Jem Project Questions

[jem20thlover]

Hey guys, just recently joined the forum, though I have been reading up for a long while now.

Short Jem history about myself: Grew up loving Vai and dreaming of owning the 77FP, but I was 12 at the time and even if I mowed all the lawns in the neighborhood, there was no chance I could afford one. Now I'm a little older, fatter, and have some coin in my pocket and have started my Jem collection up this past year. I own the 77FP (the dream) and the 777SK, and have the 20th anniversary on order (waiting daily for the call on that one).

Snap to now and my reason for posting. I came across a beat to hell 1987 777DY for a decent price and decided to buy it for my project guitar. I plan to send it to Sims to get a custom swirl. My problem is that the neck on it is broken, so I will either have to try to have it fixed, or put a new neck on.

I really don't want to buy a neck that isn't authentic Ibanez, but because it is a "project" guitar and the headstock will be swirled to match the guitar, I'm not married to the pyramid inlayed maple neck either. I took a look at Rich Harris' Ibanez Rules and saw a few necks that I like.

My question is this, will a 77FP neck fit a 777DY guitar? He has one for $550 which is better than the $900 77PMC neck that he has. I would buy a neck from someone like Christopher Woods, but none of the after market necks I've seen really have the authentic Ibanez look. What would you do if you were doing this project?

Any input is appreciated. I value everyone's opinion (except for the folks who want me to keep it yellow, I'll have a yellow one, but this one is so beat to hell that it needs to be sanded and filled anyways, so why not get a custom swirl right?) I'm a total rookie and did my best to research the vendors above before asking questions. Thanks for any input.

Kevin

[Rocker1]

Don't get it swirled by Sims, consult Herc Fede, or cottam guitars (Both have websites) tell cottam what you want and they will sent it off the Herc Fede to be swirld: Here is an example of what Herc can do:

http://www.fededesigns.com/guitarswirls.cfm

If it was my project i would save up and get a neck from Rich-They are genuine Ibanez necks

[newbieguitarmaker]

Originally Posted by Rocker1

Don't get it swirled by Sims, consult Herc Fede, or cottam guitars (Both have websites) tell cottam what you want and they will sent it off the Herc Fede to be swirld: Here is an example of what Herc can do:

http://www.fededesigns.com/guitarswirls.cfm

If it was my project i would save up and get a neck from Rich-They are genuine Ibanez necks

rich sells jem necks??

[Ranz 777]

You didnt happen to get that off *-bay did ya? I saw one on there with a broken neck at the head stock.
Not sure what to really say about the neck. Rich Harris is an excellent source. Christopher Woods is too. Ya might wait to see what the swirl looks like when finished.......see what it inspires as far as inlay and what not.
As far as swirls go........Ive seen Herc Fedes work. He produces excellent swirls. Richard Fay......Ive only seen pics of his work, so I couldnt offer a fair assesment. Patrick Sims does excellent work as well. He's doing my whole custom 7 string Jem....with swirls. Who does the swirl work depending on what other people say, is kinda like picking a new guitar based off of what people say. Every one has different taste & opinions. Ive even swirled a few of my own, and about to do another one.
Hope ya post some pics as ya go, projects here are always cool. Everyone has such different taste and visions. Good luck & have a blast man!

[jem20thlover]

Great feedback so far guys, I really want the Passion & Warfare looking swirl (don't we all) and Herc Fede's do look awesome, a little better than the Sims gallery in my opinion. Thanks Rocker1 for the feedback.

And yes Ranz 777, it was an (what do you guys call it, evilbay?) **** purchase. About $100 or $200 more than I would want to pay, but a good deal none the less, the guy even threw in a $200 Samson wireless system, which was a nice add on.

I haven't gotten the guitar in yet, it just shipped today. I'll post pictures of the neck when it arrives. Thanks for the great info so far guys!

[Rocker1]

Originally Posted by newbieguitarmaker

rich sells jem necks??

Yes he does:

http://www.ibanezrules.com/necks.htm

[Rocker1]

Check this out for a Passion and Warfare swirl:

http://www.ibanezrules.com/images/gallery/uvmc5.jpg

[jem20thlover]

WOW! That is exactly what I am looking for, VERY NICE!!!

[Dee]

Swirls are ALWAYS too busy for my liking. Does anyone have any pics of a real clean, bright swirl job with not too much "dirtyness" to it? I like big chunks of colour.

[newbieguitarmaker]

Originally Posted by Rocker1

Yes he does:

http://www.ibanezrules.com/necks.htm

damn dude i think i rather get a custom neck for like 400 dollars less

[jem20thlover]

Hey guys,

Got the guitar! It is real rough as expected, but I believe I can get something nice out of it. It occured to me that I can't swirl this guitar due to the fact that a clear pickguard wouldnt work because of the electronics routing in the front (I'm a moron), so I've decided to get it painted a single color. I haven't decided on a color yet, but I don't want anything traditional. Thinking about red, red sparkle, pink (the color of the pick-ups), or light blue. Would love to hear some suggestions.

Take a look at the pics of the guitar on:
MY SITE

The neck, as you can see, is broken, but the fingerboard is fine. I found a guy who will fix it for around $250. The company is called The Guitar Specialist and he is in South Salem, NY. If anyone has had any experience, good or bad with this company, let me know. He seemed like a nice enough guy and he was recommended to me by another guitarist.

I am going to use Sims for this one, for 2 reasons. 1, not doing a swirl anymore, 2, they are only about an hour and a half from my house, so I can just drive up to Chatanooga and hand them the guitar myself.

So now I am on the lookout for a good body to swirl, might get one from Christopher Woods and send it off to Herc Fede who knows, but I need to finish this project first!

I would love to hear color opinions from you guys, as well as who to send it to (when it's painted and ready to go) for set-up. I may switch out the pickups for fresh ones and have the electronics re done. Does Rich do that? Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[bpd111]

Originally Posted by jem20thlover

The neck, as you can see, is broken, but the fingerboard is fine. I found a guy who will fix it for around $250.

I can't vouch for the company, but I was going to suggest having it repaired. I don't know how handy you are, but Rich has a tutorial on his site (and there are others), but doing it yourself might be an option. If you screw it up, you aren't much further behind the 8-ball.

Originally Posted by jem20thlover

I would love to hear color opinions from you guys...

My vote is for shocking pink.

Originally Posted by jem20thlover

...As well as who to send it to for set-up. I may switch out the pickups for fresh ones and have the electronics re done. Does Rich do that?

He's said here that he does take on side work when time permits. It'll cost you but it's well worth it!

[jem20thlover]

Thanks for the shocking pink vote, but I already own the 777SK . I am going to check out Rich's tutorial and see if I can take a look at the neck myself. Thanks for the info!

[bpd111]

Originally Posted by jem20thlover

Thanks for the shocking pink vote, but I already own the 777SK .

Sorry - missed that. How' bout a Loch Ness Green then?

[OLIE_ROCKS_THE_80'S]

You should leave it the way it is! just get that neck crack fixed, by looking at it I reckon that you could even repair it yourself reading Ibanez Rules Tech section.