researching for new guitar
Keep in mind before you read my post, that the JEM555 is the lowest model in the JEM line, and there fore, you won't hear 100% positive feedback on it.
Also-to any other poster's, let's try not to turn this into a "The 555 sucks my mother's uncle's horse's wank!" thread, which is what it's come down to in the past...
It's made in Korea, (less workmanship goes into the guitar from start to finish, like a Mexican Strat to a US Strat..), so there is one downside.
I think the biggest plus side, is that you can get a guitar with the basic JEM features, with the (IMO!!) best JEM pick-ups to date. (Best pick-ups period. Evolution's just rock).
The one thing that I think gets the most gripe, is the trem. It's a Lo-TRS, instead of the standard Lo-Pro Edge or Edge featured on all other JEM guitars. The TRS is made by a total other company, and there have been a lot of problems, or, negative sides that people have found in the past. (I'm trying to keep this as positive as possible, so this thread doesn't go to Hell....).
I've heard the necks don't feel as nice as other JEM necks, but this could also fall under the personal opinion category.
The action can be low or high, depending on how you want it. The JEM's are fairly easy to set the action, considering you know what your doing.
With the EVO's, you'll get plenty o'gain. They are VERY high output pick-ups.
I think your best bet, would be to shop around for a Japan made JEM, (JEM7VWH, JEM77FP, JEM7BSB...etc), and get a higher quality guitar for either the same price, or a little more. (Used.)
Good luck on your search.
Warm Regards,
Andy