Rootbeer Jem Question

[Rotti]

Okay I'm toying with the idea of getting my first Jem. A few years ago I was in a guitar shop that had one. The only one I've ever played. It was a used shocking pink model. I played it for a while and the guitar just blew me away. I was very depressed about my RG for quite some time after that. Anyway what I'm wondering is...is there any difference in quality in the jem lineup? Is a Rootbeer jem going to play and sound as good as that shocking pink one? I really like the way the rootbeer looks and I think I could get one for a good price becasue they are not as "fancy" as some of the other models. The other Jem I like is the BSB one. Will a BSB and Rootbeer basicly play and sound the same??

[Rich]

Other than the fact the RB has the thinnest neck ever put on a Jem [as well as the VDY and VSK], yes

[vaijem777]

Originally Posted by Rich

Other than the fact the RB has the thinnest neck ever put on a Jem [as well as the VDY and VSK], yes

Does that mean that the Wizard neck on the PBK isn't as thin?

[Petie]

Probably a dumb question, but is the RB just a PBK with different cosmetics? Are they the same in terms of sound and feel?

[rikkbeatty]

I thought the VDY and the PBK were the only 2 JEMs that had the ultra thin neck. I dont recall my VSK being ultra thin but it has been SOME time since I played on one so I could be wrong. Actually now that I think of it, I am sure te only 2 JEM's to have the ultra thin wizard neck were the PBK and the VDY.

The RB will sound a bit different due to the lack of the heavy paint job that the neon colored guitars had and the fact that the SK had a maple fretboard vrs the rosewood of the RB. I happen to really like maple fret boards. I always noticed a subtle difference in tone with my neon colored JEM guitars and all the other JEM guitars. I just figured it was the mammoth killer paintjob they did on the neon ones (if you have ever seen a neon colored guitar chipped you would see how thick the paint job is.) I would try out a RB first if at all possible. You might want to go for a neon colored JEM. Heck 2 JEM777DY's ended for right around $700 a piece on EBAY just a couple weeks back. A JEM777SK (pink one) ended for only $665 (way to score Aqquake!) on 07-04-03. The prices on the neon colored JEM's has definitely been dropping lately.

[rikkbeatty]

Originally Posted by Petie

Probably a dumb question, but is the RB just a PBK with different cosmetics? Are they the same in terms of sound and feel?

That I can answer definitely (as far as my ears tell me and if memory serves correctly). I thought the PBK sounded just a touch "darker" and the RB sounded just a bit "brighter". Basically felt the exact same though aside from the difference in the thickness of the neck (RB was a regular JEM neck and the PBK was the ultra thin wizard neck).

[Petie]

Hmmm. I'd love a PBK but in the meantime I'd settle for an RB

[Rotti]

I live in a msall town so I don't see a lot of Jems. I would probably just buy one from ebay or from one of the members here.

[Guitarlos2]

Originally Posted by Rich

Other than the fact the RB has the thinnest neck ever put on a Jem [as well as the VDY and VSK], yes

Whoa, so Rich the necks on those guitars you listed have thinner necks than the DBK and 2kDNA??

[Rich]

From memory, the last RB I sold had the thinnest neck I've ever felt on any Ibanez.

[rikkbeatty]

Could have been a "weird day at the factory!" lol Yeah the only 2 JEM's to sport the "ultra thin wizard necks" were the JEM777VDY and the JEM7PBK. I am not sure why but..... you can DEFINITELY feel the difference!

[Rich]

Sorry, I was having a brain spaz day, I meant PBK

[rikkbeatty]

lol Well THAT makes all the difference in the world! I have had those kinda days though. What sucks is when they turn into weeks! lol