Which of these jems should I buy?

[classic_rocker]

I can get a JEM777BK or a JEM7DBK for about the same price. One is more collectible but the other has better pickups? Any sugestions?

[littlegreenman]

Collectablilty and pickups are subjective. I don't consider the JEM777BK any more collectable than a DBK, some might but I don't know, I don't see them selling for a "collectable" price.
Better pickups, well, I don't know, I don't like the Breeds personally in the DBK but again, that's personal taste. I'm assuming the JEM777 is the VBK (vine) in which case, they have very close to the same neck, so I guess pickups aside, it comes down to what you prefer cosmetically and playing wise, old neck joint vs new neck joint. Personally, I'd go with the 777, but that's just due to looks for me, I prefer the old neck joint as well, but that wouldn't be a deciding factor for me. Pickups are easy to change so I wouldn't let that really bother me.

[geetarmonkey]

Plus, you could do a VBK to GMC very easily...

[littlegreenman]

Originally Posted by geetarmonkey

Plus, you could do a VBK to GMC very easily...

well, sort of, it really requires a whole new body

[classic_rocker]

But if the 777 is no longer in production, doesn't that make it collectable in a sense?

[geetarmonkey]

Originally Posted by littlegreenman

well, sort of, it really requires a whole new body

How's that? You can't just take the paint off of the body?

Regardless, I'm just a fan of the vine inlay...If I had the choice, the dots just aren't as showy and attention-grabbing...people seem to love my FP, I don't think they'd respond the same to a DBK

[kent k]

The multi color guitars are rear routed which lets you put a clear pickguard on and not see a big hole in the top of your guitar.

[geetarmonkey]

Originally Posted by kent k

The multi color guitars are rear routed which lets you put a clear pickguard on and not see a big hole in the top of your guitar.

Ah, well there you go, I look stupid. But if a new body was all it took...

So all JEMs are not rear-routed?

[geetarmonkey]

Ok, so all 77's and all MC's are rear routed...

[littlegreenman]

all MC's are 77's as well (DNA being the notable exception)

As for the VBK being out of production and collectable, the LNG is out of production and very low numbers, therefore collectable. The DY is out of production but tons of them exist, it's probably the cheapest real jem you can buy. The BFP is out of production, low numbers, somewhat collectable. Some models were never very desireable, like the VBK, although a wonderful guitar and I personally love the look, it just wasn't in high demand. It still sells for the same price as a DY and SK (and the SK is more rare again, just not that desireable typically.)

[Rich]

Any of the discontinued Jems still in MINT are collectible and highly desired, some more than others