Ibanez JEM7V Steve Vai JEM Electric Guitar (with Case)
Play like the master does. With an HSH pickup configuration, the JEM7V offers Steve Vai's amazing tonal range, along with the super-fast action he requires.
Overall User Ratings (based on 399 ratings)
Submitted March 28, 2017 by Mike H in Amarillo, TX
"Unbelievable!"
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I've played 45+ plus years with the firm belief that you played either a Gibson, or a Fender. Period. Don't misunderstand me, they both are wonderful companies that make professional products. That said, nothing chimes groans or sounds quite like a Jem 7v! I always wanted to play one but living in backwater USA prevented it from happening, so I took a chance and boy was I glad I did! This thing just almost (once I set it up to my liking) plays itself, and sound amazing, and that word doesn't do it justice either. Rock n roll wise it's the most toneful guitar I own.No support from Ibanez yet needed, and the guitar feels and plays great! Neck is a tiny bit wider than I'm used to but it didn't take long to adapt. If on the fence, don't be. This guitar is unbelievable !
Musical Background:
45 plus years, I play guitar, keyboards.
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues
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Submitted December 14, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Sexy, sleek, and "hot""
Sound
The sound on this guitar can be summed up in one word: responsive! As soon as you put your fingers to it, it wants to respond so quickly.
Features
Too bad it didn't come with a case. The guitar itself comes with volume and tone, plus the 5 switch selector, which is good
Quality
The JEM is sturdy and it gives me the impression that I can thrash it all I want and it will stick around. It seems strong and well made, however, the gold might begin to rub off just like it did on a les paul custom I have.
Value
For the price, compared to PRS guitars, this guitar blows them out of the water. I got a good deal too.
The Wow Factor
Very sexy in white. It makes a statement, even a fashion statement. It is just plain sexy and sleek. If this guitar was a girl, it would be a sexy, slim, and "hot" mama.
Musical Background:
playing guitar 7 years
Musical Style:
alternative rock, contemporary rock
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Submitted March 1, 2019 by Jason D in Charlotte, NC
"Getting the instrument I paid for."
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I have a long history with JEM and Ibanez guitars. I bought my first Ibanez just out of High School in 1989. It was my second guitar! It was a 1988 JEM77FP. There began my long history of playing and loving Ibanez guitars, especially the JEMs and RGs.I now own three JEMs, several RG/RG-styles, and of course many other makes and models.This purchase was prompted by a concern the JEM7V production might end (with the introduction of the JEM7PV) and I might never be able to buy another new MIJ JEM. I own a few Indonesian instruments and one (a JEM70V-SFG) came to me with serious fret-pressing problems, which Hoshino USA promptly and effectively corrected for free. That said, I know from experience the MIJ guitars are special.I've had my new JEM7V almost a month and I can attest it is immaculate. It is flawless. I do not say anything like that lightly. The craftsmanship is everything you should expect for this price point. (I'd like to add you can spend much more than this on an instrument from some big US companies but despite their long histories and old pedigrees you can expect to find yourself with mind-boggling game-stopping defects at price points even higher than $3K.)To begin: The first thing I noticed was the neck. The rosewood is tight-grained and dark. (I only deducted stars because Ibanez has changed the ebony out for rosewood, and the Lo-pro Edge trem for an original Edge. For this kind of money I would rather have those nice appointments.) The inlay-work in the neck is perfect, there are no visible fills around the inlays. The epoxy on the fret-ends is dyed to match the fretboard, which is a very nice attention to detail. The frets are just amazing. They are flawless, with no tool-marks, perfect fret ends, and they are so perfectly level that even with my preferred light-top/heavy-bottom strings I was able to dial the neck into the best action I've ever seen on a factory guitar barring a couple very special instruments. I usually have to pay my luthier to get a guitar to this level.The rest of the guitar is similarly amazing. The hardware is beautiful and it's movement is precise. The pots and switch are smooth and feel solid. Most of all, the whole instrument resonates in a way that few of my other guitars do. It's so incredibly bright, acoustically loud, yet the trem system is microscopically responsive. This guitar, stock from the factory, is so sensitive to my playing I wish I had made this purchase sooner. It's like an extension of my body.The stock electronics are very good (especially the Ibanez high-pass cap) but I used to think I was not a fan of the bridge Evolution pickup. After trying it through all my amps I find it to be very fun. The JEM single in the middle and the Evolution neck pickup were always great to my ears.I expected a lot for this kind of money, and I am not disappointed in the least. It compares very favorably to my 1988 JEM. I can't say you'd be a fan of this guitar if you didn't already enjoy the JEM/RG guitars. But I can say if your JEM7V came to you in the condition mine did, you'd need several weeks to pick your jaw up off the floor. This is an amazing instrument and I especially appreciate zZounds because I am playing it now while I pay for it. I've bought a lot of gear this way and I've not had a bad experience yet.
Musical Background:
Started playing at 16. Played in bands, session work, production, on guitar bass and vocals. Wage-slave.
Musical Style:
Stevie-Ray Vai and so on.
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by a customer from yahoo.com
"WOW! AWSOME! MONEY WELL SPENT!"
all in all, getcha urself one, u wont regret it!
Sound
the evolutions are SCREAMING! the quality of the sound is amazing,from chunky rythmns to screaming leads. Gave me the sound that i was looking for for a while, it really suits my musical style.
Features
the 5 way switch is nice to have, the monkey grip thing is pretty unique and the lo pro brige is terrific.
Quality
the guitar is well made, the factory set up was crap but once u get it going the way it should be, wooo!
Value
worth every penny
Manufacturer Support
they company is very kind and helpful. They solve the problems for the most part :)
The Wow Factor
BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLL
Musical Style:
neo classical , metal, rock
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Submitted April 23, 2013 by Marcio Marques in Elizabeth, NJ
"Amazing Guitar"
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Myself been a professional musician for over 20 years, this guitar really exceeded expectations, the neck playability opens news horizons of possibilities that without a question will bring your music to the next level.
Musical Background:
I have been a musician for over 20 years. I play guitar, producer.
Musical Style:
Pop, Rock, Jazz, R&B
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Submitted May 18, 2013 by a customer from yahoo.com in milwaukie, OR
"Great guitar but to much money"
Honestly i used to be a gibson guy, until i bought one of these. This guitar is amazing in sound and the quality is superb. The only thing i don't like is it's 3k price tag. i feel this guitar could be priced at 2k but since it's not my decision to make on this guitar i can only complain and hope prices drop. the reason i would give it a 6 on recommendation is also due to the price and i know not everyone is into this kind of guitar.
Musical Background:
7 years
Musical Style:
christian rock
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Submitted December 8, 2004 by a customer from nl.rogers.com
"Awsome Guitar"
Its simply 10 not because I own it but because I played many of guitars and none really compare or show results like the jem
Sound
Its A Jem, Les Paul's don't even compare
Features
Simple yet diverse
Quality
Its Japaniese, pwning American made guitars
Value
You see a big price at first but no other guitar can compare
Manufacturer Support
Never contacted IBZ myself but i asked questions to dealers and responded to me within 12 hours so great.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Metal, Rock, Soloist
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Submitted November 30, 2003 by a customer from yahoo.com
"most outstanding guitar in the world."
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i will forever be satisfied with this product. The only thing that is not so great is the price. It is a little to high I think for the average person too afford, but otherwise i think this is the best guitar out there.
Sound
the sound is close to perfection. It is loud for harder songs, and is great for solo's.
Features
the guitar had enough accessories to fullfill my needs.
Quality
The guitar was made real well. It is very durrable and its looks such as the vine down the neck, are very nice too.
Value
well it could of been a little less considering its just an instrument, but if i had the money I would buy this guitar in a heartbeat.
The Wow Factor
yea this guitar caught my eye when i saw steve vai playing it on video. The style of it is very appealing and the nice vine down the neck is the thing that i thought made this guitar a genius design.
Musical Style:
Rock, Alternative, and Classical
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Submitted October 5, 2015 by Jeremy Waters in Collinsville, IL
"Jem 7VWHT"
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this guitar is a beautiful monster that will rip your face off. I've wanted one for years, and zzounds.com made it possible with the play as you go plan. Great guotar, great company.
Musical Background:
guitar player for 26 years. I play small gigs and do simple recording.
Musical Style:
I play blues, progressive rock, weird stuff, metal, and general noise making.
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Submitted October 24, 2004 by a customer from man.com
"i hv it...excellent guitar...steve vai's jem7vwh"
best guitar
Sound
excellent
Features
best looking guitar
Quality
alder rosewood~!!
PUs best
Value
steve vai
Manufacturer Support
great
my EVO is great
The Wow Factor
i hv it
Musical Background:
guitarist
Musical Style:
rock
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Submitted March 21, 2006 by a customer from bellsouth.net
"One Player's Point of View"
Here's the deal.... this is a workhorse, not some pretty guitar to be kept in the closet or on a short leash. (like your girlfriend, just arm candy or great in your bedroom) It's meant to be taken out, played hard, used, and abused! That doesn't mean throw it around and beat it up, that means SHRED!!! It plays great and has cool looks too. Not to mention is the signature model of one of the worlds best players! So it's a BUY if ya have the bucks!
Sound
Pickups are just a tad bit too hot... solo's loose some definition as speed increases. I ran guitar through boogie mark I, Marshall "68" plexi and Marshall plexi reissue with min. effects just to make sure it wasn't an amp issue. Volumn must be backed off to 6 or 7 to really bring out the tonal qualities of the insterment. While pickup sustain is easly obtained and quickly drives an amp to "sing", again 10 is just a little too "over the top".
Features
While most top end guitars come with a cord, strap, polishing cloth and a wrench or two. (Just check out the goodies that come with a Fender, Gibson, PRS etc.) Not this Team "J" Craft machine. However, I must say the little plastic "zip" bag to hold the wrenches is nice. But you'd think with all the hype, they could at least include a polishing cloth. Ok.... now I'll stop whining and cut to the core, what happen to the ebony finger board? This change from previous years has to do with one thing only ($$$$) and it certainly isn't due to a shortage of quality ebony. Some say not a big deal. Wrong... both in tone and feel not to mention wear after years of use.
Ease of Use
There is no doubt that Ibanez has the market on neck shape, fret material used and player friendly feel when compared to all of the rest. The other area Ibanez has down after years of redesign is the Edge Pro tremelo. I like it better than the Lo Pro, and is very user friendly. Take a few extra bucks and buy the intonation adjustment tool if you're going to set the guitar up to suite your own playing needs/feel.
Quality
Quality on my shred machine was nice. Again, the neck was done well including the inlay work. All of the small leaves are quality Abalone (good coloring) and all inlay work was smooth with no filling detected. Frets are prep'd well and appear to be leveled with one another. I could detect no fret buzz on the entire length of the neck. The edges of the fingerboard were slightly ragged in some areas with minor tears in the rosewood. This may have been due to dull tooling when machined. One other factor is that rosewood while an excelent wood is slightly more open grained than ebony and may have been a contributing factor also.
Value
A good value? Yes, when you consider Ibanez has the best neck profile and overall insterment quality is high. Remember though it's a shred machine and a little tough to tame if you play a large varity of music. But check out some other Ibanez models before you buy. You may find a cheaper model with just as good playability. But if you dead set on spending two grand.... go check out the "J" custom models. These are Ibanez's top of the line models and have a very nice set of pickups.(more versitile) Here's the catch on these... they are only ava. overseas,(Japan, UK) yep, you got it the american market must not be good enough or just too big a demand. But if you love Ibanez guitars you'll find a way!!!! Go check out some of the Japanese web suppliers... you'll see JEM's set up just like Steve's with the sustainer and all.
Manufacturer Support
Here's the scoop on this, If you want to change hardware.... get ready for some frustration. Getting replacment hardware is a task. PLEASE NOTE: I changed mine from the gold, not because there was a problem... it's just a little too much bling for my taste and trying to maintain gold hardware is near impossible. Don't count on much help from your local music store or Ibanez for that mater. Aftermarket parts are ava. and all metal part replacments were Ibanez factory parts. Just hard to find. Most are raped from other Ibanez guitars.
I do not know regarding warrenty issues, what their service is like and just guessing don't think I'll have to find out.
The Wow Factor
Just remember the biggest draw for this insturment is Mr. Vai! There are some very nice features though (again that neck profile) and the tremelo... top notch! Monkey grip... yeah I do use it, so it is a nice feature. What I really would like to see though is that all Ibanez RG/JEM bodies using the rear rout cavities and put back that ebony fingerboard! Offer all JEM models with more than one hardware finish selection. Ibanez dealers... speak up, tell the bean counters (and reps)at Ibanez what we want(demand it.)
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Fusion, Country, and of course Extreme Guitar
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Submitted September 22, 2007
"YOU NEED IT!!!!!!!!"
There is absolutely no other guitar like it on planet earth. Im telling you, if youre a serious player, droup the dough on one of these, its better than even a custom shop gibson, trust me! I dont plan on buying another guitar anytime soon. but i am saving up for and EVH 5150 3-its better than a marshall-unbelievable. anyway the jem is a one of a kind.
Sound
this is an absolutely amazing sounding guitar- 2hum. and 1 single provide an infinite posibility of sounds. UNBELIEVABLE!
Features
this guitar has so many great features that the second I saw it, i wanted it. the floyd rose, slim, unfinished neck, 2 humbuckers and one single coil and of course designed by the legend himself: Mr. Steve Vai!
Ease of Use
Its a guitar with two knobs and a selector switch and the playability and feel is quite literally like nothing else, there's absolutely nothing like it in the world.
Quality
what can I say, its and ibanez. Ive had it for almost 2 years and it still works as if it were brand new!
Value
2200 bucks may seem like a lot, but for what you're getting in this guitar, it should be way, way , way more!!!!
Manufacturer Support
havent have to deal with them and im sure i never will!
The Wow Factor
ive seen hundreds of guitars and none of them come close to the masterpiece. Ibanez and Steve Vai sure know how to design and manufacture one stunning guitar!!
Musical Style:
rock, hard rock, metal
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Submitted July 15, 2007
"LIKE NOTHING ELSE"
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I don't think I will ever want anything else until i have a chance to make my own guitar. Theres just nothing out like it.
Sound
The sound is amazing! Those dimarzio evolution pickups are incredible. I have never heard such a powerful crunch in each note that you play. If your looking for a huge boost nothing compares to the jem.
Features
The gold material and the living tree created on the neck is what amazes me the most. These features make the guitar like nothing else out there. Also the tuners are amazing. That guitar seems to never go out of tune. The features are the best Iv'e seen on any other guitar.
Ease of Use
It's easy because it already comes with a great sound without changing anything on it.
Quality
Everything that this guitar is made of is made from the best material out there. Steve vai wouldn't settle for anything less.
Value
The jem is well worth the money that it cost. If your thinking about too much money you have no idea how good this guitar is.
Manufacturer Support
I like the warranty about fixing it within a year but i have to say ibanez doesn't have the nicest people working there.
The Wow Factor
This is the best looking guitar i have ever seen. Think about what it looks like on the internet and then think 10 times better than that and thats what it looks like in real life.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
rock, classical, classical rock
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Submitted May 20, 2006
"BUY THIS GUITAR I SWEAR IT IS AMAZING"
I have a Gibson Les Paul Supreme...Gibson SG Special...Fender Strat...and a Gibson Les Paul Studio....
THE IBANEZ JEM7V HAS BETTER NECK ACTION,SUSTAIN,AND SOUND/PLAYABILITY THAN ANY OF MY OTHER GUITARS
Sound
Evolution pick-ups...sustain for as long as u can take it and has a unique power sound. Harmonics are out of this world and its pickups are very sensitive and you can add your own sound basically to the guitar..SOUND IS AMAZING!
Features
The edge pro tremolo and locking nuts lets you divebomb and pick up note pitches like crazy...and when u lock the nuts the guitar stays in tune forever no matter how much u use ure tremolo bar.....the gold hardware is sexy...and the monkey grip i didnt like at first but it will grow on u trust me its so nice
Ease of Use
The neck action on this guitar is amazing the neck is a 5 peace maple prestige JEM....its so smooth and skinny and you can get such good neck string action ( strings real close to the neck ) without the choking tone and your fingers can fly up and down the neck with no problem
I NEVER THOUGHT I COULD PLAY THIS FAST! this guitar just shreds
Quality
you will get a factory stamp it goes throught 6 places each inspects the guitar...it is very well built and very stable.....this has the strength of a stratocaster and the tone/sustain as a Les Paul.
Value
Very good value it is worth every penny
I cant stress how nice this guitar is
Manufacturer Support
I need no support with this guitar it is just incredable
The Wow Factor
I HAVE IT the gold finish is absolutley beautifl and gold screws with the all white humbucker with gold magnets...wait till you see this guitar up close its even more beautiful than the picture...this pickguard is amazing too
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
phycedelic- classical rock -metal -blues-experimental
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Submitted December 22, 2005
"what a jem!"
it,s made me play differantly through sheer inspiration at its beauty.
Sound
versatile and assuring,lots of playability with the tone and volume to hone many tones that are all sweet sounding
Features
tool kit ,manual, lush case great package all in all
Quality
perfect in every way
The Wow Factor
one of my best guitars
Musical Background:
active musician
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Submitted March 13, 2005
"the voice of experience"
i have played many guitars from being in a band to cranking it up in a music store and ive never loved playing a guitar as much as i have with this one.
Sound
this guitar picks up harmonics and has the best sustain that i have ever heard.i have tried to duplicate the sound with other guitars by replacing pickups and using multiple amps to no avail.there is no imitation of its sound,dynamics and capabilities.period.
Features
i think ibanez and steve vai did a flawless job on this guitar.
Quality
my guitar teacher has been playing his for almost twenty years and its still his best guitar.
Value
definitely worth every penny
Manufacturer Support
i have never had a problem with it
The Wow Factor
its design and detail are truly amazing.-
Musical Background:
8 yrs (guitar)
Musical Style:
everything
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Submitted February 13, 2005
"The BEST guitar ever."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
It is THE BEST guitar I have ever owned, and the best guitar I have ever played. Period. So much was put into this guitar. It is amazing.
Sound
The pickups on this thing are the best ive ever heard. They are very sensetive, allowing more advanced guitarists to add a lot of character to each note. Once you have it locked, it never goes out of tune. The range of sounds you can get from this bad boy is amazing. Extremely versatile. Artificial harmonics on this baby make your heart stop. Take the time to adjust and tweak it, make it yours.
Features
Like I said before, the pickups are amazing. This guitar is extremely well made; high quality craftsmanship. You can beat this thing up and it'll stick with you forever. The neck is hands down the fastest neck out there. The fininsh on it is extremely smooth. Frets 20-24 are scalloped to allow more control. The fret bars are high and thin, allowing unparalelled control. The jack on it points upward from the side of the guitar, making it great for standing and playing.
Quality
The level of craftmanship put into this guitar is amazing. Nothing comes close to it, especially for the price. There is nothing half-ass about the guitar, and it will last no matter how much you thrash it.
Value
The price looks hefty at first but once you lay your hands on this thing, it dosent seem like that much. It has outstanding quality, especially for the price; it beats PRS guitars. Top of the line Ibanez, top of the line over all guitars. The best guitar I have ever played. These things are unparalelled, otherwise Steve Vai wouldn't play them.
Manufacturer Support
Since this guitar is so well made, I havent had one single problem with it yet, but I'm positive that Ibanez will do fine.
The Wow Factor
This guitar has it all, the quality craftsmanship, the amazing sounds, and of course the awesome looks. This guitar is hot. The vine inlay is gorgeous, a work of art. And the gold hardware is beautiful. This guitar stands out of the rest, its absolutely beautiful. The "monkey grip" handle is a cool touch, it is different. With that said, don't go and buy this guitar if all you want is good looks because this guitar offers so much more than that. If you are serious about guiar, get one, you will never take your hands off of it.
Musical Background:
Active Musicians
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Submitted September 24, 2004
"Me Luvs Jem"
It's coooool to look at. It sounds amazing. And this has great tremolo bar system...
Sound
Hands down Jem has the best sounding pick ups. EVO is jus great. The expression that sounds jumping out of amp is meant for Jem. When you do picking harmonics it just makes your heart jump out of your rib cage.
Features
I have to say locking nuts and tremolo system. Once you lock down these babies, you never have to tune again!!! Strings just stay on the exact pitch. After all the tremolo bar abuses, tune stays on the spot. Simply the BEST!!!
Quality
Perfect beauty. I smile at it at least 10 times a day watching it on the stand.
Value
Well, used Jem sells at close price to a new one.... case closed.
Manufacturer Support
I am sure Ibanez will do jus fine
The Wow Factor
Jem is an absolute beauty... simply think about vine inlay on the neck... it's a piece of art.
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