Help!! I'm lost...so many models, so many details!! Agrhhhhhhh!!!

VA_Charvel · #1 03-11-2008, 09:00 PM

Hey all...

I'm kinda jonesing for a Jem in a bad way....why, I dunno...as I get older my tastes in guitars and gear changes somewhat....and I'm rapidly becoming a major Vai fan.

Anywho...being that I'm the type of guy that will research, look up, talk to, and otherwise ferret out info on a major purchase/acquisition, this seemed like the logical place to start.

I'm looking for a Jem...preferabbly one of the high(er) end models...I'm not too picky on cosmetics, more on functionability and sound/playability...and I don't usually buy for "resale" value or whatever....I just want a great playing, sounding Jem.

What are your recommendations, where to start etc.

I'm much more familiar with the vintage San Dimas Charvel's, Jackson's, Gibson etc. even though I played a lot in the 80's in a touring cover band.

Thanks in advance...

HELP!!!!!!!!!

**Ayrton** · #2 03-11-2008, 10:27 PM

Good place to start right here...

http://www.jemsite.com/jem/index.htm

rickcard71 · #3 03-12-2008, 12:15 AM

Probably than more of a Breed pup guitar. BRMR!

Lefty Robb · #4 03-12-2008, 01:00 AM

So the first question you should ask yourself is "Do I want new or Used?"

and second do I want to be flashy?

and 3rd, whats my price range?

answering those 3 questions will help narrow down your choices considerably.

Dee · #5 03-12-2008, 01:05 AM

PBK FTW!

Oracle13 · #6 03-12-2008, 01:36 AM

Last week, I sold a Jem7DBK in the classifieds forum here. I think it's a GREAT guitar, and can be had for well under $1500 in MINT condition. I sold mine for $1150 delivered. A good price for both parties involved, IMO.

Here's a link to my ad: http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74455

HTH

screamndemon69 · #7 03-12-2008, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefty Robb

So the first question you should ask yourself is "Do I want new or Used?"

and second do I want to be flashy?

and 3rd, whats my price range?

answering those 3 questions will help narrow down your choices considerably.

Summed it up pretty well. If you know what kinds of woods you like you can also narrow it down since they do vary some, but not much.

~Bones

ibz_SA · #8 03-12-2008, 04:20 AM

If you have the money jem10th. 7vwh is also a good sort. Breeds as some one mentiond BRMR.

Wolfram · #9 03-12-2008, 05:15 AM

Yep I agree with iba_SA, the 7VWH is a good place to start. Plenty available, great sound and quality, great looks (to most).

-Wolfram

VA_Charvel · #10 03-12-2008, 06:05 AM

Thanks....

I kinda like the Jem 10th....but I'm open to any reasonable offer on a Jem...if I like it I'll snag it.

Tank · #11 03-12-2008, 07:08 AM

7vwh is a great player.
77vbk if you prefer the breed sound.

Both on the cheaper side, but full blown highend JEMs, a dream for a player but both not collectors modells.

richard1973 · #12 03-12-2008, 11:53 AM

not many Jem10ths kicking about like, good luck finding one

screamndemon69 · #13 03-12-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tank

7vwh is a great player.
77vbk if you prefer the breed sound.

Both on the cheaper side, but full blown highend JEMs, a dream for a player but both not collectors modells.

On the cheaper side? I guess compared to a Jem10th or LNG or other high collectable or limited versions, but I personally still wouldn't say "cheaper side".

Neither are collectable but it doesn't sound like that is a factor for you. Find a nice used model or one of the new ones available (like Tank stated, the 7VWH, 77VBK) that looks cool to you and start from there.

It sounds like you are a player and want a player, which is why I say used is a good option. As long as you don't buy a 555 or a fake then you really can't go wrong. My first was an original '90 777VBK (different from the new 77VBK) and it is a definite looker and a great player axe. I've seen these in player condition sell between $900-$1400. I still own mine (and a 7VWH) and would be hard pressed to ever sell it.

You can learn all the specs of models on the home page of Jemsite to help make your choice easier and just keep an eye peeled in these classifieds or on the auction site. Good luck and let us know how you fare.

~Bones

ken_r152 · #14 03-12-2008, 02:29 PM

Are you interested in customizing the Jem at all? That's something else to consider. The Jem 555 is actually a great "player" guitar if you don't mind the trem and if you're interested in customizing. And as previously mentioned, a Jem DBK can be had at a decent price.

screamndemon69 · #15 03-12-2008, 03:36 PM

I wasn't trying to dis the 555, I just was trying to steer him in the right direction for the higher quality (mostly hardware and pickups) guitar. I was a little worried I might offend 555 owners, definitely not my intention. I figure with the time, trouble and expense of modding a 555 a nice MIJ RG550 modded would be a better route IMHO to have a great player with the features you like most from the Jem series with upgraded hardware to boot.

A custom is a good option but not knowing much about Jems, it would hard to know what options to get IMHO. It is confusing enough to learn all the different models and specs on production versions. Just my 2cents.

Check out the banner up top, Ibanez Rules and you will find tons of pics, prices and info on Jem models as well as a selction of used and new ones that you can buy immediately. Good luck and let us know what you end up going for.

~Bones