Evolutions (and not just pickups) - speculating on the futur

[jem7vwh]

It is the year 2000-many folks have used this millenium mark as a time for looking back on the past and speculating for the future. *So, in the interest of fun (what else?) *lets ponder the JEM.
1. *What was your favorite model in the past?
2. *Where do you see the JEM going in the future (please note I didn't say what is your dream guitar-but rather-what is the conceivable evolution of the JEM given the direction of the last couple years).

now, my humble (but accurate *) opinion...
1. *My favorite of all time the JEM7VWH followed closely by the BFP and then the PMC
2. *It seems like the JEM is becoming more and more stream-lined as the years go by. *Less bright colors, less colorful inlay, and more refinements, notably the Lo-Pro Edge as opposed to the Edge, and the AANJ. *I would suppose we might even see a neck-thru JEM. *I personally prefer bolt-ons (makes it much easier to fix the thing when the neck is messed up). *Or what about a JEM with a sustaining system? *Doesn't seem too far off. *I'm sure the boys at HQ have the brains to create their own sustainer, and lord knows there's enough folks who just "wanna be like Steve" to buy it. *So there we go, neck-thru, sustainer system, or maybe just a jem with a light-up fretboard

[Anonymous]

Well, given I haven't played them all, I'm going on the ones I have played and formulating a decision on that.

My favorite Jem; The Floral. It is what all others are measured IMHO.

The direction of the Jem will be heavily influenced by Steve. I would guess he pretty much has the final say in what "his" guitar looks like and sounds like. I would listen closely to his music in the next year or two to get an idea of the direction his style is going and look for changes in the Jem line to meet those style changes.

J>

[darren wilson]

I think the *key word to describe the evolution of the JEM/Universe is that they have "matured" over the years. From the neon colours and pink pickups of the late '80s to the current black-and-white trend (DNA notwithstanding), i think the JEM/Universe line has reflected Vai's maturation as an artist. It's not about gaudy over-the-top flash so much any more.

Personally, I think my favourite JEM has got to be the 7RB. I'm more of a minimalist, though.

[jeffrey]

I'm a big 7 string fan so my favs are the UV777BK's and the MC's. My fav JEM is the BFP; dig that blue vine on maple.

I'd like to think Ibanez will be offering more options in the near future, especially considering the price of these guitars. I'd also like to think there's a good chance of the MC UV resurfacing with the advent of the DNA being such and important guitar and a swirl.

Wishful thinking at least.

[sanchez]

I think my fav is the BFP although I don't play mine much these days and only play my VWH. But I think that the future for the Jem is starting to become sterile. Jem design hasn't really moved much in the last 5 years. Ok the DNA popped up but I think that was really based on Consumer demamd. Steve delievered. Thats good but I just can't see Steve playing one on stage and throwing it up in the air etc.

He wanted a different sounding pickup and was given the Breeds. But do you see steve playing a 7DBK??? No.

The days of Fluro are gone my friends. I think the Jem will slowly become something that only Jem fans will appreciate. Some young kid is gonna walk past a guitar shop and see a new Jem in the window and say "Blah the RG has a better finish/colour". He will not see what you and I see friends.

Personally I'd like to see the maple fret board come back for a spell. I just love that proto type BSB Steve has with the black sratch plate and maple board.

A merry x'mas to all

Tony

[jemsite]

I can't define a favorite JEM because having owned and played nearly every one, each has a distinct character.

That said I have no idea of the direction of the JEM in 2001 and beyond. It's been 8 years since Steve has really played anything but a VWH. For that reason you could argue the peak was the VWH in 1993. Either way, to me that creates a paradox. This is because the JEM is a signature model instrument, yet the creator of this model doesn't use all of the signature models, and has bypassed many previous offerings. I mean in the real world does a parent overlook a sibling, giving attention just to their favorite? To me Steve is the "parent" of these guitars, along w/ Ibanez since he is said to have final approval or disapproval.

In live shows, for example, Vai uses the sustainer system more and more even on songs like FTLOG He's also been using and toying with the "backstop" and Feiton tuning or frets. Three ingredients not found from Ibanez. The trend seems to be using a guitar live that is a far cry from what the "signature model" is being offered to the public.

I personally think the JEM lineup peaked with the Floral's release in 1988. All changes and new JEMs since have been IMHO due to these forces:

• Reactionary or evolutionary - switch to LoPro, Evolutions & now Breed. The AANJ arriving 2-3 years late on VWH however. PMC/GMC a way to sell a 6-string PAW guitar.
  
• Public demand and easy sales - examples include DBK, DNA, UV777BK & the lowend 555.
  
• Marketing related for sales - anniversary models

Let me clarify I'm not passing judgement either way. I'm just calling it as I see it. Your mileage may vary... glen

[babahi]

As you guys can see in ads section, I just sold my BSB. My 540PII (which used to be my #1) left me this week. And I'm even hawking my JS10 #004, all in the name of clearing out what I don't play anymore. What do I play? only my FP and a 440R from 1992. Back to basics, it looks like. That's the best Jem, in my opinion. That's where it started out, isn't it? The whole Jem thing to me seemed to be all about flashy guitars and such; look at the first ones, all flourescent colours and the FP. When I first saw the VWH I found it incredibly stunning (still do). But I don't think it fits in with the rest of the Jems, it's too elegant. Once again, not to say that I don't like it. But since Steve now plays the VWH, perhaps that only shows his own evolution (pardon the pun) from flash to class. Clash to class?

The GMC looks nothing short of awesome, though, no dispute on that point! That's a guitar in the true Jem fashion, loud and flashy.

My point is, after all the guitars I've had, that the only Jem I've kept has been the FP. That's the guitar I play the most at home.

Of course, I just bought a Reb Beach guitar that I'll be picking up next week...

I know I spell colours differently, I'm Canadian!

[jono]

I have NO idea where the JEM is going !!!

I'd like to see the demise of the 555 though. I think the JEM7DBK can filll that spot on it's own

I reckon the 7VWH will continue till Vai gets a new no1, *but I reckon if a sustainer JEM happens it'll be in a new model that would replace the JEM7VWH rather than complimenting it.

I also think we'll (and I hope that we will) see more of the "special editions" likethe 10, 90 and 2K - they *make an interesting *addition to the normal range and are each very different both to the normal range and to each other so it really increases the scope of what's available.

[jeffrey]

I've said this once already, but I'll say it again:

I really hope we see a return of the UVMC. Maybe we will in light of the DNA.

All previous posts' considered, we seem to have a common thought: the JEM needs and overhaul, and Steve needs to play it.

I must say, I agree.

[darren wilson]

How about a 2001 JEMillennium?

Silver metalflake or a completely mirrored top (a glued-on mirror pickguard laminate?) with white pickups and a Sustainiac unit. Bound ebony fretboard and chrome hardware all around.

[Anonymous]

I've been a Jem fan for a while now. I've owned a few, LNG, RB, DBK, FP, PBK, but I only have the PBK now. Why? Because when I felt the need to play a Jem, I'd always picked up the PBK. Best fitting Jem for me, and my favorite. So I never played the others so they were expendable...

To me, Jems don't have shelf life just because they are Jems, I have to like to play it. Sure the FP is a classy Jem but if you don't play it, what good is it? Maybe I'm abnormal in that thought though...

I have no idea where the Jem will go in the future. I'll leave that up to those that have control...

[davenit]

I would love to see pearl metallic colors with a clear pickguard. I would love to see different neck woods. Pao would be killer. I had a Reb model for a while. What a neck. The thing would sing for ever...

I think, depending on the popularity of the DNA we might see more swirls. Mono swirls are real hip. I am having one made as we speak (or write).

Has anyone here seen "chrome illusion" paint? A guitar in that would be too intense. How about a swirl in it... hmmmmmm, I think I have to call darren. :-).

Dave

[tommy west]

OK , Dave, *what is chrome illusion paint?

[davenit]

Chrome Illusion looks just like Chrome straight on, the second you start moving at angles it changes color. They have all different types. My favorite is Rainbow. It has just about every color in the rainbow. It is wild stuff. It costs something like $300 a pint. Real expensive. They usually use it for show cars and bikes.

http://www.hotrodder.com/carshow/virtcar10.htm look at the 94 camaro at the bottom of the page. It is sharp stuff.

Other links: http://www.dupont.com/finishes/na/schaffer.html
http://www.dupont.com/corp/events/99...t/slide18.html (notice the PRS)
http://www.dupont.com/finishes/na/weinert.html
http://www.dupont.com/finishes/na/chavez.html

[iain]

Looks like flip-flop. They (Ibanez) used this finish on the JS90th:

Click here for Picture

Hope it's ok that I used your pics Rich

(Edited by iain at 9:33 am on Dec. 12, 2000)