Why is the DBK so much cheaper?

Max-T · #1 08-01-2004, 08:04 PM

Can anyone explain to me what about the Jem DBK makes it several hundred dollars cheaper than the white and blue models? I know it has different pickups and lacks a vine inlay on the neck, but at least where I live it sells for several hundred dollars less than the other Jems. Is this an inferior guitar, a la the Jem555, or is it worth the money? I own a white Jem and love it, but I would consider buying a black one if the tone is significantly different. But I don't want to spend $1200 on ANY guitar unless I know it's a solid one. Thanks very much!

Wis Redz of Silvanost · #2 08-01-2004, 08:21 PM

well, i totally disagree with th epart of 1200 dollars. there are some really good guitars for that money. strat MIM is just the beginning.

about 7dbk, all i say is go out and get it. it's fantastic!

jager · #3 08-01-2004, 08:27 PM

A lot to the VWH, BL, UV, etc. & is marketing and having more "spotlight" with it's endorser. I own a VWH and have spent some time with a DBK and quality/playablility wise is very similar (the setup does have to do with this). Also the pups though having a different tone from EVOs is not bad. Much warmer. I actually saw a used DBK @ GC when going with a bud looking for his first bass. It was a '02 asking $800 maybe with a case (I didn't followup to find out though now looking that seems to be a decent $ considering how good of condition it was).

Max-T · #4 08-01-2004, 09:52 PM

Thanks for the input, guys. BTW, I didn't mean to suggest that there are no good guitars for $1200 -- what I meant was that that is a lot of money for me, so if I can get a much better guitar for a couple hundred dollars more, I'd be more inclined to do that, since I can't afford dozens of different axes. But it sounds like I should go play a DBK at my local dealer. I appreciate the opinions! Thanks!

tonluvara · #5 08-01-2004, 11:51 PM

yeah, dbk is such a great value guitar

i'd say one of the best around its price range.. well others may have different opinions, but i love the dbk.. it's an excellent guitar.. ppl who want a jem but only got around 700-800 bucks should get it. it's comparable to the other jems *except for the vine inlays

*

zEr0 · #6 08-02-2004, 07:11 AM

The DBK is a great axe for shredding and it looks so f$%$ing hot!

As soon as I have the money for a used one I'm all over it.
You can't go wrong.

RCB · #7 08-02-2004, 11:02 AM

IMHO the DBK overall looks cheap, and the ones Ive tried had a pretty bad looking rosewood on the fingerboard. The finish is just awfull (this is subjective though), and I think you can get better guitars for that kind of money (not that it s bad, but there are much better buys out there is you can live without the lion claw and the monkey grip).

If you can grab a used RGT3120, that would be my choice. A bolt on RG3120 should be a good buy either. Another 6 string guitars worth checking are the RG2020/2120X and the S2020/2120X. You will have to change the pups is this guitars, but the piezo feature its a plus. You should alos check out the RGT2020SOL.

**jemaholic** · #8 08-02-2004, 02:29 PM

My DBK plays great. I'm still not comfortable with the finish- looks cheap to me- but it is a very resonate guitar and the neck is pure sex. The pickguard I've replaced with a multi-color custom guard (see Tech thread, beautiful swirl pickguard) that brightens it up some.

Feature-wise, it's a bargain: the DNA is the only other Jem with those Breed pickups, AANJ, Prestige neck- all for hundreds less. You'll get over the wierd finish.....buy it!

**jemsite** · #9 08-02-2004, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max-T

Can anyone explain to me what about the Jem DBK makes it several hundred dollars cheaper than the white and blue models? I know it has different pickups and lacks a vine inlay on the neck, but at least where I live it sells for several hundred dollars less than the other Jems. Is this an inferior guitar, a la the Jem555, or is it worth the money? I own a white Jem and love it, but I would consider buying a black one if the tone is significantly different. But I don't want to spend $1200 on ANY guitar unless I know it's a solid one. Thanks very much!

Did you search the forum for similar discussions?

the DBK was a low-priced jem to combat the poor customer opinion of the 555. the DBK cost is mostly a marketing decision (still more than an RG, less than the other JEMs), but other factors as possibly having 6-piece bodies and cheaper final finish can play slightly into it. there is not $900 less in parts than the VSBL. QC/build quality is the same... glen

Rich · #10 08-02-2004, 04:47 PM

The 555 had been available for years.

The DBK was an entry level Jem to replace the BSB at an even cheaper entry level price.

the.godfather · #11 08-02-2004, 04:48 PM

Yeah, this has been discussed many times before. Its because they are cheaper to make, and therefor they are cheaper to sell and buy! But as Glen said, there isnt a HUGE difference between a DBK and the higher priced models such as the VSBL. And thats why a DBK is such a good buy.

It remains one of the best value guitars for the money, along with the great 3120, and the god-like RG550 that we all know and love. Those 3 guitars are the best value guitars you can buy on the market for me!

And all made from quality parts and components, that really are no less than the higher-priced models. Thats one of the reasons I love Ibanez!

Gary - The.Godfather

Why is the DBK so much cheaper?

re: DBK

Re: Why is the DBK so much cheaper?