J-Custom an opportunity lost?

GuitarAkuma · #1 10-27-2005, 05:05 AM

This is controversial, but the J-Customs just aren't grabbing people over here in the UK. Why? Because when the casual shopper looks at them they look almost IDENTICAL to models in the standard RG range just with different tops, their resale value in shops and net auctions is fractional compared to high prices people pay for them, and in a shop they all look the same!

Why can't we have move than just a 2 humbucker guitar with a different flame top? Why don't Ibanez grab the opportunity to re-release their classic J-Customs like the RG-METAL?? The could sell 1000s of these old classics, why not use the J-Custom brand to try out new manufacturing methods and electronics? Why not have seymour duncans or active electronics and new and exciting inlays??

After all they are suppose to be limited edition collectors guitars so lets have some genuine difference and collectability please!

Rich · #2 10-27-2005, 06:03 AM

The biggest problem I see is threads about J Customs in the Jem/Universe section. No wonder nobody is paying attention to them.

GuitarAkuma · #3 10-27-2005, 06:58 AM

Yeh but thats my fault there did not seem to be a "delete" option sorry!

King Knall · #4 10-27-2005, 07:04 AM

Well, they should make the J-Customs available to more countries, for starters. I agree, they should make the J-Customs like what they were. But still, you can't deny that even the '05 models still look amazing.

**jemsite** · #5 10-27-2005, 10:49 AM

J-Customs don't "grab" people in most places hence they're not imported into the USA, etc. They're designed for domestic Japan. If they're not available it's mostly because they are not expected to sell in retail. Broker services like Rich offers can always move specialty, niche products... i'm talking authorized retailers... glen

King Knall · #6 10-27-2005, 11:00 AM

But still it would be nice if maybe a limited number of JCs are imported to other countries. Unfortunately, the only high-end RG here in Malaysia with a maple top is the RG3120.

**jemsite** · #7 10-27-2005, 11:05 AM

they don't have a "PRS-like" operation at Fujigen and the options released are what the bean-counters expect to sell AND be able to produce. you guys want a mass-market custom shop with boutique quality product, but that is like asking a toddler to drive a car... glen

King Knall · #8 10-27-2005, 11:15 AM

Wouldn't it be cool if Ibanez opened up a Japan Custom Shop like ESP? But I guess such a dream is still far away...

damo7v · #9 10-27-2005, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemsite

but that is like asking a toddler to drive a car... glen

can relate to that. when i was about 4 i wrote-off my mum's (then) brand new mini cooper. jumped in the car with my little sister, let the handbrake off, took it out of gear, and down the hill she went. it's a miracle that no-one was hurt.

buddroyce · #10 10-27-2005, 12:19 PM

The only real Custom 'J-Custom' line of guitars out right now are the ones that Kurosawa(MRG), Ikebe(HRG) and Yamano music(YCRG) get built for them. As those are the ones that were truly different from the standard line of J-Customs. But aside from some cosmetic changes(different tops, different pickup combos, different colors) they're still essentially the standard J-Custom lineup.

It would indeed be nice to see some more innovative designs in the J-Custom line but I seriously believe that Ibanez would rather push out J-Customs with time tested designs so they would sell, rather than try to innovate something and hoping it will sell. But then again, Ibanez does seem to use the J-Custom line for pilot projects as there are J-Custom models out there that were never listed in thier normal catalog.

GuitarAkuma · #11 10-27-2005, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddroyce

The only real Custom 'J-Custom' line of guitars out right now are the ones that Kurosawa(MRG), Ikebe(HRG) and Yamano music(YCRG) get built for them. As those are the ones that were truly different from the standard line of J-Customs. But aside from some cosmetic changes(different tops, different pickup combos, different colors) they're still essentially the standard J-Custom lineup.

It would indeed be nice to see some more innovative designs in the J-Custom line but I seriously believe that Ibanez would rather push out J-Customs with time tested designs so they would sell, rather than try to innovate something and hoping it will sell. But then again, Ibanez does seem to use the J-Custom line for pilot projects as there are J-Custom models out there that were never listed in thier normal catalog.

I totally agree, thats why to the casual observer they look like standard flame top RGs they dont scream "BUY ME" ike they used to, it is almost like they are being used as a posh RG range, when they used to be used innovative techniques like the RG-METAL which pioneered the JEM90HAM (mind you JEM90 buyers were conned because the RG-METAL has the embossed finish ALL OVER the body)

Rich · #12 10-27-2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarAkuma

(mind you JEM90 buyers were conned because the RG-METAL has the embossed finish ALL OVER the body)

And what makes you think the JEM90 wasn't all over the body also?!

GuitarAkuma · #13 10-28-2005, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

And what makes you think the JEM90 wasn't all over the body also?!

Have seen one in a local music shop hidden away in a glass cabinet for extreme sums of money at point blank range, the finish was only on the top the rest of the guitar was as normal (unless it was a highly convincing copy)

Rich · #14 10-28-2005, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarAkuma

Have seen one in a local music shop hidden away in a glass cabinet for extreme sums of money at point blank range, the finish was only on the top the rest of the guitar was as normal (unless it was a highly convincing copy)

Yea, sure....

http://www.jemsite.com/jem/model/jem90ham.htm

voodoo_child · #15 10-28-2005, 06:23 AM

What you have to remember, is that in Japan, a top of the line 'production' JC costs a bit less than a Jem, and significantly less than a bottom of the line PRS. So, while its true that theyre not the most interesting guitars in the world (yep, all they really are is top of the line RGs), id quite happily keep buying them simply as theyre not bad value for money for 'custom shop' guitars.

That said, I would like to see more really special ones. The whole ethos of something like this should be to make fantastic guitars regardless of price, they should just let the artisans make whatever they want every now and then, then wed probably see more guitars like the maple one on richs site etc. But even the
JC line has lost ebony boards, so its plain to see that JC are no longer made to uncomprimising specs, and is run by the evil bean counters. awww