racerevlon
Active member
Big fan of Ibanez... not necessarily Jems, even though I have two. I couldn't see playing "someone else's" guitar on stage. Aside from that, love them both and hate every PRS I've ever touched.
Metlupass2
Well-known member
What Jem are you specifically looking for? I'm going to be selling some of my older ones. You can't really compare them to a Suhr Modern, as they are in totally different leagues.
I've got a few...
Only the PBK in the middle is mine.
I've got a few...
Only the PBK in the middle is mine.
kasperjensen
New member
I had a mirror top on loan for a while, and it was a great guitar. Flawless really.
BUT... And this is just my terribly cliche opinion on them (and keep in mind I rarely play the music they are meant for)...
I found them to be lifeless. I have owned a couple of Prestige's and the JEM, and it was always the same. I always heard a hollow plonk in the upper midrange that I couldn't get over. I could never get a sound I was happy with.
But I have heard plenty of guys get great sound from them, so YMMV.
On a last note... You better bring your best chops if you pull out a mirror top at a gig.
BUT... And this is just my terribly cliche opinion on them (and keep in mind I rarely play the music they are meant for)...
I found them to be lifeless. I have owned a couple of Prestige's and the JEM, and it was always the same. I always heard a hollow plonk in the upper midrange that I couldn't get over. I could never get a sound I was happy with.
But I have heard plenty of guys get great sound from them, so YMMV.
On a last note... You better bring your best chops if you pull out a mirror top at a gig.
King Loudness
Member
JEMs have great shredding specs and are probably one of the best of the best (aside from maybe a J Custom) when it comes to having that style of guitar. The Suhr Modern is a fairly different instrument. It feels fuller and more substantial, plus the end user can pick his or her specs to craft a guitar that's not Steve Vai's choice, but rather their own. Given that new JEMs here sell for almost $3,000 for a standard white one, the Suhr is definitely the better value, especially since the user could forge their own tone on it rather than settle for Vai's specs and sounds. Just my $.02.
W.
W.
rcm78
New member
Digital Jams":bsawtz8t said:
Some sound fantastic, some sound like ass, most sound ok. Probably the most inconsistent high production guitar made.
Skrapmetal
New member
kasperjensen":6f0kzsgd said:
I think that is why I (and apparently others here, by the look of it) liked the BSB so much. I think the bare stained wood really let the guitar be more open so it sounded quite a bit different than the typical Jem/RG.
I'm not a huge fan of Vai's tone overall. It absolutely works for what he does, though.
kasperjensen
New member
RSRD":a23rwaeq said:
My C24 is my main squeeze.
In my experience, it's a better sounding and playing guitar. Again, this is from someone who does not play shred/metal.
I think, if you want a guitar that can play styles that require a more organic feel, yet can still deliver teh brootz (can't believe I said that), something like a C24 is a better choice.
If you lean more towards the heavier guitar wizard stuff that requires speed and a more anonymous sound from the guitar, the JEM is the way to go.
But at the end of the day, they are both great guitars.
racerevlon
Active member
PM me with what you're asking for the BFP.
Cheers,
Cheers,
rupe
Active member
I've owned many Jems and played many more...the one thing that I can conslusively say is that they are very inconsistant from a sound/performance standpoint. No real QC issues (although the earlier necks were known to go a bit wonky on occassion) but two identical guitars will frequently sound and respond much differently. I have noticed this the most with the white one...complete duds and monster players that were otherwise identical.
My main player Jem is a '91 BFP (it is completely stock except for an added brass trem block) that just sounds bigger than any of the other Jems I've owned or played.
My main player Jem is a '91 BFP (it is completely stock except for an added brass trem block) that just sounds bigger than any of the other Jems I've owned or played.
freeballinusa
New member
To me They are SO different, I prefer Suhr
Ventura
Well-known member
bigdaddyd":x2sy8yb2 said:
Understatement of 2012...
nevusofota
Well-known member
This Ibanez would be closer to a Suhr than a Jem IMO. My 2001 J. Custom.
xXDaveyJonesXx
Active member
^^Yikes..^^
nevusofota
Well-known member
^^I take it you dont agree??^^
Skrapmetal
New member
I'm guessing he likes it. I sure do.
Reminds me of the natural ash Ibanez RG471AH. I thought about picking one up until I saw one in GC that had terribly bland/ugly grain. Scared me away from ordering one because I wouldn't want one without seeing it first.
Reminds me of the natural ash Ibanez RG471AH. I thought about picking one up until I saw one in GC that had terribly bland/ugly grain. Scared me away from ordering one because I wouldn't want one without seeing it first.
xXDaveyJonesXx
Active member
nevusofota":1409edaq said:
HA!!
That's one of the sexiest pieces I've ever seen.. You posted it in a thread I started up a while ago- "what axe inspires you". I go back now and then just to look at yours.. And the one that Steve K wont sell me. But yeah, that Ibby of yours is the ideal guitar I've had in mind for years.
nevusofota
Well-known member
Cool man. sorry I didn't get what you were saying. The guitar is awesome but its taking me a while to get used to the thicker neck. I'm used to the prestige neck profile. If I can't overcome I may sell it. I hear some of the newer j customs have thinner necks. I can't believe I would ever consider selling.xXDaveyJonesXx":28v2ehw6 said: