Thoughts on modded or DIY Jems?

861 Views 15 Replies 13 Participants Last post by angryification, 3 d ago

DEADTUNES666

Discussion Starter · 23 d ago (Edited)

I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts are on modded and DIY Jems when you see them for sale.

Scenario #1: Jem Jr gets upgraded with different pups, knobs, hardware/trem, or paint job. Is that a big deal?
For me it isn't it actually adds to the guitar and its value greatly. Sometimes though the looks of the upgrades may not be my "thing"...

Scenario #2: A high end Jem (FP, BFP, LNG) gets upgraded with different pups, knobs, hardware/trem, or paint job. Is that a big deal?
For me this is uncomfortable to see, (I mean obviously the owner gets to make their guitar their own) but on the higher end models (except maybe the 7P white ones) I dislike seeing green pups on an FP or regular pups on a Woody.

Scenario #3: DIY or custom builds-For me, I've seen some that look great, and have thought about doing my own for years, but there's often times something about them that doesn't sit quite right with me. They're usually made to represent a specific person, and it's almost never in tune with my personal tastes, but then I'm kind of stuck in the 80's early 90's era Jem phase...

Thoughts?

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ibaraki_gaijin

· #2 · 23 d ago

#1 often takes more resources than the result of the output. I'd only do it if the process itself was the fun. Resale value is almost always less than the sum of their parts.

#2 doing this to a mint high end guitar is pretty sad, especially if it's a limited run one like a 10th, GMC etc.
The common ones like a VWH, or DBK are more of an interesting blank canvas. Modding a high end model can be great if done well. I've seen a few interesting results on here where people have turned the Jem DBK or 505s into something really interesting.
I own a heavily modded PGM100.. the previous owner had gigged it heavily and it was more of a restoration into something unique than an intentional "I'm going to change up this signature model" thing. It's special to me but worth less than an original one.

#3 depends totally on quality.. there are a few builders on here who've done some amazing customs.

#4 partscasters/modded stuff to me is something that works really well with the more generic models that you can add some real flavour to. E.g. fenders, RG550s.. the strat was originally designed to be modular after all..
I have a partscaster Jazz bass from two different USA models and 3rd party hardware that I love.

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Reactions: 2

bondo2t

· #3 · 23 d ago

So, I've had an eBay store for years now. I buy, sell and trade Ibanez parts. Firstly, no money is to be made doing this. You do it because you love it. or have a problem. I've bought parts that I thought were good parts at a good price and in some situations, assembled FrankenJems. I also buy them when I see no one wants them. I disassemble and make something with matching radius and appropriateness. I try to fix the issues. Fret jobs and whatnot. That being said, my two favorite guitars were assembled beast. Normally, I would not recommend buying one, but you cant turn your nose to all of them. Most of the best axes are modified.

Reactions: 4

jono

· #4 · 23 d ago

Scenario #1:
It’s not a big thing to me either, in fact I think that it’s almost what “should” happen. A JEM Jr should probably get a few upgrades. On the original 555 the most common one was a Japanese bridge, whether an Edge / Lo-Pro or other Gotoh or even a real Floyd Rose. These days there’s even more scope for mods, with pickup replacement on the menu as well.

I’m considering a SFG for a high level starting platform and just having fun with maybe hardware colour swaps, maybe new pickups etc.

Scenario #2:
I changed the switch tip on one of my GMCs (it’s black in the catalogue shot) and got some OG painted neon knobs which are just “better” than the green plastic ones. I waited for ages to get the best 02 VWH I could from Rich and switched out the white knobs for gold ones straight away. I also add cliplock straps to everything I keep, that’s not a mod, that’s bringing them up to the “correct” spec in my eyes too! I think changes here have to be small and in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the guitar. No black humbuckers in a white JEM. If you update the faded bridge PAF Pro in an FP, for heaven’s sake change the other pickups to match!!! I admit, I don’t like green pickups in an FP either. I’d like to see pink/white zebras though…

Scenario #3:
“Just go for it!!!”

For me, this would mainly be the opportunity to do a colour scheme or pickup configuration that has never been official. Some of the aftermarket swirls over the years have been fantastic, others, not so much

Some of the other stuff, like single pickup ones though, I have to say I don’t "get". I didn’t like the phase of swirling JEM777DYs that went on in the mid 90s, I thought that was a waste of the JEM and the front routed bodies, just ever looked right. I have thought about doing a JEM with a reverse headstock for many years, I'm sure there've been several and I always thought reverse headstock USA customs all looked so cool

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Reactions: 3

Thesius

· #5 · 22 d ago

Scenario #1: It's whatever

Scenario #2 Refinishing is kinda cringe, but if it is their "forever" guitar who cares. Any reversible mod is fine as long as you keep the parts. Anyone who gets purist over swapped knobs, pickups, etc need to get more sunlight in their lives.

Scenario #3: These are cool. As long as you don't try and pass it off as a genuine Ibanez product.

Reactions: 1

DP155FBK

· #6 · 22 d ago

I would fill in the monkey grip

Reactions: 3

DEADTUNES666

Discussion Starter · #7 · 21 d ago

jono said:
I have thought about doing a JEM with a reverse headstock for many years, I'm sure there've been several and I always thought reverse headstock USA customs all looked so cool

That in itself might have just been a cool thing to have had in the Jem line to begin with. I'm neither for nor against the reverse headstock in general, but honestly having one or two out there may have been something special as a stand out model...

Reactions: 1

sirshannon

· #8 · 20 d ago

bondo2t said:
Firstly, no money is to be made doing this. You do it because you love it. or have a problem.

You just described all of my hobbies.

As for the OP,
#1 is how I normally do things. Cheap(ish) guitar that I put better pups in or maybe more. Refinish it? Sure, why not? If it doesn’t work out well, strip and try again. If it’s somehow ruined, the loss isn’t so bad as #2.
#2 is painful for me to see in a lot of cases because I think of the owner as myself and if I did that, it would be a costly mistake. I probably didn’t love the guitar and will sell it at a larger loss than if I hadn’t made the changes. But for them? It may be great, it may be their moneymaking guitar or their daily driver or their forever guitar or just a fun project.
#3 is how I made my main tele, probably my best guitar (depending on how high or low you rank my Jem, opinions here vary greatly on that). I think this is the best way to go but it’s not always easy or affordable. I considered going this route instead of buying a Jem because the Jem I wanted didn’t exist. My opinion has changed so I’m glad I ended up where I did. That’s the biggest problem I see with this scenario: you really need to know what you want beforehand or you’re going to end up with something that’s completely custom but wrong for you.

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ruscio

· #9 · 20 d ago

DEADTUNES666 said:
I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts are on modded and DIY Jems when you see them for sale.

Scenario #1: Jem Jr gets upgraded with different pups, knobs, hardware/trem, or paint job. Is that a big deal?
For me it isn't it actually adds to the guitar and its value greatly. Sometimes though the looks of the upgrades may not be my "thing"...

Scenario #2: A high end Jem (FP, BFP, LNG) gets upgraded with different pups, knobs, hardware/trem, or paint job. Is that a big deal?
For me this is uncomfortable to see, (I mean obviously the owner gets to make their guitar their own) but on the higher end models (except maybe the 7P white ones) I dislike seeing green pups on an FP or regular pups on a Woody.

Scenario #3: DIY or custom builds-For me, I've seen some that look great, and have thought about doing my own for years, but there's often times something about them that doesn't sit quite right with me. They're usually made to represent a specific person, and it's almost never in tune with my personal tastes, but then I'm kind of stuck in the 80's early 90's era Jem phase...

Thoughts?

#1: Whatever floats your boat. If I saw one for sale, I'd never trust a low-end guitar that's been modded, too many ways it could have gone wrong.

#2: Again, totally up to the owner. Probably a painful mistake if they later try to sell it, at least if it's not easily reversed with original parts. If it's a keeper, I hope they like it!

#3: Given several important conditions, this is the way to go:

1. You know your own preferences really well.
2. Those preferences aren't likely to change significantly.
3. You can afford the parts you really want.
4. Resale value isn't an issue.

If any of these turns out not to be true, initially or down the road, it's probably a costly mistake you'll regret, but it sure can be a lot of fun to design and build something from parts. I've poured a lot of money into parts on modded/DIY builds, but once I arrived at a solid understanding of my tastes and preferences (through a lot of trial and error, some of it pricey), it's been fantastic to be able to put together something perfect for me that just isn't offered by any manufacturer. I thoroughly enjoy the planning process, investigating available options and sourcing parts.

For example, right now I'm having a guitar built with a JS style body by Serge Fidar that's extremely lightweight and has an AANJ, and I'm using an Ibanez RG neck with jumbo SS frets. This addresses my chief concerns with Ibanez JS production models: the square neck pocket, often heavy weight, strat-style neck profile/radius, and medium nickel frets. Plus, I get to pick my own finish rather than take what's on offer. I've keep detailed records of costs, and all totaled this will be a little more than a Premium JS model but less than anything above that level. I'm hopeful this new build will be done in the coming weeks and I'll post a thread when I get my hands on it!

Soon after the original PIA launched, when I became interested but unsure it'd be worth the cost, I had Serge build a PIA style body. I paired that with an RG neck and EVO pickups (neck later replaced with Sustainiac system), originally a GE1996 bridge but later an Edge, and I got it in candy tangerine with a satin clear coat. That checked some boxes for me that weren't available in the production model PIA, and this is a fantastic daily player that cost me just over 1/2 the price of a PIA. Of course, in that instance everything about the design grew on me, and I later picked up a PIA, then another, so the DIY route was like the gateway drug into PIAs for me.

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msm944

· #10 · 20 d ago (Edited)

I'm a purist unfortunately. I have a mix of Jem and Universes, 11 of them, and they are all original except for the addition of the Dimarzio straplock straps. I get that people want a guitar that they built or fits their tastes so to each his own. I just like my collection the way it is. 🙂

Reactions: 2

ibaraki_gaijin

· #11 · 20 d ago

www.jemsite.com

What mod should I do next?

Years ago I rescued a PGM100. I've just done my latest addition to it as it's now my play anything stunt guitar.. Latest mod: 2x magnets on the lower horn for slide. List of mods: original owner took of finish and rounded body. I sanded it smoother and oil finished it new Ibanez Edge (about 8...

www.jemsite.com

www.jemsite.com

This is my modded PGM100

Expensive mistake?
I the body was already sanded/shaped when I got it. So perhaps expensive mistake for the person I acquired it from...

I've improved the oil finish, added the killswitch, slide holder (not a permanent change)..

This is now my everyday Ibanez player...

Reactions: 2

bob mclaughlin

· #12 · 20 d ago

The Jem Jrs are well worth the upgrades......

Pink= Dark Matter pups/ Gotoh 1996t Trem/ new knobs and vine
Yellow= Breeds/ Gotoh 1996t Trem/ knobe and vine

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guitarguy8788

· #13 · 15 d ago

For me, the upgrades/mods/customization is a big, big contributor to the fun of these guitars. It's certainly a labor of love, especially where the Jr & 555's are concerned. Don't expect to recover that money. I try to be extremely selective these days when I buy a guitar. I will only get something that I know I won't ever want to part with. There are so many options to make a mid level guitar into a great guitar and become exactly (or at least close to exactly) the instrument that inspires your creativity.

I think that the kits/custom built stuff is very cool as well and have gone that route myself. I think it also goes without saying that nobody under any circumstance should try to pass one of these guitars off as an original. That's just underhanded and dishonest. At the end of the day, the vast majority of these guitars are top routed, bolt-on neck guitars with pick guards to house the electronics. Aside from SV's royalties being a factor, I've always thought they were a little pricey for what they are. That doesn't stop us all from buying them, and I love these guitars don't get me wrong! But having some options is what makes all of this stuff so cool, at least to me.

I posted this elsewhere, but this is a recently completed built that a very close friend did for me. The body is from a BYO Guitar kit, the neck is a fake. When i bought the neck, it was advertised as an original part and at the time, I didn't know as much about the hallmarks to look for to be certain it was the real deal. Seller disappeared afterwards and I was stuck with it. The neck turned out to be not only usable, but pretty well made. So instead of throwing my money away, I decided to use it. Gotoh 1996T, Evo2 Bridge, tuners and other hardware from Guitar Fetish. The sustainer is a Veyez. It's fine. Not the greatest, and has some quirks, but far from unusable. This is my main gigging guitar now and I have been super, super stoked to play it all the time.

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bob mclaughlin

· #14 · 15 d ago

^^^ "Don't expect to recover the money" I didn't upgrade these Jr's to make money, but what I paid for the guitar and for the upgrades it's well worth it. Are they worth it? Yes, absolutely! I love the Yellow and Pink Jems, but hate the old neck heel plate, Got to be an AANJ and (to me) better pick-ups than what came on them. And I would "never pass these off as an original" The way I made them is to look like the real thing but with my own spin. Wait to see my Black Jr........the way Ibanez should have released it.......throw back to the PBK

Reactions: 2

Tmatt7620

· #15 · 13 d ago

ruscio said:
#1: Whatever floats your boat. If I saw one for sale, I'd never trust a low-end guitar that's been modded, too many ways it could have gone wrong.

#2: Again, totally up to the owner. Probably a painful mistake if they later try to sell it, at least if it's not easily reversed with original parts. If it's a keeper, I hope they like it!

#3: Given several important conditions, this is the way to go:

1. You know your own preferences really well.
2. Those preferences aren't likely to change significantly.
3. You can afford the parts you really want.
4. Resale value isn't an issue.

If any of these turns out not to be true, initially or down the road, it's probably a costly mistake you'll regret, but it sure can be a lot of fun to design and build something from parts. I've poured a lot of money into parts on modded/DIY builds, but once I arrived at a solid understanding of my tastes and preferences (through a lot of trial and error, some of it pricey), it's been fantastic to be able to put together something perfect for me that just isn't offered by any manufacturer. I thoroughly enjoy the planning process, investigating available options and sourcing parts.

For example, right now I'm having a guitar built with a JS style body by Serge Fidar that's extremely lightweight and has an AANJ, and I'm using an Ibanez RG neck with jumbo SS frets. This addresses my chief concerns with Ibanez JS production models: the square neck pocket, often heavy weight, strat-style neck profile/radius, and medium nickel frets. Plus, I get to pick my own finish rather than take what's on offer. I've keep detailed records of costs, and all totaled this will be a little more than a Premium JS model but less than anything above that level. I'm hopeful this new build will be done in the coming weeks and I'll post a thread when I get my hands on it!

Soon after the original PIA launched, when I became interested but unsure it'd be worth the cost, I had Serge build a PIA style body. I paired that with an RG neck and EVO pickups (neck later replaced with Sustainiac system), originally a GE1996 bridge but later an Edge, and I got it in candy tangerine with a satin clear coat. That checked some boxes for me that weren't available in the production model PIA, and this is a fantastic daily player that cost me just over 1/2 the price of a PIA. Of course, in that instance everything about the design grew on me, and I later picked up a PIA, then another, so the DIY route was like the gateway drug into PIAs for me.

View attachment 23676

View attachment 23677

Wow! That candy tangerine! Sir you knocked it outta the park with that one! Absolutely dead sexy and classy!

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angryification

· #16 · 3 d ago

I have a stock JEM7VWH with an ‘00 serial. The previous two owners beat it up a little with the finish worn considerably in one place. I can’t even bring myself to change anything about this guitar. I like everything about it, except the type of white paint they used. It’s not sparkly like my ‘15 RG2550Z and instead looks flat a boring. I still won’t refinish it though. Not worth the cost nor trouble. If I were to try and sell it, which I won’t, that would tank the cost as well.

With that said, I usually don’t care for signature models. I bought this one because I’m a big Vai fan but I also like the guitar - I like the pickups, the styling, etc. I don’t really have much of a reason to change anything.

With that said, I have a slew of used RG Prestiges that have aftermarket pickups on. I’ll use those for my modding needs

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