Need some tips. how to inspect an imported jem7vwh

[hanban]

Hey all.

Next week ill probably buy a brand new 2002 model JEM7VWH. This jem was imported from U.S ,and since the guitar has traveled in alot of airplanes and delivery guys trucks, I dont want to buy it and than find out somthing's wrong with it. I need some tips on how to inspect the guitar.

What i want to know is, What is the right serial number pattern for this model, how do i inspect the lo-pro edge trem (never had an ibanez before), how do i inspect the nut/neck and anything thats important.

the obvious scratch / ding visual test is excluded ofcourse

need to know how to test the "hidden" stuff.

thanks to all helpers.

[kent k]

There really isn't a lot that is hidden on a guitar, except the electronics. I would plug it in, test all the positions and spin the knobs to make sure they all work. Next, I would check the neck to see how straight it is, and maybe work the truss rod a little to make sure it is not broken or maxed out. You could unscrew the locking nut screws and check the threads to make sure they are not stripped. I might try to raise and lower the bridge a little to make sure there is adjustment there. Bottom line is, if it plays and sounds good, you can't loose. Apart from any truss rod / neck issues, anything you find later should be easy and cheap to fix. Congratulations, and enjoy your new guitar!

[sam669]

to inspect the lo(pro, stand up, strap your guitar, start shaking the bar like a bad, lift the guitar above your head, and shake the bar while lifting. if nothing breaks, then you're done with the lo-pro.

congrats with da geetah

[hanban]

Thanks alot all, ill do what you said!

by the way, the serial number shoud start with "L02****" ?

[weserman]

for an '02 model the first part of the serial number should be F02.

Do what the other guys said as well. Make damn sure you can plug it in and test all the pickup settings and both knobs. I would play every note on the entire guitar as well, to make sure the frets are ok. Other than that, there is not much else other than cosmetics really. Just look the guitar over from one end to the other.

[Rich]

I've returned many VWH's over the years because they wouldn't get any [or not near enough] neck relief, even with a loose truss

[davester1234]

you might want to check the tremposts, according to Rich's idea of a good trempost.

See here:
http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech.htm#Flat_Knife

The tremposts with the 'groove' in them are the new and improved versions.

Of course, it doesn't mean its bad if they are not the new and improved posts. if the guitar consistently goes out of tune when whammy-ing, particularly staying sharp when pulling up, that would indicate you MIGHT need new tremposts.

a relatively easy job to fix, but its better to know upfront then after. So whammy away.

also:
i don't know if its NEW or not (the guitar). If its supposed to be brand new, check the frets for wear, particular the 3rd fret...its a dead give away that your being lied to, it usually wears first. That's how you can tell if an 'unplayed' guitar is really unplayed!

[hanban]

Thanks davester! some usefull tips there.

I have the full serial number of the guitar, anyway to check if it got the new trem post by looking @ the serial?