USRG vs. JEM - comments? comparisons? - should I consider a

[Jimi D]

I don't seem to be having any luck tracking down another JEM in the immediate vicinity of Ottawa, but I have found a minty USRG in Montreal (about two hours away). It currently is loaded with two PAFs and an IBZ-C3, and has a flame maple top... He's asking $900(CDN) for it which is $400 less than my JEM cost me.

How do the bound necks of these guitars compare with JEM necks? Does the Mahogany/Maple body radically change the tone of the guitar? Should I drive two hours to see this thing or wait for another JEM to materialize? Any and all comments welcome

thanks
Jim

[Anonymous]

I, personaly, have never played one. Many here have and have given glowing reviews. Given that, I am sure that this model would make a great back up to any Jem.

The mahogony/maple combo will give you tone similar to a Paul, but of coures, it isn't a Paul. It's an Ibanez :biggrin:.

Great guitar, I'd drive 2 hours to play it, but take the cash with you.....you might end up loving it and it will save you having to make a second trip.

J>

[darren wilson]

Maple/mahogany will definitely sound different compared to your basswood-bodied JEM.

Basswood is a really light wood that has a very "live" quality to it. They really "breathe" quite a bit and have a nice open sound, with rich resonance. Maple and mahogany are both much denser woods, and will give you a brighter, tighter, more focused tone with more sustain.

Not better or worse, just different. I kinda like both. Basswood and Mahogany work beautifully together in my Fly Classic!

:biggrin:

[jemsite]

The USRG has the "no tension" neck which has a slightly different feel than standard RGs. In the old forum FAQ TOPIC there is discussion about it.

Which USRG is this? The USRG30 was the best (best figured top) then USRG20. I've always wanted the USRG10 which was the hardtail. The others have the LoPro. Each came in a few translucent colors. Very good guitars and it seems to be a good price... glen

[Doink1]

You shouldn't plan on using this a "backup" to a JEM, but as a great acomplice to the JEM. All the of the higher end RG's (Prestiges, J Customs, USA Customs) are right up there with the quality of the JEM. I think the only reason they're less expensive is because Ibanez doesn't have to pay Steve or Joe Despagni (sp?) for each model sold. The USRG 30 retailed for $1500, and I believe this is the model in question (you mentioned a bound fretboard). They usually end up going for $600 US on eBay, so $900 Can sounds about right. I say go for it, it would be a great slight change of pace from a JEM.

[jemsite]

BTW you can grab the catalog scans of the 1994 USRGs in the Jemsite --> Archive --> Downloads area... glen

[Jimi D]

Oops! *My bad... The seller doesn't really know what model it is, but he sent me some pics and the serial number and now I know it's a '91 USA CUSTOM Exotic Wood... *Any word on that?

[Doink]

USA Customs are of the same caliber as the JEM and USRG (which, in a way, were the last line of USA Customs). The Exotic Wood series came with mahogany bodies and 4 different tops. Flame maple, quilted maple, lacewood, and birdseye. They also had Edge trems, 2 PAF Pros with a VS-1 in the middle, and AANJ. They do not have the tension free neck. I'm a bit confused by the necks. They might all have wizards, or the necks may have been custom fitted for each order. All this info is available in the Jemsite vault.

[Jimi D]

Doink ~ I was unable to get at the catalogue files in the Vault earlier today, but have just tried again and am downloading them now, thanks...

The necks are what concerns me most as well, as I find the JEM neck perfect, and the Wizard neck too slim - that extra couple of mm makes a huge difference as far as I'm concerned!

[Doink]

See, the necks confuse me in those catalog scans. In the Exotic Wood section, they say they come with the Wizard, but on one of the graphics page, it makes it sound like you have a choice of necks and inlays.

[Vaibanez]

I have a dealer banner (Thanks Kirk) from 1992 that shows the USA Customs came with the Wizard neck and your choice of fretboards and inlays.
1. Maple board - dot inlay only - standard or reverse headstock.

2. Rosewood board - dot, offset dot, shark tooth, bound, unbound, standard or reverse headstock.

The Exotic Wood series offered the AANJ. I'd be happy to submit this wall hanger to Jemsite for scans if you want, Glen?

J>

[jemsite]

Sure use the UPLOAD area please. I have the catalog scans of these guitars too and will try to get them in the DOWNLOAD area of the ARCHIVE soon... glen

[Jimi D]

Well, all this research and a lengthy phone conversation later and I've reached the conclusion that this guitar is a USA Custom Exotic Wood series guitar with a Lacewood top, finished in transparent red. It would also appear to have the Ultra neck (offset dot inlays and more JEM-like than the Wizard profile). The guitar is basically in EXC+ or Mint condition with an OHSC in good condition. Final price will be US$550 and a couple hours driving (okay, like 4 hours there and back :-)... Guess I'm just going to have to go look at it this week <sigh>

[darren wilson]

Wow... sounds like a great deal! Good luck with it, Jimi! Hopefully the transparent red does the lacewood justice!

[fwd0120]

Wow, weird snapshot of 10 years. what a nice little time capsule, I wonder if Darren remembers this one lol!