Jem vs. A Gilbert Model

The quality of the PGM30 probably isnt as good, although now they do have the new Edge Pro 2 trems. If you are buying one second-hand, dont get one with a Lo-TrsII trem on it - they are awful. I have had 2 of them, and I liked them both.

I personally would get a new PGM301, or look for a used one. They are brilliant guitars. I have had mine for about 2 days and I love it to bits. Worth every penny. I will post pics when I get round to stop playing it ,

You can't get a new PGM30 - they were discontinued in 2004 but the 2003 model was made in Japan and had Edge Pro on it - that would be perfect guitar to pick up.
Not so sure as a back up though as the Paf Pros in a basswood body have a VERY different sound to the alder/evo Jem7V sound.

ilia

Personally I think you'd be better off getting a Prestige RG as a backup to a JEM....perhaps a RG2550 or RG2570.

I think you're safest bet as a backup guitar would be a similar wood/pickup configuration in an instrument. You're not going to get a jem feel or tone in a PGM axe.

Pickup a beater RG550 from e-b-a-y, throw some Evos in it and it'll be the perfect value for money backup for your Jem7v short of actually buying another Jem7v

lyconxero said:

Personally I think you'd be better off getting a Prestige RG as a backup to a JEM....perhaps a RG2550 or RG2570.

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Good choice.

lyconxero said:

Personally I think you'd be better off getting a Prestige RG as a backup to a JEM....perhaps a RG2550 or RG2570.

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Or a used 550/570. if you really like the sound of the VWH, you can put Evolutions in that with a HS-2 o3 HS-3 in the middle, or you could do what I want to do and put a Tone Zone in the bridge and PAF Pro in the neck and have a different sounding guitar which could come of use!

I've been tempted to get a PG because i've always quite liked his style of playing and such.

If you're looking for a backup for the VWH, you're going the wrong way though. An RG1550 or RG2550 would be a good option, although i've never really liked the paint scemes of some of the RG models - Don't get me wrong, i have a RG7420 in Black pearl and i think it looks fantastic (if not just for the JS1000BP look!). The dark metallic colours of many of the RG series wouldn't match with your VWH (I guess that's not a major concern, but if it's a backup, it's always nice to get something similar!)

You can stick a couple of EVO's in the RG2550, mabye even a few more quirky paint jobs or whatever. Just make sure it doesn't turn into a "Lasher!"

Chud said:

Just make sure it doesn't turn into a "Lasher!"

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nice one

I don't want a guitar that sounds the same as the Jem. (I love the Jem but don't want two guitars that sound the same) I want more of a PAF feel. I'm going to look at the Jem DBK, Carvin DC127, and Parker Fly. I just want a guitar with a good clean and high gain sound, and has a very comfortable fast neck. Second hand is o.k. too.

Comment on the Jem/Evo's (if anyone cares) clean in the neck is nice and almost a fat/glassy tone. The bridge clean gets almost a strat tone. Distorted they are great, heavy but still articulate, even through my 5150II. The Evo's sound unlike any other pickup I've ever heard, lots of personality.

you could go a Rg 5xx, 6xx with paf pro's or the orginal Paf..yeah ok..i suggest the rg because they can be set up like a jem and it will be easyer to change from guitar to guitar..

Shep

Shep said:

you could go a Rg 5xx, 6xx with paf pro's or the orginal Paf..yeah ok..i suggest the rg because they can be set up like a jem and it will be easyer to change from guitar to guitar..

Shep

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An RG is not out of the question, they are great guitars.

basswood + paf pro's absolutly owns the tone of alder + evo's imo..
just my personal opinion.. i use a Seymour Duncan Invader bridge, Seymour Duncan JB Neck in a poplar body.. which is a a lovely tone for me

I was also looking at PG301 when I was choosing what to waste my money on. I would take it over JEM.

http://community.webshots.com/user/panther1977

ukwan said:

basswood + paf pro's absolutly owns the tone of alder + evo's imo..
just my personal opinion.. i use a Seymour Duncan Invader bridge, Seymour Duncan JB Neck in a poplar body.. which is a a lovely tone for me

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I'd agree basswood and paf pros (or a TZ in the bridge) owns Evos on basswood, but on Alder it's a toss up for me.

The PGM 90th is a beautiful guitar.

ukwan said:

basswood + paf pro's absolutly owns the tone of alder + evo's imo..
just my personal opinion.. i

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Absolutely, all the chaps that rave about Evos (which is most of you here :wink: ) have either never owned a baswood Jem or are deaf.
Just listening to Eat'em and Smile, Skyscraper, SOTT and P&W (admitedly the last two have more UV sounds on them but still much better than 7V's harshness) anyone can hear that Steve's tone was much, MUCH better and creamier before the 7V was introduced and he decided to make noise with Devin.

ilia