Jem7V-WH or Universe777P

[chris101]

Just had a Jem 7V delivered to me, pity its damaged (someone has pulled the trem arm back too far and knacked the lions claw area) so it will be going back for a refund. Shop doesnt have anymore Jems but I can get the current Universe for a good price. Dont know which I should go for, I do play a lot of Vai stuff and so many of his music was done on a 7, but does the Universe have a totally different tone and feel to the Jem7V?

[RCB]

7 strings guitars have a different feel and you ll have to get used to it. The UV also has a darker tone compared to the VWH.

Vai hasnt use 7 string guitars for many years, but that shoulnt stop you.

Its all a matter of tastes, they are both good guitars. Wou should get a couple of bucks back since the UV is a little cheaper than the VWH.

[chris101]

Well the Jem 7V WH was such a good looking guitar (mush better in the 'flesh'!) so I've found another one at the same price. Its gotta come from the main UK importers headstock so will take an extra day to two but I guess its worth the wait, I dont expect to find any blemishes on a supposedly 'new' guitar.

[chris101]

Can anyone comment on how vulnerable the 'lions claw' area is on a Jem, it seems strage that this design isnt actually doing what its supposed to do, ie avoid impact in this area! Is this a common fault?

[RCB]

I ve never seen a jem with the problem you describe.

[Mission1979]

Well i've got a '97 Jem 7vWh with a lo pro bridge and there isn't a mark on the lions claw. I'm at least the second owner and cannot say what happened to it before I got it. I think the idea with the claw is that you can go a bit crazy without it fouling the body. Someone really must have been going for it. My rg has a piece of foam rubber installed in it to cushion it a bit think the UV777pbk that i'm putting together has as well. The Jem is the best guitar ever, the only thing that comes close is a Kramer Nightswan from the nineties (when you can get hold of one). Hope your new guitars okay.

[screamndemon69]

i don't think that a nick in the claw is too uncommon on a used Jem if the guitar is played hard or if someone who doesn't know how to properly change the strings schmucks with it. the claw gives you an extended pull back range but the trem will still bottom out in the claw. a new Jem however, should be nick free. shame.
i've have a few bumps in the claw routes on both of my Jems but i have more knicks from the Dimarzio clip-lock strap than both claws combined. i now know a better way to install the clip-lock straps - you live and learn. no lost sleep here.

[WillTubarao]

tell me more about installing the clip-lock properly...
they hit all my guitars everytime

[screamndemon69]

Originally Posted by Tubarão Guitars

tell me more about installing the clip-lock properly...
they hit all my guitars everytime

i read that you can use a solder iron to enlarge the whole on the strap to go over the strap buttons that come on the guitar so they NEVER touch the body. i haven't tried it yet but i need to give it a shot.
the key is to take the buttons off and put the strap end on from the back (small end) of the buttons and then reinstall and viola! no more nasty chips in the side of the guitar body from the strap.
most of the locks i have are Dunlops with the push button which keeps it a safe distance from the body and i've NEVER had any problems with those.