The JEM guitars are not "Signature Model" guitars.

replica · #1 12-31-2012, 11:39 AM

With the exception of the couple of models that have Vai's wacky pyramind logo on them, I don't consider the JEM guitars to be signature model guitars. They don't have his name on them anywhere. They were designed to his specs, sure. But they were designed first and foremost to be just really great guitars.

I was just reading the "Untold History of Ibanez" book and I've read elsewhere that Vai wanted the JEM guitars to transcend signature models, and I think they do.

When you look at the typical "Signature Model" such as a JS or Wolfgang or Tremonti, it's the other guy's guitar first. They've got the guy's name right there on the guitar. Everyone knows you're playing some other guy's signature model.

So that's why I dig the JEM guitars. Just my thoughts.

Swirltop · #2 12-31-2012, 11:47 AM

That's a really good point, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that knows anything about guitars and guitar players that doesn't automatically think Steve Vai when they see a Jem. Steve Vai and the Jem are such an iconic combination and the two are so nearly inseparable that the Jem doesn't need his sig on it to be a sig line....

jsmineer · #3 12-31-2012, 11:48 AM

Semantics. I don't think anyone that sees a Jem and knows what it is doesn't think it's not Vai's signature guitar. I know Vai wanted it to transcend the signature guitar idea but it really doesn't. Even he said it's the longest running signature guitar in history, save the Les Paul, in which he doesn't consider a signature guitar. Either way, it's a fine guitar.

dickicker · #4 12-31-2012, 11:52 AM

Yeah, either way, when everyone sees a JEM they think Steve Vai. It's the thought that counts. lol

replica · #5 12-31-2012, 12:03 PM

A great guitar no matter what.

Bryancap77 · #6 01-01-2013, 04:09 AM

I see what he means. Regardless of if it's associated with him, the only consistency between the Jen and vai is that association. I believe it's more than a signature, it's a artfully created guitar that is top notch.

Stealthtastic · #7 01-01-2013, 06:29 AM

I dont even like vai's music that much yet love his guitars, i agree with you 110%

Macka · #8 01-01-2013, 09:42 AM

Yeah, I think you can't look at a Jem without thinking Vai. Unless you don't know who Vai is, then, we can't really comment on how we would think about that when most of us here are quite the fan of the man and his product line.

replica · #9 01-01-2013, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryancap77

I see what he means. Regardless of if it's associated with him, the only consistency between the Jen and vai is that association. I believe it's more than a signature, it's a artfully created guitar that is top notch.

Yes. Someone who has no idea who Vai is will think it's just an awesome guitar.

The Euphor · #10 01-01-2013, 01:48 PM

Or, people who know who Vai is thinks the Jem line is great. I really doubt there are many Jem players out there who don't know Vai. Also, the models available to the public has been the same he has used live. I think the relation between Vai and the Jem is strong. Stronger than many other signature models - especially thinking about all those Fender Strats where you can't tell the difference from a picture. The Jem is instant Vai to me. If you just want a great guitar, there are a lot of options out there without a monkey grip.

CosmicDebris · #11 01-01-2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Euphor

the models available to the public has been the same he has used live.

Not true. Production Jems don't come with sustainors.

Rich · #12 01-01-2013, 01:57 PM

Steve has a couple guitars with sustainers, you can have one too if you have one installed as he has. Otherwise most of his guitars are standard Fujigen production just like you can buy off the rack.

Ekim · #13 01-01-2013, 02:54 PM

I'm sure licensing with Fernandes for a factory install on a production Jem would probably be a sticking point. Is the Sustainer factory equipment in any guitar besides those made by Fernandes?

I wonder if Steve's tried the Sustainiac?

Rich · #14 01-01-2013, 03:30 PM

FLO and FLO2 are not VWH's, they just look like VWH's.

ripnujabes · #15 01-01-2013, 03:34 PM

Ever since I got my first JEM a few months ago, I've never had it referred to as a "JEM" I've taken it out a lot and every guitarist I met has called it the "Steve Vai Guitar." I agree that it wasn't Steve's intent to have it be a signature line, but most people's first encounter with a JEM are through pictures of them with Steve in a *************** magazines or something similarly. They are always advertised with Steve for a reason.