Floral JEM with wound 3rd

domwint79 · #1 07-15-2004, 02:11 PM

I want a JEM. Doesn't everybody. But I haven't had a real good go on one. I went into a shop today and had a crack on a JEM7VFP but it had a wound third and had been detuned and to be honest it didn't feel anywhere near as good as my RG470. To be honest, it's kind of put me off and I'm pretty shy about asking for demos on £1000+ guitars. Is it worth hunting out a decent, ordinary set-up, JEM and having a go, or should I just bite the bullet and if I see a good one on eBay, just buy it?

Sorry this is a bit of a rambling post. I guess I'm just a little disappointed that's all.

The Euphor · #2 07-15-2004, 02:16 PM

There is a huge difference between 012 gauge set strings and 009/010. You should try one with thinner strings tuned to our average E. If you should just go for it? Well, that's up to you. But it's never wise to buy something you don't know what is.

domwint79 · #3 07-15-2004, 02:21 PM

Thanks. I guess I was a little naive just expecting to pick up any JEM and love it straight away. I'll have to have a hunt for a decent one with a set of .009s on. I played some Prestige models but to be honest I couldn't really tell the difference between them and my RG which was also disappointing. But then, I think they have the same neck? The JEM neck certainly felt a little different; thicker, but not too thick.

EnigmaUV7 · #4 07-15-2004, 02:38 PM

Any 7-series JEM (not necessarily the 555s) is a much better guitar than a RG470. The newer JEMs with the Evo pickups especially will seem much hotter than the RG, althogh the older JEMs with PAF Pros may have you wanting hotter pups, depending on taste. I have played 4 JEMs------the newest VWH w/Evos (KILLLER), then the Blue Floral, Original Floral and Desert Yellow/pink with PAF Pros. Never a disappointment.

Artist · #5 07-16-2004, 03:00 AM

I think if you can't tell the difference, then the best thing to do is keep saving your money until you can.
After playing with your guitar for a long time you will notice all the things that annoy you about it, you will also appreciate things about better guitars when you play them.

bpd111 · #6 07-16-2004, 04:01 AM

I have only found 3 or 4 JEMs in local stores before I bought mine. Most of them were used, a couple were beat to crap, and none were very good. I took a gamble, and bought one from Rich. Then I bought a second. I love them both. Was it a good idea? Probably not, but I took a chance hedging my bet on all the good things people had to say about them.

hamand · #7 07-16-2004, 10:45 AM

If you add your location to your profile that would be a good thing. Who knows, if you're near me, I'll even let you have a go on my Jem.

domwint79 · #8 07-16-2004, 11:48 AM

Sorry. That was a little bit rude of me. All updated now. I'm new to all this forum maarkey

hamand · #9 07-17-2004, 06:50 AM

No need to apologise! Just send money.

Anyway, if you're in Herts, then get yourself down to these guys:

www.machinehead.co.uk

and enjoy one of the best guitar shops in the UK, probably THE best, imho. Their workshop god Barrie Palmer set up my Jem 10 and I almost wept at how beautiful it played. If you play some of their Jems, you'll get a perfectly setup machine, and if you still don't like it, they'll adjust accordingly.

They have an ebony fretboard 7VWH for 1499 pounds (the newer Rosewood one is 1699...ah, I love living in the UK). I don't know if Rich can beat that price; again he'll give you a great setup and customer service. Go forth young man, and spray thine funky manseed (proverbially speaking).