Well, I got my 77FP, 2003, and it is absolutely mint. Could not be happier. I am a really big Charvel fan, but you just cannot argue with the playability of these Jems....Awesome guitars.


Shawn in Tampa

Nice! They complement eachother well in that picture. I've always loved the FP and the same goes for the VWH. Congrats.

Thanks! Really glad to have acquired it. Love playing both of them, lots of sonic territory covered for sure.


Shawn

Very nice pictures.

Nothing like a wall of jems. It's a great combination, and I totally agree with you when you say it's a lot of sonic territory. Two very different sounding guitars IMHO.

I'm getting my FP back from a refret soon. You're making me jealous already.

Christopher.

Lovely guitars Shawn

Hi Chris - can you expand on that? I haven't bought a Jem yet, and I'm interested in what you feel the differences are, sound wise, between these two.

Thanks,

Rich

Different pickups (PAFs in FP, Evos in 7V), different body woods (Basswood in FP, Alder in 7V) different fingerboard material (Rosewood in FP, Ebony in 7V), different neck profiles (i think?).

I've found that the PAF Pro pickups make the floral very responsive to subtle pick attack changes, so I use it a lot on bluesy material. That's certainly not the only thing it's good for, but I like it more than the vwh when it comes to that style. Feel-wise, the biggest difference you'll notice is the neck joint, one having All Access, the other a straight bolt-on. Hope that answers some of your comparison questions.

True Beauties Love those FP's (what a surprise) Never get tired of looking at them. RichS...as Andelusion said - PAF pro's in the FP and EVO's in the VWH. Very different sounding Pups. The EVOS' are great for Lead, but IMHO the PAF's are better rhythm PUP's. Both very good Pups though. If the 7VWH is a 2003 or earler model, it it will have the Ebony fretboard. Otherwise both the FP and the 7VWH will have the Rosewood. (not sure why Ibanez went to Rosewood on the VWH unless it was to cut costs) I like the feel of the Ebony better, plus it's darker and looks better with the vine (IMHO) One big thing I do miss when I play my FP compared to my VWH is the AANJ. Anyhow, they are both GREAT axes and you cannot go wrong with either

To me the 3 greatest differences are as follows.

The bodywood, Alder Vs. Basswood.

The pickups, PAF Pros Vs. Evolutions.

The finish, White paint Vs. the floral printed cloth.

I guess the last one is just me being my anal self when it comes to gear. But I've felt the Florals to be a very responsive guitar, rich in midrange, why I love so much. The VWHs I felt to be *I hate to use the word Harsh*, but possibly more suited to high gain tones. The high output Evolutions can really really drive your tone, some people like this factor.

I've always loved the neck profiles of florals, but Ibanez might have changed the profile over the years. The model I have is about ten years old already.

It's all ice cream

yes, yes and yes!!!
Ibanez should know this and start a new production of FP's with AANJ.

That photo really brings the vine out on the FP, I love the green vines they look so sweet.

My name is Shawn too. The FP has always been my favorite Jems.
I like the VWH next then the PBK. So you have my 2 favorite Jems.

Andelusion, dlp777, JJEMMER777, Chris

Thanks for the feedback guys

I was aware that they had different pickups and were made of different woods, but not actually having had the opportunity to compare them myself, I guess I was asking what the notable sonic difference was between the FP and the VWH...

...and you've answered that for me - many thanks

Here in Scotland, I'll be hard pressed to find an FP to try out, so it's great to hear your comments.

Right now, I'm thinking that I prefer the looks of the VWH but might actually prefer the softer/warmer(?) sound of the Floral.
Also I really like the AANJ on my RG550, so that's another point in favour of the VWH.

That said, with all that's wrong in this world, it's great to have decisions like these...

Cheers,

Rich

Ahmen brother

The VWH is a great guitar...but soo is the FP...ahhhh decisions, decisions. Either way you go with this, you will be a happy camper

BTW - I think the FP's are the coolest looking guitars I have ever seen. They remind me of the original animated - Alice in Wonderland, lol.

Be like Shawn GET THEM BOTH! LOL!