I don't remember that factoid being pointed out. I'm sure it has somewhere on this site and I missed it. But, yes. My 1987 777 Models have the Volume knob much closer to the bridge than most of my others. Very Jackson-esque. I prefer it set back more. If I ever get a custom-built guitar - I probably won't have any control knobs except for the P/U selector.

Mike 777 Haug

 

I believe it changed in 1990 when the UV came along. The UV has always had the further back knob placement and I believe that's when the JEM's changed as well even the DY's I have noticed that pre 1990 they are closer to the pickup.
I like the further back position better, on my 87 DY and SK I always found the vol knob a little crowded.

original placement

Newer placement

and just as an example on even the original guitars changing

 

Now THAT S something I never noticed!!!!!!!!

 

It should also be noted you cannot get replacement guards for 87'-89' Jems. The replacement guards are for post 90' style layout only

 

It should also be noted you cannot get replacement guards for 87'-89' Jems. The replacement guards are for post 90' style layout only

Aren't those RG guards? I was under the impression that RG's had the same lay out as the old Jems. That is, I have an RG guard here which has the volume position too close to the bridge.

 

Jems and RG's share the same guards [except model specific guards ie. VWH guards] in fact a 777 guard is an RG550 guard, and RG's changed layout at the same time the Jems did.

 

That is only for Ibanez replacement guards, right? And who wants to pay $40 for a pickguard? Ok, I know nothing about Ibz pricing, but that replacement guards made by others than Ibz is available in pre '90 style.

 

Did anybody ever notice too that back in 89' and 90' Ibanez had the AANJ on some of their guitars(Not sure which models), yet it took them till 93' to get them on the Jems.

 

Yeah, remember Steve has the final say as to what the Jems specs are. It probably just took 3-4 years for him to warm up to the AANJ's. Just a guess...

Brian

 

Thanks for confirming that I was not seeing things. I guess this means that I will like playing the more recent knob placement better because the knob placement on my 87' Jem DY is too close sometimes. Awesome guitar anyways though..