To answer your question earlier, yes, both are
scalloped frets 21-24. And, as you said again, the only major differences between the two are the basswood vs. alder and breeds vs. evolutions. Although, the JEM77VBK has that pearloid binding, which I like a lot.
The two should have the same neck profile, it's the same Prestige JEM neck.
Your major difference will be in the tone of the two. The Alder and Evolutions will have a more biting, brigher top-end sound and the Basswood and Breeds will give a stronger midrange growl.
Also check out DiMarzio's website for descriptions and sound clips of both sets of pickups,
www.dimarzio.com; The Breed bridge and
Evolution bridge models can both be found under the "High Output" section of "Humbuckers" and the Breed neck and Evolution neck models can both be found under the "Medium Output" section of "Humbuckers."
Basically, the Evolutions have a very shrill, high-end bite that is attributed with it's upper-mid spike. They are VERY loud pickups, are nuts with harmonics, and will definitely scream and burn. However, they are not forgiving pickups at all, and will uncover ANY mistakes you have.
The Breeds are much fatter, warmer pickups. They are based around late '50s PAFs, but only for warmth and sensitivity and the similarities end there. They are also hot pickups, but much more rounded out (and imho more versatile) and smoother.
Personally, I'd pick the Breeds.
Now, Alder is a very ... "tastes like chicken" kind of wood. It's a very even-sounding wood. You could play anything from country to death metal on these things (no joke). It is also a fairly light wood (especially compared to mahogany). A typical alder strat body weighs about five pounds I believe.
Basswood also light, it's extremely light; even lighter than alder I believe (although I also think that this can depend on which cuts of wood you are talking about; each cut is different). It's got a slight midrange growl to it that is a love-hate kind of thing. It was really popular in the '80s with shredders because of its light weight and its tone. The earliest JEMs were made out of basswood, and I believe all of the JSs are still made out of basswood. Ibanez also favors basswood for a lot of the RG series.
Out of these two woods, I prefer Alder. Although, I am a Fender guy all the way (always have been), and more so a Strat guy.
Between these two axes, I'd pick the JEM77VBK. Not only do I like the binding, but it's also different from the LOADS of JEM7VWHs out there (it's been Vai's main axe, and it's also been produced since '93 nonstop). Plus, imho the Breeds are a much more versatile and nicer-sounding pickup set than the Evolutions. This is all also just my opinion.
Oh, and that used VWH you were talking about? $1500 sounds a wee bit high for an '06 JEM, though it could (and most likely will) sell for that price. Unless it's DEAD mint and/or unplayed, you could probably talk him down to $1400, maybe even $1350 or $1300 if you're good.
