Ibanez JPM: The world's most expensive Ibanez guitar?

[@SamuraiFingers]

And I forgot inflation for base price - I think these guitars, when new, we’re about $2500 in 1998, which is equal to about $4500 today. So taking that into account - it’s seems less “crazy” that people are asking for 10000-13000. That’s only a 4.492% annualized rate of return over 25 years standardizing for todays dollars if you look at it like an “investment” which I think many buyers of these 90th anniversary models did.

[@RodrigoCFD]

I own a JPM100 P2, made in 1997. To me what sets this guitar apart from other RGs is the neck profile. It's quite different from what you would expect from a flat-wide Ibanez neck: the JPM neck is rounder and narrower, closer to a Strat neck. Very similar to the first EBMM JP6 models (surely modelled after the Ibanez), but thinner - later EBMM made its necks wider and thinner, ironically closer to RGs. I put SS frets in my JPM, and I will never sell it, because it catches everyone's attention on the stage.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Agreed! Other than the beautifully unique finishes, the neck profile is what this guitar is all about to me! Thanks for watching!

[@nunyabusiness7927]

The value, as you said, is probably a combination of things - scarcity, JP's popularity, and maybe even a touch of inflation. 🙂 The one you have is my favorite version.

[@aelmorky]

Great video right here. I have a P2 and got it for a very reasonable price and I would say is my favorite of all my guitars right now. Considering that during my high school days this is my dream guitar. I guess the reason why these models are skyrocketing its prices is due to the fact that this is still a John Petrucci model and that they are still in demand but you can no longer get a brand new one since they discontinued models. But I would have to agree that some are really crazy when it comes to pricing. Your pricing is fair I would say. Cheers!

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Thanks very much for watching! Keep on rocking the P2! I had a P1 and P3 in years past and really miss them!

[@aelmorky]

@@PaulWarrenMusic for me this is my first JPM. That nostalgic feeling while looking at it brings me joy. This is the guitar I always see JP is playing while growing up and listening to their music, it’s this sound that’s reminiscent. Just a joy to have one and to play one.

[@ViktorLundberg]

Interesting video. I can't speak to why these are more popular now in terms of what people can get from them, maybe it's some current 90's nostalgia and us who were kids then perhaps have the money now. I have a JPM100 that I got last summer when it came up for sale here in Sweden. Paid about 3000 USD for it which felt fair. I love it and considering how much John Petrucci has meant to me as a player I'll never sell it. But the year before I got it I bought an Ibanez RG5320-CSW which has parts that are very similar (ebony board, offset dots, binding) and I had it wired with the dimarzio SS/Air Norton combo split in the middle and honestly, with the stainless steel frets etc it's actually a "better" guitar than the JP. Sounds exactly alike in tests as well. But beyond that, the JPM has a unique look and is a connection to my past and that's irreplacable for me. But great video and a stunning looking instrument :)

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

A P1 for $3k is great! Back around 2000 or so, I bought my P1 for $600 and a P3 for $700. Man the prices have really changed, ha. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@ArnulfVonMetz1]

In the 1995's I got the first version of the JPM for about 1000 Euros. If I had knowed that I had never sell it

[@GuillermoSmyser]

I got the other RG ART1 listing, not the one from Australia (they ended up canceling on me) and it has the same vibe as the JPMs I've played (I've also had a guitar with JPM stickers on a black body lol). I love that the ART1 is maple top with multiple colors. The JPM with multiple colors have no maple top and the one WITH a maple top is only 2 colors. Sometimes I'll just find myself staring at it. It must be like what people who pay a lot for fine art paintings feel.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

They're awesome! My ART1 was in incredible condition and I loved it. It was stupid of me to sell it. :) You've got a keeper for sure!

[@matthewonusz2953]

i am in the middle of making a replica so I have a great idea of the price of the parts. The bridge is about 300 bucks. The pickups are 100 a piece. The neck is the only thing I won't be able to replicate. I have to buy a RG maple neck with a rosewood fretboard and the dots all on top. That is gonna run me about 150 to 180. I am putting all Dimarzio electronics in it. I got the pots for 6 bucks each, the 3 way switch I found for 25 bucks and the input jack was about 3 bucks. I paid a little over 200 bucks for the Basswood body and Picasso paint job. I am gonna sand down the headstock and repaint it black with the 4" gold Ibanez logo and put a clear coat over it so it matches the P1. All together I will have spent about 800 building a replica. I am very happy with he way it looks now. More work to be done because I am poor and can't afford all parts at once. It will be a Replica JPM100 P1 whan I am done.

[@BillNiersbach]

Killer Guitar Paul!!! The value revolves around the collectability of that particular guitar, not the sum of the parts. The rarity of the quality of wood, as in the 90's you didnt have CITES coming down on every piece of wood being imported into the USA, so a guitar made today with the same exact components I would argue wont be as nice as one from 25-30 years ago. The other thing is that you have all the Petrucci fans that were poor musicians in the 90's that couldnt afford the guitar back then(it was what...3k new in 1998??) have dreamt of owning that guitar ever since then and are now in their 40's-50's and are making a LOT more money to where they "splurge on their Dream Guitar". One other consideration is not that there were only 450 ever made, its more how often do they come up for sale and also what condition are they in....if they only pop up for sale 3-4 times a year for a really nice one, its going to command a lot more. The one you see from NY Guitar Shop on reverb they state is a "Collectors Grade" guitar and they are asking over 13k for....they are fishing for a top of the market price for a guitar that you really dont know what the top of the market is.....its not like a 59 Les Paul where you have a definitive history of what they have gone for....its extremely speculative, and condition is the major driving factor for collectors.....its not a working musician that is the target customer for that guitar, its someone who has more money and just wants a collector piece that they can plink on when they arent working or raising kids. :D. Just IMHO of course.... Miss you bud, hope all is well!!

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Hope you're doing well Bill!!

[@KrlosRodz]

This would be over if Ibanez just released a replacement for it…meaning same woods (thicknesses), and same neck which is what you can’t get from an RG nowadays. And I believe the 90th anniversary just used a regular RG neck (check out THE VATICANTS video regarding this). The neck on the original P1, P2 etc was the best in comparison to what we can get nowadays. I had two P3’s neck was way different than any other RG. Ibanez could bank on this! Imagine something like a MPU3 (Model Petrucci Used 😅)

[@alezIV]

Hi there, here my two cents (considering I own a JPM90HAM full set - original hardcase and certificate): 1) in the last 15 years price market for JPMs is just getting crazy, to me is a combination of JP hype, JPMs actually rareness and the very particular graphic design of this specific model 2) considering each single part of the guitar (flame maple top, DiMarzio pick-ups, tremolo, gotoh tuners, ebony freatboard), I actually would pay something between 2500 and 3500€. However it must be noted the very high quality of the ebony of the fingerboard Of The JPM-90HAM, which can not be compared to actual macassar ebony (which is full of tawny grains, where JPM90HAM ebony is dark and homogeneous) Conclusion: JPMs are now a collector’s item, not just simple guitars so that they’re definitely under collector’s rules.

[@jonbuckley]

I still have the original JPM P1. It’s going for crazy prices. My father bought it for my 21st Birthday. I also recorded an album with it. So pretty much irreplaceable but some of these prices are tempting.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Wow, the JPM 90HAM and the ART-1. Both guitars I'm trying to get. You got good taste lol.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

I do regret selling the ART-1. I don't even remember what I sold it for, but I believe it was to finance getting a Suhr.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

@@PaulWarrenMusic any vids or pics with that art1? I actually bought that Australian art1 but he changed his mind at the last moment. Another art1 owner told him it should go for much more than he sold it to me… 😢 bias obviously.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

@@PaulWarrenMusic I got an RG ART-1 several months back from a different seller. Keeping an eye out for any JPM' Ham90's or P1's that are too convenient to pass up.

[@EthnHayabusa]

Guitar prices are just silly right now. I got a VBK Jem Body for like $150 a few years back, and a Jem77floral Neck for like $500. Wouldn't surprise me if someone was trying to get 4k for that pairing now. It makes no sense.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

I know!! I bought a desert yellow RG 550 on Ebay about 12 years ago for $300. Killer deals were out there!

[@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia]

Other thing, the pickups are flipped but correctly branded by Dimarzio. So even if they are flipped the Dimarzio logo reads properly. This was specially made for this model.

[@funkster007]

Had a brand new JP3 in my hands at Guitar Center back in '98. I almost walked out with it for $1100. The dealer shows up last minute and said it was on lay-away. They would order me another one for 100 bucks less. I declined and bought a PRS instead. lol They are remarkable guitars though. Not $10k remarkable, but still amazing. I still have an RG550 which is easily on par with any Ibanez sig.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

A new P3 for $1100 is indeed a good deal! RG550 is a great guitar. I've had a couple of those myself. :)

[@aco4700]

Maybe guitar fans that were once young now has the funds as adults. I have listened to DT since 1993 and bought a JPM p4 around 1998

[@StudebakerCoupe]

Hoping eventually the average price will trend downward. It's a bucket list guitar for me since discovering JP, particularly the albums and live vids done with the JPMs, was what got me into playing guitar seriously in the first place. That being said, I wouldn't be willing to drop the kind of money JPMs are asking these days on a brand new guitar, much less a used one in suboptimal condition. I've seen so many listings that are priced astronomically and the units in question are totally beat to hell. I can still see on Reverb that about 10 years ago an "excellent" condition P2 with barely any noticeable wear was listed for $1795. Hopefully one day down the line that'll be the norm again.

[@ALTheGuitarViking]

I do collect Ibanez Reb Beach models and I see these 90's artists models price are increasing every year. So for your JPM is it a limited production? How many was it made? Regarding the Ibanez Reb Beach models Ibanez WRB3 is 100 but we doubt that they made 100 of it since we don't see it at all when we search it, for Ibanez RBM 2NT they made 40 for Japan and 100 for Global with Reb's signature in it and it is rare but we see quite a lot when we search on the web. Curious how many JPM was made. Thanks and it was an interesting video to watch. I got similar video regarding Reb Beach Ibanez Models so please check it out if you are interested in those too.

[@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia]

One thing worth mentioning is that the JPM Neck is different to any other neck produced by Ibanez. I checked a table of models and measures of necks made by Ibanez, and the specs of the JPM were never replicated on other model. There are other neck models, like the Ultra, RBM Reb Beach, the Wizard 4 that are almost identical but not the same.

[@parksoo-kim6908]

There's a small batch of USA Pennsylvania customs which have a very similar neck shape I believe.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Any videos or pics of your with that amazing ART1?

[@miguellopes6669]

I have a P3, bought it when it came out. Still love it, was very surprised by the price these days, but won't sell.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

I love the P3!! I miss the one I had back in the day!

[@xxczerxx]

It's one of the most beautiful guitar designs ever made, and I would love it if Ibanez did a reissue. But.... let's have some perspective here. It's basically an RG with a lovely paint job and coloured DiMarzios.

[@Soloist1983]

I've had 3 JPM100s. Honestly, they feel like a $1500 guitar, the neck is kind of nice, as it's slightly thicker than the Wizard, but other than that, when I had them side by side my RG3120, the 3120 felt like a far superior build.

[@wraith1977]

Those were always my favorite JP guitars.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Mine too. But boy do I miss my P1 and P3. I never should have traded those! They played sooooooo nicely!!

[@kevinstewart8120]

While they are absolutely beautiful guitars, I’d say no more than 3-4k tops. Given JP’s fame and the demand, while taking into account the guitar is just a custom painted RG, I think 3-4k is more than enough.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

(3-4K) This is more of what I would think the price would be 25 years after coming out, but the market is obviously pushing the prices up and up so we'll see if they come back down or stay up in the stratosphere for a while. :)

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

RGs don't have real AAA figured caps and that's a real paintjob, not a cheap modern graphic. It's also essentially a Hoshino/Ibanez Japan Custom Shop guitar. Also, lol, find another one. Anything on Earth is worth exactly what you can get the idiot in front of you to pay for it.

[@timmatteson7897]

What makes it more valuable.....the vol pot is actually in the correct spot!

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Ha! Yes! That is indeed the perfect spot! :)

[@nemisnessnah]

This guitar is obviously moving from guitar towards a piece of art, and therefore the price is booming. So comparing the hardware price is like comparing a painting price to the paper and the paint. I own a JPM 100 P1. Bought it used about 10 years ago for approx 1800 $ in Norway (where I live). I love it, it’s been used for the debut album for my band Taskaha, but because of this insane growth in price I have put it away. Just to to see what is going on in the market. It is crazy, but again, art prices are. For me it just takes me back to the magic first years of DT, and it seems worth holding on to. For now.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

People are so used to parroting the copypasta that their Harley Benton/Squier/whatever is TOTALLY THE SAME as a real deal whatever they're looking at. Frankly it reminds me of kids that think their loaded fwd Kia is "basically the same car" as a Mercedes E class, the latter of which they've never even sat in. OP at least has the "grail" version to speak of, but tbh I think looking for a Prestige or right below it would be more apropos for a "functionally equal" alternative. Maybe even an RG550 RI. I've built my own guitar bodies & worked in a hot rod shop, recreating the body alone would be quite the task with the flame/graphic combo. You have quite the piece, if it means something to you, you may never get another.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

What’s why I think these guitar will continue to become more and more valuable. As new people discover DT and some decide they prefer old school albums they will also come to love the JPMs. More and more new fans increase the value.

[@silvoorbach9391]

If people are willing to pay the prices, the price of what they go for is the market price, its as simple as supply demand. Only a buyer decides if its worth it. Its the same with classic cars, even if the specs now a-days are better, prople still want the rare old Ferrari’s or toyota sports cars, cause thats what people want. Nostaliga.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Agreed, the buyer is truly in charge of setting the ultimate price by what they are willing to pay. It's just a bit stunning to see these guitars reach this level. But the market is certainly being tested and we'll see how buyers respond.

[@ezebeats_]

Yo la compraría y espero unos 30 años!!! se revalorizara muchos dólares más !!! saludos .

[@reaverdropper2997]

Own a jpm p2 bought when I was 18 and owned ever since. Took it to music shop to adjust the action and the guy snapped the wood between tremelo unit and the bridge pick up. He was able to get it back. But the wood or paint case this weird crack on the clear coat. Literally pissed when I saw this but. Other then that guitar is still plays well. Took it to another shop and the guy fixed it to proper specs. Had no issues with it. Just the cosmetic. Sucks cause the guitar goes for $6000 probably only worth 2-3k

[@reaverdropper2997]

But at the end of day brought a 7 string majesty and with knowledge of guitars from long ago. Its a rare limited 2019 majesty. So it was interesting to have Ibanez and a 7 string majesty. Majesty is by far my favorite but it's down fall is. Compared to like a jp 15 which sounded super amazing and felt really good. I can feel the quality and weight. Majesty has very good quality as well but the guitar is light. 😂 I wish I could get a jp15 or similar cause the tone on that thing is a monster.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

If that's "Prestige" tier or better it might have a real top vs a veneer, veneers are cool on lower model guitars but...cheese. If there's no plain maple cap under that veneer, but there is on the JP, they'll be noticeably different. I saw an Ibanez USA Custom Shop (!) RG once in LA. I think this was extremely short lived, but that one had a flame maple top, nice figuring, and it was half the depth of the body, about an inch. LPs are 3/4" for reference. BTW $13k, Hoshino, MIJ, it still won't make you like one if you don't "fit" the RG. I had an RG550 for ten years, my first Gibson relegated that to #2 instantly. The neck, the "Tone" Zone (mud), the fact I couldn't be fucked to care about trems until I discovered Jeff Beck. Not right for me. Shoulda sold it before I sold my Rampage, I'm an idiot! 😭

[@oh033]

It makes more sense to get a replica made by a trusted local luthier

[@Lithuania8634]

Assuming you have a local Luthier with that level of skill

[@oh033]

yep@@Lithuania8634

[@GuillermoSmyser]

So, during market perspective you point out the "very specific" prices they list them for. I think it is such an odd, not-round number because they originally listed it in a different currency than dollar and the conversion isn't always the standard conversion rate.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

That's true! Someone mentioned that to me. It is however a good strategy for sales, but yes, that probably wasn't why they did that. :)

[@hutch3d]

I have the JPM100 P3, the best Ibanez I’ve ever played. I’m curious now what mine would be worth.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

I had a P3 and it's the one I miss the most! I had that I traded it away!

[@SamuraiFingers]

I think the prices are being driven by scarcity and a few other factors. The guys our age that grew up with DT in the 90’s but didn’t have the money then to buy one can now afford and want to have the piece for nostalgia sake. So it’s far more than material cost, labour, build etc- it’s also collectibility. So there are two things - scarcity and nostalgia driving up prices. Add to that world-wide shortages on everything = inflation and market increases to the general used stock that’s out there. Used guitars, cars, tools, etc etc in general are pricey right now. I mean this will never get to the level of a ‘59 Les Paul, but there is another example of a guitar trading for faaaaar more than it’s worth! It’s nostalgia and “legend” and perceived prestige for owning it. I have a P2 and I love it. I wouldn’t sell it so to me it’s worth FAR more than market value. So there may be some of that involved with these prices too- sellers not really wanting to sell but figuring they might as well cash out if they can get crazy asking crazy prices.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Great thoughts on this! I’ve never been one of those people interested in collecting rare or vintage guitars, so it’s a new concept to me to see a guitar like this just take off in value. I bought mine new back when it was produced so it’s especially crazy to see it multiply more than real estate, ha. If my house could only gain value at the same clip! The P2 is nice! I never had the P2 or p4. I miss the other 2 I let go in trades. Thanks for sharing your comments!

[@SamuraiFingers]

@@PaulWarrenMusic well considering my retirement investments have gained on average over the same time an 11.2% annualized rate of return - it definitely makes this pale in comparison. But I agree I wish our house increased in value at pace. But I’m afraid our generation will never see the same kind of gains on our property that our parents did!

[@albertorockmaster1836]

The price:I think Is the ebony fretboard, construcción, finish, AND the fact that have been discontinued for decades, Drean theater won a grammy Now people know More about JP, AND those guitar recorded DT classics, i would say 5k would be. A rasonable price for everything i mensioned

[@Fretboardcheesa]

With that specific model, I think you're not too far off with what it's worth. Great guitars, but can't see it playing any better than my RG3120. The value is within the limited numbers, anniversary model, finish, and the fact that it's John's signature model. The ebony board is definitely a nice bonus. I'm sure if it was mahogany body and had a bound maple cap instead of a veneer, it'd sell for closer to what people are listing them for.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Oh man the RG3120s are awesome! I had a Deep Red one which I sold to a student. Great quality on those guitars!

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

I can see why though, look up an FZ2. They made 8000 globally (why?) and they've been collectors items since maybe 5 years after they got discontinued. Now they're like a G note. Under 500 made (more Ferrari Enzos were made than that), the sick graphic/real flame top combo (never really saw anything like it, myself), I can see it if you're very well off & OBSESSED. You don't understand who buys these things at these prices until you, say, are driving your billionaire boss's kids to school & eldest is explaining why $1000 for a FUCKING FORTNITE SKIN (!!!) is "totally worth" other rich kids not making fun of him.

[@larsheuker]

Numbers look specific because they probably use Euros to mark prices and it shows up as dollars for you

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

That makes total sense! I've read that you'll sell items and get less negotiating with a very specific price so that's why I mentioned that. :)

[@louistorres]

All day, it's a $7,500 guitar but not more. Same as the ESP Jeff Hanneman but definitely not $13,000 and not even close, I have a $350 Ibanez with the same low pro bridge. Just my two pennies. Gorgeous guitar though.

[@TK96]

Jem is more expensive, but this is most expensive Signature RG.

[@micemr76]

Love Ibanez. Been using them for 30 yrs. I play my Ibanez acoustic waaay more then my Taylor or Martin. But 13k?! That's crazy. And I'm a pre revised Parker guy. I'm embarrassed to say I have no idea who John p is till I looked it up. Dream theater? Kid from the 80s and 90s must have missed that one

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

Please tell me, I never bonded with an Ibanez acoustic, what model? For others, I'll probably just track down another Alvarez tbh

[@corygjesvold3951]

Very nice guitar! Don’t sell it! Just curious, what DiMarzio pickups did you put in the black Ibanez?

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Thanks! I put a Crunchlab and Liquifier in the black Ibanez and it's been great for drop tuned stuff! :)

[@lovrekguitar]

Things always worth more than just the summary of their component’s value - so this is a completely wrong approach. I have 50 high-end guitars in my collection, including 17 JP models, 17 japanese Ibanez models, 20 EBMM, etc. The 90HAM is def one of the best sounding and most beautiful piece among them. If I could keep only one Ibanez, this one would be it. (Even if I like my P1 too). About the prices: Have you ever looked a painted Kirk Hammett ESP? Like the OUIJA or White Zombie. They are around 15k as new…rare but are they better quality and sound-wise than this Ibby? The answer is no. So 13,5k for the 90HAM might be reasonal from this perspective. The only thing that could bother people is we all remember where did this start and it’s hard to accept the huge increase. But the market rules. Everything does worth that people willing to pay for it so we’ll see. All I can know is that I bought my JPMs only a few years ago and now they worth at least 3-4x so as an investment was one of the best that I made, period. One more thing about the quantity: I had a chat once with an Ibby endorsee who was in the Ibby HQ and he saw a tons of unsold JPMs, especially 90HAM and P2s. I don’t doubt that Ibanez produced the 450pcs as the COA says but they never could sell all of them because JP switched to MM and they had to collect back the unsold pieces so 90HAM is more rare as we think.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

"Things always worth more than just the summary of their component’s value - so this is a completely wrong approach. " Agreed! I simply mentioned this as interesting because there are so many Ibanez basswood RGs out there which don't cost much to produce and then only go down in value. The prices this guitar is now commanding clearly have to do with it becoming more of a collectible piece of art or nostaligia, which I totally understand. It's just remarkable how collectible it has become. I love mine but it makes it impossible to play out with it anymore. I just can't take that risk. :) I've seen your collection Krisztian - it's truly amazing!!!

[@FreakHBB]

All Ibanez from 90,s are ridiculously expensive now dont know why for sure ,RG770DX can cost 3k $ :] dramatic prices :D , JPM models are rare and very unique but they arent worth so much

[@Ghost12561]

Even though you are professional musician you shouldn't buy a guitar over 2k, buying over 2k becomes more of an ego rather than seeking for ultimate performance. A well built 2k guitar will certainly sounds like hendrix's 100k guitar or even better specially if you have good amps.

[@JAFOpty]

I dont know Rick.

[@DanielSeriffMusic]

Wow, man. Super cool guitar! Dunno that I would pay $13k! Hahaha.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Thanks Daniel! Stroke that check today and I'll bring the guitar out to you! :)

[@DanielSeriffMusic]

@@PaulWarrenMusic Hahaha!

[@rickyapasan1311]

John Petrucci sounds better with the ibanez guitar era

[@David-ry9ly]

An item is worth what a person is prepaired to pay for it.

[@JAFOpty]

I wish guitars were sold for the cost of parts and labor only.

[@madhellmiguel]

I won’t buy a guitar over 600 for any guitar.

[@darinsteele7091]

it's just an ibanez prestige anyways

[@user-tx3qb1qc4x]

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