The Ibanez Jem - 50K Celebration (feedback wanted)

[codnchips]

I can't get the gold enthusiasm going......I just don't like gold guitars....looks a bit poncey.....unless it looked dirty or peeling then I would be more appealing to me, but definately wouldn't buy it if it was like the JS gold guitar.

[mike777]

I thought of a few more things since my last reply.

First: I thought Glen brought up some great points regarding the instrument/endorsee relationship and the public statements behind it.

After I posted I thought that figured woods wood be a good idea to consider.

Color-wise: something less than basic (avoid black or white this time). Perhaps a color not really used before on production Jems (red, orange, purple - heck-ALL of them -just kidding on the last one)

I don't care much about the Sustainer but electronically-piezos and a Roland synth pickup (or wire the piezos for synth as well).

What about making a production of the LNG/Rosewood/Vine like the one that was auctioned off not too long ago?

Lastly: a publicity stunt. Hold a contest. Entries are suggestions for this commemorative model submitted from the public. The winner is an idea that Ibanez and Steve Vai feel they can both work with. The winner gets a model signed by SV. Another one is signed by SV and put up for auction for the MANF. A limited production run follows for the next 12-18 months.

Mike 777

[zEr0]

I think some of you guys are asking for some "too unique" features which after the initial excitement become irrelevant. I think the new Jem should be special but would have to keep it's features close to those of a "normal guitar". I don't really care for a super JEM with piezos, sustainer, leds, lasers, 24 strings and 5 necks.

After all I think Ibanez could still be able to create one of the coolest Jems ever by just choosing the right colour, hardware, fretboard, inlays, etc. No need for more pompous options. For example, I think a Jem could look killer with a maple fretboard.

Just my opinion, I don't mean to disrespect anyone's.

[Two hands31]

I say the best idea is to create a guitar based on what Steve actually plays, or get Steve to have Ibanez make him something he'll actually play frequently.

EVO's falling apart, Steve could use something new as a main axe. This can either be where Flo comes in, or Steve can get a newly designed Ibanez axe that'll fit his needs as they are today.

I say either a Flo or Mirrored "Bad Horsie" replica would be appropriate.

And no matter what they decide on, the next JEM model should have a sustainer on it, as Steve's been using them for years.

But, Ibanez may not be able to use a Fernandes Sustainer, or a Sustainiac in a production model guitar.

[Artist]

Originally Posted by Two hands31

I say the best idea is to create a guitar based on what Steve actually plays, or get Steve to have Ibanez make him something he'll actually play frequently.

EVO's falling apart, Steve could use something new as a main axe. This can either be where Flo comes in, or Steve can get a newly designed Ibanez axe that'll fit his needs as they are today.

I say either a Flo or Mirrored "Bad Horsie" replica would be appropriate.

And no matter what they decide on, the next JEM model should have a sustainer on it, as Steve's been using them for years.

But, Ibanez may not be able to use a Fernandes Sustainer, or a Sustainiac in a production model guitar.

I'm still not sure the 50k models sold mark should mean a new guitar, BUT.
What about a truly pimped out 7VWH.
Highest quality inlays, gold engraved head stock, a run of PERFECT VWHs.
And what about something Ibanez has only done once before...... a non all-black trem bar!. Gold vine up a white/black bar anyone?

[francelj]

Mahogany body, spalted maple top, clear pickguard, Airnorton+Tonezone configuration in zebra color, gold hardware (with double edge), birdseye maple fingerboard, offset little abalone dots

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by francelj

Mahogany body, spalted maple top, clear pickguard, Airnorton+Tonezone configuration in zebra color, gold hardware (with double edge), birdseye maple fingerboard, offset little abalone dots

No offense, but what do any of those things have to do with Steve Vai?

Though that does give me another idea: Find whoever buys the 50,000th JEM, and let them spec their own custom Ibanez guitar that Ibanez will build for them.

[JEAPSON]

Brilliant idea to launch a 50k celebration model !!! From my side, I would pray for those limited edition axes :

- a triple neck just like the one Steve owns;

- a swirled chrome and gold finish (I mean chrome and gold would be the colours of the swirl and would be in relief just like the relief of the JEM 90th)...this may however bring the price very high....

Anyway, I think this should be something where there are many details (just like the JEM 10th run)

[nisselon]

I think that it would be right to do the Jem 777LNG all over again. That was the guitar that started the RG´s and JEM's Ibanez hysteria in the middle of the -80's and steve's and Ibanez collaboration. An exact replica of the 777LNG in gold only this may be called... be hold.... Gold Meanie 50K.

Picture this.

A gold meanie with details in gold such as, gold pyramid
inlays in the neck, entire body in gold finish with see thru
pickguard or black, all hardware in gold. I think the pickups
should be black still cause it would be a little to much with
those in gold too. I think the fretboard should be in maple
just to be fair to the original 777LNG. To finish it all in glory
we just have to put a little discrete 50K logo on the headstock
right next to the JEM logo.
I Also i think that the pickups should be PAF pro's, again,
to make the 777LNG some justice....

What do you think ???

WBR // Mikael "the swedish guy" Nilsson

[earthman]

it must surely be time for the often demanded red jem?

--c.

[phlame]

The best suggestion I heard was an evo replica, because if Ibanez has any intention of ever making one they had better hurry up before the thing falls apart it already has a new neck on it.

[Kremlin]

All the ideas posted look great, but IMO it should be something more of a tribute to Steve Vai and Ibanez.. Something where you look at it and it speaks volumes about SSV's career and the history of Jem guitars.

Have you ever seen those photo mosaics with a large picture made from tons of little pictures? (Like http://www.photomosaicmaker.com/gallery/col1/wt.jpg Imagine a picture of Steve like the one on the front of Seventh Song made up from hundreds of little pictures of JEMs, concert photos, album covers, etc...

Whatever Mr. Vai chooses, hopefully he puts in all the goodies like a piezo bridge and a sustainer

[The Madness Here]

I really dig this.

[disassociative1]

i realy like the vine round the body also but i cant see ibanez doin an inalyed body, they MAY do it as a painted graphic but i dont see that either

it does look great tho

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by disassociative1

...but i cant see ibanez doin an inalyed body...

From the current Ibanez website.