jem 7v vs js1000

[red5]

I posted this in the js1000 form, and I will repost it here (so I get the same from both biases)

I am looking for an Ibanez and am split between two models.

I have a limited budget but I can afford either one used... expected prices are as follows! (Obviously I would rather spend less but that will not be the only factor)

Jem 7v: $1200
JS1000: $800

Now my style of playing is generally quite bluesy and liked the js1000 for that, but wow I tore up on a Jem My one big issue, is my main amp is a Marshall Major, 200 watts and I get my distortion by cranking it (thank god it gives me a power amp volume control!). I know the Jem will drive the amp, but will the js1000? The js100 wouldn't even phase it, but those are generic Ibanez pickups as opposed to the Fred. (I could get a boost, but I would like that to be optional).

Also, what would you guys say the bigger bang for the buck is... I am thinking without the amp issue the js1000 is quite a better buy. Also, how does the jem's tone cut through with a old cranked Marshall? (I have a Les Paul which has great tone for dirty rhythm work)

[sniperfrommars1]

Originally Posted by red5

I posted this in the js1000 form, and I will repost it here (so I get the same from both biases)

I am looking for an Ibanez and am split between two models.

I have a limited budget but I can afford either one used... expected prices are as follows! (Obviously I would rather spend less but that will not be the only factor)

Jem 7v: $1200
JS1000: $800

Now my style of playing is generally quite bluesy and liked the js1000 for that, but wow I tore up on a Jem My one big issue, is my main amp is a Marshall Major, 200 watts and I get my distortion by cranking it (thank god it gives me a power amp volume control!). I know the Jem will drive the amp, but will the js1000? The js100 wouldn't even phase it, but those are generic Ibanez pickups as opposed to the Fred. (I could get a boost, but I would like that to be optional).

Also, what would you guys say the bigger bang for the buck is... I am thinking without the amp issue the js1000 is quite a better buy. Also, how does the jem's tone cut through with a old cranked Marshall? (I have a Les Paul which has great tone for dirty rhythm work)

Vai has used marshall off and on through the years, specifically when he was using paf pro pickups. personally i like vais old school tone better, but to each his own. the same for satch though but they have basically both always used a distortion pedal for a little boost. I think you can get a badass tone out of the amp with either guitar its really basically up to what neck your most comfortable with if you ask me, since that is basically what you are buying anyways

[Mandrak]

I prefer the "DS-1 -> Bogner Ecstasy -> VHT -> Bogner cab" 2150 tone.

[EnigmaUV7]

If you have a bluesy style, you might like the natural finish mahogany body JS guitar with FRED/PAF Pro, as opposed to the standard basswood body. Very cool guitar, although it may be pricier since it's rare. I'm sure JEMs could do fine for blues, but they wouldn't have the look LOL.

[red5]

Hey thanks for the advice.

Well the thing about the boost is, I don't want to have to buy a board yet... it will come sometime in the future, just not this day in age.

I do tend to play bluesy a lot, but maybe I should clarify - I want a guitar that will do it all, no matter what I play. I have a Les Paul as well which gets me great tones too, but no floyd and it is heavy, plus its lead tone is not all that great.

[iNFeRNaL]

if your style is bluesy DONT buy a JEM, lol, dont even buy an ibanez. find yourself a guitar with major tone. Best way to do this is to order a hand build strat(trow in humbuckers or different bridge for style range) Ibanez doesn't focus on blues, they're rock guitars. I never ever ever play blues on my JEM, it just doesnt sound right. The tone is too thin, good for shred n stuff but i think you want a big fat tone for blues/jazz/fusion...

PS dont make the same mistake as i did to sell your les paul for a jem or js(if your gonna get one). Just buy one, and have your les paul as second guitar, because you really want to have that tone if you need it...

[Tezifon]

is the common floyd versus tone debacle

[red5]

Originally Posted by iNFeRNaL

if your style is bluesy DONT buy a JEM, lol, dont even buy an ibanez....

You seem to have misread my point... I do tend to play a more blues-based style a lot.. not always, I can shred too

Originally Posted by iNFeRNaL

PS dont make the same mistake as i did to sell your les paul for a jem or js(if your gonna get one). Just buy one, and have your les paul as second guitar, because you really want to have that tone if you need it...

Oh I wont sell the Les Paul... have a G&L S-500 I would like to unload though!

[sniperfrommars1]

Originally Posted by iNFeRNaL

if your style is bluesy DONT buy a JEM, lol, dont even buy an ibanez. find yourself a guitar with major tone. Best way to do this is to order a hand build strat(trow in humbuckers or different bridge for style range) Ibanez doesn't focus on blues, they're rock guitars. I never ever ever play blues on my JEM, it just doesnt sound right. The tone is too thin, good for shred n stuff but i think you want a big fat tone for blues/jazz/fusion...

PS dont make the same mistake as i did to sell your les paul for a jem or js(if your gonna get one). Just buy one, and have your les paul as second guitar, because you really want to have that tone if you need it...

I disagree 100% You can get a flawless blues tune out of a jem especially the ones with paf pro pickups in them. Maybe its your playing that sounds thin

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by sniperfrommars1

I disagree 100% You can get a flawless blues tune out of a jem especially the ones with paf pro pickups in them. Maybe its your playing that sounds thin

agreed.

[red5]

Originally Posted by sniperfrommars1

I disagree 100% You can get a flawless blues tune out of a jem especially the ones with paf pro pickups in them. Maybe its your playing that sounds thin

I think it depends on what type of blues you play and what you want out of it... I just tend to play more bluesy than shred based... and for some stuff I will stick to the Les Paul if I want a less-perfect type of tone

[amt7565]

I got my used JEMVWH for $1050 shipped. So you should be able to get something for less than that.

I liked the JEM because I am used to the RG series necks. The JS just did not fit my plams well. I find the JEM to be the most comfortable guitar I have played. In the past 10 months of using the JEM, my shredding skills have improved dramatically.

As for blues, it's not my style. If you are getting the JEM then you may have to get a heavier gauge strings. But then...the JEM with heavy gauge strings...I am not sure about that either.

Good luck!

[red5]

What do you all not understand, that what I mean a bluesy style is not necessarily blues (nor always that either)

[JFT]

Hi Red,

I'm with Sniper on this one. Choose the one that feels better in your hands but don't restrict yourself to the 7V others Jem are quite nice and could offer you more if you are after a bluesy tone. (I know its sacrilege to say so but try a DBK, the breed are awesome and give a bluesier tone...)

Moreover the 7V is made of alder which make it slightly heavier then most Jem.

2 years ago I went shopping to try (and get) a JS1000... and I left the store with a Jem 7VWH
The neck felt better (for me anyway) and I prefer the EVO to the Paf Pro.

Let your hands and hears be the judge!

[red5]

Originally Posted by JFT

Hi Red,

I'm with Sniper on this one. Choose the one that feels better in your hands but don't restrict yourself to the 7V others Jem are quite nice and could offer you more if you are after a bluesy tone. (I know its sacrilege to say so but try a DBK, the breed are awesome and give a bluesier tone...)

Moreover the 7V is made of alder which make it slightly heavier then most Jem.

2 years ago I went shopping to try (and get) a JS1000... and I left the store with a Jem 7VWH
The neck felt better (for me anyway) and I prefer the EVO to the Paf Pro.

Let your hands and hears be the judge!

Yeah... I can definitely shred a bit better on the Jem, and the Evos should drive my amp nicely too! And I have the Les Paul around for playing blues (as I am looking for not just a shred guitar but something that I could use for whatever it is I am playing)....

The other day I was in Drome Sound in Albany messing around with a cheap RG... the thing wasn't too bad at all, and if I was only going to spend $400 on a guitar, I would have bought it right there. Plus the single coil in the middle provides some cool tones through a Marshall!