...to be untrue. *Before last night, I often thought that the DNA was quite pricey for just another JEM. *Now I have to say I'm honestly amazed by a few of the DNA's surprises.
Obviously it's a beautiful looking instrument. *As a matter of fact, pics just don't do any of them justice. *The inlay work is excellent with the DNA strands and dots. *The black light brings out so much from the pickguard, knobs, pickups DNA inlays and headstock that it's incredible.
Playability - The guitar truly played like butter, it rings unamplified. *I love the board and neck feel. *The back of the neck has an excellent balance between unfinished and a light matte. *
Tone - I never thought the BFP could be beat but the DNA clearly wins. *I've also played an FP, DSY, UV777BK and VWH.
The best description I could provide is crystal clear note replication with '0' string or pickup noise (almost like the Fender noiseless single coils). *I guess a better way to describe it would be, the sound it produces is controllable by your playing, not by noise generated from extra hot pick-ups..like the BFP or DSY's. *Sustain forever with no loss of gain for longer than I had the energy to count at the end of last night. *(I'll definately make the statement that the guitar was noisy when plugged into Rich's setup, but in my setup
POD Pro it was extremely noiseless comparitive to the other JEMS...your mileage may vary)
Other caveats, the guitar was setup by a world renowned tech (RH). *I also will say, there are minor flaws to be found on the guitar (like the millenium decal on the headstock missing a small piece of one of the 0's in 2000. *However, when guitars cost this much you tend to look harder for these things and I personally wouldn't see how they can be avoided in the manufacturing process). *I have one legitamate complaint for Ibanez on selection of abalone used in the
fret markers..which you shouldn't be overlooked when the guitar costs this much.
Price - Even with all the bells and whistles the guitar seemed a little pricey (I'd of preferred a list of $3,000 to $3,500).
Finally, I can't say enough about Rich Harris who made the whole experience a pleasure. *Imagine a store where JEM's are set up side by side and your encouraged to take your time, have fun and pick the one you want. *
JC *
