JS10th advice anyone?

[Jemdude]

I am in the market for a JS10th. I have checked with Rich's site but there seems to be only one that is on hold. I am new to this fine site, but it is already apparent that Rich is obviously very respected and well versed in the high end Ibanez community. My knowledge of JS models is somewhat limited and the questions that I have are as follows. Can anyone tell me definitely how many JS10th's were produced? Is it true that the lower the production number, the more the guitar is worth, and if so, to what degree? What is an approximate fair price for a nice used one? Does anyone here have one that they would consider selling? I may be considered nuts by some, but I fully intend to play my 10th so it doesn't need to be perfect. Any advice is much appreciated!

[Jemdude]

If you have not yet visited the Herc Fede custom shop website, you should click the link above and check it out. Many of you may have already seen the incredible JS "donnie" replica he did for user rikkbeatty. If you havent, you simply must! It's absolutely gorgeous! The blue glow is to die for! I think his website is excaliburstudios.com , talk about a nice collection! Cheers!

[EKG]

Originally Posted by Jemdude

...I think his website is excaliburstudios.com , talk about a nice collection!

[chromeboy]

Hi Jemdude,

Welcome! Definitely send Rich an e-mail, he is very helpful and has a wealth of knowledge. I believe that less than 500 JS10THs were produced.

I have a Herc Donnie, it's the smaller patterned one...beautiful repro...if I could just learn how to post pics here....anyone...class?

Happy hunting!

[Rich]

504 is the highest # I've seen, and it had a 2000 neck on it, so it was a late escape from Efkay.

If you're going to play it, unless you play EXTREMELY clean where you won't scratch it up, then definately get one in worse chrome condition, you can find these under $2000 and play the living balls off it, get it nickeled for $300 bux when it gets really bad, then keep on going.

[BrianH]

I tell you this, I hope myself to have a js10th one day... sigh... as I now look around to see what can be sold to fund the baby!!! My reason.. I love the sound of a 7vwh, but I like the feel of a JS, the js10th is supposed to have both, just perfect for me. I also play very clean... so I think it would stay in great condition.

[Rich]

If anybody could get away without scratching one it would be you!

Karl Engelke is another one who could play anything for a year, and it would look like you just pulled it out of the box.

[Jemdude]

Many thanks to all for the input. I'm a little confused though. Is it possible to nickel plate a JS10th body? I thought they were made from some sort of lexan or plastic material.

[EKG]

Yes, it can be done

[iain]

FYI, JS10's are made of luthite, which is a form of plastic.

[satch]

Sorry, but I don't understand, what will it do to a 10th if you "nickel plate" it?
O

[Rich]

Nothing, if it's really been through a much hotter and more corrosive chrome bath as stated.

[rikkbeatty]

Basically nickel plating it would just make it more durable. I hear the nickel plating is much stronger than what is on a JS10. Sooooooo JS10 for $2000 or JS1 with nickel plating for $800 to $1000 total (depending on what amount you find the JS1 for)

Of course you wont get that cool "chromish" headstock, back electronics plate engraving, neat custom case, and special chrome strap and chord but hell if you are going to play the hell out of it.......... WHO CARES!!!! lol

[Jemdude]

Thanks for the insight! The hunt continues....

[SilverSurfer2]

I play the hell out of my Js10, but i put a "home-made" pickguard to avoid the pick scratches that you would get without one. Mine is still real clean.....after many many hours of jamming.
It's a good way to keep a Js10 clean of pick scratches.