Ibanez Steve Vai Jem 2015 Models – NAMM 2015

Ibanez unveils two additions to the popular Steve Vai Signature line, the affordable Jem Jr, and the blue floral Jem77P.

Jem Jr
Ibanez Jem Junior

Both guitars feature the distinctive monkey grip, and tree of life fretboard inlay as seen on the original JEM guitar. Both models are affordable alternatives to existing Jems, with the Jem Junior being the cheapest.

These two Steve Vai Signature Jem guitars are part of the company’s 2015 guitar line up, all of which are expected to make an appearance at their NAMM 2015 booth.

Ibanez Jem Junior

Also known as Jem JR, this is the poorman’s Jem, priced at merely a fraction of what you will have to pay to get other Jem models. I see this as an attempt to compete with the many cheap “knockoffs” or clones that are being made by other manufacturers. For its price, the Jem Junior carries with it all essential Jem features including a shred-friendly Wizard III maple neck, mahogany body finished in classic white, monkey handle grip and HSH pickup configuration.

The guitar’s neck is topped by a rosewood fretboard with the now familiar Tree of Life inlay. Combined with the jumbo frets and Wizard III profile, the playability of this Jem does not stray too far from the more premium models.

As for the pickups, Ibanez equipped this one with two Quantum humbuckers for the neck and bridge, and a single Quantum single-coil pickup for the middle position. Other features include Std. DL vibrato and Cosmo Black hardware. The Jem Junior is currently retailing for around $555.

Ibanez Jem77P Premium

Jem Jr
Ibanez Jem77P

If you’re looking to own a distinct looking Jem without breaking the bank, then the Jem77P with its blue floral pattern finish might interest you. This particular Jem is part of Ibanez’ “Premium” guitar line, which means that it is mass produced at their guitar facility in Indonesia. More than just a shiny looking guitar with Vai-approved finish, the guitar is designed to be a true workhorse instrument complete with some high-end specs.

The body is crafted from American Basswood, carved into the modified super strat that has become synonymous to Steve Vai. The wizard neck is as shred friendly as it can possibly by while having improved reliability, thanks to its 5pc maple/walnut construction and Titanium truss rods. This particular model features a maple fretboard with jumbo frets, fret edge treatment and a striking Tree of Life inlay.

The guitar comes equipped with a trio of Vai signature pickups – DiMarzioGravity Storm for the neck and bridge, and a DiMarzioEvolution for the middle position. Other features include an Edge-Zero II tremolo and cosmo block hardware that complements the finish. The Ibanez Jem77P is expected to retail for around $1610.

Visit Ibanez for the complete specifications and other details.

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