I just received the last new JEM77VBK from rich at Ibanezrules.com (they stopped making them last year). Been wanting a JEM since I was 12, but the cost always dettered me. Since I am turning 30 soon, I thought I would splurge a bit and get it as birthday present to myself. Good God is it sexy... the classic Edge trem is amazing, stays perfectly in tune after insane bends.
Will take pics later, here is some from the siite if anyone is interested. + Show Spoiler +
Also, it has a pop in tremolo bar, is anyone familiar with those? I tried pushing it in with moderate force, but nothing happened. I didn't want to push hard and risk breaking something in case there was some special way to do it.
Just push the bar in until it stops! Congrats on your new guitar man.
To the guy before: Just sounds like you don't like Ibanez. They are among the most cost effective starter guitars i've found. Squiers are find if want a thick neck, but thats not everyones cup of tea. I never told him to buy an Ibanez, I said buy what he wants.
From what I've heard, ibanez has gotten worse since they moved their production facilites. A guy I know said, that the knew ones often do really weird stuff, when tuning and the wood is of inferior quality. Don't know for myself though.
Anyway I play this beauty (will post a picture of mine, as soon as I get around to making one):
Gibson SG 50th anniversary addition (24 frets)
just an all around amazing guitar, great top end sound and plenty of growl with the bridge pick up
I'm at the stage where i can only play a few chords and a few intro's. What i'm trying to say is , how can someone like me know if a guitar sounds any good? When i go to a store to play a guitar it might sound great for me but a more experienced player might think it sounds like crap ^^
None of my friends really play guitar so I have no one to drag allong to help me decide and i'm not sure if the people in the music store nearby are going to give me that great of an advice.
On April 21 2012 19:09 JerseyDevil wrote: Just sounds like you don't like Ibanez. They are among the most cost effective starter guitars i've found. Squiers are find if want a thick neck, but thats not everyones cup of tea. I never told him to buy an Ibanez, I said buy what he wants.
I never told him not to buy an Ibanez instrument. If you tightly associate Ibanez with metal, that's your business, but I think I've been pretty clear.
On April 21 2012 22:37 PietjeP89 wrote: I'm at the stage where i can only play a few chords and a few intro's. What i'm trying to say is , how can someone like me know if a guitar sounds any good? When i go to a store to play a guitar it might sound great for me but a more experienced player might think it sounds like crap ^^
None of my friends really play guitar so I have no one to drag allong to help me decide and i'm not sure if the people in the music store nearby are going to give me that great of an advice.
Well, consider that everyone is going to have a different opinion of what sounds good and what doesn't. Sound is influenced by a lot of things. Playing style, choice of amp, etc. You shouldn't be worrying about getting an amazing overdrive tone at this point, you just want something with some versatility that will make it easier for you to learn. Don't try to sniff any corks.
I'm sure you know what sounds good to you, though. After experimenting for a little while you'll get a better idea of what to look for.
It would probably be a good idea to choose one amp that the store has in stock and make all the settings neutral so that you can hear the differences between the guitars more easily. You might want to ask the people in the store for a practice amp with an honest clean tone. You can experiment with distortion if the amp has it built in, but you should remember that there are lots of different kinds of distortion and people pay hundreds or thousands of dollars looking for the right one.
Anyway, don't be afraid to ask for advice from the people who work at the store, but it's your adventure so you make the final decision.
On April 21 2012 19:09 JerseyDevil wrote: Squiers are find if want a thick neck, but thats not everyones cup of tea.
I was under the impression that the Classic Vibe necks were fairly similar to the American Standard necks, which should make them thin-ish? It depends which model we're talking about I guess but Fenders have never really been on the thick side in my experience. It certainly gets a lot thicker.
But he mentioned that he was originally playing on an acoustic, so a thicker neck might suit him. Again, it's something you need to find out by playing different instruments.
On April 21 2012 20:05 Zoesan wrote: From what I've heard, ibanez has gotten worse since they moved their production facilites. A guy I know said, that the knew ones often do really weird stuff, when tuning and the wood is of inferior quality. Don't know for myself though.
Anyway I play this beauty (will post a picture of mine, as soon as I get around to making one):
Gibson SG 50th anniversary addition (24 frets)
just an all around amazing guitar, great top end sound and plenty of growl with the bridge pick up
Are you kidding me? The current generation Ibanez trem guitars are the BEST VALUE of all time. NOTHING in the 300-400€ price category comes anywhere NEAR the Edge Zero II bridge.
On April 21 2012 20:05 Zoesan wrote: From what I've heard, ibanez has gotten worse since they moved their production facilites. A guy I know said, that the knew ones often do really weird stuff, when tuning and the wood is of inferior quality. Don't know for myself though.
Anyway I play this beauty (will post a picture of mine, as soon as I get around to making one):
Gibson SG 50th anniversary addition (24 frets)
just an all around amazing guitar, great top end sound and plenty of growl with the bridge pick up
Are you kidding me? The current generation Ibanez trem guitars are the BEST VALUE of all time. NOTHING in the 300-400€ price category comes anywhere NEAR the Edge Zero II bridge.
The edge zero II seems to have good reviews but it is still too early to judge that. Certainly an upgrade over that piece of shit they called Edge III. The best value no contest are older Made in Japan RGs which range from $200-$700. They were the pre-prestige prestige models (if that makes any sense) and play just like the $1000+ prestige OR BETTER (with some minor spec differences). What he is referring to about moving facilities I am assuming is their Premium factory - yet another thing that is too premature to judge. Very mixed reviews about the premiums but personally indo guitars still have a long ways to go before they reach Japan level. If you don't mind trems or buying used, RG550 or RG570 can't be beat in terms of price-quality ratio because a pickup swap makes it into a higher end prestige model. The only thing that comes close in terms of value and quality are the made in japan Jacksons that are cheap, or the older ESPs (though, a little more on the expensive side definitely worth it)
On April 21 2012 20:05 Zoesan wrote: From what I've heard, ibanez has gotten worse since they moved their production facilites. A guy I know said, that the knew ones often do really weird stuff, when tuning and the wood is of inferior quality. Don't know for myself though.
Anyway I play this beauty (will post a picture of mine, as soon as I get around to making one):
Gibson SG 50th anniversary addition (24 frets)
just an all around amazing guitar, great top end sound and plenty of growl with the bridge pick up
Are you kidding me? The current generation Ibanez trem guitars are the BEST VALUE of all time. NOTHING in the 300-400€ price category comes anywhere NEAR the Edge Zero II bridge.
The edge zero II seems to have good reviews but it is still too early to judge that. Certainly an upgrade over that piece of shit they called Edge III. The best value no contest are older Made in Japan RGs which range from $200-$700. They were the pre-prestige prestige models (if that makes any sense) and play just like the $1000+ prestige OR BETTER (with some minor spec differences). What he is referring to about moving facilities I am assuming is their Premium factory - yet another thing that is too premature to judge. Very mixed reviews about the premiums but personally indo guitars still have a long ways to go before they reach Japan level. If you don't mind trems or buying used, RG550 or RG570 can't be beat in terms of price-quality ratio because a pickup swap makes it into a higher end prestige model. The only thing that comes close in terms of value and quality are the made in japan Jacksons that are cheap, or the older ESPs (though, a little more on the expensive side definitely worth it)
yeah you can get old beat up ibz, kramers and stuff with good floyds too but thats not a fair because they are worn
On April 21 2012 20:05 Zoesan wrote: From what I've heard, ibanez has gotten worse since they moved their production facilites. A guy I know said, that the knew ones often do really weird stuff, when tuning and the wood is of inferior quality. Don't know for myself though.
Anyway I play this beauty (will post a picture of mine, as soon as I get around to making one):
Gibson SG 50th anniversary addition (24 frets)
just an all around amazing guitar, great top end sound and plenty of growl with the bridge pick up
Are you kidding me? The current generation Ibanez trem guitars are the BEST VALUE of all time. NOTHING in the 300-400€ price category comes anywhere NEAR the Edge Zero II bridge.
The edge zero II seems to have good reviews but it is still too early to judge that. Certainly an upgrade over that piece of shit they called Edge III. The best value no contest are older Made in Japan RGs which range from $200-$700. They were the pre-prestige prestige models (if that makes any sense) and play just like the $1000+ prestige OR BETTER (with some minor spec differences). What he is referring to about moving facilities I am assuming is their Premium factory - yet another thing that is too premature to judge. Very mixed reviews about the premiums but personally indo guitars still have a long ways to go before they reach Japan level. If you don't mind trems or buying used, RG550 or RG570 can't be beat in terms of price-quality ratio because a pickup swap makes it into a higher end prestige model. The only thing that comes close in terms of value and quality are the made in japan Jacksons that are cheap, or the older ESPs (though, a little more on the expensive side definitely worth it)
yeah you can get old beat up ibz, kramers and stuff with good floyds too but thats not a fair because they are worn
You'd be surprised how many older guitars that are out there that aren't beat to shit. Even if they are, a simple refinish makes it as good as new again
EDIT: Refinish as in, the condition of guitar. As for the trem, a little more costly to replace unless you just block it
As long as you do your research and know when something is a rip-off, there are tons of great deals to be had in the used market. Especially from individuals. Many times have I seen the words "we bought this for our son, but he never played it" or "the wife says I have to get rid of one".
On April 21 2012 19:09 JerseyDevil wrote: Squiers are find if want a thick neck, but thats not everyones cup of tea.
I was under the impression that the Classic Vibe necks were fairly similar to the American Standard necks, which should make them thin-ish? It depends which model we're talking about I guess but Fenders have never really been on the thick side in my experience. It certainly gets a lot thicker.
But he mentioned that he was originally playing on an acoustic, so a thicker neck might suit him. Again, it's something you need to find out by playing different instruments.
Sorry I should have said thicker. I don't have a lot of experience with anything thicker than a Gibson style neck on my Explorer.
I guess I misunderstood you, I thought you said don't buy that guitar its metal, but you said "don't go into the store expecting that guitar, by all means try it out, but leave with the one that speaks volumes to you." Which is excellent advice.
To the guy saying about Ibanez quality, Both my Ibanez are Japanese (Hoshino), so I can't really comment on the quality of the other factories. I've played some Indonesian models which are crap, and some which are excellent (with a pickup change). The RG Premiums do feel a lot better than your run of the mill RG.
On April 22 2012 00:27 lolmlg wrote: Just as an aside
On April 21 2012 19:09 JerseyDevil wrote: Squiers are find if want a thick neck, but thats not everyones cup of tea.
I was under the impression that the Classic Vibe necks were fairly similar to the American Standard necks, which should make them thin-ish? It depends which model we're talking about I guess but Fenders have never really been on the thick side in my experience. It certainly gets a lot thicker.
But he mentioned that he was originally playing on an acoustic, so a thicker neck might suit him. Again, it's something you need to find out by playing different instruments.
Sorry I should have said thicker. I don't have a lot of experience with anything thicker than a Gibson style neck on my Explorer.
I guess I misunderstood you, I thought you said don't buy that guitar its metal, but you said "don't go into the store expecting that guitar, by all means try it out, but leave with the one that speaks volumes to you." Which is excellent advice.
To the guy saying about Ibanez quality, Both my Ibanez are Japanese (Hoshino), so I can't really comment on the quality of the other factories. I've played some Indonesian models which are crap, and some which are excellent (with a pickup change). The RG Premiums do feel a lot better than your run of the mill RG.
Yeah, the premiums have mixed reviews, i just think they could be a tad cheaper. As for the rest of the indo ibbys it's really just hit or miss.
You should try playing one of the Taylor solidbody electrics. They have necks like Taylor acoustics. The guy I bought mine from wanted to love it but he's a thumb-over style of player and he just couldn't get his hand around the thing. It's a great neck if you have any experience with an acoustic guitar though. Really high quality instrument.
On April 22 2012 09:14 lolmlg wrote: You should try playing one of the Taylor solidbody electrics. They have necks like Taylor acoustics. The guy I bought mine from wanted to love it but he's a thumb-over style of player and he just couldn't get his hand around the thing. It's a great neck if you have any experience with an acoustic guitar though. Really high quality instrument.
Terrible, terrible tone. Taylor is like Starbucks. You pay a premium for consistent quality - but when you're looking at buying a high end electric guitar you'd be an idiot to spend it on a brand like Taylor.
On April 22 2012 09:14 lolmlg wrote: You should try playing one of the Taylor solidbody electrics. They have necks like Taylor acoustics. The guy I bought mine from wanted to love it but he's a thumb-over style of player and he just couldn't get his hand around the thing. It's a great neck if you have any experience with an acoustic guitar though. Really high quality instrument.
Terrible, terrible tone. Taylor is like Starbucks. You pay a premium for consistent quality - but when you're looking at buying a high end electric guitar you'd be an idiot to spend it on a brand like Taylor.
The new brand to the table trying to get a foothold in the electric market with innovative designs is the Starbucks. Yeah, makes perfect sense.
Considering the quality issues some of the biggest names have been having I guess consistent quality is worth paying a premium for. But somehow I doubt you've actually taken the time to play one of these properly. If you're one of those guys who wants a guitar that can only do one thing but do it really well then maybe you'd be disappointed. It's a versatile guitar that gives you a lot of different tonal options. It's up to you to know what to do with those options. I have no complaints about this instrument.
On April 22 2012 09:14 lolmlg wrote: You should try playing one of the Taylor solidbody electrics. They have necks like Taylor acoustics. The guy I bought mine from wanted to love it but he's a thumb-over style of player and he just couldn't get his hand around the thing. It's a great neck if you have any experience with an acoustic guitar though. Really high quality instrument.
Terrible, terrible tone. Taylor is like Starbucks. You pay a premium for consistent quality - but when you're looking at buying a high end electric guitar you'd be an idiot to spend it on a brand like Taylor.
The new brand to the table trying to get a foothold in the electric market with innovative designs is the Starbucks. Yeah, makes perfect sense.
Considering the quality issues some of the biggest names have been having I guess consistent quality is worth paying a premium for. But somehow I doubt you've actually taken the time to play one of these properly. If you're one of those guys who wants a guitar that can only do one thing but do it really well then maybe you'd be disappointed. It's a versatile guitar that gives you a lot of different tonal options. It's up to you to know what to do with those options. I have no complaints about this instrument.
Happen to own the following guitars:
Taylor 35th anniversary Cocobolo GS R Taylor Spruce Maple Style 1 Taylor All Mahogany 12 string Taylor GA5 Taylor T5 Koa Gibson 335 Custom Gibson J35 Ltd Gibson L5 CES Gibson ES 350 1952
They make fantastic acoustics and are closely followed by Santa Cruz and Collings. You will note me bagging another previous poster about their choice to buy the piece of shit that is known as the Martin GPCPA 1. No complaints about a Taylor 814 over any other brand any day. But their electrics suck. It's like buying a high end Ovation. Unless you want something completely metallic sounding, you don't buy a Taylor or Ovation electric.
I'm not sure what kind of epithet "metallic sounding" is really supposed to be in this instance. It's an electric guitar. It has "chime" if that's what you mean. It's not terribly "growly" or "bassy", but it has mini-humbuckers. It's not a metal guitar and you'd have to really coax it to get a metal sound.
Closest thing to a gripe I have with this thing is that I had to change my playing style around to use it. The frets are enormous and it's very easy to make a chord sound out of tune by pressing on the strings too hard. But if it sounded like a dobro I wouldn't have been interested in it.
On April 23 2012 13:53 ibanez wrote: I own a discontinued Ibanez SZ320.
Absolutely blew away the other guitars in its price range at the time of purchase.
Must've gotten a good Korean made instrument then. Anything indo/korean/chinese are still very hit or miss which is slowly changing. The last few indo instruments I've played were quite good