Ibanez Jem Jr Long Term Review and Critical Issue Fix

The Ibanez Jem Jr. is a nearly-unbeatable value! It has so much great stuff included at a basement price--how could you recommend anything else for an intermediate level guitar? Well, it has one MAJOR critical issue you will need to see before you buy. And I'm going to show how to fix it! A must see for anyone struggling with their Jem Jr guitars.
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[@ThePedroDB]

The Jem Jr can be a decent guitar. Especially with a little work/extra finishing at home. However QC at the Factory is variable so many owners report that the paint finish in body cavities etc. and quality of fretwork etc. isn't consistent. If buying in a store, try a few and pick the best one. The Trem is definitely the weak point but can be improved. People love upgrading their Jr's but I don't see much point in spending lots to try and recreate a Jem 7V-WH. IMO it makes more sense to save the extra money in the first instance and buy a used Premium Jem. The Jem70V-SFG is still the best 'bang for the buck' and is fitted with the Dimarzio Evo pups and original Edge Tremolo as standard. The same units Mr. Vai uses... Contrary to your comment the best/most popular replacement Tremolo for the Jem Jr is the Gotoh 1996T. It's made from high quality materials and is a direct replacement. My only minor 'criticism' of the 1996T is that the baseplate is a slightly different shape and so doesn't fit the body cavity quite as perfectly. I bought 'my' Jem Jr mildly used for approx. 40% MRRP and didn't want to spent huge amounts upgrading it. I made two cheap mods to the Trem that I can recommend. Softer Noiseless springs (provide a much more sensitive/delicate trem action) and a 33m Brass Block (improves the sustain of the guitar massively). My son has been abusing the guitar for a couple of years now without the need to sharpen knife edges... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ar002012]

So much info, so much effort. Really appreciated. Hope this vid can have more likes as it is so helpful too.

[@briw4647]

I agree with what you said. I also have no issue with the tuners as its a locking nut. I replaced the bridge system with a genuine floyd rose, keeping the original pegs on mine . The frets on mine were perfect. No issue with posts but clunky switch. But it works

[@DuplexIty1421]

planning to get a JEMJR in the future as my 2nd guitar, thank you for this informative video

[@brucecampbellx]

Excellent video. My white jr. still stays in really good with moderate trem usage. My plan is to drop a gold Gotah 1996t in it eventually. Love that gold on white look. Thanks for sharing!

[@jtyoung706]

You should soften the edges of the post and just barely touch the fulcrum points on the trem plate. Remove burrs and give a light oiling that gets wiped off. That should prolong the wear life of the trem plate ...I did this to a Pacifica years ago and it still plays great to this day! By years ago I mean 14 years and it still maintains tune unless you break a string.

[@ericsyre9418]

Never run a file on any kind of metal when you're close to you pick-ups. You'll get a lot of metal shards sticking to the magnets of the pick-ups.

[@leohobbleohobb3781]

Got the same guitar and you are correct about the frets.I could feel it easy.Used about 45 min polishing the frets.A great neck i think.I am designing a type trem that act like a fixed bridge but when press the trem arm you can dive or raise the tone similar to floyd rose but with a different arm to trem mechanichs.

[@diyguitarists5069]

I think we'd all be interested in seeing your new trem design. Good luck!

[@nirbhaysaini9578]

Thank You for this video. I was planning to get the jem jr

[@noncomplacent]

You had some good info in this video but maybe in the future, you could give the info in about 1/3 of the time. Other than that, it was pretty helpful. Good luck with your channel.

[@ReneeNme]

Agreed. He strung this video out for an awfully long time. I mean, geez.

[@alanpriest5047]

Isn't that the case with alot of KZbin videos? People take so long to say so little. I don't get it. In a world where people's attention spans are getting less and less why do people have to pontificate so much?

[@ReneeNme]

@@alanpriest5047 👍

[@PhillipeDantas]

I just speed up in 2x

[@matthewwalker8521]

It may have something to do with your attention span mate !!! I found it just fine 🤟

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

Beautiful guitar, great sound. I have the Pink one w/Fishman Fluence Classic Pickups, very versatile. Have no problem with the Trem System.

[@SkyAvila983]

just wait for it...

[@taylorfusion]

New subscriber!. Thanks for covering working on the knife edges …I’ve never seen a video on that before… you made it look very easy. I’m gonna check to see if you’ve got a video on the Floyd Rose set up and tuning but I saw a video done by Steve Vai‘s tech and love his approach: put the ball end at the tuner side. That totally was a game changer for me in terms of tuning stability.

[@diyguitarists5069]

Just change out the bridge. Most anything will be better than stock. The Schaller has been rock-solid for ages now. The Gotoh 1996 is cheaper though and should work great too.

[@DoublePups]

Finally someone who talks about the frets and the bridge. I've got the exact same problems on mine, including the paint, but that's not a big deal. I want to replace the bridge with a Schaller but I'm still thinking if the cost is worth it considering the guitar's price.

[@martinroskilly9994]

Well, at least youre not going to spend 4-5K on a real Jem777. I think the Schaller Floyd Rose would be a great addition - I remember them being great on the Jackson Guitars.

[@danaeverhart6487]

You kinda missed the real flaw in this guitar which I also own! Yes the frets were needing polishing bad. Yes the tone pot is really limited. Yes the paint has thin spots. The biggest flaw is the Indonesian”pot metal” tremolo block is pure total crap! By replacing the existing tremolo block with a 37mm Big Bell Brass block solves the No Sustain problem, which it’s biggest problem! Also adding a total of (5) (Silent) quality vibrato springs for perfect 0-point return is a must! ⭐️Key point⭐️Nut sauce on the fulcrum pivots will highly reduce the wear of the bridge and almost guarantee 0-point return. Last most important! Buy a String Streacha! $12.00 plus shipping. It stretches all six strings equally (without) damage! ⭐️It Will Stay In Tune!!! Even with .008’s -.036 Roto-Sound Greens.

[@maxammo6282]

No the only real fix for this thing is to throw it in the garbage those bridges are made out of inferior metal you said it yourself. The metals not hardened not heat treated whatsoever. Plus the post are made of the same garbage metal. The metal has to be heat treated for it to be hardened.

[@danaeverhart6487]

@@maxammo6282 we agree on the Piece ‘o shit bridge. After many hours of searching, this beautiful china doll is just that A FOURFOOTAMORE! Looks great from 4 foot or more! PeAce ☮️ Max ( the string STREATCHA ) is a great product! Try one ☝🏻 $ 13.00 clams plus the Uncle Sam’z part .

[@danaeverhart6487]

@@maxammo6282 you’ve got my vote Max!!

[@danaeverhart6487]

After many more hours with this beast, it’s finally coming together. I think pick-ups would be a good upgrade due to being stereophonic and the 5 way switch is crap like you said. An all parts will fix that cheap enough. What do you expect from Indonesia made instruments@ $550 -$600 usd with case included

[@AliensWanted]

A silicon coating on the post edge - Consider also a small buffer - which will solve that completely. I've even replaced the posts with different posts. It's less the knife edge on the tremolo than it is the posts. I've seen guys put rubber on the posts, which mutes the tone somewhat, but completely eliminates the problem. The point it to remove the metal on metal aspect and not affect the tone. Even porcelain would be better than metal.

[@danyarger]

Apply Vaseline with a Q-tip on the Trem posts and the knife edges wont wear out. Take it from another Jem Jr owner. Replace the nut block screws when they strip out. I got mine for free when I asked the guitar tech nicely at Guitar Center. That saved me after I discovered a Gotoh didn’t fit because the original Ibanez nut mounting screws into the nut wasn’t perfectly centered. I didn’t want to fill and redrill new nut mounting screw holes.

[@billybat5790]

Most cheap Floyds usually start giving issues after a few years of owning them. I had to put a gotoh 1996t on my Jackson Kelly since the Floyd special kept breaking my strings randomly from the trem. The posts are longer than a original Floyd but I put credit cards underneath the bridge when I switch strings since I can’t turn the posts to unclench/clench the strings. Works like magic

[@diyguitarists5069]

Broken strings at the bridge can also be from burrs on the saddles. A light filing can help with that.

[@arlleyg3]

Awesome review, So much of great informations!!!!!

[@diyguitarists5069]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-me5fh3yu1j]

Got one used a few days ago. The trem isn’t super stable and the electronics are a little wonky, but that neck and middle position is sooo tasty.

[@BuHeTy]

Yep! On my cheap RG270 I do the same and sometimes put some lubricant.

[@user-fb2jb3gz1d]

I love my 270, with shark tooth inlays. It has the string thru type trem. I have no issues with tuning. Can't explain it but it actually sounds great as is. And plays awesome. Best $150 I spent on a guitar

[@josephnazari688]

I don’t think those are Gotoh on the import models. Gotoh was the OEM manufacture of the more sought after original edge, edge lo pro bridges typically found on the ibanez out of the fujigen factory in Japan, those had interchangeable knife edges that were solid steel and locking trem posts, and were made out of a dense cast metal. After market Gotoh floyd trems like the 1996 are very high quality as well and some of the nicest you can get. They are all hardened solid steel, including the base plate, with a brass block, and also feature locking trem posts. Those Floyd’s on the Indonesian and Korean ibanez Guitars are mostly zinc and pot metal, and are thinner as well. The same with some of the 90’s Jackson’s with the takeuchi trems. Not at all like the gotohs

[@diyguitarists5069]

You might be right. I really liked the original edge trems. Except I remember everyone broke the pop-in trem arms like they were make of pretzels or something. We used to joke they should sell replacements in 5 packs. I have heard the Gotoh 1996 both is and isn't a drop-in replacement. I don't know which to believe. It's about the stud spacing. I will try it one day.

[@SkyAvila983]

@@diyguitarists5069 a gotoh 1996 fits perfect, I know cause I have one, ordered from ebay.

[@HenryMusic255]

Hey bro, great video! I was wondering though, does the steve Vai Black/white signature Jem have the same bridge as your yellow Jem?

[@davidyoung8875]

i've got the white one left handed and it is amazing. the tremolo works perfectly. dimarzio quantum pickups. the frets were smooth as silk the neck is slick and fast. this guitar can do anything.

[@DoktorDamage]

No way dude! I have the exact same left handed one as you too. Mine is also great as well. I agree about your points. Mine is just as good. Love mine !!!

[@baphometazrael1892]

It’s a neat guitar, I’ll say that much. I have a friend who I got into guitar this past winter, gave him the pros and cons of all the guitar brands sold in town (Fender, Jackson, Gibson, PRS, Ibanez) and we went to the Ibanez store mainly cause I’ve known the guy there for years and he does for a bit to. And he saw this and wanted it instantly. I did have him try the other stuff there (Gibson’s, used fender strats) and he liked this more for the neck thickness which YES is thin but that’s my complaint with it, the Wizard2/3s are dumb thick (19/21mm) and I’ve got a guitar with (RG465M) but it doesn’t get played because of that. I prefer the Wizards on my 550s/Jems (which the old ones almost the same size at 18/20ish.) But the new 565 I just got with the 17/19, no looking back. The tremolo… it’s not great but it’s not bad. I will say if you wanna do more tremolo work, get a Gotoh 1996T, designed and made by the same people who do the best one (Edge) and it’s just as good if not the same. The pickups are great for the price, they make noise. Oh and the most glaring issue. ITS NOT DESERT SUN YELLOW!! WHY!! It’s freaking cheddar cheese yellow. Which is a good yellow yes but it’s paying homage to the original 777 and it looks off. The other JR got Shocking Pink I mean… I mean looking at this from a “beginner is gonna buy this, it’s cool” I think that’s great. If your looking at this from this point of view. If your wanting a JEM style guitar to mod, I think it’s great. A lot of people are doing JR mods and even making like Floral JRs, Swirl JRs, LNG JRs, etc, idk

[@TUUK2006]

"we went to the Ibanez store". LOL

[@RickordProductions]

A trem setter will fix that tremelo issue. After I put one on mine the tuning stability has been impeccable and I abuse my whammy bar at almost every gig because I do play in an 80's band where I do a lot of 80's shred. My Jem Jr. has been my main guitar now since I got it back in December.

[@fredzeppelin3969]

Mine seemed excellent, I bought a "Jr." because it travels with me in a semi truck, and taking a $3K axe on the road seemed risky. I had it set up by a pro. About a year later, the 2nd fret started pulling up under the high E and B strings, causing a sitar sound when fretting anything on the 1st fret, high E or B string. I have previous experience with the lower level Ibanez tremolos, and fully expect the knife-edges to get boogered up over time, a sore spot with me.

[@ryanjones4150]

I like your user name. I remember back in the 80's, Neal Schon and Sammy Hagar released an album under the name : H.S.A.S. and the 2-word review that I read for it, I think in Musician magazine was "Fred Zeppelin".

[@scott1986]

I have this guitar graffiti yellow too... I change the pickup with DIMARZIO EVOLUTION, GOTOH Tunes and Shaller floyd rose.... I want change the electronics please can you write the pieces you used in your guitar? thanks

[@toddmerriott6901]

Dropped a Floyd original in mine and it’s amazing, I know it hurts to spend the doe but you love it afterwards and hate it if you don’t

[@navrasicsi]

From now on I appreciate more the ZR bridge with ball bearing in my Ibanez. :)

[@ryanjones4150]

Great video. I have been watching so many guitar reviews on KZbin. I want to get a nice guitar, and there are a lot of options in this price range. The one question I have that I hope someone has an answer for is : If I buy this guitar and at some point have these trem issues, and I want to buy an expensive Floyd to upgrade it, will it drop in ?

[@itaiitai8960]

how the nut hold? i ordered titenuim screws for 4$ just for fun im sure its gonnabe overkill

[@TheDarkmore]

The major flaw: it badly needs green vol+tone pot caps! I think the Gotoh trem will fit and that is the best locking trem out there, so much extras like, brass block, rounded saddles, push-in trem arm.

[@Neshek023]

It does. But don't forget the studs. Otherwise it solves nothing kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZXOnaOceNOIn8ksi=O5jhFvQqfW6nqwBD

[@josephkaneaster1053]

I do enjoy my pickups too lmao they sound good almost like quantum pickups I like this tone a lot

[@zenyattamondatta8505]

I bought this guitar last week ...fir the price its amazing...bought it because I'm a vai fan ....I have no issues...great video ..but do t get why he needs to do this ...buy the expensive version ..job done

[@sudan47]

Great video, sir !!

[@diyguitarists5069]

Glad you liked it.

[@RotterStudios]

Once you setup the intonation on the trem it won't go out of tune.

[@marinosvafeiadis2655]

Great video! I'm looking to purchase this guitar soon, probably the pink version! I am wondering is it just the knife edges that wear down or also where they press against on the posts?

[@diyguitarists5069]

Seems to be both the knife edges on the trem and posts themselves wear out. I replaced both the trem and the posts and don't have problems anymore. Worth the effort.

[@Kenan2730]

Maybe you should try to lubricate those knife edges with some kind of solid lubricant like grease oil to decrease the speed of abrasion. Little drops of it will be adequate.

[@jovanradojkovic5167]

Thank you for a great video man.

[@diyguitarists5069]

Glad you liked it!

[@Scottocaster6668]

I have a 2016 Jem Jr with hardshell case, I'll let go for 500. It's been professionally set up, etc, but I don't care for floating trems, so it's been blocked with a Hipshot Tremsetter. It's white with pearloid tuning knobs. Not the pickguard They actually look really nice on it. Plays great, I'm just heavy handed and I'm more used to my Wolfgang.

[@diyguitarists5069]

I don't like floating trems at all, but they are part of the fun of the Jem Jr. The hipshot helps for sure but it's not perfect, and I don't really like the "notch" in the smooth travel when it passes the zero point. But that's common for all the trem stabilizers I've tried, and I've tried a bunch.

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@diyguitarists5069 No, it's not perfect, but they do work ok. Jem's are pretty much for shredding and a light touch, palm wise. It is a beautiful guitar though. Thanks 👍.

[@MemoriesRR]

Good presentation. Thank you.

[@diyguitarists5069]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoeR203]

I wish they still offered it in Green. I got the Yellow for $424. It was marked as a "Blem". The monkey grip wasn't sanded. No big deal. Pickups are awesome. Great harmonics when used with a BOSS 7 band EQ pedal. The Tremolo does suck. The bar won't stay tight and the thing goes out of tune like crazy. I just ordered a Gotoh GE-1996T so hopefully that'll improve things. I did add Green knobs and a Pink cap on the pickup selector switch. I just need to get some Pink paint for the claw.

[@diyguitarists5069]

Don't remember a green junior. That would've been great.

[@JoeR203]

@@diyguitarists5069 I believe they offered one when they first came out.

[@Havanacuba1985]

I never recall a LNG junior

[@andremertube]

suggestion: apply a little w40 spray to the post. no more issues.

[@SkyAvila983]

Replacing the whammy to a Gotoh gives that guitar more sustain and better tone. Original trem is really bad on a jem jr. It also need a fret job...

[@RiffRsff]

I fitted a Ghoto teen system on mine for £150 now I have had no issues for a longtime with tuning stability

[@diyguitarists5069]

Did you do the gotoh replacement yourself? Were there any problems people should know about?

[@RiffRsff]

@@diyguitarists5069 had no issues with the term except I didn’t fit the gotoh term posts as I didn’t want to drill the guitar. Other than that it was perfect.

[@simonefischetti4064]

Ibanez Jem jr indo 2018 vs Jem 555 korea 2008?

[@guitarextravaganza8561]

Nice job !!

[@jjcasano]

when I got mine the jack was shorted, the tuning post were all loose, and the frets are sharp on the edges of all the frets! I fixed the jack and tightened up the tuning posts. still haven't smoothed out the edges of the frets. other than that I do like the guitar.

[@diyguitarists5069]

The jack and tuning posts are easy fixes and maybe can be blamed on vibrations when shipping, I suppose. The fret ends are usually weather/clamate related. They don't dry out the wood as well as they used to. But still, the guitar is a good value and pretty fun.

[@unclebigkid1020]

What size are the Pivot screws that comes with this Guitar as my bridge pivot is damaged thanks ☺️🎸

[@diyguitarists5069]

I replaced the posts with the ones from the Schaller unit and they fit perfectly. So you can probably just order new posts compatible with Floyd Rose trems from Stewmac. Just get whatever is a direct replacement for FR.

[@benjamin-papa]

In Australia at my local the pink gem jr premium is $1,200 , what??

[@wjbecker4]

I installed a spring loaded stop. Less than 30$. Is extremely stable! Up and down bends.

[@diyguitarists5069]

I found the spring loaded stops add a significant "notch" to movement. They are certainly more stable, you are right, but they change the smooth action of the trem. Had one in for 20 years maybe before it annoyed me though.

[@carlosclaptrix]

Same. I just didn't want to have the tuning like an equation with 5 variables. I don't do flutters and such, where you need a free floating thing.

[@d.andrews6687]

Thank you for making this video! If you set the trem up to be dive-only, the sharpness of the knife edge doesn't matter anymore, correct? If dive-only, I would assume the trem springs will always pull the trem back to zero, but I'd like to know your thoughts.

[@diyguitarists5069]

If you set up for dive only, the quality of the knife edges will have less impact. That is how almost all my guitars are set up because there is no way I want to play live with a floating trem. But, the Jem is really designed for nutty tremolo work and it seems a shame to lock it down. In the follow up video I just replaced the whole tremolo for much improved stability.

[@d.andrews6687]

Thank you!

[@maxmustardman298]

those trem stop units work wonders if you intend to dive only with it

[@intergalacticpimp8683]

The Gotoh GE1996T is about the best bang for the buck trem out there. It holds up to the OFR. Gotoh makes the high end Ibanez Edge trems, so they’re good stuff. The TRS is not made by them, but by Takeuchi.

[@megablasterboc7474]

I didn't have an issue with the Ibanez trem at all on my Jem Jr., but I did have an issue with the quantum pickups! I think they're trash and not good for much. However your options are limited for switching out pickups because the body route is extremely *shallow making it difficult to install any decent potted humbucking replacement pickup. I suppose you could try increasing the route depth but it could be *risky.

[@Patrick-857]

Throw a Gotoh GE1996T on it. Make sure you use the posts that come with the new unit.

[@eric_casper5150]

Thanks for the info!!!!

[@diyguitarists5069]

You bet!

[@wolftribeproductions]

Mine stays in tune, but i dont touch the tremolo much

[@ToddGillespie1977]

Have you ever worked with an Ibanez zero pro 2? I think they might have a couple easy fixes if there are issues but you know your stuff and I’m interested to see if you’ve messed with one

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I love the Edge Zero 2 in my RG1XXV.

[@ryant3600]

Yeah In order for Ibanez to keep these Indo made Rg's at the same price point as they have been forever it seems, they have to cut costs in different places, which a big cost cut is the horrible DL Trem. but thank goodness Ibanez decided to make that Trem compatible to direct swap w/ Real Floyds/Schallers/Gotoh's. So easy upgrade. All of my Indo made RG's that come w/ the DL gets swapped immediately.. Matter of fact when i order a new guitar, I also order a Trem. And I usually always eventually swap the tuners for locking only cause it makes changes so much easier.

[@jazzymcgee2273]

I just bought this same guitar and am looking to upgrade to a floyd rose. Do you have a recommendation on which one to get? I don't want to buy one that's incompatible or the nut size is way off

[@diyguitarists5069]

I have a video on this coming up. The concerns are post width and trem block height. The posts need to be 74 mm wide. The trem block looks to be around 34 mm tall. German Floyds (Schaller made) don't have a 34 mm block available. They have 32 and 37 mm available. I tried the 37 and it did not work. You will see this in the video. I had to do some work to get my Schaller trem to work, but it does work. It works very well. As for the nut, the closest Schaller-made nut is maybe the R8. However, I think Gotoh makes a nut that is closer in size and string spacing. I kept the existing nut in place for now. All this, failures and all, will be in the video.

[@ryant3600]

@@jazzymcgee2273 I used original German made Floyd Rose original. Fits right in, even on the posts already there, but the posts that come w/ the floyd fit perfectly as well.

[@jazzymcgee2273]

@DIY Guitarists I've heard that the floyd rose 37 mm blocks do fit but you have to keep that back cover off. Heard it adds sustain using the bigger block? Im looking forward to the vid!

[@jazzymcgee2273]

@@ryant3600 are the specs on the vintage german floyd any different from the current ones?

[@olafdiers3613]

Did you change the Pickups ? I don't like the Quantum PU's so much .....

[@Neshek023]

I put evo's in and the Quantums are better.

[@nigellacey559]

great review

[@diyguitarists5069]

Thanks!

[@yohd3rd212]

As i look from Ibanez site. Since 2018 they are using Jatoba wood for fretboard. Any review for that type of wood? I'm a Ebony/rosewood guy. Thanks.

[@diyguitarists5069]

I don't think anyone would choose the jatoba over rosewood, but I don't have any real complaints. It looks a bit like pao ferro to me, but it doesn't bother me. Can't speak to tone since I don't have a Jem with anything else. As someone pointed out, if you don't like the looks, you can always stain the neck darker for pretty cheap.

[@yohd3rd212]

@@diyguitarists5069 i saw people trying to do the "ebonizing" thing. But no one show how to clean the inlays from stain. Given to this Jem its kinda complicated for so much details going on.

[@elitejams]

thing i hate about this axe is the trem....they could have easily put an edge(gotoh) bridge on there instead of that shitty trs....might bring the price up fifty bux. The frets are no surprise with regards to being unpolished...easy fix with steel wool and elbow grease. The edge bridge is made by gotoh.... the trem u have is made by Takeuchi. Put the gotoh(edge) bridge in it....same as vai. I have a 1990 rg 550 dx with the original edge bridge and it still stays perfectly in tune after 30 years....and yes, i use the bar a lot.

[@leohobbleohobb3781]

What diameter did the volum and tone pot,s?.I dont mean the pot axel diameter but the pot it self.My experience is a bigger diameter give a volum range with "more steps in it"Hard to explain.Also think they last longer if quality brand.

[@diyguitarists5069]

The diameter of the CTS pots I used is 3/8 inch or about 10mm shaft. The body is about 15/16 inch or 24mm. But I think you might be thinking of the difference between audio and linear taper pots. Fender tends to use audio taper and Gibson tends to use linear taper. Google it for proper explanations. The size of the body probably won't affect the range or the "steps" so much.

[@leohobbleohobb3781]

@@diyguitarists5069 linear vs logaritmiske pots.Agree that could be a factor. Those with big diameter last longer do to trace over a larger area is my experience.thanks for your input.Always more to learn.

[@bobandblackeyfanclubsucks]

I don't see the problem with it having burs sure doesn't look as nice but you can't see that part and maybe it doesn't make it feel as good but I don't care if there's a tiny scratch when I do a dive bomb

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

I just bought a Jem Jr. What trem would you recommend that I put in it?

[@diyguitarists5069]

I'm told the Gotoh 1996 is a direct replacement, but I can't verify the posts are spaced the same. I've heard both they are and aren't spaced properly. The Schaller and Floyd Rose are drop-in. The Gotoh is half the price though.

[@accentontheoff]

Thanks for this. Although, for someone who has a bit more of a budget, which Ibanez would you recommend. With or without tremolo.

[@intergalacticpimp8683]

Ibanez Genesis RG550 is about the best bang for buck out there. Made in Japan, high end Edge trem, for $1000. They are essentially the lowest end Ibanez Prestige which are not low end at all.

[@accentontheoff]

@@intergalacticpimp8683 Sorry to be a bore. But since posting this I have decided I don’t have the courage to deal with the tuning of an Edge tremolo. Would you know of something quality from Ibanez with a vintage style tremolo. Thanks!

[@dpajc056]

It's an Ibanez bridge. Get a Gotoh GE1996T 33mm block and it works amazingly MIJ quality plus it sounds better with it, lot more metallic

[@smithfield06]

great review, could i put a vega trem in a jem jnr

[@diyguitarists5069]

You can probably put anything in if you want to modify the guitar. But I'm not aware of a locking vega trem or one with fine tuners. Not recommended as such.

[@younkinjames8571]

Fret sprout is caused by low moisture levels in the air.

[@theopoiesis]

Thank you thank you!

[@diyguitarists5069]

You are so welcome!

[@Demka03]

Guys, any advices on what bridge I should put on this guitar?

[@diyguitarists5069]

Most any name brand bridge is an improvement. The Gotoh 1996t is popular and only $120/ish. It's hard to beat a real Floyd, but they are $200+. I would bet that even a Floyd 1000 or Floyd special would work fine too and those are always available used for cheap.

[@Demka03]

@@diyguitarists5069 preferably one that have same retainer bolts

[@1truechamp46]

This has probably been said, but too many comments to look through. That is not a Gotoh trem

[@diyguitarists5069]

It's not the retail Gotoh, but I think they still supply this junior version. But if I'm wrong, it's no big deal. Get the retail Gotoh and it'll be fine. Avoid the cheap trems from any brand and you'll be better off.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@diyguitarists5069 GOTOH had absolutely NOTHING to do with making that trem!

[@js100serch]

Damn, I mean for $500 dollares I would expect something better put together. So you really need to spend $1000+ on a guitar to just get something that works right out of the box. Think about this, you can buy a great Graphics card for $500, and it will work, you don't have to over clock it, or disassemble it to fix the fans or the thermal paste. You buy it you install it and you're good to go, guitars should be like that.

[@solotralafolla]

My one work very good after my setup.

[@jaydenperna9583]

How long until you started having the issue?

[@diyguitarists5069]

I wanna about 6 mos in I was having problems. However, this is not my main guitar and it sees light usage, so maybe factor that into the equation. It could happen sooner. But other people say their guitar is fine after owning it for a while, so maybe how you play matters too?

[@mikeskeins1981]

how high do you have pickups ? i play metal.

[@diyguitarists5069]

I have them at 4/64". Seems to work for me for most pickups.

[@davidyoung8875]

so it might be nutty?

[@gstube1]

Good are the best! Just not these cheap ones. Better to by the Jem with the good Floyd which in the end is probably cheaper.

[@hanten10]

I'm using my JEM for 10+ years before changing my bridge and I also have the same problem as you are that is the main reason for me to change the stock bridge

[@keemarcello1000]

The best thing would be to put an original Floyd Rose, but it costs 300 euros. I bought a new one for my Larrivee

[@szaesz8190]

NICE!!!

[@bradking1107]

Thanks so much for sharing hope you are well God loves you deeply Shalom 🤗🐼❤️✝️💐 Philippians 4:8

[@vince8081]

The bridge is the critical part of a guitar, you cannot buy a guitar with a bad floyd or bridge. That's silly because she's really beautiful.

[@diyguitarists5069]

Agreed.

[@jake100xx]

the neck is equally as important as the bridge, the budget ibanez models are usually bought for the nice wizard neck profile.

[@narayanacooper8571]

When you're talking about messing with the tuning, you're wrong. I set my own FR Trem Systems up so that I can change from D std to Drop C just by turning the low string fine tuner out from in, and just slightly adjusting the other 5 fine tuners without having to undo my locking nut. It CAN be done, if you set it up & tune it when restringing, to do that with. :)

[@philfrank5601]

Whatever dude, it probably sounds like shit. Not even a proper Floyd Rose does that, your trem angle would be all jacked up.

[@diyguitarists5069]

The fine tuners are designed with one whole step of range. I suppose with a D-tuna and using the maximum range of the tuners it might be possible. Might. But I suspect the guitar would at best be in tune only with itself and not to correct pitch. But who knows? We'd all love to see a video of that. It'd be awesome for me to be proven wrong. And it would help a heap of guitar players too.

[@gearhead762]

@@philfrank5601 i have been doing exactly what he said with Floyd Roses for years

[@94franz]

talking about bridge and crap material it seems to be common with made in Indonesia stuff. The bridge of my SR505 bass broke with no reason just like that. when the tech guys at my local guitar shop had a look at it they literally laughed their a**ses off ... btw most of those sr505 have the same problem apparently. so i was not just unlucky. just cheap parts

[@makaylagerald2797]

DO NOT discount the actual gotoh trems. They are the best trems on the market and the only trems I will have in my guitar. Get the gotoh ge1996t! What an incredible floyd copy. They outdid Floyd.

[@diyguitarists5069]

Hadn't intended to discount the proper Gotoh trems. In the follow up video, I recommended the Gotoh 1996 as a replacement. However, I'm hearing mixed reviews on how close a direct replacement it really is. Maybe I'll get one at some point and we'll see how it goes.

[@ahzhd423]

One of my string blocks literally ripped out when i pressed on a whammy and ripped out my low e string with it. Excellent guitar but the tremolo isn't great

[@diyguitarists5069]

The blocks in the bridge saddles should have a small hole for the allen screw to lock it into place. It's possible the parts don't line up right on the cheap stock trem. I believe that is what you mean. See my video where I replace the trem with a Schaller trem and it shows how this works. You might just have to be careful when locking the string in to make sure the allen screw fits into the hole in the block. But the best idea is to replace the trem completely.

[@kc_jones_gaming]

If you think detuning is tough, try changing guage 😅

[@diyguitarists5069]

You speak the truth! This is just part of the reason I avoid floating trems in general. But the Jem has to float--it's part of the fun!

[@kc_jones_gaming]

@@diyguitarists5069 I put 8s on my JEM jr. I have the same yellow one that I wanna mod someday with an arcade button killswitch

[@merkaba22]

Ibanez upgrade comparison video ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGepqnqbmLmXacU

[@nirbhaysaini9578]

please can you also do a trem review of ibanez rg350dxz

[@ThePedroDB]

I have an RG370DXZ and can highly recommend the Edge Zero 2 with ZPS. It' offers far better tuning stability and performance than the Standard DL Trem fitted to the Jem Jr. (I know, I have the Jem Jr. too....)

[@yawartzzband]

Simple change it to ibanez lo pro edge japan Floyd rose tremolo i fixed my now everything is fine

[@diyguitarists5069]

Agreed. It seems like it might be just pick your favorite trem and it will be better than the stock one. I wish it came with the first generation edge trem from the factory, but Ibanez doesn't care what I think. Ha!

[@yawartzzband]

@@diyguitarists5069 yeah Bro i have 4 guitars all Ibanez ,2 jem a good china copy and 2 rg series luckily i found some used original lo pro edge tremolo floyd rose japan second generation steve vai this store selling some parts its all fits in ibanez so untill now for more than 10 years i still use i never had a single one issue when it comes to bridge it always stay in tune ,,

[@lore5363]

I have the same Guitar... I think that Ibanez control quality is horrible. Mine arrived with extremely High action and i was obliged to remove 0.65 millimeters below the nut. I think ibz Is going bad. As comparison with another cheap Guitar, 2 years ago i bought and Epiphone afd Guitar and Is perfect in everithing. This Ibanez payed double of the Money has the half of the quality. Please note that in the Epiphone afd there Is an adesive with the name of the technician Who performed the QC. This said my 1991 Ibz RG350 (shaller Floyd rose...) remains the best ibz i have.

[@KaosII1968]

Ibanez DL trem is not made by Gotoh.

[@user-pu9qy9ey9c]

The problem is its not a REAL Jem! I know, I've got an original and unfortunately, it does make a noticeably big difference to play. The trem,No good,Tree of life.Plastic,I could go on,But I'm sure you know what mean!!! It took me years of going through cheaper guitars 🎸 before I finally got my Jem,and you'll end up getting a jem or Pia one day mate.Great playing though..,...!!!!

[@paulbateman81]

I still find knife edge terms very primitive engineering. I’ve always thought to build a proper front edge bearing them system. I’ve got a pretty good design down just never actually got to do it. Was always machining floyd blocks from brass, bronze, copper, steel and slight variations for trial and error.

[@squishy_princess]

you mean you want the Ibanez ZR Zero Point Ball Bearing Tremolo? there is already a patent on this ;D

[@JohnWiku]

ZR trem is great, it was just made with cheap pot metal that rusts. ZR-2 trem was fitted to the prestige models at the time, that one is made properly.

[@mbplove]

Seems like such a downgrade when compared to my RG350’s Edge Zero 2 trem..

[@diyguitarists5069]

Downgrade compared to most locking trems.

[@jim4588]

25:08 is the real details

[@ReneeNme]

Sorry, but you could have moved this video along a little bit faster.