JEM7VWH vs RG2570EVSL

blackpuppets · #1 09-20-2005, 10:18 AM

Sorry if this has been done before but I'm having a huge dilemma trying to decide between these two models as my new axe.

I know technical features-wise, there aren't a lot of differences, except for the pick-ups and body material. The JEM7VWH costs $2000 and the RG2750 costs $1000. Is it really worth paying $1000 extra for the JEM just because it is associated with Steve Vai?

Has anyone ever tried playing both guitars and did a comparison?

If you have, please outline the main differences in terms of 1) playability 2) sound 3) durability.

I want something that will be beneficial to me in the long term. I don't want to end up with something which I really like at first and then 5 years down the road, realise that it wasn't really the ONE for me, and deeply regret not getting the other one.

Appreciate your responses

King Knall · #2 09-20-2005, 10:40 AM

Well, a lot of the guys here will tell you which one to buy.

As for the $1000 extra for the JEM, no its not worth it. But that didn't stop thousands of people buying it. Its collectable, if that even really matters. I'd take the RG if you want to save $1000 and get a good axe. If the pickups just won't do, swap them out and it'll still be cheaper than the JEM. RG Prestiges are excellent guitars for their price (trust me, I've played a few). When it comes down to it, it all depends on your sound. The EVOs on the JEM are very high-output pickups, but if you play Vai-like tunes, they should be perfect for you.

mi2tom · #3 09-20-2005, 10:52 PM

I think the jem is the best guitar in the world so buy it hehehehe

Bahamut · #4 09-20-2005, 11:06 PM

I actually disagree, I think the Jem is well worth the extra money. Superior wood, superior pickups, better neck profile (imo), sweet neck inlay..

Nothing plays like one, and I actually own an RG2550 (same guitar as a 2570, with a pickguard). If I had to do it over, I'd buy a Jem again.

Bluestreak · #5 09-20-2005, 11:14 PM

I'm an RG player. I've had Jems (a 777VDY and a 77FP) but I keep going back to the RG7xx's. I have one RG570 that is probably the most comfortable guitar I've ever held. On the other hand... I have a Universe that outplays every 7620/21's I've ever played. No other Ibanez 7-string touches the Universe, J-customs and Prestige included.

I just traded a 7621 neck for a UV neck so I can finish my custom 7621 with the neck profile I prefer - UV777BK.

-R

vette6600 · #6 09-21-2005, 12:05 AM

i'd say go with the RG. Any RG5xx for that matter, new or used. 2 years ago, i traded an RG570 and a JS towards a 7VWH. HORRIBLE decision! It wasn't long until i really got sick of the over-the-top looks. Anything you play on a 7VWH can be done on the RG your after. I sold the jem and bought a used 550 and a new roland jazz chorus. couldn't be more satisfied with the RG.

blackpuppets · #7 09-21-2005, 08:25 AM

I've got a question about Edge-Pro's in general. Are they good for heavy palm-muting riffs? I've read somewhere that heavy palm-muting tends to vibrate the bridge and hence fluctuate the pitch. Is this true?

Bahamut · #8 09-21-2005, 09:49 AM

With the edge pro, you've got to develop a lighter touch on the bridge to keep it from going out of tune. If you're the type of player who mashes his fist into the bridge while your playing heavily palm-muted stuff, then yes, it will require an adjustment.

That said, adding an esp arming adjuster, or an ibanez backstop if you can find one, will help a lot with that.

I play that kind of stuff, and use the edge and edge pro bridges pretty exclusively, and I've never had a problem..

blackpuppets · #9 09-21-2005, 10:25 AM

Another question

Do the gold-plated hardware & screws get rusted and worn-out easily?

Bahamut · #10 09-21-2005, 07:56 PM

whoops, double posted. FUNNY STORY! I POSTED BEFORE WORK THIS MORNING AND WHEN I CAME HOME IT WAS UP ON THE SCREEN SO I HIT SUBMIT AND IT WAS THERE TWICE REHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!

please delete!

red5 · #11 09-25-2005, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackpuppets

I've got a question about Edge-Pro's in general. Are they good for heavy palm-muting riffs? I've read somewhere that heavy palm-muting tends to vibrate the bridge and hence fluctuate the pitch. Is this true?

I have to say fixed bridges are the best for palm muting riffs, because I tend to rest my hand on the bridge and that knocks it out of tune. You have to get used to it.

red5 · #12 09-25-2005, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bahamut

I actually disagree, I think the Jem is well worth the extra money. Superior wood, superior pickups, better neck profile (imo), sweet neck inlay..

Nothing plays like one, and I actually own an RG2550 (same guitar as a 2570, with a pickguard). If I had to do it over, I'd buy a Jem again.

I think it depends on if you're willing to spend the extra cash or not :P

Sam b · #13 10-17-2005, 07:54 AM

What is better a Stratocaster or a jem?

Ki swordsman · #14 10-17-2005, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bahamut

whoops, double posted. FUNNY STORY! I POSTED BEFORE WORK THIS MORNING AND WHEN I CAME HOME IT WAS UP ON THE SCREEN SO I HIT SUBMIT AND IT WAS THERE TWICE REHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!

please delete!

best double post i've ever seen

9/10

UV_Ray · #15 10-17-2005, 10:05 AM

I think the question of the Jem being worth the extra grand is a very personal and subjective issue. It's about what looks and feels better to you. I think you need to spend some time with both guitars to really decide- not just noddling for 5-10 minutes. Take an afternoon where you can spend at east an hour playing. I find having a guitar that feels right and has the right "vibe" (aesthetics, tone) really makes me want to practice more and I play better- and the Jems and Universes do this for me so the money is worth it. A good part of it is the materials workmanship and pups (I love the Evos and the Blazes in the UVs), but a part of it is the Vai connection and the looks (love the vine inlay the white color and pearl pickguard- somewhat flashy, but elegant, too).

I wouldn't argue with those that say it's not worth it- for them it's not ( I kind of envy them- they can have twice as many guitars for the same money!).