Jem/J-Custom opinions needed

RiverKing · #1 02-19-2007, 10:44 AM

I actually posted this over on the J-Custom thread, but thought that since it's got JEM content, I'd try over here as well. . .

Opinion needed. . .

Okay, I'm getting kid of 'gassy', so I was thinking about what guitar to pick up next (in the very near future). I don't currently have an Ibanez to complement my 'fleet' (Tyler Strat, LP Custom Class 5, ES 335), so I was either looking at a J-Custom 8740F, a pre 2002 Jem7WH, or an RG2006 Puzzle top guitar. I've got the puzzle coming in to the local GC to try out (they found one on the east coast), I miss the hell out of my Jem7WH, but the J Custom mystique has my gears turning. And not to say I want to put one of my custom projects on the side with Patrick Simms, I just figure this would be a good sag way to the next project. All thoughts and opinions welcomed and encouraged. . .

voodoo_child · #2 02-19-2007, 10:53 AM

If you want a Jem, buy a Jem, if you want a JC, buy a JC. If you like the puzzle top after you play it, buy that....

Dont let other peoples tastes dictate your own...

'I used to be indecisive, but now im not so sure...'

kennydoe · #3 02-19-2007, 01:01 PM

It doesn't seem to me he's asking anyone to dictate anything to him - just asking for thoughts and opinions. I come here for that myself sometimes. jeez louise

I think the puzzle tops are pretty sharp looking. The Giger is pretty cool too. i haven't played either of them - only seen pics though.

i have a JC RG8670 which is the cat's teats and a Jem BFP, which i also love.

It's hard to go wrong with a high-end Ibanez.

RiverKing · #4 02-19-2007, 01:14 PM

Thanks Kenny. . . . Unfortunately, like a few of us here in the States, we can't just go out and pick up a J-Custom to play, it's not feasible. So, that's one of the reasons I'm pulling for input. I like the Jems, I like the puzzle top, but for the money what's going to give me the best bang for the buck. I have NEVER played a JC, but these new 8470's look pretty darn sharp, and the PUP config fits my bill.

kennydoe · #5 02-19-2007, 01:35 PM

if you can get to NY, you can play mine

RiverKing · #6 02-19-2007, 01:42 PM

lol. I'll take that into consideration - what do you think of the RG8470?

kennydoe · #7 02-19-2007, 04:38 PM

8470 is a rosewood board, whereas mine (8670) is Ebony. Otherwise i think they're the same.

I prefer Ebony.

Gurj · #8 02-19-2007, 04:42 PM

Same here Kenny, if you can get your hands on a rg8670, then do it!

RiverKing · #9 02-19-2007, 06:54 PM

Yeah - I love ebony myself, maybe I'll wait around and see if one of those 'pops up' anywhere. . .

casper777 · #10 02-20-2007, 12:15 PM

I have a 8470 in black onix, and I must say it's the best Ibanez I have ever played overall...

The JC neck is GREAT!! way better than the "older" wizard neck...

It's really a very polyvalent guitar, the only complaint I would have is that I think the Tone Zone sounds a bit too warm and bassy for me in a mahogany guitar... Maybe an EVO 2 would be better....

But you wont be dissapointed! and it's really a gorgeous guitar!!! maple neck binding, great flame maple top.. mmmmmm!!!

) and the inlays..........

The only other difference with the 8670 (appart from the ebony board) is the fact that since 2006 the vine inlay is all abalone, where it was abalone and mirrors previously (at least on 8270...)

Hope this helps...

RiverKing · #11 02-20-2007, 12:49 PM

Yes, it does. . . Thanks. I'm getting closer. . . SOOOOOO close. . . I"ve searched high and low for an 8670, that's going to be hard to pick up. I've been in touch with our Japanese friends and I"m pretty impressed. Casper, do you own a Jem, and if so how would you compare it?

casper777 · #12 02-20-2007, 02:24 PM

Yes I actually own a Jem 90th HAM, you can see it behind on the picture

I love this Jem too... The Jem is lighter than the JC, because of the basswood... The Jem is brighter and much more powerful, with tight bass response... sounds very articulate!
The JC is maybe more versatile than the JEM and defitively has better clean sounds. As I said for heavy distortion, the Tone Zone is maybe a bit muddy.. just a bit, it's still a great pickup....

The thing that is better on the JC is the middle single coil... the blue velvet sound just GREAT!!! while the single coil on the JEM sounds like cr@p!!! not usable at all!!!!!
The neck is also better on the JC, a bit flatter and wider but it's very personal... the best Ibanez neck for me is still the JPM neck, and very close behind, the 8470 JC neck!!!!!

I would say that both are great guitars, the JC has a much wider tonal range, with the best neck pickup on earth AIR NORTON!

))))

You will be very happy with it!

**jim777** · #13 02-20-2007, 02:50 PM

I got an 8670 and I just couldn't bond with it. Personally, I thought it was better looking that the VWH, but I'd go back to an ebony boarded VWH first. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, other than maybe the stock pickups. I absolutely hate the Tone Zone. If you try and like the 8670 you'll likely be set for life with her. Be advised the purple ones generally look black from 10 feet away; they are very, very dark.

Chris777 · #14 02-20-2007, 03:05 PM

Even though I think that JC's are finished better and have more attention to the finer building details, I prefer Jems. Jems just have thier own sound and feel that cannot be duplicated. But if it is a JC sound, feel, and tone you are seeking then by all means find yourself a hot little number with a lo-pro and rock out. If you were in the market for a PRS, I would advocate a JC 100%, but if it against a Jem, I would go for the Jem.

RiverKing · #15 02-20-2007, 04:07 PM

Man, I just wish I could PLAY one somehwere (I know, I'm whining!). I just know that JC's are very limited in production, and if I want one I need to act. . . That being said, I DO miss my Jem 7VWH (2002), and maybe I'll try to recover that one, as well. . . For cleaner tones, I do have my strat and to get down and dirty my LP, but for all around 'metal' with a trem, I'm at a loss. . .