[Larry Boscarino]

I keep going back and forth on these two great guitars. I’m leaning towards the J Custom but.... that’s today! Tomorrow will be PIA. Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[WMerkert]

No doubt, both lines create great guitars ! Had a JCRG for some years and since a few weeks i play a PIA. For me, PIA is the choice. I love the playability, the quality, the concept and the elegancy of the PIA line. Also i like the new Utopia pickups more than the pickups of the JCRG.

Cheers !

 

[InHiding]

I think no-one can make up your mind for you. I can tell you my long term experience. I used to be a huge fan of Jems but after a few decades I've started to dislike the monkey grip looks. The PIA looks even worse in my opinion. Also Jem build quality was never that great for the price point in my opinion. I think J Customs are overpriced but getting a good used one sounds like a nice idea.

It's a shame that LACS guitars or similar designs are not available publicly. LACS can make entirely different necks which I think are better than any PIA or J Customs I know of. Of course that's a preference issue too.

 

[WMerkert]

I think no-one can make up your mind for you. I can tell you my long term experience. I used to be a huge fan of Jems but after a few decades I've started to dislike the monkey grip looks. The PIA looks even worse in my opinion. Also Jem build quality was never that great for the price point in my opinion. I think J Customs are overpriced but getting a good used one sounds like a nice idea.

It's a shame that LACS guitars or similar designs are not available publicly. LACS can make entirely different necks which I think are better than any PIA or J Customs I know of. Of course that's a preference issue too.

Very helpful answer for the thread starter. Should he buy a LACS, or what did you want to tell us?

 

[InHiding]

:arrow:

I think J Customs are overpriced but getting a good used one sounds like a nice idea.

 

[PBGas]

J-Customs are beautiful guitars, no question. I've had about 10 of them over the years. The flame maple tops and bindings as well as the fretwork are amazing....again, if you find a good top. Sometimes they are washed out.

I have a new PIA coming in this week. I liked the different neck specs, the stainless frets, the stock pickups the rounded contours...essentially everything about it.

 

[Larry Boscarino]

While I love the tops on the J Customs, I'm not sure about the Edge Zero Tremolo... How did you like it? What didn't you like about it? I love the Edge tremolo on my Jem 7v. Let me know what you think & we'll go from there.

 

[Rich]

JC tops are hit or mostly miss. They buy from a supplier that doesn't know how to cut figure, especially flame. If it's not cut perfectly perpendicular to the grain when they bookmatch it you see flame from one side on the top and one side on the bottom. Every now and then you get lucky with a really good top but it is not the norm.

 

[Larry Boscarino]

I've heard that from a few people, Rich. I am definitely leaning towards the Black PIA!

 

[Rich]

What I'm saying is, make sure you're not buying from a stock picture, you'll have no idea what you're getting. And ask for shots from many angles. Don't let the trem dissuade you, although I will always like the OE the best of all their trems.

 

[Larry Boscarino]

Thanks Rich, I also am a big fan of the OE trems! I've had no issues at all with them!

 

[Takin' a Ride]

I'm with Rich most of the wood topped guitars I've seen the past number of years have been misses. Their veneer top stuff honestly looks better, but that's not what we're talking about. The J Customs also now all have the same Super Wizard as any other guitar, just with fancy inlays. I'd personally go with the PIA, either in black or a gold one if you can find it. Slightly thicker neck plus stainless frets.

 

[Larry Boscarino]

Thanks for the information everyone!

 

[WMerkert]

"Some guitars are built for performance, some for aesthetic. These instruments are the best of both worlds... and perhaps the universe!"
Steve Vai
I second this statement about the PIA. So the choice should be easy.

Cheers !