7 things you didn't know about the Ibanez Jem Guitar

[@Thitavares]

I remember one day reading in a magazine, that Steve once gave the guitar to his tech, to check a buzz on the pickup. When he got the guitar to play again, he said that the sound was not as he expected. Then, he asked the tech what´s the deal. The tech said that replaced the pickup and had the defective one thrown away. Steve made the bus return after being half way from the destination. He and his crew went on the trash cans and dumpsters to look for the pickup. They got it back... It was fixed and reinstalled on the guitar.

[@stevowilliams8279]

on what guitar was this?

[@sheldonshogrin6736]

@@stevowilliams8279 I would guess Flo

[@Thitavares]

@@longerlife5192 i read everything, and I'm dying lolololololololol

[@chuckdriver8269]

@@longerlife5192 - nobody missed anything. 🇺🇸

[@richardmartinez3342]

then the technician was replaced and the defective one thrown away and when they were back on the bus Steve noticed the tech didn't look the same, so he made the bus turn around halfway from the destination and then he and his crew went through the dumpster to look for the technician. They got him back...he was fixed and reinstalled. I heard that one too, great Vai anecdote.

[@matthiassoellner]

I would always prefer the Ibanez Jem (and even a much cheaper Ibanez) to a Gibson or Fender.

[@davidbeauvais1364]

My modded 89HM strat plays and feels better than any Ibanez.

[@michaelgreen5206]

Prefer an Ernie Ball Music Man JP Majesty model, does everything that the Jem does and more.

[@MatzaFTW]

I'm glad you mentioned the LP as a signature guitar. So many people seem to forget that. Great always, Phil.

[@slapitman]

Here's another fact not on the list. The sharp horns design that became the look of the Ibanez RG series was influenced by Steve's bigger hands. On the Green Meanie parts guitar, Steve had to cut the horn on a Strat style body so it could fit his hand size and this naturally became an influence for the symmetry of the RG design ie sharp at the bottom, well sharp at the top also.

[@DR3.THEGUITARIST]

what i love about jem’s is that Steve made them exactly how he wanted them then he made millions and sold them across the world, now all u gotta do is get a jem and learn Vai’s songs and u got it.

[@scottrafferty8010]

I have a 1988 (first year of production) model of this very guitar. The older model had the pickups mounted on the scratch guard unlike the model you have which is mounted on the body. Mine also has the older style trem where the string clamp screws go through to the lion claw area. The older neck is not as shaped in at the rear. Still absolutely love it.

[@N_Vailer]

That's true ,I ve noticed that too,cause I own a very first year model,this one must be a reissue with printed floral pattern,ibanez made some around 2003 celebrating anniversary:)

[@capacitiveguitarresistance]

I love Ibanez guitars. The JEM, J.Custom, Prestige, Premium, Iron Label even the RG 320. The RG shape and style is iconic and my personal preference.

[@brentrusche2056]

Phillip, The Jem7PBK has a much thinner than all other Jems. The Jem7PBK & Jem7RB are the only two in the series to feature a "monkey grip" with no finger scallops. The Original Jem77FP was interesting: - Since the artwork was in fact cloth (said to be fabric based on curtains found in the house in which Steve grew up), there were ~27 different neck/body pattern combinations that can be found. - The Jem77FP and Jem77BFP were released in two versions...one with pickguard-mounted pickups and others with direct-mounted pickups Another innovation of the Ibanez Jem was the orientation of the 1/4" output jack which helped eliminate the cable getting dislodged if stepping on the cable when playing live. The orginal Jem777SK featured a paint with pigment that faded over time. The Jem777DY came in two varieties: one with the "tree of life" inlay on a Rosewood fingerboard and one with the "disappearing pyramid" inlay on a Maple fingerboard. ...that's all I can think of at the moment.

[@intergalacticpimp8683]

The Jem 505 also doesn’t have the scalloped frets. That said, it was a stripped down MIJ version with dot inlays and V7/V8 pups. It’s essentially an RG550 with a monkey grip and JEM neck.

[@Namenamenos]

Keep all of these videos coming! They are fantastic and its very fun to learn more tidbits about gear.

[@victorramsey5575]

Ive always loved Ibanez and have owned one of some sort since I was a kid. Hands down the best bang for your buck! In fact I have a 20 year old RG 270 Stage Beater down in the garage right now. Its beat all to hell, 3 different brands of tuners, and the floyd main studs are rusted in place. LOL. But, it has perfect action, intonation, absolutely shreds its heart out, and screams like a virgin on prom night. And the best part is no one would ever think of stealing it. There are several Ibanez gems, some can be had for a couple hundred bucks and will totally shock you :)

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

I've got a late 90's RG270 that I also feel very strongly about. I put some upgrades in it, including getting rid of the worn out licensed FR and I fucking love the guitar. The Wizard II neck is a dream, nice and flat with a thin, but not toooo thin profile that I just love, despite me having large paws for hands.

[@Duskets]

“They removed the monkey grip” Say sike right now

[@stephencox4509]

again, gotta say I really enjoy these videos. you can tell you are passionate not only about the music, but the gear as well and it shows. great videos man.

[@infamyseemsshort]

The gem is not the second longest running model. The Ibanez GB10-10 George benson’s signature model has been in production since 1978. 9 years longer than the Steve Vai’s model.

[@willer3399]

So the Gem is the third longest running model?

[@geoffh8077]

It’s the 2nd longest one that kicks ass

[@RastaSaiyaman]

Err... about the Jem being the second longest running signature model after the Les Paul... The Ibanez George Benson has been around since 1978 and is still in production.

[@michaelgreen5206]

How about the Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster having been around since the early 1950's, there must more of these production guitars sold than an Ibanez JEM?

[@RastaSaiyaman]

@@michaelgreen5206 I didn't name them because of them not being signature models, simple as that.

[@stb301]

flo was originally a floral print like the one in this video. when the aanj (all access neck joint) and the white jems became the standard flagship flo was repainted white and the old neck joint style was converted to an aanj.

[@riffdigger2133]

I’ve upgraded my JEM JR with the DiMarzio Evolution pickups, (vs the stock Matrix) swapped the stock tremolo with a Floyd, new pick guard on the white body and I found a Luthier, Weston Instruments in Ottawa to go over everything on the guitar including a PLEK with the setup. PLEK is a computer-controlled machine that can perform incredibly accurate scans of frets and fretboards, fret dressing and recrowns, nut and bridge cutting, and fretboard planning. It can even cut fret slots and neck pockets.

[@peterdentremont7296]

One of the stories I heard was he was in the middle of an album and they asked him what finish he wanted and he said "I don't care you can make it out of my drapes for all i care." They listened and did exactly what he said.

[@opperlaaf]

One important feature to mention is its bass roll-off filter which starts to work when you turn down the volume. An overdriven amp cleans up more nicely and it gives a whole palette of sounds just working with your volume with no loss of highs.

[@daneph]

Les Paul is not considered a signature model It is named after its creator but has many signature models Ie... Alex Lifeson. Ace frehley. Etc...

[@AlexCBrandon]

I've been following Jems since the mid 90s. And I learned a couple of things here!

[@Kreln1221]

*Of interesting note... The DiMarzio PAF Pro pickups used in both the neck and bridge positions of 1st gen Jems were originally custom prototype pickups designed for Bill Connors, the jazz fusion guitarist best known for when he was in the band Return to Forever, with Chick Corea, Stanley Clark, & Lenny White, on the album and tour for Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy. His replacement in RTF on the next album was Al Di Meola, who used DiMarzio Super Distortions and PAFs, and later his own signature model DiMarzios... The PAF Pro was sonically designed to be fairly moderate and vintagish in output, like it's late 50's PAF namesake, but with added clarity and articulation, to accentuate the nuance and detail of fine technique. The PAF Pro in the bridge position of the 1st gen Ibanez Jem was the lowest output pickup relative to any used in later generations, but because it wasn't overly wound, and was designed more for Bill Conners' fusion than for rock or metal, it had an extra clear and detailed top end that like good P90s or Fender single coils, really exposed the proficiency of the player. If your playing isn't up to snuff, your entire audience will hear your flaws in detail..., but if you do got the chops, like Bill Conners or Steve Vai, then even the back row of the balcony will hear every badass nuance and detail of your phrasing...*

[@DavidB-vk8ei]

Jem is my favorite guitar.

[@wesleyzimmerman94]

I LOVE how those pink RG 550s just GLOW on camera

[@paulgodwin9283]

I LOVE the Jem . i learned more and got so much better as the fret board just fit my fingers the weight and ballance was perfect and just all around seems easier to play. I was always a Les Paul guy but my Jem ( i got in a tremendous deal from a guy who needed money) just for some reason fit my style my hand and advanced my to a higher level . Maybe cuz i just loved to play it and played played played every moment i could. I sounded better and more advance in days than i did the first two years i played/learned.

[@panhandlegeardemos6837]

Sweet! I got notified for this video. Didn't get notified for your live video this past Friday and couldn't it find it online until after the video was done.

[@panhandlegeardemos6837]

I just can't get into this kind of guitar. Not saying it's bad but just not my bag of tea. Cool video and definitely didn't know any of those things.

[@gkol69]

The five-way switch wiring is known as "split-five" and it was originally Steve Blucher's of Dimarzio design, first incorporated into Vai's Jem.

[@gearhead762]

Actually that H/S/H split coil wiring was first used in Steve's Green Meanie Charvel Strat and some custom built guitars he had Performance Guitar build. The wiring diagram and story is available on the Dimarzio website.

[@ItsuBoyadzhiev]

You make some of the coolest guitar videos I've seen. Glad I found this channel.

[@kdrake777]

That was way cool. I would love to see you do one on the Gibson SG.

[@williamchiusano3185]

The JEM was my first "BADASS"Guitar I purchase . My teacher Al Pitrelli was a student of Steve and Sach on Long Island .These were AWESOME TIMES to be a guitarist. I met Steve at a small Venue on Long Island .He was phenomenal and very personable .The entire evenings Proceeds $$$$ Steve Donated to The Church of St Jude . That SAME Venue I met Yngwie although I never became a Strat Guy I followed his works for now 30+ years .. I had Others .Ibanez Iceman, BC Rich Warlock, Later After the JEM the Saber (Sach's Baby) ... The JEM was my Favorite and I had it for like 25 years .I sold it for 3 times what I paid for it . Mine was Florescent Pink . I wanted the GREEN then later the BLACK with VINES .The Black with Vines hit the guitar stores LAST at least on Long Island where I shopped ... The Lack of Finish (on the NECKS back) Became what I often look for I move linear much more easily . Gloss I hang up on . I'll re-aquire one (an ORIGINAL ) from someones collection sometime soon .. But it will be The Black With Vines Noteworthy ... the Guitar God's to Me have Never changed . All FOUR have I mentioned and have always been my Personal Favorites ... Thanks for the Post . Most of the Factoids I had NOT Known Be RELENTLESS 😉😎

[@micspears9834]

The fp JEM has actual curtain material inlaid front ,back,and head stock face,, The floral pattern was from Steves ,,house curtains,,theyre were I think 7-8 different variations of the pattern on every guitar,,made ,,this means if you were lucky enough to order one ,,( like me ) the pattern would be different than the 6 others??,, When I recieved mine a 99 last year of first production,,it actually had a few threads from the fabric hanging out from the headstock !! I guess it was a friday guitar ,,lol!!

[@flyingdutchman6984]

The floral print JEM is modeled after curtains Steve had in his house, but neither Steve's curtains or curtain fabric was used. They had patterns based on Steve's curtains printed on a different kind of fabric.

[@nevigo5519]

I have that exact floral pattern Jem 77 as in the vid.The last years it has been in its case because I was using my Stratocaster,but its about time I get it out of its case again.There is a little problem with the jack connection,but thats easily fixed.I bought it in 88,(or 87 I´m actually not sure),and had it scalloped in the 90s.Its a little dusty but in mint condition,no marks or scratches,and I never ever sell that guitar.I remember when I bought it,I took a clean A barre chord,and I could hear Steves sound immidiately so I bought it after 5 min..I have never regrettet that.

[@Slew514]

Have you considered expanding "things you may not know" to start covering amplifiers? Sure is lots of interesting subjects there. Cheers!! Keep the great videos coming.

[@CenkYay]

that floral pattern on the body was modeled out of a curtain that Steve liked so much.

[@devids51]

I loved this video, keep it up! I liked how you kept the time short

[@RickyPisano]

I picked up an Ibanez at Guitar Center. I've owned acoustic Ibanez guitar's but never an electric. The difference in the switch position sounds blew me away. I was playing through a Twin Reverb. I didn't have the cash the time (and even if I did I'd have done more research on it before purchasing it. I played an American Fender HSS Elite and the Fender Squire Bullet HSS. I played them both for quite awhile and I ended up purchasing the FENDER SQUIRE HSS BULLET for less than $150.00 vs $1800.00 for the American HSS. The Squire has a Basswood body, maple neck and plays terrific. I plan on upgrading the tuning machines to an 18/1 ratio rather than the 10/1 that came standard on the Squire. Also perhaps some electronics upgrades (although honestly this guitar is fine with the electronics it has). I went back (in my head) to your "Cheap vs Expensive guitar video" and couldn't justify dropping the extra $1600 + on the American model. The action on my guitar is perfect (for me) and plugged into a Fender Mustang I can get any sound I want. This is one reason of many that I subscribed to your channel and watch all your videos.

[@olecodger3907]

Always enjoy your content and knowledge. I always learn so many things.

[@eljapel]

Number 8, it inspired the 80's series: Jem and the holograms

[@rodolphedormeus5722]

am i stupid or is that actually true

[@GoemonLovesFujiko]

lol.. no .. Jem and the Holograms was out way before the guitar..

[@KOSMIKKANKAN]

eljapel ...then, may be the série inspired Steve Vai...

[@jthompson2379]

That's truly outrageous!😉🌠

[@Dan_Dearborn]

I'm pretty sure the George Benson model has been running longer than the JEM...I believe the GB model has been in active rotation since 1978.

[@wrektum]

Your videos are always a gem! Well done

[@kirkpono5951]

I have the JR version but I LOVE mine! I am not a huge shredder for two reason. 1. because I can''t and 2 because I can't! BUT I do live the 5 completely different tonal changes that it has. Doesn't matter what I plug it into, My Victory V30, My B52 4x12, My Amplitube rig, my Bias rig, or my Battery powered CUBE. It just sounds killer. I could only imagine how amazing it would sound with the Dark Matter 2's or the even just a good pickup. I'm content with the stock JR and it's a pleasure to play. Great Video Phil.

[@dm7654]

I love these videos, very informative. keep it up!!

[@bartoszsawicki1892]

very interesting, as always. Love it. Keep'em coming.

[@dleasman]

Many people don't realize that the floral pattern is actually a fabric embedded in the finish. I think it came from a set of drapes that steve had, or something like that. The one I had was worn down on the edges and the fabric was actually fraying. Another piece of trivia is that his "flo" guitar WAS actually a floral model like the one in the video, with the embedded fabric, but it was painted over. I never really loved this guitar, or any Ibanez for that matter, and the one I had has been long gone since about 1995. Though I often wonder what ever happened to it, I have guitars (other brands) that I had from that era that still hang on my wall. Still... The floral gem is an icon.

[@melexdy]

awesome vid!! what are the odds for an ibanez s series video?

[@AbusharifVideos]

Cool. I didn't know what a Jem was. Really good explanation.

[@almostclement4975]

Many many many years ago when I was a boy first starting on guitar, aged about 12 I’d say, I was bought a strat copy and some guitar lessons, the bloke turned up one week a Gibson Les Paul standard and the following week with a jem and I knew there and then I liked Les Pauls. I’m not saying they’re bad guitars because they clearly aren’t but I’ll always look at these with a fondness and a bit of gratitude for showing me what I did and didn’t like.

[@bobayersquebec]

You teach so much things in particulary thoses 7 things here. Tanks again and wish one day to get a JEM one day...

[@luciel3893]

The floral 1988 JEM has been my dream guitar since starting out. I still haven't managed to be rich enough for a guitar that costs thousands, but if you really want a JEM, I suggest looking into a JEMJR. They're not the exact same, but hell does the JEMJR come close for a price tag $2000 cheaper. They usually go for $450~

[@jezzer1969]

Ibanez were using Basswood on most of the Roadstar Range from 1984. Fujigen were using basswood on Japanese Export model Fenders from 1985.

[@opperlaaf]

Don't forget how the volume knob with its bass rol off system works. Turning it down does a very good job cleaning up your sound in an overdriven amp while retaining clarity and brightness.

[@beefcake0354]

not an Ibanez fan to be honest, but that 5-way switch thing is really brilliant. I like it.

[@luckylicks3497]

Your videos are always interesting, this one in particular.

[@ricomarcetti6040]

I first played an Ibanez in the 80's, the X-series Destroyer. I currently have a Gio, unmodded, it's my second favorite guitar next to my Gretsch Electromatic. My son plays a Mikro. I would LOVE to own the JEM!

[@matibrandrock]

I want to get a jem, it's the most versatile guitar ever made in my opinion, I'm a big fan of strat style guitars but give it an HSH configuration and a floyd rose bridge and it's amazing, it's the perfect guitar for Steve Vai who is a wizard when it comes to the guitar, it's literally magical

[@ukiluser]

I can't believe how fast this channel is growing!

[@tonyvermeer7409]

I have an 88'. The clear coat, on the tip of my headstock, about fingernail size, chipped off. Under it was a fabric-type material with thread edges that may have frayed more if I had not repaired it with clear epoxy.

[@gmlasam]

Me McKnight I remember back in the early 80s Kramer Guitars were using Bass wood on most of their mass produced guitars specially the Kramer Pacer series. I had a Pacer Imperial with two hum buckets and an original Floyd rose term that had a bass wood body. Kramer was building these guitars way before ibanez endorsed Steve vai and making the Jem guitars

[@punishmentdue73]

You have become one of my favs on here.

[@srv3355]

You always have very entertaining videos, thanks a lot for the effort!

[@TheRbruin10]

I own an Ibanez S320 obviously not as fancy and high end as the JEM or an RG but its fascinating how some of the design/parts such as the tremolo on my guitar orginated from the JEM guitar 1987. Thats pretty awesome im glad I bought an Ibanez and hopefully I can include an RG or JEM in my collection

[@mciver47]

All new to me and very interesting, thanks from SoCal

[@AJgeartalk]

Always fascinating stuff!!! Thanks Phil. Really enjoy your channel.

[@glennhecker4422]

I used to own a first-year model (1987) Ibanez RG550; fluorescent yellow with a black pickguard; humbucker/single/humbucker pickup configuration; maple neck. Bought it brand-new in August 1989. Had to pawn it earlier this year for financial reasons, and it sold in TWO DAYS. That freakin' hurt. I miss that guitar desperately, and I wish I had a dollar for every time I fell asleep with her lying across my chest. Her name was "Roswell" -- "Roz" for short. I even had a thematic guitar strap for her, with alien heads and "Roswell - DANGER - KEEP OUT" along the front of the strap. I miss her.

[@johnmcchavs]

Thanks for taking an idea I submitted, it's cool to feel special, even if I sure was not the only one wanting to hear about the Jem ;)

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you for reaching out and giving suggestions.

[@kikekluver]

Hi, one of the most important things about the particular model you've played in this video, the floral pattern is actually part of the courtesy of steve's recording studio, so, You can see that is a piece of courtain

[@TheSammyreynolds]

I want one of the green ones so badly. Good stuff I only knew a couple of those things. I learn something from you every time I watch your vids.

[@Rezparviz]

I have a dead mint one . You want to buy it ?

[@TheSammyreynolds]

Appreciate the offer but I can't pay that kind of money for one. Last time I looked, they were going for about $4,000

[@Rezparviz]

sammy reynolds they are going for about 7500. Check ebay

[@TheSammyreynolds]

Rez Parviz Nobody in their right mind would shop ebay. Check Reverb

[@Rezparviz]

sammy reynolds check reverb all you want .. this is not a white vai which they made a billion of.. how many mint green ones do you really think are out there ?

[@Lex10999]

Definitely want to see more like this :) Great video thanks :)

[@sowhat5150]

Didn't know these. Makes me want to buy a Jem.

[@Martin_Aldana]

My favorite guitar Is a Les Paul, but Steve Vai it's right it isn't a signature guitar, the bussiness model is way different, cause the Jem was always thinking, for Ibanez part, to mass producing and sell it using Vai's name as a hook.

[@symonf1966]

I don't think I knew any of this. Thanks for posting.

[@marleybengson3758]

nice floral jem, sounds great. i thought the fabric under the finish would take away some resonance but it doesn't seem so. great vid!

[@davidb5607]

Jem is the best plating and sounding guitar in the world if you know how to set it up and use it!

[@RajShekhar-jy2zi]

@Angel yeah there is , in his opinion . Calm down

[@robertrowan9893]

I know one thing for sure, I'm plain crap at playing guitar and have long since given up trying to emulate my heroes. But we all have talents and as such can still listen to venerable talents like Mr Vai without too much of a grudge that we are not all physically born equal. And what's more, I can similarly respect great design and innovation when and where I find it. With that in mind, I respect this vid for highlighting that...kudos.

[@LocoDirewolf]

I have a '88 777 DY and it is by far my favorite guitar that I have owned or played. I've modified it slightly though. I've replaced the tone with a q filter from Bill Lawrence. I replaced the pickups with a Darkburst in the bridge and a Crossroads in the neck from WCR. They really open up the guitar's tone, much better than the stock DiMarzio's.

[@7stringbassist]

Cool video. I'll admit to not reading through a couple of hundred comments before reading this, but it was Steve Blucher at DiMarzio which came up with the switch, not Ibanez! Despite what others have said, the floral pattern is curtain fabric that Steve had in his house!

[@HatOnAHat]

Great video and super fascinating! I didn't know the reason for inventing the tremolo.

[@musictechnique]

Another great video Phil. Very interesting. Thanks man!

[@TheDyingScotsman]

Unfortunately mostly wrong

[@armankussman2120]

One fact : Steve vai has stated that the design on the jem is from a set of curtains he had in a appartment in New York and he also has a swirl series with his own blood mixed in hence the DNA swirl

[@WickedFesterBand]

That's some great information there ..... as always! Thanks Phillip!

[@spoofyshamrock]

The floral pattern is actually fabric from the curtains Steve had back then, laminated on guitar body!

[@matthewpaluch777]

#8 The original inspiration for the jem was Steve's 'Green Meanie' custom Charvel.

[@oliverjames7315]

Hey Philip :) love the videos, very well researched and delivered. a few questions if you don't mind. does all this lovely kit belong to you? and which is your favourite ever jem?

[@drinkspecials]

great videos!!! long time watcher First time comment . thx man!

[@jamyyoung]

The inlays in the jem react to fluorescent light. Get a black light and check it. No need for fret lights.

[@davidb5607]

Quit looking at the fret board and just play. Someday you will grow and everything will be fine.

[@tipodearriba]

in fact it doesn't, every white thing in a dark stage will react to fluorescent lights and UV light

[@mrnegronis]

I like the pumpkin orange with blue pickups on your wall.

[@davidb9706]

i'll stick with my esp horizon standard. 24 frets...duncan pickups...volume pot switches the coils...floyd rose....the thing is amazing and it isn't anyone's signature guitar. i also have a strat, les paul, and a 52 tele but the esp is probably the one i grab most often. i agree with a lot of you that the ibanez for some reason...even the expensive ones just kinda seem cheap to me and i have no idea why.

[@stephenzaborski8656]

i was a huge fan of Ibanez in the 80's;had '83 DT500,'74 glued in neck/gold hardware Les Paul custom copy,87 Roadstar II.then in the '90s,they moved the volume knob closer to the bridge and it interfered with my muting.then they started changing the 'Edge'tremolo in areas that decreased its effectiveness.then farming out to korea,malaysia.they look great,but dont feel right.they lack...something.oh well,sorry to rant you tubers.Neat video!

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

I own a 7VWH but I hardly play it. Turns out a cheap Melody Maker is my favorite guitar!

[@bobwallace9814]

That white Melody Maker that Joan Jett plays was the same one used by Eric Carmen. She saw it, liked it and asked for it.

[@drewsuchodolski5176]

You had to work at Hoshino for about a year I think before you were allowed to do QC inspections on the Jem's and JS's and maybe the Prestige line as well, but that's going back 13 or 14 years now. Just a bit of FYI if anyone cares. Used to work there.

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

Phillip.....I had a Floral print Jem 77 and so many years ago I called Joe and asked him about the JEM.. He told me the JEM was his idea originally ..He said J...is for Joe ..E is for Electronics or Electrical .and M is for Mechanical or Motors ..can't remember ...He called the Middle single coil pick up ..An Equalizer. and he mentioned that the pickup switch changed to many more tones than the 5 way switch. I think he said something like 24 tones. Joe was a grade school friend of Steve Vai and Joe called him Stephen..

[@barrypwalkerable]

Great video. Best video you've done to date 👍

[@eightupsf]

#8 The original JEM floral print is the most beautiful guitar on earth. I'd like one with current tech and body updates (and a 5-piece neck), and any pink changed to green. :)

[@Chrisbell804]

Mine is the original blue floral pattern

[@theheadlessguitarist1]

I love the 2015 bfp, myself. That is my ultimate dream guitar, at least in 6-string design.

[@Chrisbell804]

Vigier Excalibar?! 🎸🎭🥁🕊🏴‍☠️😎

[@alexmalmstrom7299]

You forgot to mention that the art work on the front, back and head is actually silk and lacquered . You didn't mention the input jack angled to allow the lead to go straight over the strap lock. The pop out tremolo arm which stays in any position thanks to the plastic grommet . Apart from that. An awesome video ✨👌🏻🎶🎶

[@JamesJohnson-hb1me]

Wow, I appreciate the Jem a lot more now, thanks! How about 5 things you did not know about the Guild Jetstar and the Guild Jetstar Bass? I suppose you could include the Thunderbird as well, but everyone knows that guitar already!

[@Satchmoeddie]

Bass wood was used for duck decoys, and for model railroad kit wood, because the grain is so incredibly tight and consistent. Ibanez als has better posts than standard Schaller Floyd Rose posts.

[@andythegreek4456]

Steve,s Flower pattern jem guitar was made from fabric that he used for curtians in his New York condo

[@morano3382]

In 1989 Ibanez released the Jem 777VDY and Jem 777VSK featuring the scallop on the last 4 frets but on the thinner RG550 Wizard neck instead of the original Jem 777 neck. The Jem 777LNG is like holding a baseball bat compared to the 89 models. Also worth pointing out only 777 of the LNG's were made, all hand numbered and signed by Steve Vai.

[@mentula3784]

Nice vid! Several new facts learned, thank you very much

[@NebulaShadow_]

Man, that guitar is beautiful. Thanks for the informative videos you produce! Learned a lot from you. If you had a budget of $1,000 USD, what combo amp would you buy for metal that has decent cleans as well?

[@artheen4713]

Contrary to what many may think, most metal amps tend to do cleans very well - much more so than your typical blues/rock/country amps, which tend to be rather colored. The need for honest clean is because in metal, you don't want to end up with a crunch sound where you can't distinguish the notes, especially not if you feed the amp an already distorted signal. So the good answer is "almost all of them". When approaching $1000, I'd consider breaking it up into head and cab, though. Easier to upgrade, easier to carry, and more choices. Good luck!

[@keithwilliams2592]

I love almost everything about my Jem (especially the playability) except the fact that it is made of Basswood. Basswood is fine, but I find the tone a bit thin. My alder guitars have much fatter fuller tone. And I think it says quite a bit that one Jem that is made of Alder the Jem7V is the one that Steve plays almost all of the time. I think that the decision to make the rest of them basswood was probably more an Ibanez thing than a Vai thing.

[@ajpeagle]

it was a combination of features from a Soloist and his modified green Charvel with the string off the body hight of a Fender strat because Steve didn't like the neck angle on either of these. The fingerboard was extended to 24 frets and the neck heel position was kept the same as on green meanie ( original square heel )for familiarity rather than just a longer neck and a heel reposition as it is now. it had a bridge cover so you could rest your hand on it without going sharp but it contravened a Kahler copyright and had to be removed after only the first ones. The neck had the same profile as a Charvel strat with 6100 frets not the 6105 it has now. Some JV squires from 82 had Basswood bodies also built by Fujigen.