my dignity and my boycott and scallop a few frets of the Halford Warrior, wrap it in some nice Floral fabric, and piss off the JEM fans [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/poke.gif[/img]

Thanks for the advice folks.
Just one more question - what the hell is the "VWH" [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] I get the "JEM 7" part, as the originals were "777", but do they only come in 'V'intage 'WH'ite? Or is it 'V'ai 'W'ithout 'H'oles?
Anyway, it's annoying [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]