Second time I have watched it, and I must say, that this is great! Please do more reviews! Your lack of "look at me" and your dedication to the product is very refreshing!
Thank you very much . . I don't seem to have much joy as I just started a review last week (a Washburn acoustic) but the guitar ended up going back and the replacement isn't perfect . . I'll upload the video over the next few days. 😊😊
I wondered which guitar you were using on the lessons, as that inlay is so beautiful. Now, you went ahead and got the Pia, with even more beautiful tri-coloured inlay. Looks fantastic and sounds splendid with the HSH pickups. I'm looking fir the follow up review, as this proper review had some guitar build issues.
Waiting for Part 2, and more of your effortless smooth playing. Great content, and the attention to detail is really awesome. I hope Steve Vai hooks you up rightly!
Thanks for the open and honest review. Your guitar is gorgeous. I absolutely love the Sun Dew Gold Pia. I aspire to own one. One day. The full retail price is a bit steep for my pocket though. I am a bit of a Jem Junkie. I own 10 Jems in total with a mix of models made in Indonesia and Japan. Both factories can produce anazing guitars. The general concensus is that the Japanese models have a higher consistency of Quality Control. Sadly, your experience proves that even Japanese build quality doesn't guarantee perfection. A minor correction to one of your annotations: It's Sun DEW Gold rather than Sun DUE Gold. The Trem fitted to the Pia is the Original Edge unit. This was fitted to the original Jems back in the late 80's. The Edge & Edge Lo Pro are considered by many to be the best Trems Ibanez ever offered. The Trem on your Jem7VWH is the Edge Pro which was used between 2004-2009 - mainly to save Ibanez paying licencing fees to Floyd Rose. Once the Floyd Rose Patent expired, fitment of the Original Edge resumed. One thing I'd be interested to know is if there is any difference in feel between the Jem & Pia necks. Tech specs suggest same measurements but I wonder if the rear profile has changed at all. What is your opinion? I shall keep an eye out for your follow-up video. Good Luck with sorting out the issues on your Pia!
Glad I could help, but don't let it put you off . . just check it out on the guitar you're shown. I've sorted this guitar now and it's great ruclips.net/video/e3Jwpd82LXQ/видео.html
Great review. I’ve studied this guitar since announced. Thank you for covering all the details. I’ve had one on back order since 2/15/20. I chose the Envy Green color which has been held hostage in Japan during the pandemic. Expected to arrive on 12/20-1/21. Looking forward to this guitar so much! Thanks again. Looking forward to part 2&3!
Thank you for the review. Tone clarity is impressive. I must look into those DM PUs. Hard luck on the quality issues. Hopefully, you were able to resolve the matter by now. Cheers!
@@guitar-academy Glad to hear the guitar has been squared away. How does it play? How does it feel? I'm fond of Ibanez, bought my first electric in 1982, sunburst Destroyer, I was 14 y/o. I have yet find a guitar that played as well. Felt good in all the right places.
@@jwherron when I first played it for a while I didn't like it because it felt different to my JEM, but now I've got use to the feel and I like it more than the JEM. It's hard to comment on playability because everyone has different taste . . For me (I play with my nails) I don't like the way the patterned covers on the pickups stands out so much, because I catch my nails on it. I've lowered the pickups, but people might not want to do that . .
Yes I fully agree . . I've tried to work out the difference between a £200 guitar and a £3000 guitar and I honestly can't see or think of anything to warrant the price. 🤔
Wonderfull review sir! I really enjoy the thought you put into all the videos you perform. I have just purchased the Station White and awaiting shipment. Cheers!
Very thorough! Wish more reviewers would make videos like yours. 18:11 That's an Edge Pro that you showed there. The Lo Pro was used on the JEM7WH before 2002/03 when the Edge Pro was introduced. In 2010, Ibanez brought the original Edge back for the JEM7VWH. From what I understand, Steve Vai likes the original Edge because he can get a little more pull-up range with it compared to the Lo Pro or Edge Pro. I haven't tried pulling up on any of them to verify this though. My JEM7VWH from 2000 has a Lo Pro which, aesthetically, looks the best. I've seen Steve play with guitars with a Lo Pro or original Edge, but he rarely plays Edge Pro guitars - the only video I've seen of him do this is with the 20th anniversary model JEM20TH.
Thank you for recognizing that. I hate those kinds of reviews. Thank goodness for this proper review. Almost every guitar has those kinds of reviews. . It's kind of annoying. Best regards.. pS my j custom 8870 had the same thing with the tremolo. There is a nut before the screw that has to be tightened then will never come loose again. A quality control thing that should have never passed inspection. Come on Ibanez.
Thank you very much . . . the j custom 8870 is a really nice guitar. Since I tightened and tweeked everything the guitar has been a dream and will easily outlive me . . 😊😃
This guitar wasn’t inspected by the shop than.Its pain in ass for all those guitar newbies ... trying get in to the guitar playing as you don’t know what you are buying especially when gear is quite expensive.Nice review Mate!
I think it was just missed, I nearly missed it until I was lining up the guitar to take a photo. . . I've sorted it out now, few . . Thank you very much . . 🙂🙂
Great review.Just got my Panther pink home.Everything is fine with it.Quite fancy the gold and green too as an investment.You can enjoy the guitar and cash in the bank earns nothing.In regards to comparison to jems.This is a higher quality feel to it in my opinion.Beautiful stainless frets and nicer inlays.The rounded body is much nicer than the sharper jem.Gorgeous pickups.To me feels one step up from the jem.
I just received this guitar and had purchased it brand new from Musicians Friend. Unfortunately, it was laden with defects. I had done an enormous amount of research on the Japanese made Ibanez guitars and had a lot of hope that this would be an incredible. However, the frets were sharp, the whammy bar had the same problem yours did in this video, there two areas on the paint job that seem to have missed coverage, and the metal plate on the back was missing that white plastic cover and was scratched. Words cannot express how profoundly disappointed I am. I've never spent so much money on a guitar before and had dreamed of having a Steve Vai signature for over 20 years. Too bad the quality control Ibanez seems to brag about isn't as good as they make it out to be.
@@guitar-academy That's what I've heard. Gratefully, Musician's Friend is helping me out with this. I saw an Ibanez Jem behind a glass case 21 years ago at Guitar Center, and I've wanted a guitar like this ever since. I sure am pretty bummed about this.
love the honesty of the review ,Got an Talman with the big 70s gold metalflake paint..lol To me it looks like he was inspired by a mexican drug cartels custom pistols . Way to flashy for this 53 yr old . Great video
HI great video and great guitar I ask you, do you think it's a versatile guitar with which to play multiple styles (rock, pop, blues..) or is it made just for Steve's world? Can it finally replace Strato and Les Paul or not? Thanks and congratulations again!!!
Thank you for your feedback . . 😊😃 Yes, I bought this guitar because I had the Jem7 which is very similar but was starting to get very warn with use. I chose this guitar because it is so versatile. It's more of a replacement for a Strat than a Les Paul because the shape, balance and weight are very similar to a Strat, but you can get it to sound quite like a Les Paul if you want because of the humbuckers. 😊😃 If you can, it's a good idea to try it in a shop.
really really great review. I am not surprised with the dreaded Floyd Rose, those things are more unstable and complicated than the device is worth it. I'd rather have a PRS tremolo system. Too bad they didn't offer these guitars with an alternative tremolo system.
Overall nicely done review. I would have loved some additional sound clips with light to heavy distortion because I’m curious how those pickups sound. It’s a shame about the alignment issue you had with the strings not centered - should not be the case on $3.5K guitar.
I could do with doing a follow up video . . I wanted to love this guitar, but it doesn't match up to the Jem7v. The design in the pickups catches on your pick or nails if you use fingers, and if you lower the pickups to where they don't catch you loose the power . . .
@@guitar-academy Thanks for feedback. I was interested buying the PIA but now I’ll take a look for a JEM7V. Can probably get a decent price on a used one too.
@@silkysoy1794 If you find a shop with both, that would be ideal. Sadly, you'll notice that the PIA looks nicer so it makes the decision harder. 🤔 I bet they are arguing over which is best on Ibanez forums LOL
Couldn't believe the end when you showed the offset neck, my gold Pia came with the exact same issue only on mine I think it was even worse! The good news is I loosened the neck joint screws a little and it snapped right into place on its own, then I tightened them back up. Looking at the Sweetwater pictures before shipping it wasn't like this before they sent it, so I can only assume it was a shipping issue. Must have got bumped really hard to cause that. Anyway, if anyone gets one and has this issue you could try loosening the screws a little. Before you even get them each two or three turns loose it will snap back into place if it goes the same way for you as it did for me. Otherwise this is an outstanding guitar and I highly recommend it!
well isn't that strange . . mine did exactly the same thing. On this model they've put new metal thread inserts into the back of the neck (like the Malmsteen strat) and they seem to come slightly loose. Strangely though I was speaking to the head of Ibanez UK and he said it's the first one he'd heard of. I guess the kind of people who buy a guitar like this are more experienced an just sort it them selves as you did . . 😊
@@guitar-academy Sounds like it's more common than they let on lol. Well I was VERY close to sending it back but decided loosening the screws a bit to adjust the neck is so easy I may as well give it a try. I was pleased when it snapped into place on its own without me having to really do anything. In the following months it has played beautifully with no further issues. I hope everyone else that has this issue has the same luck I did!
@@Corrupt-R No, I contacted Ibanez to check that fixing it myself wouldn't effect the warranty and I fixed it. The problem was identical to yours but I didn't let it sit in place I set it dead straight, I think you were lucky with that. I also made sure I contacted guitar guitar and Ibanez as it's part of my job is to see how they respond. Ibanez were great . . guitar guitar were rubbish . .
I had an Ibanez S Series some years back and not only did I have tremolo issues because it wouldn't stay in tune but the neck broke at the neck and headstock where those 2 nuts are attached. The guitar fell off its stand onto the carpet and it split between the two nuts and down the side of the neck from the nut. I believe that creates a serious weak point that demands extra caution. It was a nice guitar otherwise but the issues forced me to sell it after I had it repaired. I probably wouldn't buy another.
agreed, that is a weakness . . Gibson have the same weakness but for a different reason, the headstock leans back too far. Even Slash complains about it . . 😊
No worries, I had a chat with the Ibanez and this first batch will be the best and they only had one other issue apart from mine and that was a flaw in the finish in a cavity (probably the handle), so you should be fine. . . 🙂🙂
@@guitar-academy Hi great content!! I was thinking of buying one till I saw your vid ) I am a LONG time jem guy If I bought ne now those issues should be corrected according to your chat with ibanez? Are you getting another?
@@jamesangelucci3142 I fixed the one in the video. It was really simple to fix, I just loosened the neck screws, re aligned the neck and tightened it up again. Somewhere in the comments is someone else who bought one the same colour and had the same problem, he also fixed his very simply the same way. I wouldn't worry about it . . I love it. 😊
@@guitar-academy Thank you Still on fence. I like my jems :) I saw somewhere Vai said the neck was a little thicker. Looks great thugh and ty, very good review
@@nagesh1976Yes . . If you look down through the comments, it's not the only one either. 2 others that I know of have had the same problem and both of the sun dew gold . . . interesting. 🤔
I got mine back at the end of August and luckily mine didn't have the two issues you mentioned at the end of the video, but mine didn't come with the little Pia card that was behind the headstock in the case and it also doesn't have the J Craft sticker on the back of the headstock, just the serial number Edit: I'm a dumb dumb, I misunderstood the J Craft bit, thought you were talking about the PIA having a J Craft logo on the back of the headstock
I looked at that (post edit) and thought I wasn't very clear. . Nice to know yours was one of the perfect ones. I have spoken with Ibanez and they have only had 2 with issues, which is pretty good going . . 🙂🙂
Yes agreed, and I never use the metal one. The light bar is also easier to hold with you little finger (being wider) and it's warmer on the hand in a cold country 😊
@@guitar-academy I definitely appreciate the temperature difference as well. It came with my 30th Anni Jem 777, and I really just can't go back to the metal bar. It was also my 1st Ibanez with an Original Edge. I have the same Jem 7vwh as well. I like the original edge over the Edge Pro. It's meatier and has locking studs that far improves stability. I have more frequent high E string breaks on my edge pro guitars than my 777. The Edge pro to me is a crappier version of the Lo-Pro.
What an interesting guitar. Looks and sounds beautiful. I'm shocked by the misaligned strings though. I'd bet on a junk trem over a twisted neck but hard to say for sure. Seems a bit odd that whoever set that guitar up didn't notice the issue... aren't you supposed to play every note to ensure proper Intonation?
The intonation was a little bit out suggesting the neck had moved. I have sorted it out now and it's perfect. I had to reset the neck, I had to contact Ibanez first though because I didn't want to effect the warranty. Ibanez were really nice and helpful. 🙂🙂
@@guitar-academy oh well that's fantastic news brother! Glad to hear I've watched quite a few of your videos lately on setting up acoustics and they've inspired me to give it a go with my super cheap yamaha. I've lined up buying a Washburn mini jumbo this weekend as insurance policy because I don't want to be without a playable guitar if I happen to screw up sanding down the saddle or have to go out and find a fret file if I find buzzing once the actions been lowered. I'm thinking about going with graph tech black tusq XL nut and saddle, any experience with those mate? Keep up the great work, Cheers 🍻
@@stinkychickentitty Wow . . I'm glad I've inspired you, that's really great. Graph tech are good stuff, as long as you go slowly and carefully you should do well. I tend to use cheeper ones because I have to have 3 or 4 in my tool box at any one time. 🙂
@@guitar-academy fair enough, I suppose anything is better than the junk plastic most budget axes are fitted with. I thought that the black tusqs seemed like a good way to go because they claim to be self lubricating. If it all goes well ill have to make the same upgrade to my new guitar too. I'd really like to get into an electric rig but my current financial situation is really in the gutter, being laid off for 6 months hurts the pocket book. Ironically that's what reinvigorated my passion for playing guitar so its not all bad haha Thanks again for your great content 👍
@@stinkychickentitty Yeah . . tell me about it. My main income was teaching guitar, but I haven't had a lessons since may and I don't see it changing any time soon. I don't think there's much argument with Graph Tech, they are the best at what they do . . 🙂
The setup problem with this guitar is a common one, just read through the comments to see at least 2 more with exactly the same problem. You can avoid setup problems by buying from a high street shop as they usually check the guitars before selling them, online stores tend not to do this. 😊
When I contacted Ibanez about the neck, they mentioned that the only return they had had at that point was because of the sanding in the cut outs. So you're not alone in not liking the sanding, and I agree . . you're right 😊
I contacted Ibanez to see if by repairing it I would effect the warranty. They were happy to allow me to fix it and it was dead easy . . I just loosened the screws in the back of the neck and realigned the neck correctly and it was sorted. I've had messages since from people with the same problem, but only on the same colour guitar . . 😊
I have a suspicion that the Chinese copycat factories have gotten so good that is almost impossible to tell the difference. How can you tell if this is a real Japanese model or not? 🤔
The copy is pretty obvious if you know what you're looking for. The grips are too big and the pickups are obviously wrong and the neck isn't 5 piece. But if you want to be sure just go through a proper dealer. 😊
on paper it's the same . . but for some reason it feels thicker. I think the frets are very different and change the feel of the whole neck. Also my JEM is very shiny now through use so that makes it feel different .
nice but price is ridiculous...i have several j craft rRGs and not one was over $1000 us except for my 1527....made in the fujigen factory by the same people....there is no way Vai's name is worth three grand. And the fact that u had to reset the neck is ridiculous at that price point.
I agree with you to a degree, I actually think $1000 is to high for a guitar. I have guitars that cost between 1 and 2 hundred quid that are excellent. I wish I knew how these people find their prices. Just go to your favourite guitar web shop and sort the guitars by 'Highest to lowest price' and you'll see Gibson, Fender, PRS and others have lots of guitars around the 10 grand mark (UK pounds) and some guitars go as high as 20 grand. How can they justify these prices? and I get more expensive guitars coming in for repair than cheap ones and it's nearly always bad construction or cheap parts . .
@@guitar-academy the law of diminishing returns applies to high price guitars....past a point, u are not getting more value for the dollar...u are just paying for bells and whistles or a signature....anyone who would drop twenty grand on a guitar has more money than brains. I always wanted a jem, but couldnt get past the fact that it is an rg with a handle and steve's name on it....rip off at what they cost.
I think it's probably the photography that's to blame or the extreme close ups. I just looked at it now and the scallops look fine with the naked eye . . 😊
Wow what a depressing thing to see on a $3500 JEM! and loosening the the neck and realigning it would not have done a damn thing because @22:48 using the polepieces on the front dimarzio you can see how off center the strings really are! each string should be dead nuts center of each pole of that pu and as anyone can clearly see it is off by a LOT! that is tragic it left final inspection at Ibanez Japan with this overlooked! Once quick look at the neck pu's poles would have told the story fast! They should know better!!!
@@DTGuitarTech After checking the measurements and looking over the guitar more closely I realized it was the neck that was out of line. I just loosened the neck screws off and moved the neck into line and then tightened up the screws again . . easy . . 😊
@@DTGuitarTech True . . but that's why I do the reviews . . how would people know the truth about these guitars otherwise. Most RUclips reviewers just show off and lie about the guitars, they don't inspect them properly. Even if this guitar was £200 it shouldn't be sent out like this.
What a thorough, excellent review. This is exactly what I would like to see for any new guitar I'd want to buy. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! thank you 😊
Second time I have watched it, and I must say, that this is great! Please do more reviews! Your lack of "look at me" and your dedication to the product is very refreshing!
Thank you very much . . I don't seem to have much joy as I just started a review last week (a Washburn acoustic) but the guitar ended up going back and the replacement isn't perfect . . I'll upload the video over the next few days. 😊😊
I wish everyone would make reviews like this... excellent job! thanks!
Much appreciated! thank you . . 😊
I wondered which guitar you were using on the lessons, as that inlay is so beautiful. Now, you went ahead and got the Pia, with even more beautiful tri-coloured inlay. Looks fantastic and sounds splendid with the HSH pickups. I'm looking fir the follow up review, as this proper review had some guitar build issues.
It is beautiful and will be doing a follow up . . 😊😊
Waiting for Part 2, and more of your effortless smooth playing. Great content, and the attention to detail is really awesome. I hope Steve Vai hooks you up rightly!
Thank you very much . . it would be amazing (but strange) to even be noticed my Steve Vai . . 🙂🙂
Best review I’ve seen! So sick of people trying to be impressive, let the instrument speak for itself!
Thank you very much . . 😊
Thanks for the open and honest review. Your guitar is gorgeous. I absolutely love the Sun Dew Gold Pia. I aspire to own one. One day. The full retail price is a bit steep for my pocket though.
I am a bit of a Jem Junkie. I own 10 Jems in total with a mix of models made in Indonesia and Japan. Both factories can produce anazing guitars. The general concensus is that the Japanese models have a higher consistency of Quality Control. Sadly, your experience proves that even Japanese build quality doesn't guarantee perfection.
A minor correction to one of your annotations: It's Sun DEW Gold rather than Sun DUE Gold.
The Trem fitted to the Pia is the Original Edge unit. This was fitted to the original Jems back in the late 80's. The Edge & Edge Lo Pro are considered by many to be the best Trems Ibanez ever offered. The Trem on your Jem7VWH is the Edge Pro which was used between 2004-2009 - mainly to save Ibanez paying licencing fees to Floyd Rose. Once the Floyd Rose Patent expired, fitment of the Original Edge resumed.
One thing I'd be interested to know is if there is any difference in feel between the Jem & Pia necks. Tech specs suggest same measurements but I wonder if the rear profile has changed at all. What is your opinion?
I shall keep an eye out for your follow-up video. Good Luck with sorting out the issues on your Pia!
I was planning to buy this guitar tomorrow from the local dealer but I have now changed my mind after seeing the issue. Thanks for this.
Glad I could help, but don't let it put you off . . just check it out on the guitar you're shown. I've sorted this guitar now and it's great ruclips.net/video/e3Jwpd82LXQ/видео.html
That was a great tune at the end. I enjoy your videos. I enjoy your honesty and your voice is very soothing. Can’t wait for part two!
Thank you so much! I will get it done quickly for you . . LOL 🙂🙂
Just bought one, can’t wait to have it show up. Definitely a collector.
😊
Great review. I’ve studied this guitar since announced. Thank you for covering all the details. I’ve had one on back order since 2/15/20. I chose the Envy Green color which has been held hostage in Japan during the pandemic. Expected to arrive on 12/20-1/21. Looking forward to this guitar so much! Thanks again. Looking forward to part 2&3!
Oh wow. You must be patient, but it'll be worth the wait. . . 🙂🙂
I also ordered the Envy green and still waiting. Hope we don't have the quality issues as this one did!
@@dragnasty540 I've had a chat with Ibanez and they told me only 2 Pia's have had issues and mine is one of them. So you should be fine. 🙂🙂
Well...how is the Pia?
Thank you for the review. Tone clarity is impressive. I must look into those DM PUs. Hard luck on the quality issues. Hopefully, you were able to resolve the matter by now. Cheers!
Thank you 😊
Yes, the guitar is sorted now. The only issue I've found with the pickups is if engraved cover gets caught, but that might be just me . .😊
@@guitar-academy Glad to hear the guitar has been squared away. How does it play? How does it feel? I'm fond of Ibanez, bought my first electric in 1982, sunburst Destroyer, I was 14 y/o. I have yet find a guitar that played as well. Felt good in all the right places.
@@jwherron when I first played it for a while I didn't like it because it felt different to my JEM, but now I've got use to the feel and I like it more than the JEM. It's hard to comment on playability because everyone has different taste . . For me (I play with my nails) I don't like the way the patterned covers on the pickups stands out so much, because I catch my nails on it. I've lowered the pickups, but people might not want to do that . .
You are one of a kind! What a fantastic review! Awaiting for the part two!!! Will you finally upload it? Thank you very much!
I was giving it time to get familiar with the guitar, but I will upload soon . . 😊
Thank you for such a detailed review. For that price range the anomalies you pointed out are just not acceptable. I would return it to! Rgds.
Thank you . . I fixed it in the end, but I made sure with Ibanez that my fix wouldn't effect the warranty . .
Great review. The only thing keeping me from snagging a Pia is the price. It's insane.
Yes I fully agree . . I've tried to work out the difference between a £200 guitar and a £3000 guitar and I honestly can't see or think of anything to warrant the price. 🤔
Wonderfull review sir! I really enjoy the thought you put into all the videos you perform. I have just purchased the Station White and awaiting shipment. Cheers!
Nice . . I'm sure you wont be disappointed . . 😊
Thank you very much. Its the best review, with all little details. The fretwork is really on the top👍
Glad it was helpful! thank you . . 😊😊
Very thorough! Wish more reviewers would make videos like yours.
18:11 That's an Edge Pro that you showed there. The Lo Pro was used on the JEM7WH before 2002/03 when the Edge Pro was introduced. In 2010, Ibanez brought the original Edge back for the JEM7VWH. From what I understand, Steve Vai likes the original Edge because he can get a little more pull-up range with it compared to the Lo Pro or Edge Pro. I haven't tried pulling up on any of them to verify this though. My JEM7VWH from 2000 has a Lo Pro which, aesthetically, looks the best. I've seen Steve play with guitars with a Lo Pro or original Edge, but he rarely plays Edge Pro guitars - the only video I've seen of him do this is with the 20th anniversary model JEM20TH.
Thank you . . that's some great information . . 😊
Thank you for recognizing that. I hate those kinds of reviews. Thank goodness for this proper review. Almost every guitar has those kinds of reviews. . It's kind of annoying. Best regards.. pS my j custom 8870 had the same thing with the tremolo. There is a nut before the screw that has to be tightened then will never come loose again. A quality control thing that should have never passed inspection. Come on Ibanez.
Thank you very much . . . the j custom 8870 is a really nice guitar. Since I tightened and tweeked everything the guitar has been a dream and will easily outlive me . . 😊😃
This guitar wasn’t inspected by the shop than.Its pain in ass for all those guitar newbies ... trying get in to the guitar playing as you don’t know what you are buying especially when gear is quite expensive.Nice review Mate!
I think it was just missed, I nearly missed it until I was lining up the guitar to take a photo. . . I've sorted it out now, few . . Thank you very much . . 🙂🙂
what newbie would spend 3k+ to learn? that would be crazy lol
@@ChoperJoJo someone who has money and likes nice things 🙃
Plus it looks good hanging on a wall 🤣
Great review.Just got my Panther pink home.Everything is fine with it.Quite fancy the gold and green too as an investment.You can enjoy the guitar and cash in the bank earns nothing.In regards to comparison to jems.This is a higher quality feel to it in my opinion.Beautiful stainless frets and nicer inlays.The rounded body is much nicer than the sharper jem.Gorgeous pickups.To me feels one step up from the jem.
Yes it is finished well. 😊😊
The Pia is an out of this world guitar.
😊
Nice level of satisfaction when you removed the white plastic film...
yes, I never thought about it until now but yes it's very satisfying 😃
That’s exactly what I was looking for. Excellent review.
Awesome, thank you! 😊
I just received this guitar and had purchased it brand new from Musicians Friend. Unfortunately, it was laden with defects. I had done an enormous amount of research on the Japanese made Ibanez guitars and had a lot of hope that this would be an incredible. However, the frets were sharp, the whammy bar had the same problem yours did in this video, there two areas on the paint job that seem to have missed coverage, and the metal plate on the back was missing that white plastic cover and was scratched. Words cannot express how profoundly disappointed I am. I've never spent so much money on a guitar before and had dreamed of having a Steve Vai signature for over 20 years. Too bad the quality control Ibanez seems to brag about isn't as good as they make it out to be.
That sounds shocking . . it shouldn't happen on a guitar of the value of these guitars 😒
@@guitar-academy That's what I've heard. Gratefully, Musician's Friend is helping me out with this. I saw an Ibanez Jem behind a glass case 21 years ago at Guitar Center, and I've wanted a guitar like this ever since. I sure am pretty bummed about this.
It does make me chuckle how he says the name PIA came about / Paradise in Art, as if we don't believe he actually just named it after his wife, Pia.
😊
Hope they come out with a PIA JR version..
I cannot afford the 4k-plus USD$ price
:-(
yeah . . that would be a popular guitar 😊
love the honesty of the review ,Got an Talman with the big 70s gold metalflake paint..lol To me it looks like he was inspired by a mexican drug cartels custom pistols . Way to flashy for this 53 yr old . Great video
Hey . . I'm older than that . . 😂🤣😂 I'm off to look up mexican cartel custom pistols now . . 🙂
@@guitar-academy 1911 models are popular .45 auto
@@juanziegler1471 Oh wow . . they are stunning. I could go with engraved pickups and machine heads that look like that . . LOL 🙂
Indeed a proper review of the pia!! Well done 🤘🤘
Thank you very much ! 😊
Thank you for professional review, did you get another pia after ? If so do you like it, Im on the fence to buy one in gold. Thank you
I think part 2 answers all your questions best . . 😊
(part 2); ruclips.net/video/e3Jwpd82LXQ/видео.html
@@guitar-academy thank you, I will watch it now
Honestly very good review best I’ve seen
Thank you very much 😊😃
HI
great video and great guitar
I ask you, do you think it's a versatile guitar with which to play multiple styles (rock, pop, blues..) or is it made just for Steve's world?
Can it finally replace Strato and Les Paul or not?
Thanks and congratulations again!!!
Thank you for your feedback . . 😊😃
Yes, I bought this guitar because I had the Jem7 which is very similar but was starting to get very warn with use. I chose this guitar because it is so versatile. It's more of a replacement for a Strat than a Les Paul because the shape, balance and weight are very similar to a Strat, but you can get it to sound quite like a Les Paul if you want because of the humbuckers. 😊😃
If you can, it's a good idea to try it in a shop.
@@guitar-academy Thank you for your answer! out of curiosity what happened to your jem ?
How much does PIA weigh?
@@massimilianogullini5222 I kept the Jem because I still like it. I don't know how much the PIA weighs but you can easily find that out on Google. 🤔
really really great review. I am not surprised with the dreaded Floyd Rose, those things are more unstable and complicated than the device is worth it. I'd rather have a PRS tremolo system. Too bad they didn't offer these guitars with an alternative tremolo system.
Thanks for your feedback . . I can't say I've tested a PRS tremolo too much, but everyone I know who has one loves them . . 😊
Overall nicely done review. I would have loved some additional sound clips with light to heavy distortion because I’m curious how those pickups sound. It’s a shame about the alignment issue you had with the strings not centered - should not be the case on $3.5K guitar.
I could do with doing a follow up video . . I wanted to love this guitar, but it doesn't match up to the Jem7v. The design in the pickups catches on your pick or nails if you use fingers, and if you lower the pickups to where they don't catch you loose the power . . .
@@guitar-academy Thanks for feedback. I was interested buying the PIA but now I’ll take a look for a JEM7V. Can probably get a decent price on a used one too.
@@silkysoy1794 If you find a shop with both, that would be ideal. Sadly, you'll notice that the PIA looks nicer so it makes the decision harder. 🤔
I bet they are arguing over which is best on Ibanez forums LOL
Couldn't believe the end when you showed the offset neck, my gold Pia came with the exact same issue only on mine I think it was even worse! The good news is I loosened the neck joint screws a little and it snapped right into place on its own, then I tightened them back up. Looking at the Sweetwater pictures before shipping it wasn't like this before they sent it, so I can only assume it was a shipping issue. Must have got bumped really hard to cause that. Anyway, if anyone gets one and has this issue you could try loosening the screws a little. Before you even get them each two or three turns loose it will snap back into place if it goes the same way for you as it did for me. Otherwise this is an outstanding guitar and I highly recommend it!
well isn't that strange . . mine did exactly the same thing. On this model they've put new metal thread inserts into the back of the neck (like the Malmsteen strat) and they seem to come slightly loose. Strangely though I was speaking to the head of Ibanez UK and he said it's the first one he'd heard of. I guess the kind of people who buy a guitar like this are more experienced an just sort it them selves as you did . . 😊
@@guitar-academy Sounds like it's more common than they let on lol. Well I was VERY close to sending it back but decided loosening the screws a bit to adjust the neck is so easy I may as well give it a try. I was pleased when it snapped into place on its own without me having to really do anything. In the following months it has played beautifully with no further issues. I hope everyone else that has this issue has the same luck I did!
@@Corrupt-R well reading this conversation will help anyone if they do find a slightly misaligned neck . . 😊😊
@@guitar-academy You said in the video you were sending yours back, did you ever get a good replacement?
@@Corrupt-R No, I contacted Ibanez to check that fixing it myself wouldn't effect the warranty and I fixed it. The problem was identical to yours but I didn't let it sit in place I set it dead straight, I think you were lucky with that.
I also made sure I contacted guitar guitar and Ibanez as it's part of my job is to see how they respond. Ibanez were great . . guitar guitar were rubbish . .
4:21 “do not twirl the guitar or swirl it...” - but the Maestro is doing it all the time 😂
LOL 😂🤣😂
Those issues you describe for a AUD$5000 are completely unacceptable. I’m shocked.
The issues were easy enough to sort in the end, but you're right they shouldn't be there in the first place . .
I like your music ALOT!!! Thinking of buying my first JEM or PIA 💪
Thank you very much . . They are good guitars 😊
a 5000 $ guitar I can' t expect any default... Great review in details
Thank you very much . . 😊😃
There was a guy on Jemsite who got an 777 30th with the wrong bridge. Mistakes happen. Good video.
Yeah, this wasn't serious and the guitar is great now . . it was a simple fix in the end 😊
@@guitar-academy Glad to hear it. Liked your camera shots. I’m not a fan of the Pia but your video almost turned me lol
Please do make a review on the Ibanez J custom guitar and Musicman JP guitars🙌🏻❤❤🎸
Thank you, down to earth approach, excellent, all the best
You are welcome! thank you 😃
I had an Ibanez S Series some years back and not only did I have tremolo issues because it wouldn't stay in tune but the neck broke at the neck and headstock where those 2 nuts are attached. The guitar fell off its stand onto the carpet and it split between the two nuts and down the side of the neck from the nut. I believe that creates a serious weak point that demands extra caution. It was a nice guitar otherwise but the issues forced me to sell it after I had it repaired. I probably wouldn't buy another.
agreed, that is a weakness . . Gibson have the same weakness but for a different reason, the headstock leans back too far. Even Slash complains about it . . 😊
Outstanding review. Thanks.
Glad you liked it . . . thank you 😊😃
Soo humble and grateful 😊 beautiful and honest review thanks brother
So nice of you, thank you . . 😊
@@guitar-academy God bless you stay safe stay healthy 🍀
@@dreamzsmith3753 You too . . thank you again 😊
Anybody have a link to the "Part 2" that he talks about at 20:45? I looked at the videos on his channel and I can't find it. Thanks. BHP.
Part 2 is here ruclips.net/video/e3Jwpd82LXQ/видео.html 😊
I feel like this guitar is $1000 overpriced tbqh. You're essentially paying for Steve's cut in the product.
It's very sad but quite possibly. Sadly the whole world seems to work that way these days. 🤔
It is called Capitalism
If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. The price isn’t unreasonable, given the features and that it is his signature guitar.
Absolutely. But everybody who buys it knows it. I'm good with that.
@@dadude7 😊
Thanks for a great review, I’m schedule to receive mine in early November now I’m a little concerned about string lineup...mmmmmm
No worries, I had a chat with the Ibanez and this first batch will be the best and they only had one other issue apart from mine and that was a flaw in the finish in a cavity (probably the handle), so you should be fine. . . 🙂🙂
@@guitar-academy Hi great content!! I was thinking of buying one till I saw your vid ) I am a LONG time jem guy If I bought ne now those issues should be corrected according to your chat with ibanez? Are you getting another?
@@jamesangelucci3142 I fixed the one in the video. It was really simple to fix, I just loosened the neck screws, re aligned the neck and tightened it up again. Somewhere in the comments is someone else who bought one the same colour and had the same problem, he also fixed his very simply the same way.
I wouldn't worry about it . . I love it. 😊
@@guitar-academy Thank you Still on fence. I like my jems :) I saw somewhere Vai said the neck was a little thicker. Looks great thugh and ty, very good review
@@guitar-academy I wanted to ask whether it is necessary to loosen the strings when unscrewing the nuts? since I have a similar problem
Superb... This is how a review should be..👍👍
Thank you very much . . 😊
Misaligned neck ? Definitely not on $3500 guitar... May be on cheaper start copies...shame on ibanez quality check..and team j craft..
@@nagesh1976Yes . . If you look down through the comments, it's not the only one either. 2 others that I know of have had the same problem and both of the sun dew gold . . . interesting. 🤔
I got mine back at the end of August and luckily mine didn't have the two issues you mentioned at the end of the video, but mine didn't come with the little Pia card that was behind the headstock in the case and it also doesn't have the J Craft sticker on the back of the headstock, just the serial number
Edit: I'm a dumb dumb, I misunderstood the J Craft bit, thought you were talking about the PIA having a J Craft logo on the back of the headstock
I looked at that (post edit) and thought I wasn't very clear. . Nice to know yours was one of the perfect ones. I have spoken with Ibanez and they have only had 2 with issues, which is pretty good going . . 🙂🙂
The Ultra light bar is just a better bar. It's function over form.
Yes agreed, and I never use the metal one. The light bar is also easier to hold with you little finger (being wider) and it's warmer on the hand in a cold country 😊
@@guitar-academy I definitely appreciate the temperature difference as well. It came with my 30th Anni Jem 777, and I really just can't go back to the metal bar. It was also my 1st Ibanez with an Original Edge. I have the same Jem 7vwh as well. I like the original edge over the Edge Pro. It's meatier and has locking studs that far improves stability. I have more frequent high E string breaks on my edge pro guitars than my 777. The Edge pro to me is a crappier version of the Lo-Pro.
@@blkspade23 wow, I agree again . . that doesn't happen often 😃😃
That's what you call review, great job !
Glad you liked it! thank you 😊😊
I appreciate you sharing this information. 🤟
No problem 👍 thank you
Awesome reiew... is the part 2 out yet?
it's finally here ruclips.net/video/e3Jwpd82LXQ/видео.html 😊
i realy love this guitar can you tell me how much cost it carrys
sorry, you'll have to lookup for the price in your country as the price is different all over the world . .
What an interesting guitar. Looks and sounds beautiful. I'm shocked by the misaligned strings though. I'd bet on a junk trem over a twisted neck but hard to say for sure. Seems a bit odd that whoever set that guitar up didn't notice the issue... aren't you supposed to play every note to ensure proper Intonation?
The intonation was a little bit out suggesting the neck had moved. I have sorted it out now and it's perfect. I had to reset the neck, I had to contact Ibanez first though because I didn't want to effect the warranty. Ibanez were really nice and helpful. 🙂🙂
@@guitar-academy oh well that's fantastic news brother! Glad to hear
I've watched quite a few of your videos lately on setting up acoustics and they've inspired me to give it a go with my super cheap yamaha. I've lined up buying a Washburn mini jumbo this weekend as insurance policy because I don't want to be without a playable guitar if I happen to screw up sanding down the saddle or have to go out and find a fret file if I find buzzing once the actions been lowered. I'm thinking about going with graph tech black tusq XL nut and saddle, any experience with those mate?
Keep up the great work,
Cheers 🍻
@@stinkychickentitty Wow . . I'm glad I've inspired you, that's really great. Graph tech are good stuff, as long as you go slowly and carefully you should do well. I tend to use cheeper ones because I have to have 3 or 4 in my tool box at any one time. 🙂
@@guitar-academy fair enough, I suppose anything is better than the junk plastic most budget axes are fitted with. I thought that the black tusqs seemed like a good way to go because they claim to be self lubricating. If it all goes well ill have to make the same upgrade to my new guitar too. I'd really like to get into an electric rig but my current financial situation is really in the gutter, being laid off for 6 months hurts the pocket book. Ironically that's what reinvigorated my passion for playing guitar so its not all bad haha
Thanks again for your great content 👍
@@stinkychickentitty Yeah . . tell me about it. My main income was teaching guitar, but I haven't had a lessons since may and I don't see it changing any time soon. I don't think there's much argument with Graph Tech, they are the best at what they do . . 🙂
Gratitudes!
You're most welcome! thank you 😃
Guys how possible it is a guitar at this price range to come with bad setup out of the box?
The setup problem with this guitar is a common one, just read through the comments to see at least 2 more with exactly the same problem. You can avoid setup problems by buying from a high street shop as they usually check the guitars before selling them, online stores tend not to do this. 😊
Excellent review!
Glad you liked it! thank you 😊😊
That was a great review!!!!
Glad you liked it! thank you 😊😃
Fantastic review man, thank you very much! From your barbarian neighbour up north 🏴.
Much appreciated! thank you very much 😊😃
It looks like the string height is pretty High ? Any chance you could measure it at the 24th fret both high and low E string ??
Not now. . I have set it up the same as my Jem, but it wasn't very high at all . 🙂
Great guitar great demo! Thanks
Glad you liked it! thank you 😊
shame about the issues. I also wouldn't be happy with the sanding job inside the cut outs on a £3000 guitar either
When I contacted Ibanez about the neck, they mentioned that the only return they had had at that point was because of the sanding in the cut outs. So you're not alone in not liking the sanding, and I agree . . you're right 😊
dont think a little sanding, a highpass filter, and different handle is worth the 2k more....
Something similar happened to me...testing an IBANEZ RG550 Genesis collection....Unacceptable...Gracias...!!!
Sorry to hear that. It's seems to be something they need to look into . . 🤔
My JEM7PBK is perfect from any point of view..
Can you do one like this about your Jem?
I never thought about it until now . . my Jem is well used now though . .
is there any solution for conclusion and bad news ?? how you deal with it
I contacted Ibanez to see if by repairing it I would effect the warranty. They were happy to allow me to fix it and it was dead easy . .
I just loosened the screws in the back of the neck and realigned the neck correctly and it was sorted. I've had messages since from people with the same problem, but only on the same colour guitar . . 😊
@@guitar-academy Wow.. thx for the information. nice ..
@@violinmusicofficial1255 No problem 😊
I have a suspicion that the Chinese copycat factories have gotten so good that is almost impossible to tell the difference.
How can you tell if this is a real Japanese model or not? 🤔
The copy is pretty obvious if you know what you're looking for. The grips are too big and the pickups are obviously wrong and the neck isn't 5 piece. But if you want to be sure just go through a proper dealer. 😊
@@guitar-academy The modern CNC manufacturing made it possible. Just add genuine DiMarzio harness and you are good to go. I trust no dealers.
@@ANCAPVoluntaryist If only it was so easy 🤔
Team J craft? More like team Crosseyed. Bummer dude.
That bridge and neck alignment was unacceptable!!!
It's seems that several (at least) of the gold ones were the same way. I have had contact from 2 more people with the same issue.
In turkey this is 30 K. Sad story.
ouch . . .
excellent job!
Thank you! 😊
Is the neck thicker than a jem- neck?
on paper it's the same . . but for some reason it feels thicker. I think the frets are very different and change the feel of the whole neck. Also my JEM is very shiny now through use so that makes it feel different .
The Jem sounds much better. The PIA looks much better.
nice but price is ridiculous...i have several j craft rRGs and not one was over $1000 us except for my 1527....made in the fujigen factory by the same people....there is no way Vai's name is worth three grand. And the fact that u had to reset the neck is ridiculous at that price point.
I agree with you to a degree, I actually think $1000 is to high for a guitar. I have guitars that cost between 1 and 2 hundred quid that are excellent. I wish I knew how these people find their prices. Just go to your favourite guitar web shop and sort the guitars by 'Highest to lowest price' and you'll see Gibson, Fender, PRS and others have lots of guitars around the 10 grand mark (UK pounds) and some guitars go as high as 20 grand. How can they justify these prices? and I get more expensive guitars coming in for repair than cheap ones and it's nearly always bad construction or cheap parts . .
@@guitar-academy the law of diminishing returns applies to high price guitars....past a point, u are not getting more value for the dollar...u are just paying for bells and whistles or a signature....anyone who would drop twenty grand on a guitar has more money than brains. I always wanted a jem, but couldnt get past the fact that it is an rg with a handle and steve's name on it....rip off at what they cost.
it's the Dubai of guitars !
😊
What’s ‘positive’ about a case latch ?
A positive, tight click and not a loose, weak one 😊
Full PIA
Only if we could get a PIA JR
They might do eventually . . 😊
@@guitar-academy Oh don't you tease a man like that about a guitar
@@kadenhinojosa3582 LOL . . There's a hole in the market that needs to be filled, I bet they'll fill it . . 😊
Amazing
Thank you . . 🙂
edge of the scallop looks really bad for that high price :s
I think it's probably the photography that's to blame or the extreme close ups. I just looked at it now and the scallops look fine with the naked eye . . 😊
Wow what a depressing thing to see on a $3500 JEM! and loosening the the neck and realigning it would not
have done a damn thing because @22:48 using the polepieces on the front dimarzio you can see how off center
the strings really are! each string should be dead nuts center of each pole of that pu and as anyone can clearly
see it is off by a LOT! that is tragic it left final inspection at Ibanez Japan with this overlooked!
Once quick look at the neck pu's poles would have told the story fast! They should know better!!!
And.... On the inlay it looks blue not green
yes it kind of does . . but green is what Ibanez calls it . .
To much gold
fare comment, but they do come in a good range of colours 🤔
Love Ibanez’s. but this is appalling for a £3000+ guitar.
It was easy enough to correct in the end, but strangely several people with the same colour guitar have had the same issue . .
@@guitar-academy Out of interest, how did you correct it?
@@DTGuitarTech After checking the measurements and looking over the guitar more closely I realized it was the neck that was out of line. I just loosened the neck screws off and moved the neck into line and then tightened up the screws again . . easy . . 😊
@@guitar-academy I admire your skills. However, a 3 grand guitar???? With polishing compound left on it and an out of line neck???
@@DTGuitarTech True . . but that's why I do the reviews . . how would people know the truth about these guitars otherwise. Most RUclips reviewers just show off and lie about the guitars, they don't inspect them properly. Even if this guitar was £200 it shouldn't be sent out like this.
Was that Angel by Judas priest?
Nearly, it was just a Bm, which is the first chord of Angel . . wow, well spotted 🙂🙂
@@guitar-academy Thank you. I have been trying to play this song since day before yesterday. No luck yet.
@@dreadnought.09 you'll get it 🙂
I don't think your finger nails are long enough
sun due gold :D
😊
the tree of life inlay from the JEM looks more class., the PIA neck looks like its from a kindergarten classroom display sort of
It just looks tacky to me.
yes, but that's the joy of a good selection of different guitars. We each choose what we like . . 😊
The pia sucks, the jem is a true jewel
I must admit, I still use my JEM more. I keep telling myself I will get use to the PIA, but so far it hasn't happened. 😊
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