Summer Namm 2K+1 - Getting excited for any Jem/UV News

[jippy]

Still wondering if we'll ever see a 10th anniversary Universe or a new Jem debuted at the Summer NAMM. I realize it's pretty early to post this thread, but maybe somebody's heard something?

[Rich]

Yup, I heard the new budget Jem will not be there. Here's hoping the info is wrong.

[nmanel]

Well, I guess we are also wainting for the 30 year anniversary of Ibanez America (I don't remember where I read that on Ibanez site, but they said we should expect new great stuff...). Next year, right ?

Nicolas.

[cmartin]

I hope they introduce at least a couple mid-to-upper range (read: Prestige) guitars, but last summer was mostly TRS-equipped guitars if I remember correctly.

[Jimi D]

Quote: from Rich on 2:32 pm on June 28, 2001
I heard the new budget Jem will not be there.

I thought my 7DBK was the "budget" Jem

[jemsite]

I thought my 7DBK was the "budget" Jem

The DBK was not a 555 replacement model. The "budget" jem is supposed to replace the 555, while improve upon it ...glen

[Jimi D]

The DBK was not a 555 replacement model. The "budget" jem is supposed to replace the 555, while improve upon it...

I thought that was an RG550... {sigh}

jim [hopelessly confused again :biggrin:]

[Andy J Dampier]

You know....if Ibanez would consider a new UV model, I wouldn't be considering Ernie Ball for my 7-string purchase.....What year did the UV777BK debut? 97'?

Rich-how are sales with the UV777BK? I wonder if Ibanez is dishing out enough higher-end 7-strings to consider a multi-UV line. (93' was the UV hey-day, correct? 3 models or something close to that...)

Can't please em' all...

[cmartin]

We often view the Ibanez 7-strings in three markets: high-end (UVs, CTs, CSTs, 2027, etc), mid-range (7620s, etc.) and low-end (7420s, AXs, etc.). We often postulate that the high-end ones go to ‘serious’ players, the low-end to the ‘Nu-crowd’ and the mid-range to a mixture of these.

How well do sales reflect this? Perhaps you have some insight Rich? For example, if true, one might expect UV sales to stay steadier than the low-end 7s as the ‘Nu-crowd’ evaporates and/or moves away from 7s.

Unfortunately, there are a few flies in the soup to consider. For example, the current UV777BK has been around for a while and is very readily available at much more friendly prices on the used market. A UV sales decline could be completely spurious in relationship to that of the low-end 7s, but wrongfully interpreted by Ibanez if they are not careful, as a general market-wide loss of interest in 7s.

Further confusing things is the introduction of a very pricey guitar (K-7) for the ‘Nu-crowd’. I feel (with no creds or market research to back me up) that this is an idea bound to fail. Throw in the RG1077XL, while undoubtedly a superb axe, is a bit weird for your average consumer (come on, a Baritone 7?) and Ibanez might feel that there is no longer a market for high-end 7s after failing to move many this season. However, the reality could be that they are missing the market with the current lineup.

A new UV or a more widely available CT-like guitar (basically a 7-string 3120) might be enough to jump-start sales. Then again, perhaps the market truly is falling out (see: 2027), and people like myself who want high-quality Ibanez 7s will be left out in the cold. I hope they at least make more limited-run Prestige and J-Custom 7s in the future.

[Rich]

98', new 7 sales have been dismal, there's still quite a bit of interest though which would lead me to believe Chris hit it and many are opting to buy used instead. But the high end used market is also depressed, things are selling, but for far less than they would have 2 years ago on average.

[jippy]

After reading the Houston G3 reviews, my interest is piqued!! Can anyone spill any details about the new Jem coming? Will it make Summer NAMM, or will be be in suspense until next January?

[mojo]

What about that accoustic jem ive been hearing about.. I say there should be another UV. I hope one will come. But Unfortunatly people now adays like korn. IM 16 and i hate them oh well.

J