Flourescent Paint (777s) - Hoshino USA had the Deglo (brand paint) in the USA as Paul Gilbert was using it. The Deglos did not really need a white base coat because they were one-shot style paint. When we sent the (LNG, etc.) samples to Japan they told us that there was some type of Radioactive material in there that made them glow and they could not do it. How true this is I am not sure but it made for a good story (editor's note that is no doubt pure BS as Ibanez is known for sourcing Japanese supplies if possible - just as they tried to do the "MKR" UV777MCs in-house instead of from ATD in the USA). Ibanez Japan asked Gen-Gen paints to do a color match and Gen-Gen came up with the White base coat and transparent over coat to simulate the same finish as Deglo, but really none of the Fluorescence we did were as bright as the real Deglo paints. After the fad passed, Gen-Gen and Deglo stopped making the Neon paints so Hoshino USA bought (similar paint) from House of Kolors to do replacement and repairs. It was good for a match but still did not glow like the Deglo. (paraphrased from Jim Donahue's - former #1 at Hoshino USA - book)
JEM777 DY/LNG/SK Note - The original trio of JEMs were essentially the same guitar with different color paint and trim. Features the original "777" neck which was a bit fatter and more "D" shaped. Over time the same dimensions were used but the necks seemed to have an altered profile. In addition, the final hand finish of all JEM/UV necks is responsible for slight variation.
JEM777LNG Note - Each LNG was hand numbered and signed by Vai. LNGs designated for the USA were all signed on the back of the body. Many feature symbols and other drawings along with the signature. Some overseas LNGs were signed just on tremolo cover, presumably because the bodies/guitars were not available for Steve to sign in person at the time.
JEM777SK Note - These guitars were prone to fading of the shocking pink color. There was an obvious problem with some of the paint used as the fade occured from brilliant pink to a dingy orangy color or worse. It is said the fade was enhanced by exposure to light. If your SK has not faded by now, I would not worry too much about it.
JEM777VDY Note - It's neck has the dimensions of the Wizard neck.
JEM777VSK Notes - Never intended for release in the US because the pink "changed colors". AMS (a large mail order shop) bought the leftover run of these from Hoshino and sold some highly discounted in the early 90s. It's neck has the dimensions of the Wizard neck.
