Completely new and feasible JEM Idea - Making a Jem more ver

[mike777]

It would be great to have a JEM with a pre-installed Roland 13-pin GK output for guitar synth use. *I've heard of this being done without a magnetic divided pickup but rather by use of piezo. *In an article in the BOSS users group (by Roland), Vai noted his use of both a GR-33 and a VG-88, both of which use this 13-pin cable.
Using a Double-Edge bridge could add a significant amount of versatility to the JEM guitar with the piezo sounds alone, but, when used in conjunction with a synth device as a trigger, the possibilities are virtually limitless. *The appearance of the guitar would only change by adding two buttons and two mini-toggles on the pickguard. *Also, a 13-pin jack would have to be installed. *As far as the piezo for acoustic simulation purposes, the stereo output option could still be available by use of a single stereo output tunnel jack with a customer-supplied y-cable. *The ability to switch from piezo to magnetic or mix monauraly is also key.
The cost of this product could be kept extremely reasonable for both Hoshino and the consumer. *Using traditional matrials like basswood and rosewood would keep building costs closer to consistant with other JEMs. *My guess is that if cosmetics are kept basic (as basic as JEMs get) cost would be similar to that of the JEM 7 VWH and quite possibly somewhat less. *Vai approval would probably be a snap because of its potential and would be a great product for a limited-budget consumer who could use all of these features but would buy other products from other brands to keep costs down. *With a conservative but not-too-limited production schedule and good marketing skills, I strongly believe that this guitar could do extremely well.

[rlintz]

Great Idea!!

I'd love to see a Universe similar to the Jem idea as described. *To my knowledge, there are currently no 7 string guitars available which are Roland Ready. *

[darren wilson]

Chances are slim to none that you will see a Roland-Ready 7-string.

All of the Roland hardware and software is specifically designed to work with 6 strings. (I don't even think they make their bass synth units any more.)

Converting everything to capture and interpret input from 7 strings would take a HUGE engineering effort for a very tiny fraction of the market that would be interested in using it.

I had no idea that Vai had used the GR synths and the VG system. Since i saw Reeves Gabrels playing his Parker with nothing but a Roland pickup driving a VG-88, i've been fascinated with the idea of a "stealth" guitar that can produces no sound of its own, but can model any instrument in any tuning.

Intriguing, indeed!

[wyldbill]

See this also

-bill

[jemsite]

mike777 on 12:22 pm on Nov. 4, 2001
It would be great to have a JEM with a pre-installed Roland 13-pin GK output for guitar synth use.

Good idea (i guess) but NOT FOR A JEM or signature model where the artist doesn't even use the Roland GK system

I'd like to see a GK ready Prestige or Custom model"

... glen

[butch]

There were two Roland ready J Customs released at Winter NAMM last year, the RGCustom 1 and RGCustom 2. I'm sure there is plenty of information elsewhere on the site.

Both of these guitars play extremely well and are worth seeking out.

For a more affordable option, there is always the RG420GKBK.

Cheers,
Butch

[Polaris20]

too bad the 420 has a Lo TRS, otherwise it'd be a viable guitar.

[jemsite]

touché

[Project Guitar]

Seriously if you want to share ideas to Ibanez about a signature guitar such as a Jem, you need to post those ideas in the respective Artist's web site!

Think Steve looks in here for new idea's? I admit it could happen but I would go to Vai.com and see if you can hook up with the man himself if you wanted to get a different Jem in your stable. After all final approval will have to go through him anyway.

[mike777]

I know I posted this a while ago but I just wanted to let you folks know that ther IS an interview in BOSS Users Group (issued annually by Roland and available at BOSS/Roland retailers) which has a B&W picture of Vai on the cover. *In the interview, Vai mentions what he's using and there IS a picture of at least a VG-88 (I thought there was also a GR-33) sitting in Vai's studio. *I just wish I knew what guitar of Vai's had the GK pickup installed. *So, Vai apparently is using this stuff, but the real question is how often because if he's using this once in a blue moon, then my idea (business-wise) isn't so hot.

[7 Dying Trees]

Well, it is nice to see some guitars with this feature, and having it on a jem would be cool as well. but aside from this: why oh why bring out a guitar with a cool feature such as a roland pickup, which is aimed at the higher end of the market (ie: people who can afford to buy the roland stuff to go with it) and then stuff a TRS on it? If these people have enough to spend on the roland system, then I am sure that they will be able to afford the little bit extra it would cost for the better trem. Come on now! It's like having a sports car with a mini's engine (maybe not that bad, but still...)

[ripl3y]

It'd be nice if Ibanez were given a little leaway on say 1 of the models to included features such as this.

Obviously Steve doesn't use the GK, but then again, he doesn't use most of the Jems either.

But to be honest it's most probably work out cheaper to do any mod, whether it be sustainer, GK etc... to your own Jem.

Steve

[Vaibanez]

ripl3y on 5:29 am on Jan. 16, 2002
Obviously Steve doesn't use the GK, but then again, he doesn't use most of the Jems either.

To my knowledge...ummmmm...there're only 2 production modles and Steve uses one of them....

And to reiterate BCalvert, it's totaly up to the artist what will or will not be added to the signature guitar.
These threads are great and I support the masses in the ever ongoing quest for the perfect JEM, but they need to be talked about on the artists site...not here.

The fact is, Ibanez doesn't change squat until the BAT phone rings and Steve says "hey...I'd like to have.."

J>:thumbsup:

[Kevan]

Jimm's absolutely right. *
The changes need to come from SSV. * You have to contact Vai if you'd like to see upgrades/different things on the JEM line.
www.vai.com

There's no need to further discuss it here.

THREAD CLOSED.