Help...looking for some advice on first Jem purchase

[jemeister]

I am presently looking at purchasing a Jem 7VWH. I've been looking at some of the local music stores and their prices seem to steep. I've turned to see what I can find online.

Here in Canada, I've found a few options but the prices are still somewhat higher than elsewhere, and they are all special order items.

I've looked at sites like Sweetwater and Musician's Friend, but they will not sell outside of the US.

Now I'm looking at **** and have my reservations about making such a purchase there. One is that in most cases if I do actually receive the item that I've bought, it is off warranty. Generally, this is not an issue to me if the item that is received is as advertised.

While I'm new here, I've read a number of posts of people acquiring their products through ****, and I hope some more experienced **** buyers would be willing to help me with whether some of these particular sellers (one right now in particular) are reputable and can be trusted.

As well maybe I should be taking some other advice such as being patient and waiting for another opportunity that comes up. I'm not really sure as I've never actually shopped for a Jem until recently and I'm not sure what the availability is like down the road for other future purchases.

I'm pretty certain of the model that I want but I just want to make sure that I'm not only paying the best possible price but also going about it the right way.

[GilkyBear]

The bay has some good deals, especially on 7VWHs, as they are quite common, but there is a very nasty rash of fakes out there that aren't worth crap. If you have limited experience with these it may be hard to spot the fakes.
Are you looking to pay the normal price, or looking for a great deal?
Are you looking for new or used?

[jemeister]

The price on **** is about a $200 less than on Musician's Friend. I would have jumped all over the price on Musician's Friend if they could sell into Canada but they can't.

The individual selling it on **** has several other axes that he is moving and has been a member since 2000 with many favorable reviews. But like many people I'm a little hesitant and somewhat on the skeptical side when its my hard earned cash that's out there well before I receive the product....which is not on warranty. The seller goes by the name Jelyfinger.

The Jem is apparently new and unused. Aside from it not being on warranty, one other thing that concerns me is that he will not provide a serial number for "security reasons". Strange considering many photos of other guitars on **** show the tags, serial no's etc.

I would really like to buy from this person as the price is right and if his track record is what it claims to be on **** I think it would be well worth the risk. But if there is anyone here that experience (positive or neagative) with this sell it would be very helpful and very much appreciated. My other option would be to shell out another 800-900 and pay the price from the local retailer.

[GilkyBear]

I have seen Jelyfinger on the bay for a long long time, I would definitely say it is a safe bet. Buy it if the price is right. After you buy it I'm sure he will send you the serial number and any extra pics to help your comfort level if you ask him. Yeah, I just looked at that auction too, it's a beauty. If that's what you are looking for, go for it.

[GilkyBear]

However, there is one in the classifieds here...

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62774

from Spidaweb. Says he bought it from Rich at IbanezRules (Swirly banner above) so it will have the ultimate set up and the locking stud mod. He doesn't have any itrader feedback, and not many posts, but he has been a member for a long time. Maybe you two could work something out as he says he only wants to ship in the US, but Canada isn't that much of a stretch. The price is better and it is a little better with the locking stud mod and Rich's set up. Hit him up with an email, who knows?

[jemeister]

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate your help!

[supermau]

If you can swing the cash for a brand new 7vwh and you want the best possible setup out of the case then Ibanez Rules is the only choice.