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In a perfect world, I would include the comments in the Guitar Gallery. The entire gallery would load in a few tenths of a second as well. We would have clear video of some of us playing these works of art also. Something to look forward to, but for now I've put the comments for each JEM and Universe guitar on this separate page.

Jemsite has listed commentary for each JEM and Universe guitar. Also featured are second opions from friends of Jemsite. To see how everyone ranks their favorites go to the "Visitor Guitar Ranking" page. If you submit a full suite of collector comments they will be added if suitable.

Last update:  4/24/2000 updated commentary by Jemsite.com


JEM Anniversary Models

JEM10

The #1 JEM/Universe guitar period. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

Second Opinion

JEM 90

The Hoshino 90th Anniversary Model. Announced with much fanfare and a shockingly high price... more expensive than the might JEM10 in fact (case was extra with the 90). I had my doubts about the overall purpose of this model but thankfully it does deliver. Make no misake... the gaudy, flaunty JEM777s we grew up with are dead. If the BSB stuck a fork in them the 90 was truly a beating to the dead horse! What can you do... 11 years later the JEM90 represents the times and is a stunning instrument. It's plaster like finish is stunning and the coloring is very impressive. Aluminum pickguard and inlayed 24th fret is a nice, classy touch. Pictures do not do this guitar justice. Ibanez did not really place any production limits on this guitar and all those ordered by dealers before 2/28/98 were fulfilled. Sadly many dealers took this as an "opportunity" to sell collectable guitars but it has backfired. Some still exist and at prices much cheaper than many of us pre-ordered them for. Feast or famine so get yours now (5/99). Read my hands-on-report for my "player" perspective of this guitar. This model loses some of it's appeal in the shorterm with the copycat and affordable JEM7DBK being released in '99. Perhaps in 10 years the JEM90 will be a classic. Time will tell.

JEM2KDNA: Multicolor DNA Swirl

We all knew something was brewing. After celebrating Hoshino's 90th, you just knew Ibanez couldn't pass on the chance to exploit the 2K phenonemon. Ibanez could not resist, they were going to claim their stake in the lucrative collector's market. The only surprise was that most of us were expecting (and hoping for) a UV10 (10th Anniversary Model). As rumors were confirmed and the NAMM announcement occurred the 2K multicolor wasn't a 7-string... it was instead a JEM. Surprise #2: The sticker price of only $2K MORE than the mighty JEM10. I don''t know much about global economics but I do know when they have you under their thumb. A $2K price increase is some serious inflation don't you think?

Since these guitars haven't shipped yet this commentary will be cut short and subject to change. The DNA is a cool axe, nice concept and sure to be a work of art. The good news is that Ibanez is said to be sticking to the announced limited production of 250 pieces. This contrasts with the outrageously greedy overproduction of past "collectables" such as the JEM10, JEM90 and JS10 to name a few. It is about time Ibanez has maintained some self control. I will forever be annoyed at the lack of self control (of free money) when Ibanez pulls a stunt like announcing a limited production of 100, then 210, then 500 guitars to be mill out 852 when all is finished (that is a reference to the JEM10).

The JEM2KDNA features a return of the multicolor swirl, done by Darren/ATD. It has a intricate fretboard inlays featuring a blood vessicle, premium components and custom shop construction. For sure, this is above and beyond your average JEM. As these models are constructed it will be more appropriate to comment on them. These guitars offer unlimited potential and promise, but again, at a steep cost. The entire run sold out to dealers & Ibanez reps so demand for these, as expected, was very strong. Their arrival of the DNAs this spring 2000 will be quite an event that we all anticipate. I look forward to seeing the actual, final product. Bottom line, if you can get by the outrageous cost, you'll want to own this one.

 

JEM 7 Series

JEM7BSB - Burnt Stained Blue

Ibanez' self proclaimed attempt at an "Industrial" guitar. I'll be honest... I was unimpressed by these at first, however their appearance and styling grows on you. This is another JEM that pictures fail to portray it's beauty, as the 7BSB looks much better in person. It's unique features such as unfinished, burnt body covered in a light blue stain and Phillips head (x) screw fretboard inlays makes it obvious that the 7BSB is a special JEM. The hardware is a pewter color, which is a first among JEMs and the translucent pickguard is exclusive to this model. The 7BSB has been available from authorized dealers for two years now, so it's collect ability is irrelevant at this point. Widely available guitars still in production cannot be considered collectable at the present time. Now, if the 7BSB is limited to a small 2-3 year production run , they are sure to become one of the more collectable JEMs. I have no idea how many were sold or created, but my guess is that the overall number is pretty low. In today's marketplace, $1,400 guitars don't sell in large numbers. Standard, production guitars with handles in the body sell even less in the USA at that price. One unnecessary snag in the marketing of this guitar IMHO is that Vai rarely plays this guitar live. I can only report the facts... he did not play the 7BSB at the '96 G3 show I saw and he managed to play the 7BSB for only one song at the Fire Garden show in NJ. It should be noted that Vai did not play the JEM10 for either tour, but that rare model sells itself. On a personal note, I'd prefer the guitar to be more grizzly and burned up, however each is unique and invariably each 7BSB will be somewhat different.

Second Opinion

JEM7DBK

Included in the Jemsite Top-5. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

 

JEM7PBK - Black w/ Pyramids

The so called "prototype" JEM that today is one of my favorites. Heralded by one JEM fan as the "holy grail of JEMs". This model, perhaps more than any other JEM has really improved with age. Visually, it's large monkey grip and white pyramid neck really stand out. Still today, no other JEM has this impressive combination. Perhaps it's somewhat subdued character caused it to be overlooked at the time of it's initial release though. The large monkey, out of production since '91 is too good to pass up. To further differentiate this guitar from the pack was a special treat from Ibanez... the 7P has the thinner/narrower Wizard neck with smaller frets. It's Wizard neck, also found on the 777VDY and many RGs (sans the pyramid inlays), makes the 7PBK so easy to play it's not even fair. Unfortunately like most other JEMs of the early 90s, it was totally overshadowed by the Universe guitars, which Vai then preferred & endorsed heavily. Time works in mysterious ways, because today there are few JEM fans who wouldn't want a 7PBK. Luckily they were produced for three years, so many exist.

Second Opinion

JEM7RB - Root Beer

I must confess that I was never impressed by the Root Beer JEM. I always thought of this model as the "cheapie 7PBK". In fact, at the time of introduction it was the least expensive JEM... not quite the 555 of it's day, but definitely the economy model. It had a plain dot-neck without the pyramids or vine, which did not sit well with JEM fans. It was also pretty ugly with the dark staining over plain wood. Remember that retro styling was not the flavor of the day, and in all actuality the root beer finish was really out of place. Oddly enough, eight years after it's demise, the Root Beer JEM has a bit of mystique to it. The facts are that this model is somewhat uncommon, having been canned after only a two year production. It is also the only natural wood finished JEM, BSB not withstanding. It is my belief that if it were not for the large monkey grip, the 7RB would go down as the worst JEM made after only the 555s. Luckily, Ibanez thought enough to throw it's owners a bone and build these with the large monkey grip... making this a JEM you can be proud to own and play.

Second Opinion

JEM7VWH - White Vine

Vai's main guitar used to record and tour with today. Included in the Jemsite Top-5. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

Second Opinion

JEM 77 Series

JEM77BFP - Blue Floral Pattern

The Blue Floral always stood out in my book as one of the better JEMs. Having been a fan of the original Floral Pattern in black, the Blue Floral seemed like a nice update which looked even better than the original. Having a short four year production run allowed this JEM to be somewhat uncommon, yet still widely known. This is the JEM that everyone liked, but many passed by for other models. The detail of the Blue Floral print on the guitar is impressive when seen in person. The floral print is on the front, back and headstock. Jim McCloskey from Ibanez says that the print is "not fabric, it's a slightly out of focus photo, laminated & bursted over". I've heard this before but this does not explain the texture that is quite obvious under the clear coat. This is a JEM that will be appreciated even by people who think JEM guitars are gaudy. Unfortunately it came out in the Golden Years of Ibanez JEM/UV guitars. It was never the top JEM model available.... remember it was sold along side of the JEM Purple Multicolor, Green Multicolor and the tremendous Universe guitars that were just introduced. From an owner & collector's viewpoint, this is one of the nicer models of the middle of the pack JEMs.

Second Opinion

JEM77FP - Floral Pattern

The original Floral Pattern. Still running strong withe the original configuration (PAF Pros and old-style heel joint). This was Vai's main instrument during the early JEM days. Vai rarely played the limited 777LNG, and instead seemed to prefer this guitar. Perhaps it was because it was their most expensive (and thus "best") JEM for a few years. I remember drooling over the Floral Pattern when they first came out.. they were totally cool. The FP outclassed the early DSY, SK and other JEMs of the late 80s. One interesting fact is that there are three different pattern variations used for the body, headstock and body backside. Therefore there are actually 27 possible variants of these guitars available that look similar, but not identical. See the Guitar Gallery for a few different patterns. Cooler yet, is the fact that the Floral Pattern was modeled after the curtains from Vai's parents home in LI. You've might have seen this before yet still disbelieve... it's true and was told to me by Joe Despagni, prior to the 77FPs release. The fact is that Vai's original few 77FPs actually used his old curtains. Since the 77FP has been available for nearly 10 years, it's collectability is irrelevant, even with the subtle pattern variations. These are widely available JEMs, often selling used for great prices. Unlike the DSY which aged terribly, the FP has stood the test of time and still looks great today. In regard to '97 models, I prefer the 7VWH and 7BSB, however if you want a new 77FP, the '97 model is unequaled.

JEM77GMC - Green Multi Color

Released during the Golden Age of JEM, this multicolor guitar was a specialty item when it hit showroom floors. We all knew upon it's introduction that the Multicolors would quickly become collectibles. Ibanez kept their production very limited, due mostly to their high cost and fact that they were hand painted in the USA for Ibanez by About Time Designs. The GMC is more subdued than the other swirls, basically being green and black. The green vine neck matches the swirl colors well, and it's green/black pickups add a nice finishing touch. These guitars make a great showpiece. Their playability was previously surpassed by the 7P & 777DSY and has more recently been eclipsed by the JEM10, 7VWH & '97 FP. Only the JEM10 however, has bettered it's looks too. These are tricky to find since only about 366 have been produced. They can be found though if you're persistent. Unfortunately they often sell for ridiculous prices, where you might be better served buying two more common JEMs for the asking price of the GMC. That said, if you have the $$$ and want to own one of the least common JEMs, this is a worthy candidate.

Second Opinion

JEM77PMC - Purple Multi Color

Released along with the GMC as the 6-string swirl follow up to the multicolor Universe. This is the JEM with the lowest production total as only 271 are said to have been produced. Like the JEM77GMC and UV77MC these were hand painted for Ibanez. These are impressive guitars, because their variations are endless. Each PMC has a unique look to it, as several colors were used to create the swirl. The gallery shows a few of them and you will notice the color differences and swirl patterns between each of them. I always wondered if the Multicolor JEMs (released 2 years after the UV77MC) were released due to customer demand... many went to guitar stores for Vai's PAW swirl guitar and left with a JEM or RG because "Vai's guitar" was a 7-string. These guitars were expensive then, and are more expensive now. Obviously a collectors item that unfortunately many non JEM fans seem to want. If you are selling one, please consider a buyer who at least appreciates JEMs. For someone who wants the best playing JEM luckily there are several better choices available today new or used (see GMC). Aside from the JEM10 & Universe Multicolor, there may not be a more impressive JEM to be seen playing though.

Second Opinion

JEM 777 Series

JEM777DY - Desert Sun Yellow

My first JEM. This is the JEM that everyone is familiar with. You know... the bright, bright, bright yellow JEM that looks really bad compared to guitars being played today. OK, I know the guitar is not bad, but did I mention that it is bright. Unfortunately Ibanez had the dimwitted idea to take the desert sun yellow color and make it available on every line of guitars in the late 80's... the RG's, the S-series, Frank Gambale models, basses, etc. I firmly believe that Ibanez hurt the DSY forever by overexposing this bright color... but you'll see how this can have it's benefits. Worse yet for collectability, the DSY had a nine year production run, often where the DSY was the least expensive JEM. One real benefit is that the DSY is now widely available in the used market thru dealers and private buyers. Another significant benefit is that used DSY JEMs sell for cheap. For someone on a limited budget who wants a real JEM (no 555s) you can get a DSY for such a great price that you will overlook it's brightness. The fact that the DSY has a maple fretboard with pyramid inlays... a feature not currently found in any new JEMs, makes owning a DSY more palatable. The bottom line is that this JEM plays as well as it's siblings, has dated looks and makes for a great inexpensive JEM, practice guitar, or even better... a swirl project.

Second Opinion

JEM777LNG - Loch Ness Green

The first JEM, designed after Vai's very personalized "Green Meanie". Honorable mention in the Jemsite Top-5. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

Second Opinion

JEM777SK - Shocking Pink

One of the first three JEMs. Included in the Jemsite Worst-5. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

Second Opinion

JEM777VBK - Vine Black

This is a non extraordinary JEM that lived in the shadows of it's siblings during it's entire five year production. It was never one of the better JEMs available and at it's time of release was even outmatched by the Floral Pattern. It might have been created to attract those who couldn't afford the more expensive 77FP, but wanted a green vine neck and more subtle look. "Boring" comes to mind when I think of this model as I always thought the vine neck required a wilder body scheme to carry it effectively, such as the florals. It does look much cooler in person than in photos where the green plastic vine tends to look cheap with the plain black body & WOW... it does fluoresce well! Notice Ibanez had the smarts to include a hybrid pearloid vine (and pickguard) in the classy 7VWH and went further with the JEM10 by using all abalone to really let that guitar shine. Overall the 7VBK's lengthy production run makes it one of the low tier JEMs in regard to desirability and collectability. For some reason, however, I've seen more LNGs than 7VBKs for sale recently! Like all JEMs, the 7VBK is an exceptional instrument to play so if it's style appeals to you or you find one at a great price it is certainly a worth considering. Mine plays unreal and in fact my bandmate who has mine on loan thinks he is gonna buy it from me... don't think so!

Second Opinion

JEM777VDY - Vine Desert Sun Yellow

You just knew it was coming... Ibanez couldn't resist using the bright yellow paint on yet another guitar it built in the late 80's. Did they have a glut of this paint or something? Unfortunately, this combination of rosewood (dark) neck and yellow vine inlays was enough to nearly turn your stomach. Of course, this was always one of the inferior JEMs, even when it was new. It would have been difficult or impossible for Ibanez to come up with an uglier scheme for a JEM. Now, before you write nasty e-mail, I have some good news to report on the VDY that others will be jealous of. The guitar plays excellent, due to it's thin/narrow Wizard neck also found on the 7P. See the 7P review, but in short the awesome Wizard neck makes this guitar very playable, more so than all other older JEMs (except the 7P) if you have small hands. Make no mistake, even though this is one of the last models on the list that I want, it is a real JEM.

 

I'd like to add a consumer warning here. I've currently seen these for sale by on-line dealers for very high prices, that IMHO are a total rip off. Please don't overpay for one.

Second Opinion

JEM777VSK - Vine Shocking Pink

Included in the Jemsite Worst-5. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

Second Opinion

JEM 555 Series

JEM555BK/WH - Baby JEM

I've included this for reference only. Overall don't bother with these unless you're lefty or seriously cash strapped. Included in the Jemsite Worst-5. Click here to read the commentary from the Hits & Miss pages.

 

Second Opinion

JEM555LWH - Lefty JEM

A new guitar released in the summer of '97. Lefty JEM fans can sit tight and finally play a JEM! OK, I know it's a 555 but it took Ibanez 11 years to release a lefty JEM so did you really expect a 777? Thought not. In all honesty Lefty guitarists can now have a quality guitar with that Vai flair. I would have to put an Edge tremolo on this one but since these are Korean made, the factor is not equipped for the different routing. Ibanez made several lefty RG series guitars so some body routing and the swap to the better Edge tremolo should make this mule kick!

Second Opinion