Jem7dbk and JS1000

[zman1ac]

Looking to buy a new guitar.
I've always wanted to get a JEM and began to hold an interest for 7dbk's.
Between Joe Satriani models and Steve Vai models, specifically, between 7dbk and js1000, which is a better guitar over all? What are the differences? Thanks in advance.

[littlephil]

Differences - Neck shape, JS has a square heel rather than AANJ, fretboard radius, JS only has 22 frets, JEM is H-S-H JS is H-H.
They're the main differences (apart from the obvious body shape)

[seaninsjca]

I've had both and will be replacing the DBK before I get my next 1000. That said, it's all about your preference.

[djohns74]

Yeah, they're very different guitars but neither is "better". One of them may be better for you, but nobody else can answer that. Most of the differences are plainly obvious by checking the specs. One difference that could be hard to quantify based on specs alone is the neck shape, which are quite different from each other. The Jem's neck is rather thin and flat, particularly that of the DBK, which a JS has a more rounded, Strat-like neck. I find both very comfortable in very different ways, but many people do have a distinct preference.

I would say that the neck shape is probably the most important difference between these guitars, but only you can decide which is better, so I'd find an example of each and play 'em before deciding.

[jono]

I share djohns' opinion, you really need to try both guitars as, as far as superstrats go they're really rather different.

Personally I prefer the JS1000 to the JEM7dbk. I think it's mainly due to teh aesthetics though. I don't like the mirror pickguard against the black colour scheme and I don't like the industrial finish.

On the JS1000 I really dislike the fact that the guitar has a black pearl finish and a gloss black headstock. That REALLY annoys me.

Overall though, I chose a JS1000.

[jb4674]

The JS is also more ergonomically designed than the Jem and will feel like you're wearing it instead of being on a strap hanging off your shoulders.

Aside from that, I like Jems but the DBK is (IMO) quite bland and I never really got hooked on that textured finish. My vote would go for the JS.

Jimmy

[Silverburst]

Originally Posted by djohns74

The Jem's neck is rather thin and flat, particularly that of the DBK, which a JS has a more rounded, Strat-like neck.

I would say that the neck shape is probably the most important difference between these guitars, but only you can decide which is better, so I'd find an example of each and play 'em before deciding.

++1 I've owned both and still have my DBK. While the Burned stained Blue JS1000 I had was a gorgeous piece, also got it mint when I got it 2nd hand, it stayed that way. A flat fretboard is a must for me and that wat what my RG570 offered me at that time. The round stratocaster-ish fretboard of the JS1000 totally wasn't for me. That combined with the pickups (see lower) made sure the JS1000 stayed in it's case.

Neck thickness may vary, but I prefer it more slender, so I got my hands on a DBK a bit later. Since the DKB is the only JEM with a ultra slender SuperWizard neck, it's a bit a beast on it's own. The industrial finish really is industrial and to me clearly a point where they kept things more affordable. But overall, it has a look of it's own and gives in interesting contrast between the matte relief finish and the flat supergloss mirror pickguard. Up until now it's the best playing guitar I've owned and one of the most affordable JEMs around.

Also, I'm surprised no one mentions anything about the pickups. The JS1000 has the satriani classical Pafpro and FRED, while the DBK is rigged with Breeds. I absolutely dig Satch's tone, but the FRED didn't work out for me or my rig at that time. The FRED is rather nasal sounding, while the Breeds are (If I'm correct) a crossing between Paf's and Evolutions. Quite versatily, nice bite and harmonic sensitivity and enough power to do some metal stuff.

I'll take a DBK over a JS every day, but so like others have said, you really have to play both guitars yourself and check it in terms of pickup sound and neck feel. 2 different guitars !

ah and somtehing I don't like in the JS design: the straight headstock. I prefer angled and have weakness for reverse headstock (too bad not more of these are seen). And as far ergonomics: the RG/JEM have this extra cut out on the back so you don't have a hard edge cutting in your belly

[djohns74]

The only reason I didn't mention pickups is that they can be changed if necessary. I would never make a purchase decision on a guitar based on electronics since it's easy to make changes there. Meanwhile, body, neck and fretboard aren't easily changed, and if they are, it changes the entire character of the guitar.

That being said, the stock JS bridge pickup is definitely lower output than either a Breed or an Evolution, but I find it to be much, much more articulate and sensitive to volume control adjustments, particularly with the high-pass filter engaged. You can always dial in a little more gain at your amp if that's what you're after, but for pure subtlety and dynamics, I reach for my JS every time.

[zman1ac]

Thanks a lot for all your replies! Looks like I am going to have to try them both. However, I am leaning towards getting a JEM. Since 7dbk is the cheapest JEM out there, hope I can find one. Again, thanks a lot y'all.

[zman1ac]

I've been looking through evilbay items and 140297551899 caught my eyes. Is this an authentic JEM? Worth money?

[djohns74]

That's authentic yeah. Price may be a little high for a DBK, but not completely outrageous. If it's worth it to you, then it's worth it.

[zman1ac]

I have read through the JEMS made in china forum, but still not so sure how to tell the difference between the two. Since the seller covered part of the serial number, I wasn't so sure. How do you know it is authentic? (want to be able to tell the difference in the future Thanks djohns74!

[djohns74]

Mainly, after you look at enough of them, you can just tell. Key points to look at are the bridge (Edges of all types are very distinct-looking), monkey grip size (fakes are almost always too big), pickguard shape, and plenty of other subtle things. The fakers almost never get all the little details right, and often don't even get the big ones right either. Because of this, you almost never see nice big pictures like these on an auction for a fake Jem.

Beyond that though, the seller has plenty of good feekback, so at the very least, it's extremely unlikely that he's trying to scam anyone, which rules out the possibility that he stole the pictures from another auction and doesn't actually have the guitar he's selling (another common practice). He could potentially have a fake and not realize it, but that's generally a lot less likely than someone that's trying to get away with something and since the pictures clearly show an authentic DBK, this isn't an issue either.

Finally, fake DBKs are ridiculously rare probably because it's not cost effective to try to replicate that finish or those screw head inlays and because they're one of the cheaper Jems on the used market. If you're going to fake a guitar, you might as well fake the most expensive ones to maximize your profit.

[zman1ac]

djohns74, thanks so much for your quick reply and your info.

[Knightmeir]

I've had both and am much happier with my VWH.