for a first jem

Jem#5150 · #1 04-15-2006, 08:13 PM

well, for about a year now, i have been into jems, ever sinice i bought little stevie's real illusions. i wat to save up for one, but i can't choose! i played the 7vwh and the 77brmr. i really like the floral prints, and i am considering getting a used model in pristine condition. i just need help to make up my mind so i know what to save for. so many are attracttive, 90ham, the vwh, the roott beer, pbk, dbk, dy, and the floral prints. i would greatly appreciate it if you guys could put some of your two cents and opinions of some of the models, and which ones are your favs. thanks a bunch. peace, love and chicken grease! (i know that was cheesy

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kennydoe · #2 04-15-2006, 08:24 PM

there are three different pickups to choose from...start with the sound you like

then consider if you like vines, pyramids or screwheads (or nothing...for the 90th) or if you'd be happy with the plain-jane dots on the BRMR (for $2300 they should have put something more interesting on there if you ask me.)

For the older models, you'll have to settle for what's available on the market. They're not always easy to find...very few PBKs to be had nowadays!

Good luck in your search!
~K

Eggy · #3 04-15-2006, 08:26 PM

First of all even though you're in Vegas and Roman is on your doorstep, please only use him for trying out guitars as he's a lot more expensive than other places (ahem...Rich at Ibanez Rules is trusted and economical).

As far as choices go, take your pick. There are obvious differences in the Jems such as pups, neck width, aanj etc. But they're all nice guitars.
If like me you're into that whole 80's vibe and you loke the punch of paf pro's then you've gotta try a SP,DY or LNG. I play a DY and can honestly say it's the most beautiful guitar I've ever owned.
At the end of the day if you're looking for advice then you've defo come to the right place. The guys on here rock !!

Ben

smc · #4 04-15-2006, 08:30 PM

I will hopefuly be buying myself a jem soon too! Money will be an obstacle though so ill be taking what i get! If I had the choice I would take a JEM7VSBL

Just the right combination of "fancy" and class IMO

But if I could have any custom jem, It would be a PBK with a regular monkey grip route...

AleTheNervo · #5 04-15-2006, 08:31 PM

In my opinion the dy (and probabily all the first jems with paf-pro, but i didn't try them) has a more straty sound than the jems with evos, and maybe is more versatile to play wery different kind of music. but you have to consider it hasn't the AANJ and sometime it's difficoult to reach the upper notes

Eggy · #6 04-15-2006, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AleTheNervo

In my opinion the dy (and probabily all the first jems with paf-pro, but i didn't try them) has a more straty sound than the jems with evos, and maybe is more versatile to play wery different kind of music. but you have to consider it hasn't the AANJ and sometime it's difficoult to reach the upper notes

I don't know, I'd have to say that the aanj on a guitar is like an automatic gearbox on a car. Some people can't drive without it and some people can drive just fine without it.
when I make the transition from one of my aanj Ibanez's to my DY I honestly don't realy notice.

$0.02

Ben

Jem#5150 · #7 04-15-2006, 08:57 PM

well, i have played the bad horsie and the 7vwh, and i already know i like the evo's better than the breeds, even though they are both top notch pups. i have yet to play any other model really, and i'm afraid to touch anything at ed's place, without having somebody chewing at my heel. but, if i ever get the chance, i would really like to play a fp, or a bfp. i love the vine inlays on those. i have a jackson dinky with the standard neck heel, but it really doesnn't bother me, even though the aanj really does help with those earsplitting high pitches. i just have to try to see, i just don't know how to other than ed romans! gaahhh!

Jem#5150 · #8 04-15-2006, 09:01 PM

ii also forgot to mention that i would probably buyu from rich, since he's always got something nice used. and if i did buy used, i'd more than likely take it through rich's little "grunge" setup in the tech section. i also haven't heard the PAF pros, so still gotta try out those.

Jem#5150 · #9 04-15-2006, 11:29 PM

well, i've decided i want the aanj, which rrules out many models. and so, from what i can tell, i really like the vbsl, thanks to smc. the VWH, and ii'm partial to the BSB. thannks alot guys for your help. if you still want to give your opinion, you are more than welcome. i always want more feedback from fellow jemsiters.

Spider-Skot · #10 04-16-2006, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennydoe

or if you'd be happy with the plain-jane dots on the BRMR (for $2300 they should have put something more interesting on there if you ask me.)

~K

I agree. A mirrored vine would be awesome

Jem#5150 · #11 04-16-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spider-Skot

I agree. A mirrored vine would be awesome

yeah, they have a virtual Jem just like that, with the vine, and i actually think that sims did one too. i'd have to go with you a hundred percent with that.

red5 · #12 04-16-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggy

First of all even though you're in Vegas and Roman is on your doorstep, please only use him for trying out guitars as he's a lot more expensive than other places (ahem...Rich at Ibanez Rules is trusted and economical).

I'd buy from Rich anyday. He's always very helpful - to me and to others on the forums as well. I'd have a guilty conscience if I bought anything from ed roman ;P

Back to the point of the thread - I like my 7vwh a lot. I guess it all depends if Evos are for you or not which you seem to. Breeds are easier to work with tonewise (and the 7dbk is a cheaper option), and many older Jems have PAF Pros which are like quieter Breeds and also sound great. But I wouldn't give up the Evolutions myself.

red5 · #13 04-16-2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggy

I don't know, I'd have to say that the aanj on a guitar is like an automatic gearbox on a car. Some people can't drive without it and some people can drive just fine without it.
when I make the transition from one of my aanj Ibanez's to my DY I honestly don't realy notice.

$0.02

Ben

I could live without it, but I think it's a real nice thing to have. I can't drive a stick to save my life though.

Jem#5150 · #14 04-16-2006, 06:56 PM

i wouldn't blame you. ed's just nasty. really, though, i do think that the VWH is the one! althougheveryone seems to have one here, there's a reason! i really loved the evos. like some people have mentioned before, you like 'em or you don't. well, i've got $280 as a start from my birthday. so, just gotta go from there!

ChopTart · #15 04-16-2006, 08:00 PM

Nice birthday gift

The DY is a great guitar in general, its neck is allegedly bigger than the other jems' but it feels just fantastic anyway (especially compared to an SG and those baseball bat-strat necks that i've played

)

I agree on the AANJ vs. Square Joint. If you wind up with a square, it probably isn't THAT big of a deal, even though the way some people talk here you'd think that otherwise it would RUIN the guitar

PAF pros are pretty much loved by everyone, while the evos are more of a crapshoot on who will like them or not. Try different examples of them out keeping the pup differences in mind and work from there.

Just remember, there is no "bad" Jem