the new Ibanez Jem 505...

[crwnedblasphemy]

Walked into a local store today and saw it hanging on the wall....Looked closer at it...

Really? $1499 for a basswood ibanez with a monkey grip and V8/V7 pickups? no vine inlay??? Are you kidding?

 

[IndyWS6]

The lack of a vine inlay on that guitar is disappointing. But the price is on par with the RG3570 and $100 less than the RG3250, both of which are "Prestige" series. If the 505 has the same build quality, fit & finish and attention to detail, it's probably not that far out of line. Plus, those are are retail list prices - it can likely be had for less.

I've always wanted a Jem and the 505 is a reasonable choice - but I need one of these first
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RG3250MZDY/

 

[marvcus]

Never look at the retail price.

That guitar cost the dealer no more than $750. You should be able to pick it up for around $850-$900 if you get a dealer that'll haggle.

Vai's gotta eat.

 

[locoed]

Just guessing here but that might be the 2nd hightest selling signature model guitar?

 

[reverymike]

You make it sound as if basswood is plywood?? Tom Anderson, John Suhr, and other builders have long said that they feel that basswood with a maple top is one of the tone combination. The Ernie Ball Music Man EVH guitars were also basswood. It's light, and toneful.

Consider the retail mark up, and that guitar is pretty much in line.

 

[rupe]

So its basically an RG550 with a monkey grip?

 

[Tone Zone]

Definitely overpriced.

 

[lolzgreg]

It's only overpriced if it doesn't sound or play well. I don't care what name is on the headstock, or if a monkey built it as long as it brings the tonal goods

 

[ACShreds]

honestly if that guitar had an ebony neck it'd be my dream guitar. naturally after i swapped out the pick ups with some white evo's

 

[racerevlon]

I think the trem is a POS Edge III... gotta check...

 

[SFW]

Not too far out of line with the Prestige series. However, for that kind of money, I would expect some DiMarzios in it... just sayin...

 

[ACShreds]

I think the trem is a POS Edge III... gotta check...

definitely not an edge 3. Pretty sure its an original edge trem

 

[Lution]

at least put real dimarzios on it, Ibanez. .. sheesh.

 

[MYLILSS]

i have played a jem 505 .... it was definately on par with my rg550 i used to have. it may have played a bit smoother to me, but it wasnt by much. the one i played was the black one with mirror looking pickguard. the neck is a little thicker than an rg550, but in my opinion it is a bit more comfortable. the 505 i played had an original edge trem

 

[Tone Zone]

It's only overpriced if it doesn't sound or play well.

Yeah, well.....it's overpriced to me regardless. I'd have to believe that you could get either a cheaper RG model or Prestige that could be just as good, if not better (or other comparable brand for that matter). Just the fact that they couldn't throw in some DiMarzios alone, sure says a lot. Hell, I'm quite certain my Rasmus could run circles around it, as it comes with genuine Suhr pickups, a better Floyd, and it's plek'ed....all for $500 less than the Jem 505. Although, it is missing a monkey grip.......darn.