how does one buy a new j custom?

Smegolas · #1 01-02-2007, 02:04 AM

and same for things like jem anniversary editions. how do you find out about these things as they go on sale from ibanez? what price range do these things tend to go for?

Dee · #2 01-02-2007, 02:23 AM

For starters, keep an eye on Rich's site, Ibanez Rules!! Click the banner at the top of the page. He usually has a some J. Customs in stock, JEM's, all kinds of new and used Ibanez, plus he'll report on the new models coming out which feature at NAMM. You can be assured that if you buy from him you are getting a well set-up guitar, and a good example of that particular model you are after. J. Customs are not available outside of Japan, and getting hold of them is not so easy, but a certain online auction site often has them, so there's another option. However, you'd be better off spending your money on a guitar from a reputable dealer and paying a little bit extra to ensure a perfect setup. Alternatively, you can order J. Customs from Japanese stores and have them imported.

http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/index.php

http://www.ishibashi-music.com/

Price range is pretty high for J. Custom's, but it varies quite a bit depending on the model. You'll have to do your homework to find out. And for news of upcoming models, there's always Jemsite, right here.

leppermessiah · #3 01-02-2007, 04:41 AM

Just saw a brand new j-custom in Kurosawa Gakki (Machida store) for about 150,000 yen which is an absolute steal. Thats about 70,000 yen less than i have ever seen them in Ishibashi, and ikebe-Gakki is even more expensive.

http://www.kurosawagakki.com/

The prices listed on the site are not what they are in shop. The BRMR they have listed is actually going for 199,000 yen.

Dee · #4 01-02-2007, 08:01 AM

Nice link.

Ke^in · #5 01-02-2007, 08:14 AM

Not really. It's a navigational nightmare.

King Knall · #6 01-02-2007, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leppermessiah

Just saw a brand new j-custom in Kurosawa Gakki (Machida store) for about 150,000 yen which is an absolute steal. Thats about 70,000 yen less than i have ever seen them in Ishibashi, and ikebe-Gakki is even more expensive.

http://www.kurosawagakki.com/

The prices listed on the site are not what they are in shop. The BRMR they have listed is actually going for 199,000 yen.

Do they ship overseas and communicate in english?

leppermessiah · #7 01-02-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ke^in

Not really. It's a navigational nightmare.

Are you able to see the following Kanji?　町田店

If so i'll post directions for use up.

Dee · #8 01-02-2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ke^in

Not really. It's a navigational nightmare.

Oh, you don't read Japanese?

robertsun · #9 01-05-2007, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leppermessiah

Are you able to see the following Kanji?　町田店

If so i'll post directions for use up.

I can't speak for the original poster, but I for one can see the characters, and would very much appreciate some directions on how to order from one of the Japanese stores and having it imported. I'm considering a RG8470F. Importing certainly seems worth considering.

Thanks in advance!

~Bob

Dee · #10 01-05-2007, 03:44 AM

Last year I was asking about ordering a J. Custom. It was from either Ishibashi or Ikebe, and I sent an email. They were extremley helpful and got back to me very quick, so if you can find an email address, go ahead and try it. I got the impression that it would be a pretty painless experience. The guy who dealt with me was very nice indeed and spoke good English. Good luck.

leppermessiah · #11 01-05-2007, 07:50 AM

Indeed, Ishibashi have an English page which is reasonably helpful at pointing you in the right direction.

http://www.ishibashi-music.com/

Robertsun; If you stumble across something you are interested in or need some help navigating PM me and ill see what i can do, though as Dee says the stores will do their best to help.

I buy all my guitars and related gear at an Ishibashi here in Tokyo and they are more than helpful, and more than a few members here have ordered from stores in Japan with very little problem.

buddroyce · #12 01-05-2007, 11:30 AM

I've ordered a bunch of stuff from Ishibashi. Definitely very easy to deal with. They're the only ones that accept credit cards for payment. Ikebe-gakki's got some awesome stuff but the bank wire transfer can be a bit of a pain especially if you're like me and technically don't have the actual cash in the bank to pay for things but DO have the credit for it.

robertsun · #13 01-05-2007, 01:25 PM

Thanks all!! I've sent Ishibashi an email, so we'll see what happens.

~Bob

Rich · #14 01-05-2007, 01:38 PM

When you get your reply make sure and compare

http://www.ibanezrules.com/new/rg8470f.htm

They will be cheaper of course.

robertsun · #15 01-05-2007, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

When you get your reply make sure and compare

http://www.ibanezrules.com/new/rg8470f.htm

They will be cheaper of course.

I already have

I'm just exploring all options. There's a pretty significant price difference... so I have to weigh the risk of getting one myself direct versus spending more for one that I already know is here in the states, has been checked out, set up, stud mod, etc. It's a difficult decision.

Another factor is that I'm quite fond of the FE "Fire Agate" finish. Any chance you'll be getting your hands on one of those sometime soon?

~Bob