Well, a lot of the time, you'd end up paying near the same to have one custom built, but you can sometimes get it out a lot cheaper. It really just depends on what you would like. Personally, I'd say you try to get an older (pre-2003) one used.

The new ones made from 2003 onwards have Edge Pro's, which some people, like myself, do not like as much as the older LoPro's and Edge's.

You can always go to the Classifieds section here. There are always people willing to sell to you.

 

One word of advice: Swirls will ALWAYS be pricy. Whether Ibanez or custom made you'll most likely be forking over more than a brand new 7VWH or BRMR.

If you are really tight on cash, Jem DBK's normally go for around $850. However the DBK doesn't have the vine or a swirl. Textured black and screw-head dot inlay.

I guess the best question at this point would be how much is too much? aka how much are you willing to spend? (In numbers please )

 

well the maximum would be £1000. thats for everything, pickups and what not.. XE says thats just under $2000 for the Americans here

im looking to spend alot less though, perhaps around the £800 mark or is that just wishful thinking?

 

That's a nice chunk of money, but I'm thinking it won't be enough for an all out custom guitar especially in the UK.

And all of the Ibanez swirls PMC, UV77MC, DNA, etc all sell for quite a bit over $2000 - and that's in the US. Shipping wise or cost wise things in the UK will most likely be a little more pricey than that.

But for that much money you probably could get a used 7VWH or VSBL. So you definitely can afford a Jem, but probably not a swirl jem.

Hope you can get what you like!

 

Have you sat in a store and played a Jem for a while? Have you tried a Prestige RG2550E? The 2550 is sweet, has the same trem and is much cheaper than a Jem. If you play both and the Jem gives you goose bumps or otherwise pulls your trigger more than the RG2550 or other Prestige RG does then get the Jem, otherwise get the cheaper one.

 

Ive played a 555 but they are ment to be nothing like the "proper" Jems. The local shops dont really stock ibanez's, this is why im asking for help on here. The only ibanez's that get stocked around here are the really cheap rg's and 555's. I could get the shops to order one in but that means i would have to put a deposit down since its not part of the shops stock of you know what I mean.(i will end up doing that if i decide to get an Rg) I will have a good look around to see if a Prestige or a used VSBL/7VWH pops up somewhere close by to have a play on.

Looking at the prices of the Prestige Rg's now and there much cheaper. Something like just under 600 for the RG2550 or similar. I guess if i got one of them it would save me a hefty lump of cash.

Will keep you informed on what i decide to get, if any!

You have all been very helpful!


oh might ask this while im posting... What do you all think of the wee Epiphone Valve amps? they rock or what!!