Jem players who don't like Vai

[Robotechnology]

I've wanted a JEM for like 11 years years now for it's neck feel & thickness and cool looking vine inlays/monkey grip/lion's claw uprouting. I didn't learn that JEM's were Steve Vai's models until about 5 or 6 years ago. I finally got a JEM about a little over a month ago but, it being Steve Vai's model had nothing to do with my purchase--it won out on its own merits a LONG time ago. I do like Vai though (more now than before after seeing him and his band live).

[Ali___]

I guess I bought my first Jem, a 777VBK, because of Steve. It was just after S&R was released and Steve and Joe were very much teh guitar kings. Back then I loved Steve (*cough* in a manly way of course*cough*) and, of course, went for his signature guitar. Over the years I've gone from loving his playing to appreciating it. It really doesn't excite me the way it used to and I prefer it when he's playing in a band with vocals, rather than incessant noodling these days. I've still bought all the albums, oddities included, but only Asian Sky and I'll Be Around were really memorable from Ultra Zone.

However, when it came to replacing the VBK last year I was going to leave the fold and tried countless other guitars, until I tried a Universe UV777PBK and it was love all over again, but not because it was a Vai guitar, just because it was a fantastic guitar!!! I can't see me going without one now. I intend to add others- a Wolfgang Custom QT, JS1200 and EB/MM Luke are all under consideration just now, but the Uni is staying.

As for Steve, PLEASE get together with Dave Lee Roth. Not for a tour but another album from those two would be the perfect reposte to the VH reunion and we'd all be winners

Ham, great CD by the way. Took a while to get it working (what file type is it?) but I now see what you mean...fantastic. Renumeration in shiny discs on its way

[Fry]

I bought my first jem cause I thought it looked cool. (jem7dbk) I actually didn't care for Steve at all, because I was obsessed with YJM. I didn't dislike Vai's music, I just didn't care for him. Then I started getting sick of YJM, and started learning some Vai songs. And I just bought a jem7vwh.

[PerpetualBurn]

I dont really dig steve vai much, I had a jem77FP, which i bought second hand, before i even knew of Steve Vai, it was just a cool guitar and i liked the vibe, but im with DLR on the too much weedly weedly...Now I have a DNA and a UVMC... I bought them cause they look kick ass to me, and they are solid great playing guitars, once setup they intonate perfectly and stay in tune like rocks, Ive always like to have a couple Ibanez guitars in the arsenal for obscene guitar indulgence, and the Jems/UVs always looked the coolest to me, i hate the 7V profile necks tho, and hence why i have a DNA with the wizard.

[sam_at2001]

My mate likes my Jem but doesn't like Steve Vai..does that count?

[jem7vwh]

I always associated Vai with the swirl and the old neon guitars, but when it came time to pick out a guitar for my high school graduation present, the Vai connection didn't click when I picked up the 7VWH. I was about to buy a RG570, when my father pointed up there and said, "You've got the money for once, why not try the top of the line and see if there's a difference?" I tried it, loved it and bought it that day. Later, I remembered Vai. I never liked him when I was younger, too ornate and unorthodox. I bought P&W and liked "Liberty" but was pissed when none of the other songs sounded like that. Now, I really appreciate a lot of Vai's music, but that's separate from my love of my JEM.

[davester1234]

Originally Posted by sam_at2001

My mate likes my Jem but doesn't like Steve Vai..does that count?

nope lol

[ukwan]

the features of the jem sold it's self to me.. not the fact it's Steve Vai's guitar.. I mean I love steve but I play much more than Vai's music on it.

something about the 7VWH aswell is absolutly magnificent looking really pretty guitar.

[philzeta]

I admit that Vai was my musical inspiration. It was his persona and status as a "guitar god" that drew me into guitar, not his music. Now I play classical guitar more than electric. When I do, I never play anything by Vai but neo-classical and my own arrangements of classical compositions. I still have my Jems and would never consider trading or selling.

[hamand]

Originally Posted by sam_at2001

My mate likes my Jem but doesn't like Steve Vai..does that count?

C'mon, you haven't really got any friends, stop being silly.

[Ancestor]

I have always liked Vai, every since I listened to the sound page in Guitar Player magazine. I would listen to Blue Powder in my parents' garage and tears of joy would well up in my eyes. His playing has always been "magical" to me. When I saw him live, he was playing an outdoor show. The temperature was in the low 60's and he played beautifully. I have no idea how he kept his fingers from stiffening up.

[Texter]

Wow this is a slow thread...maybe the Vai bashers are scared or something?