What sets a JEM apart from an RG Prestige?

waylay00 · #1 12-29-2005, 03:23 AM

I've been wondering this. A new JEM is about $2000, whereas a new RG is about $1000-1500. Besides the signature "Vai" features (monkey grip, etc) and finishes, what sets them apart?

I'm wondering this now because I can't particularly afford a JEM, but I can afford an RG 2550, which looks to be nice. I plan on upgrading the pickups too. What it be almost as good as a JEM?

feratu · #2 12-29-2005, 03:38 AM

I think they are of very similar quality. You do pay for the bells and whistles. Playability-wise I think all Japanese Ibanez are great, you may just need a pickup change.

King Knall · #3 12-29-2005, 04:30 AM

Acutally, the bells and whistles do not add up to the cost of a Jem that much. Mostly you pay for the signature, R&D, and the amount that Ibanez wants to sell them.

I'd say go for a 2550 or 2570. I'd go for a 2570 for the cool textured finish, sharktooth inlays and the neck binding. But ultimately it's your choice.

Tom Gilroy · #4 12-29-2005, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waylay00

I've been wondering this. A new JEM is about $2000, whereas a new RG is about $1000-1500. Besides the signature "Vai" features (monkey grip, etc) and finishes, what sets them apart?

I'm wondering this now because I can't particularly afford a JEM, but I can afford an RG 2550, which looks to be nice. I plan on upgrading the pickups too. What it be almost as good as a JEM?

Prestige RGs are great quality. Just as good as a Jem really. The only reason I shelled out more for the Jem is the neck, its just more comfortable to me than a wizard neck.

mi2tom · #5 12-29-2005, 09:55 AM

If a Jem is too costly for you go for prestige RGs ... They are really as good as Jem....

**jono** · #6 12-29-2005, 10:04 AM

The prestige guitars are fantastic instruments, and if you like the styling of them then you should go for it. But if you love the vai-esque eccentricities of the JEM, you have only one option

Seriously though, I'm not really into maple tops especially on a guitar like an RG, so I'm not really into the current crop of Prestige and J-customs, but I love the look of some of the PRS guitars I've seen.

If you like the look and feel of a prestige guitar, it'll do you every bit as well as a JEM, until you want to pose in front of a full length mirror pretending to be Stevie. - What!?!?! you mean it's just me that does that!?!?!?

ivan · #7 12-29-2005, 11:46 AM

I'm not an Ibanez fan (except for UV's and JEM's) but I have to say that RG's are great guitars. Playability is almost the same as JEMS but, as Feratu already said, better if you change stock PU's... so spongie to my taste (is it the correct word??).

waylay00 · #8 12-29-2005, 12:31 PM

Yeah, I was definitely planning on changing the stock PU's to Dimarzio Evos or something similar.

Also, is a Lion Claw recessed tremolo cavity really allow you to pull the bridge THAT much sharper? Or can I still do those Vai-type whammy stunts with an RG?

ivan · #9 12-29-2005, 12:53 PM

I didn't try to go that far with the RG's I played as I just use them at my local store when they call me to try new gear (they know all about my actual GAS) and I don't also use to play Vai's at the Shop, mainly because there are no mirrors there

. IMO you should be able to reach an E when hitting a 4th freet harmonic on G string. Just try

As per PU's it depends on your sound but not sure about how Evos will sound on a basswood body. I'm sure you'll find some information about this at Jemsite.

JJEMMER777 · #10 12-29-2005, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivan

I don't also play Vai at the Shop, mainly because there are no mirrors there

. .

ivan · #11 12-29-2005, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJEMMER777

.. not just Jono and me eh???

markg5150 · #12 12-29-2005, 02:09 PM

If you're planning on changing the pickups why not hist get a Jem as the total cost of RG + pickups isn't so different from a Jem with the pickups you want anyway

Wis Redz of Silvanost · #13 12-29-2005, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivan

.. not just Jono and me eh???

hell, of course not! posing with a jem is just as good as playing it...

waylay00 · #14 12-29-2005, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markg5150

If you're planning on changing the pickups why not hist get a Jem as the total cost of RG + pickups isn't so different from a Jem with the pickups you want anyway

How is that? the RG2550 Prestige is about $1000 new, and the cost of new pickups would be about +$300, so therefore it would total around $1300. That's still $700 less than a new JEM.

lyconxero · #15 12-29-2005, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waylay00

How is that? the RG2550 Prestige is about $1000 new, and the cost of new pickups would be about +$300, so therefore it would total around $1300. That's still $700 less than a new JEM.

Agreed. The cost of upgrading pickups on a Prestige Ibanez RG is still a LOT less than a JEM....plus it's not like you'd have to upgrade the pickups right away. If you get the RG2550 or 2570 then you might actually like the Dimarzio IBZ pickups. And if not, then it should cost you about $220 for three new Dimarzios or Seymour Duncans and then whatever it costs to have them installed if you're not doing it yourself.

I've played JEMs and Prestige RGs and while they do have a slightly different neck feel, both are very easy to play. I would personally go with a Prestige RG for now. If you come to find out later that the neck profile is work the extra $700 then you could probably find a used AANJ JEM neck on 'evilbay' for a LOT less than that.