Petrucci Vs. JEM

[Charles]

Now, I know this is an EBMM forum, so I don't know how appropriate bringing up a JEM in general is, but this is something I wish to discuss very much.

I have narrowed down my buying choices to a Petrucci or a JEM. I would like to know the most drastic differences between the two, because I have tried both and like them equally.

 

[Jimmyb]

It's really got to be down to what you perceive to be the better guitar for you.

I've not played either guitar, but I would think that the EBMM will be a higher quality, american made guitar.

 

[dwells]

jem rubbish over rated played one the other day JP absolutely brilliant craftmanship
case sold!

 

[glockaxis]

I've never tried the JEM but do own a JP and couldn't be more happy. Build quality, neck feel, arm scoop, trem, piezo---all top notch. There's not one thing you have to do or change to this instrument to make it playable. In other words, if JP where playing a concert in my town and didn't have his guitars, all he'd have to do is grab mine and play. It is a true pro instrument that you don't have to tweak (unless you play w/ a different string gauge) and it's designed and made in the USA. Can't beat that.

 

[whitestrat]

I had both... the JP6 fully loaded wins hands down. I'd buy the JP6 still if only because of the forearm scoop and compensated nut.

And I'm not just saying this because I'm an EBMM convert. The old JEM77VWHs with the ebony boards were still worth considering. But Ibeenhad chickened out and went to rosewood.

For that reason alone, I'd forego the JEM.

 

[fogman]

well, which one did John pick?

 

[BigTony]

I have tried both and like them equally.

I think if you like them both equally as instruments, then I suppose, as an musician, I would be looking at things like reliability and ease of use in the broader sense of the word.

When looking at guitars, I want something that is reliable, and easy to use. I don't want to have to do too much to maintain the guitar, and as I change strings often, I want that to be damn easy too. Versatility is a huge bonus too.

With the JP, I have an amazing guitar, that is easy to maintain, it is extremely reliable, and a joy to play. Aesthetically, it is quite wonderful too. Sooo...if the Ibby has all this too, then flip a coin, if it comes 2nd in any of these categories, then get the JP. I know where my money would be going, but its not my money...

 

[Charles]

The Petrucci trem, how close does it come to a Floyd Rose in terms of range? To me it's very important to be able to make squealing noises with a FR, that's the only reason the JEM is still kept in running with the incredibly awesome JP.

 

[leftyguitarblue]

The Petrucci trem, how close does it come to a Floyd Rose in terms of range? To me it's very important to be able to make squealing noises with a FR, that's the only reason the JEM is still kept in running with the incredibly awesome JP.

If you listen to Dream theater's latest album, at the end of the solo for Constant Motion, he does a huge dive bomb and raise. I've had floyd's and JP's definetely hits the range. Well, according to my ears anyway.

 

[Charles]

Sweet, haha, I think the tie breaker has just been broken.

Does Musicians Friend sell the JP6 with all the whistles and bells? I want the whole deal, inlays, piezo, matching head stock, mystic dream finish.

 

[D.K.]

I've had a 1989 JEM 777 VBK for 2 years. A great instrument (it was one of the first runs, mind you, Ibanez' necks, the craftmanship and the tremolos have sliped quite badly n the last couple of years...)

BUT, this is nowhere near a JP. With a JP you get a guitar that has a sound, playability and build quality you'd never be able to get buying a stock Ibanez Jem (I mean, it's no secret that Steve Vai's Jems are a not "quite" stock). I loved my Jem, sold it, and really never look back to it.

Considering the trem question - it's very wide, is more stable than a new Ibanez trem (EDGE-Pro I believe), and there are no fine tuners - your hand can rest on your trem block easily without running into something. AND, changing strings is a bliss with a JP after you've done it with floating FR-Style tremolos.

In short, my advice - go the JP. Considering they are the same price range (at least here in Europe) there is not even a choice to make. A stock Jem is really not even in the same class as a PET.

 

[whitestrat]

The Petrucci trem, how close does it come to a Floyd Rose in terms of range? To me it's very important to be able to make squealing noises with a FR, that's the only reason the JEM is still kept in running with the incredibly awesome JP.

The trem on the JP6 is seriously the LAST thing you need to worry about...

 

[Big Poppa]

Please dont use the VS...its a pet peeve of mine. It isnt war or a boxing match We are talking about two fine guitars "Or" works better for me..thanks

 

[roburado]

The last Jem I tried was one of the white ones. I liked the sound a heck of a lot. Of course, you get that single coil in the middle too.

My choice: JP6 all the way. But...what else is anyone on this board going to say? Most people on this board are fanatics about EBMMs.

Of course, much has been said about how great the JP6 is in general. Let's talk about the company that stands behind the instrument. I think EBMM customer service is really second to none in this industry. Sure, if you order an instrument from scratch (i.e., the dealer hasn't already ordered one with the exact specifications you want), it will take several months (about 6) to get your guitar. So, it might take a while unless you buy from a dealer's stock. However, once you have the guitar, EBMM customer service will really take care of you. If you have a problem, bring the problem to your dealer's attention. If your dealer can't help, well, EBMM customer service will. They're very responsive.

Here are my two customer service experiences:

1. I have a 20th Anniversary Silhouette. The crappy guitar cord I used broke. The tip remained in the guitar's output jack. I posted here in the forum asking what I ought to do about it, asking if there was an easy fix, should I bring to a tech, should I send the guitar to EBMM to have them fix it, etc. The advice I got was to have EBMM send me a new jack, and Sterling Ball himself advised me NOT to send the guitar back to EBMM and to have the guitar repaired locally. So, that's what I did. Dan McPherson from customer service and I corresponded through e-mail. He sent me one jack, which was not the correct one. I e-mailed him to inform him that it was the wrong one. Then, he promptly sent me the right one. Then, I asked Dan if he wanted me to send the parts (the old jack and the "wrong" jack) back to him. Dan said that he'd send me a couple of EBMM T-shirts if I did. So, I sent them back. What did I pay for parts, T-shirts, and a few complimentary EBMM stickers? Not a thing. I paid a couple of bucks for an envelope and postage, and I paid the repair guy. That's it.

2. I bought a used Silhouette Special. It was set-up weird. I posted here about it. I got great advice from the repair department at EBMM, and they helped me get it set up right. Cost to me? No cost at all for helping me with a guitar whose warranty had expired years before.

Plus, when you buy an EBMM and become part of this forum, you become a member of a little family. This family is a great source of advice regarding your EBMM guitars, basses, etc. Plus, EBMM puts on great parties. These have been happening for the past couple of years. Cost to attend? Airfare, lodging, other transportation costs (e.g., taxi, rental car), and any incidental expenses you may incur outside of EBMM-sponsored events. That's it. Just show up, and you'll get to see some nice guitars, basses, etc. We've had a party at the Music Man factory. We've had a party at the Ernie Ball factory. We had a party in Dallas. You can do a search on this forum for things like "Open House," "Desert Domination," and "Dallas Bash." You'll see threads discussing what went on at those parties. You'll see pics posted. You'll see links to videos.

 

[Astrofreq]

I agree with D.K. I have a first year green Jem and it is a great instrument. However, I bought another Jem years later which suffered greatly from poor craftsmanship. Sold it pretty quick. I think with EB the quality is completely consistant from guitar to guitar.

Which guitar sounds better? I guess that is preference. I don't have a JP, but I appreciate the classy look of it instead of the flashier JEM look. I love my JEM alot, but I wouldn't play it in public. (in fact, it is in storage at mom's). Granted, they don't make flourescent green ones anymore, but still, I don't want someone instantly thinking of another player when they see the guitar. JP guitars have less of that I think, but maybe I'm wrong.

Buy an Axis.

 

[roburado]

Does Musicians Friend sell the JP6 with all the whistles and bells? I want the whole deal, inlays, piezo, matching head stock, mystic dream finish.

The last time I checked (months ago), Musician's Friend was not selling the fully loaded version of the JP6.

If you're looking for one of those financing deals, Guitar Center can hook you up.

If you're just looking for a dealer with an internet presence, try DuBaldo Music Center. Pete and Nick DuBaldo post here regularly. Many of us have had great experiences with them. Welcome to the new DuBaldo Music Center website! They also post here fairly regularly.

 

[Multiversal]

I own both.

I've had my Ibanez Jem 7VWH for about 5 or 6 years now, and it is still my favorite guitar. Not only does it have lots of sentimental value(my mother bought it for me, and it's seen just about every gig I've ever played), it's also an extremely well made guitar. The abuse and love that I've put it through.. it has to be a good guitar! I think it sounds great, and plays very well.

I recently purchased a fully loaded JP6, and I love that guitar too.. but I haven't had time to build a relationship with it.. yet. It is definitely one of my favorite guitars, and I definitely do not plan on purchasing anymore Ibanezes(save for the black Universe with green pickups, that's been a dream guitar for some time now.).

What do I think? They're different. Two completely different beasts. I think that the Jem is more versatile than the Petrucci, but that's just me. I love both, but after I retire the Jem then I'm definitely retiring my other Ibanezes as well and playing EBMM exclusively. Next month I'm purchasing either a Silo or another Petrucci.

Also, somebody mentioned that the Jems went to rosewood as if it were a negative thing? All of Vai's white Jems have had a rosewood fretboard.. or at least most of them have. Perhaps they are making it more true to his actual one? I definitely prefer the ebony fretboard on the Jem, but that's just me. Oh, and I love the Evolution pickups.

Peace.

-Word

 

[Multiversal]

Also, you're definitely right about Vai's jems not being stock.. until recently, that is. His old Jems had OFR trems if I'm not mistaken.. looked like some of them did, anyway. All the ones I've seen of him playing recently are all stock Jems.

In Japan they offered a model just like a normal 7VWH, but with the sustainer system. I saw a dude here at Berklee with one.. it was sweeet. Vai had written.. "Flo?" beneath the bridge.. hilarious.

American VS Japanese build quality? Japanese folks make great instruments, so do Americans. I've picked up a lot of Ibanezes that I've loved. I bought a brand new Prestige RG about 4 months ago, and I love it. Used it for a gig the other night and it was rockin'.

Ibanez Customer Service fails in comparison to EB, though.. that's a major thing for me. Although I never had an issue with my Ibanez guitars where I needed to contact them, but I imagine if I needed to, it would've been hell.

I like Ibanez guitars. I like EBMM.

Pick what feels best to you.

 

[chrisglancy]

If you see his (VAI's) guitars recently he has had some funky fretwire installed!

I think that both are amazing guitars, and both have very distinctive tones when you hear them.

Check out a G3 DVD and try and see which tone you dig best. Also its all down to how it feels in your hands.

I find the petrucci tone is a bit more bassy and ballsy, where as Vai's resides more in the midrange and has a delicate sound. (but thats also down to the EL34 Marshally sound 'Vai' -versus JP's Boogies)

Its a bit like comparing a Lambourghini to a Ferrari.. both are finely engineered works of art!

 

[amiller]

I owned a JEM. Overall, I liked the guitar. I thought the trem was the best I'd ever used. I ended up selling it 'cause I thought it was a bit thin sounding.

I have never played a JP, however, I love my original EBMM Morse and my EBMM Morse Y2D. Both of these guitars just feel better and sound better, to my ear, than the JEM.