Ibanez JPM vs JEM - Opinions here:

Jay Satriani · #1 12-18-2001, 01:01 AM

Well as some of you might have noticed, im having quite a hard time decieding witch guitar im going to get.. Right now it is pointing towards a JPM, but that changes about every week... I allready have a USA Stratt, witch i love very much..
If you have tried both, give me a little opinion of witch one you like best, and why... regarding the pickupps, i can really live with both.. If i get the JPM, i will have 2 completely new configs that i haven't allready on my strat, on a jem however, it will be only the neck hummbucker that differs from the strat.. Also, the Jem in my eyes more of a whole gig guitar than the JPM, while the JPM is a bit more of a new flavor than the Jem.. hmm.. *

Redeye2 · #2 12-18-2001, 01:33 AM

But what JPM are you talking about, the Ibanez or the MusicMan one?

Jay Satriani · #3 12-18-2001, 01:38 AM

I forgot to mention it in the post, but the topic title says it:
Ibanez JPM

**jemsite** · #4 12-18-2001, 01:38 AM

unless you are "collecting" or a JP competist, the ibanez JPM is a rather poor bang for the buck these days. Mostly because the original, rather affordable prices of new JPMs have been replaced with a "collector buying" mentality, usually at top dollar.

There are several new and used ibanez RG variations that will offer a much better bang for the buck than the JPM.

I'm not going to touch the EB/MM only to say if you're deciding between the JEM/JPM, it's rather obvious the EB/MM JP model is quite a different axe. Good luck... glen

Jay Satriani · #5 12-18-2001, 01:45 AM

I have noticed the prizes on the old JPM's are high, a excellent P1 at rich's goes for 1600$, compare it to the mint Uv777pbk for around 1200$..

Rich · #6 12-18-2001, 01:52 AM

JPM prices are definately down a little this year, same as the UV's. *Last year that P1 would have been $1850. One thing I've noticed lately, quite a few trying to trade in their EBMM's on Ibanez'. That should tell you something. :biggrin:

Jay Satriani · #7 12-18-2001, 01:55 AM

I have found some good deals on nearmint P4's at around 1000$.. gennerally just some light scratching at the back and maybe one or two chips..Seems sweet... Just that i really hate the P4 color.. *YAK !*

Rich · #8 12-18-2001, 01:59 AM

And a New dead mint one will bring almost twice that

Jay Satriani · #9 12-18-2001, 02:09 AM

One dude here in sweeden tells me he has a Mint P4, and that the only P4 better than that for sale right now, was your (rich) 2000$ P4 that was recently sold... At first it was up at about 1500$, he is now down on 1150$, but im short on cash at the moment...

trapzilla · #10 12-18-2001, 12:43 PM

I have played both the MM and the Ibanez JP's. *The Ibanez IS an RG. The MM is not. It's built under JP's specs. The RG/Jem/JPM Ibanez's are closer to compare than the MM, IMO. *I agree that the Ibanez JP is not much bang for the buck, unless you get a great deal on one. It's just an RG, with a cool toggle option. *Considering you can (or used to) get a Jem for less than a JP, the Jem would be a better deal.. but, there are some good JPM deals to be had.. You ought to go find a MM JP you can play, tho... It's wonderful. *From what I have seen on ebay, etc.. you can get one for *maybe* a little more than a JEM or JPM in similar condition, BUT you get a piezo (this is a MUST), and the piezo sounds pretty damn good. *I think many people like the *looks* and finish of the Jems and JPMs because they are somewhat *flashy*, where the MM isnt. *Just because you pour syrup on it dosn't mean it's pancakes! :silly:

**jono** · #11 12-18-2001, 01:29 PM

I think the finishes on the MMJP are fantastic and every bit as *flashy* if not more so that the Ibanez JPM and in truth the JEM as well. I just don't get on with that scooped armrest thing

As you've said you can live with either sound it comes down to looks, versatility and feel and if I was to choose between an Ibanez JPM and JEM I'd go for the JEM. I prefer the feel of the scratchplate, and yes, the looks. However I don't like the feel of the finish on the JEM 7DBK or JEM90 or as it happens on the JPM P4 either.

Jay Satriani · #12 12-18-2001, 01:37 PM

The EBMM seems a bit interesting, and i could always get me one of those later on.. *One of the things i value higher on the Ibz/EBMM is Lo-Pro.. Im sure the EBMM is gr8, just that i want the Ibz for many reasons (its a real classic for example)...

trapzilla · #13 12-18-2001, 01:54 PM

Well, the Jems are going to be more 'classic' than the JPM Ibanez... Again, the JPM Ibanez is MORE an RG than the Jem is. Pups are a matter of opinion, and there are many here that like the PAFPro in the bridge - I don't. *The Steve Special in the bridge of the JP is way better, IMO. *But pups can be changed! *You co8uld probably find a decent JPM for under a grand, and snag that BFP in the Buy&Sell section .. the one with many pics... heheheh...:innocent:

Jay Satriani · #14 12-18-2001, 02:12 PM

Im betting you wont be owning that BFP when i get the money to buy it anyways... *Im keeping the BFP in mind, but in general there is always JEM's going for about 800-1000$.. *I have a gr8 deal on a P4, and im saving to see if it is still there in a mounth... If not, then i may email you..

trapzilla · #15 12-18-2001, 02:40 PM

cool... I also have an FP that may be going out for sale - in really good condition.. Have some pics:

www.geocities.com/sfallahi/page5.html

I *think*.. change the page numbers to see the other pics!

Shawn