Can you hear the difference? - Ibanez JEM Jr vs JEM7v

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 745

  • @jem555bkk
    @jem555bkk  7 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Let's hear whether JEM Jr. with Dimarzio Evolution will make a difference.
    th-cam.com/video/prozXBbdSZ8/w-d-xo.html

    • @korat10
      @korat10 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      jem555bkk I

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

    • @Big_Uncle_Randy
      @Big_Uncle_Randy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      amd a better trem

    • @iloveitall
      @iloveitall 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Big_Uncle_Randy So you can tell ...

    • @philipreeves5465
      @philipreeves5465 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Will sound identical with the same pickups. All electric guitars do. The woods make zero difference to the plugged in sound. The woods are Just sales shit to keep the surfs spending and the rich living tax free in their mansion-houses

  • @leboosh2811
    @leboosh2811 8 ปีที่แล้ว +260

    the 7v has a much warmer tone, a lot more atmosphere to it, but tbf, the jem jr comes close!

    • @mikehawk8247
      @mikehawk8247 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Spot on ! I agree.

    • @tyreekmurillo4524
      @tyreekmurillo4524 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      no shit. the more expensive guitar is gonna be better obviously

    • @tyreekmurillo4524
      @tyreekmurillo4524 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      well it's gonna have things like higher output pickups more sustain and better frets

    • @claudiosuarez9905
      @claudiosuarez9905 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Tyreek Murillo about the sustain and etc, theyre just a few easily solvable things, they are two absolutely different guitars un terms of Woods and etc, that actually sound really close, un going to spend 500 un my jr and itll end Up being a Monster sounding axe with nothing to do with the 7v, but still great and trully good looking, i trully recomend that guitar

    • @Melpheos1er
      @Melpheos1er 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Also clearly much more sustain

  • @professorstein5855
    @professorstein5855 4 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Hearing the difference is only one thing. How they feel, how they can be adjusted, how they perform at loud volumes and over time, how they stay in tune etc - there are many more things that are just as important.

    • @jimmydover1632
      @jimmydover1632 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Pickups on JEM JR is real shit?

    • @ShihTzuPosting
      @ShihTzuPosting 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      100% I do like listening to guitar demos but I mostly want hear someone say how something feels compared to something else. At least if I’m considering buying something.

    • @ThePedroDB
      @ThePedroDB ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ShihTzuPosting They don't feel the same because the Jr has a Wizard 3 neck profile with Jumbo frets and the 7V has the Jem neck with 6105 frets. However, unless you back-to-backed them, you may not care. Swapping guitars just takes a few minutes acclimatisation and you're good.
      Alternatively, you can do what I did. Take a Power Sander to the back of the neck. Slim the depth at 1st fret to 17.5mm and 12th fret to 18.5mm. Reprofile to a gentle "C". Scallop frets 21-24. Re-finish with 3 or 4 coats of Tru-Oil and buff with "0000" Steel Wool. Voila! Virtually identical to the 7V. Impossible to tell in a blindfold test

    • @ThePedroDB
      @ThePedroDB ปีที่แล้ว

      @professorstein True but given the huge price difference, that's something that can easily be rectified by a little set-up/fettling and (if necessary) replacement of a few components. I own both and there's not that much between them.

  • @Sparky6string
    @Sparky6string 8 ปีที่แล้ว +148

    Once distortion is added they're quite close, and no one buys these for the clean tones. The Jr is an excellent value.

    • @PixieMinie
      @PixieMinie 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      KassperT tbh, the cleans sound kinda nice

    • @jimmydover1632
      @jimmydover1632 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PixieMinie Pickups on JEM JR is real shit?

    • @jimmydover1632
      @jimmydover1632 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pickups on JEM JR is real shit?

    • @JangYounghwan
      @JangYounghwan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jimmydover1632 I don't wanna say 'sh*t' but you can easily feel the power difference when you upgrade them to Dimarzio Evolutions that are in 7V.

    • @jimmydover1632
      @jimmydover1632 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JangYounghwan I really fully agree with you, I got these pickups in past on jem555bkk and they are so powerful !

  • @Ibanez7400
    @Ibanez7400 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Also props to the player. You have a good feel and playing ability.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @robertellis2956
    @robertellis2956 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    thanks, i been playing for 30 years and had to sell all my stuff last year to take care of my step son. now i'm back on my feet but cant afford my dream guitar, a ibanez PIA. i cant afford a jem either, but i think even at 40 years old maybe i can enjoy this jem jr. for the 500 dollars.

  • @TampaTec
    @TampaTec 8 ปีที่แล้ว +176

    to be honest I kind of don't hear a difference and they look the same but I watch this video because my son wants Jemjr. I think I will get it for him he's 12.

    • @EAGLiBRiUM
      @EAGLiBRiUM 8 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      If this is his first guitar and he's serious about it, then you're making the right choice

    • @franklina3211
      @franklina3211 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Tampatec get your kid a fender strat and let him learn the blues if not get your young man a ESP ltd kh202 tbh idk how much the jem jr is but if you're willing to put in the money he'd love this one the esp ltd kh602

    • @cdreid99999
      @cdreid99999 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I actually built a copy and put good pickups/gear in it and its friggin amazing. A jem is probably the perfect first guitar other than price. I can get strat tones, lp tones.. pretty much anythign i want out of it. It's a "one guitar that does it all" guitar

    • @oliverigoche7940
      @oliverigoche7940 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My first guitar was a fake strat it was ok quality but if your just starting out with guitar playing dont get such an expensive one after all your son is only 12 and probably isnt committed to the craft of guitar playing once your sure hes good with a shit guitar and is committed to playing then you can get him a nice guitar

    • @richardstone5096
      @richardstone5096 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I just bought one the other day, it gets here Thursday, so I can't wait, I bought the jem jr for £400 btw

  • @erlikquadros5873
    @erlikquadros5873 7 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Wasnt watching the video, just listening to the sound. No difference whatsoever that justifies the price difference. I'd be seriously happy with a JEM Jr!

  • @inspirationalguitar5316
    @inspirationalguitar5316 7 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    One of the best comparisons ever made !!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @jjmcnicholas5443
    @jjmcnicholas5443 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Hi, I owned a Jem 7v, fell out of love with it, sold it and then a few years later I missed it. I bought the Jem JR on a whim and wow - it is crazy... yes there is difference but not over a thousand notes difference. With a tweak on your DAW or effects rig, you can get 99% of the tone. Honestly.
    PS.. normally I find you get a lot more when you pay a lot more but today's not that day.

  • @marinotomas
    @marinotomas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You may not hear perceptible differences in sound (our computer speakers tend to prevent us from hearing the details) but there is a huge difference in the way the guitar feels. The way the palm feels on the bridge, how that bridge works and reacts (actually you can see clear visual differences between the Jem´s bridge and the Juniors). And unplug the two guitars and you'll also hear differences in resonance and sustain. In other words, the Junior is a beautiful guitar and does sound "similar" to a Jem, but it clearly feels like a cheaper guitar
    [sorry for my crappy english]

  • @tommytypes1721
    @tommytypes1721 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The biggest upgrade the jem jr needs is a higher quality floyd rose and a nice brass tone block. That is what fixes the sustain problem. The quantum pickups are surprisingly good. Still deciding if I want to swap them.

    • @ThePedroDB
      @ThePedroDB 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed. Brass block & (possibly) softer springs are the answer. Pickups are fine

  • @ThePedroDB
    @ThePedroDB 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I bought a Jem Jr WH last week. Put in a Fatter 34mm Brass Block on the Trem and gave it a set-up. It's a beast! Sustains 25% longer now than either my Jem70V or Jem77FP2 (which have identical sustain thanks to same trem & body wood). The Jr's Quantum pups are absolutely fine. Trem stability is spot on (so far..). Flawless paintwork & build quality. A great guitar for those wanting Vai style on a budget and a modder's delight. There's a full 'Evo' cosmetic makeover coming up for mine...

    • @zaprodaju1661
      @zaprodaju1661 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey man. Can you give me a link to where you purchased the block!?

  • @burado1974
    @burado1974 8 ปีที่แล้ว +115

    Get the Jr, upgrade it and enjoy the $1000 saved.

    • @jervistetchyousician8351
      @jervistetchyousician8351 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      How can you change a mahogany body to alder? And it's a big difference!

    • @user-fb2jb3gz1d
      @user-fb2jb3gz1d 6 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      Changing the pickups makes a hell of a more noticeable difference in tone, than wood

    • @4004010
      @4004010 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Laguna Zancruz
      For Ibanez RGs basswood body X alder body made difference.
      If you change the pafs for evolutions on elders jem you almost can’t note the difference. Because the 80’s jem had basswood with maple scale. And the 90’s comes with alder body and dark fingerboard.

    • @thatnorwegianguy1986
      @thatnorwegianguy1986 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yep friend of mine bought one we changed the tremolo to an original floyd and placed dimarzio evolution pickups in and it sounded like my jem which cost 2500 usd.

    • @willieedgar5368
      @willieedgar5368 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jervis Tetch Yousician who cares about the body. I’m talking about the hardware that you can hear. I would make the body out of carbon fiber if I could afford it but it really doesn’t make a lot of difference to me.

  • @ricardopereira9262
    @ricardopereira9262 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Steve could play that song live with a Jr.... or any other guitar with floyd and no one would ever tell the difference

  • @toddlampron5799
    @toddlampron5799 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Jem7v is a bit warmer and has a bit more sustain? Jem Jr. sounds great for an affordable guitar.

  • @aleaallee
    @aleaallee 8 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    the sustain difference between the 7v and the jr is really huge, i'm sure the 7v is worth all its money

    • @stryk9rockr
      @stryk9rockr 8 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      for $200 you put the 7V's trem in it....sustain problem solved...also...pick ups are not too expensive to change....major savings

    • @kevinbaluja3872
      @kevinbaluja3872 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Skip Towne you’re better off getting the Steve vai Jem “woody”

    • @ThePedroDB
      @ThePedroDB 6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I fitted a fatter 34mm Brass Block to the Standard DL Trem of my Jr - a £20 upgrade. Then I tested the sustain time of the Jr against my MIJ and Premium Jems (both with Edge Trem). The Jr now sustains 30% longer than either of the others. No need to spend lots of money for better sustain...

    • @rayman1738
      @rayman1738 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I have both guitars. And i can tell you the difference is like night and day. Stop giving comments if you dont have em both and mislead people

    • @blackie75
      @blackie75 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@stryk9rockr you'll need way more than that to make it play like a 7v. i have the JR, the neck looks and feels cheap, the trem sucks, the pickups suck, it needed a full fret level and setup straight from the factory as well. okay first guitar, but i wouldn't buy another

  • @litlebrit1
    @litlebrit1 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    the jem jr is a great guitar for the price and the tiny difference in sound is due to difference in pickups and upgraded hardware wish is easy interchangable

  • @anteronium
    @anteronium 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    There was definitely a difference. The 7v does have a slightly warmer tone and more sustain. Also, for me, the overdriven tones sounded a bit "cleaner" if you can understand what I mean.
    The Jemjr is a $400-$500 guitar while tje jem7v is a $2700-$2800 guitar(sorry if the prices aren't exact, I was transferring them from euros to dollars so they are fairly close at least)
    My opinion is that the jem7v is a guitar for semi-pro and pro players. Basically for players who have gigs quite often as the sound difference isn't equal to the price difference.
    If buying a guitar you can enjoy playing at home and further improve your guitar skills, I heartfully recommend the jemjr as it is a great guitar for a great price.
    I hope this helps some people who are thinking what to buy and if you disagree with any of my claims, please feel free to respond to the comment as I'd love to see other people's opinions.

  • @jesusaguilera3803
    @jesusaguilera3803 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    the jem7 has more output from the dimarzio pups and a more warmer tone to it but the jem Jr is still a great guitar for those that are on a budget 👍

  • @i_live_pain8420
    @i_live_pain8420 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hey man i love Sisters its so beautiful you played it quite well. Keep on rocking.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for watching.

  • @TheArtofGuitar
    @TheArtofGuitar 7 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    I played a Jr with much hope but it felt cheap in my hands.

    • @devlonmiles3526
      @devlonmiles3526 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The-Art-of-Guitar yeah it was the same with me, because I was going to buy one, but I played it in person and it felt like a Squier

    • @johnclabby3644
      @johnclabby3644 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I upgraded from my LTD Viper-10 to the Junior. And I personally was blown away. I didn't really know what they meant by a "fast playing neck" but I do now lol. But I've had an amazing experience with my JemJr.

    • @freaky425
      @freaky425 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      its sort of hit or miss often to me, but if you can buy from a local store after playing that you feel good then it's a steal.

    • @blackie75
      @blackie75 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah I agree

    • @ParisMorton6
      @ParisMorton6 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Probably because yours wasn’t setup properly. Mine wasn’t, but I got it fixed and now I feel like Steve vai (:

  • @razorray6273
    @razorray6273 8 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    Swap out the pickups in the Jem Jr and I bet you would hardly tell the difference at all between the two :)

    • @gdeivid
      @gdeivid 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      sure?? it's a warmer mahogany body vs a brighter alder body...
      A lot of people talk about the big difference between the ebony and rosewood fretboard on 7VWH Jems (I don't agree with that.. bet them all to tell the difference only by hearing), but here the difference is bigger, not only the pups

    • @ChJpop
      @ChJpop 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      What pickups can be pickups?

    • @ChJpop
      @ChJpop 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wnat change , Because I haave JEM JR

    • @alexzamborowski2112
      @alexzamborowski2112 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Get the Dimarzio Evolution Set, that is what Steve Vai's Evo has in it

    • @CelestialQanT
      @CelestialQanT 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Replace the edge bridge for a real Floyd rose

  • @Lotus-Son
    @Lotus-Son 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Damn, Junior put up one hell of a fight. And with different pickups I bet it would be so hard to tell the difference.
    But for I'm sure if you're the type to play 1000 hours, the subtle details/differences are worth the extra grand for the real JEM; more sustain, and tone overall sounds a tad more grandiose and spacier (and as someone mentioned earlier; a little warmer).
    For someone just starting the JEM Junior is a dream, but for someone whose played, you pay these huge sums for these seemingly minute differences, because you these smaller differences are the things you absolutely fall in love with over time.

  • @cdreid99999
    @cdreid99999 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your vibrato is badass. You have a lot of soul in your playing. And youve convinced me to get a jr

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for the compliment! I'm glad the video is useful.

  • @BoiseG
    @BoiseG 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a horrible case of tinnitus and I can rarely tell the difference between guitars, but I definitely can between these two. Which is a good thing considering the cost difference.

  • @tjborekvideo
    @tjborekvideo 8 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I really enjoyed your playing. I can tell you're a true student of Vai, with your pinch harmonics and that sliding up or down the fretboard into your note.
    To my ears, your technique makes the song sound very consistent from one guitar to the next. If you played this on a $99 Squier, it would probably sound just as good.
    The only difference I hear--as others have noted-- is the JEM Jr.'s lack of sustain. I suspect the lower-mass tremolo block may be the culprit. Having said that, for the money the Jr. is tough to beat!!!

  • @MrNalettinho
    @MrNalettinho 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The Jem7V has a warmer, more beautiful tone. The sound on the Jr. seems "thiner"...

    • @fais.mislan
      @fais.mislan 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      💯 agree...

    • @freedomination2
      @freedomination2 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You can order a custom brass block online! I had one made for my cheap Jackson with a Floyd Rose Special!

  • @MarkCoffin
    @MarkCoffin 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude, you were shredding. Nice work.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @Noone-of-your-Business
    @Noone-of-your-Business 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The cheaper whammy bar system in the JR has much less sustain. From my own experience, I am also under the impression that the JR is quite low on flageolet response. This may be connected to the low sustain. Well, no wonder for an amazingly affordable guitar that costs just 100 bucks more than a naked Floyd Rose trem - _without_ the guitar.
    Also, great playing! Thanks for the vid.

  • @guitardave
    @guitardave 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video! I thought the Jem 7V definitely sounded fuller and clearer in the clean sounds, but harder to tell a big difference once you play with distortion.
    I settled halfway between these two and bought the Jem 70V 😀

    • @MrMetalzeb
      @MrMetalzeb ปีที่แล้ว

      sustain , brillance of sounds and body are way better on 7V to me, also on distorted tunes it make a thick difference.

  • @GFM_90
    @GFM_90 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I changed my Jem JR pickups to a Dimarzio Evolution and also changed the bridge for a Schaller Bridge that is awesome.

  • @petrucci973
    @petrucci973 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    It’s not only based on the sound if you have the right gear and upgrade then pickups.. it’s also the finishing of the neck and how it feels with the type of wood used. Toyota is a car that will drive you to point A to point B, the BMW does the same but it’s a premium car. That’s the difference.

  • @Big_Uncle_Randy
    @Big_Uncle_Randy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Throw a thick tone block from FUtone and some EVO pickups would come pretty close....the pickups and the weak trem in the Jr is whats killing its sustain..

  • @chuck6730
    @chuck6730 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    The sustain on that 7v is very nice! You can hear it die out on the Jr. I just ordered the Jr today. I cant wait until it arrives.

  • @dodjiegarcia2320
    @dodjiegarcia2320 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The weird thing is I am a die hard Steve Vai fan. Had an old UV7BK and I can say Steve's guitars were meant to sound nasal and I feel the top end is bordering on muffled. If I get my hands on a 7V or a 555 I would always look into modding them with non-Vai signature pickups. Have no experience with his recent ones though

  • @SnDmsIIK
    @SnDmsIIK ปีที่แล้ว

    7v shows shimmering high end at times. Soundwise + price, Jr is a steal. Nicely done.

  • @paulschofield2630
    @paulschofield2630 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I love ❤❤ my white junior,❤ and so do my friends ❤who I let play it 😂 ,it's our jamming/lounge guitar 🎸, thanks Steve and Ibanez 😍💖👍🙏❤❤😊

  • @Anton_the_Vampire
    @Anton_the_Vampire 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great playing, and actually I think the Junior did well holding up to it's more expensive brother.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @JamesAllenRichmond
    @JamesAllenRichmond 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I closed my eyes and had a hard time telling when the guitars were switched. Playability is more important than tone with this kind of setup, since so much comes from the amp/effects

  • @javierpizarro7806
    @javierpizarro7806 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good idea to compare those instruments. I feel there are some subtle differences like harmonics and sustain, it would be nice to test the Jr with Evos. But what this shows is that both are great instruments and that there still company putting nice more affordable instruments.

  • @Drpiwi
    @Drpiwi 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    appart from the clean part, where the 7v has a bit more sparkle than the jr , I hear very little difference. At this level of processing on the sound I believe that the amp and effects are a lot more defining for the sound than the pickups or the guitar used.

  • @palopo-t3v
    @palopo-t3v 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    They sound massively different. I guess the Jr could be improved a lot by fitting in a set of Evolution pickups and a Lo Pro Edge or even better an original floyd rose pro, and it would sound 99% like the JEM7v but cheaper. Does the neck feel too differently?

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The 7v feels much better but the video could not capture that. Thanks for watching.

  • @yellowguitars01
    @yellowguitars01 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Jem 7V has more bite because of the DiMarzio pick ups. The Jem Jr though sounds nice and pretty close as well. Got the Jem Jr though.

  • @AkhilSharmaTech
    @AkhilSharmaTech 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think it's clear- if you want to play on stage or record in studio - go for the expensive one.
    But if you're just playing at home, the junior is just fine

  • @hakkobiggo2514
    @hakkobiggo2514 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i've own 555 (very early version when it just came out), 7VWH and 7SFG. The sound profile is almost similar however, Jr has thinner sound and less sustain, 7VWH sound fuller and more projection, 7SFG is in-between. The difference in the tones is due to the wood of the body, so the wood use for the guitar overall is equally important. But overall the EVO pickup maintains similar sound profile. I love EVO pups.. my other guitars are using EVOs too. And surprisingly, one of my Yamaha RGX420 DZ2 sounds quite good with EVO pups, has clarity and sound really crispy and clean. Whatever it is, EVO ftw! 🤣

  • @bannocktube
    @bannocktube 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you very much for this Video. I love my JR and now i love her a little bit more.Best value for money!!!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @akc5150
    @akc5150 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Both sound great! All I could say is that the Jr just sounds a little less "full" in the tonal range? Visually the thing that struck me the MOST is the beautifully polished Ebony board on the 7v.......... Both appeared to play very nicely but then that is obviously a very subjective thing. Given the price difference, I would say the Jr is a GREAT buy!!!

  • @kevinmcguinness1113
    @kevinmcguinness1113 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Got the Jem 555, (in between the Jem Jr and the 7V), which comes with the DiMarzio EVOs, Wizard 3-piece neck, pearloid scratch-plate and Edge III bridge already loaded. Price-wise, it's about 2x the Jem Jr (~UK £700 - £800, the Jem Jr is ~£360). The bridge gets a lot of bad press for some reason I can't figure - I've set it up with 10s on E-flat and it's really tight, responsive and bomb-proof, no matter how much abuse I give it. It's such a comfortable guitar to play, but I've found it sounds a little bit thin and lacking in sustain, especially on the single-coil and also when you roll off the tone control in any pick-up position. You need to boost the gain to get it to ring out more, which isn't a problem in itself, let's you hit the pinch harmonics easier :-). 7v's I've played seemed to suffer from the same "problem" too. Apart from that, phenomenal guitar IMO, as good as a 7v to my un-educated ears and fingers !!Have played a Jem Jr before and TBH, there's not enough of a difference sound-wise to make me buy a 7v instead, especially at £2K price difference - not worth it IMO. Think this video shows that - I think I can pick up minor differences in tonality and sustain, with the 7V being better, but not enough to justify the price difference for me. I'd be more than happy to play live with a Jem Jr and love playing live with my 555.Really nice playing, BTW - FTLOG is one of my favourite Vai songs.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      I used to have an old JEM555 too (That's where I got my youtube login name from) but unfortunately I've sold it for quite a few years back since I already got a JEM7v. It's absolutely a great guitar I thought I sold it too cheap. Thank you for checking my video out.

    • @kevinmcguinness1113
      @kevinmcguinness1113 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just curious - how much did you sell it for ? Bought my 555 for £275 with a case - I'm pretty sure the shop I bought it from must've got mixed up and thought it was a Jem Jr :-). Second hand they normally go for ~£450 - £500, depending on condition and whether they've got a case or not.I only went in for some strings, just couldn't resist when I saw the price.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Too long ago, and it was in local currency. It cannot get much cheaper than what you got anyway.

  • @terrorid9878
    @terrorid9878 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    first i must say great video and playing , and yes of course there is difference Jem jr has little bit thinner sound , it's good for that price range .
    i also have JEM jr and it's good guitar and even better after i changed Bridge mic and Ibanez edge tremolo in it .

  • @GKE93
    @GKE93 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Almost sounds like there's a noise gate on the JEM Jr during the 00:56 mark, serious difference in sustain.

  • @gameroftheyear1000
    @gameroftheyear1000 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    It all comes down to parts that are exchangeable to make the Jem jr better and up to par with Jem 7v or at least close

  • @mvbovids2
    @mvbovids2 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The 7V sounds slightly better but the Jr. Is hella lotta cheaper. Gonna buy one soon, thanks for the comparison

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @tompantaleo9441
    @tompantaleo9441 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've always wanted a jem. Was shopping for guitars back February and played a jr. I'm used to my 98 rg 550 which is just amazing btw, so that's what I was comparing the jr. It played fine, but not like my 550, which may be an unfair comparison considering the 550 was made in fujigen. Sustain, sound, feel, tuning stability, I found all of these much better on my 550. I ended up getting a used EVH Wolfgang standard which constantly blows me away, amazing guitar for the price. I still want a jem but I'm probably going to shoot for a premium 77bfp or a real fujigen model. Those ebony fret boards really help make the more sing. A jr with upgraded pups, brass block, locking tuners, maybe a different bridge could be cool, but considering the price of those upgrades, I may be better off getting a used premium which plays a lot more closely to the 7v imho. Jem jr with upgrades or used premium, Any one have thoughts on this? I'd love the input.

    • @ThePedroDB
      @ThePedroDB ปีที่แล้ว

      Bit late for a reply but.... The Jr is a fantastic modding platform. If you love tinkering with guitars (I do), you can make it feel and sound just like a 7V. I know. I have both.
      However, 'best back for the buck' Jem has to be the Premium Jem70V. A fantastic guitar which can still be found at bargain used prices. Nicer woods/construction than the Jr and all the important Jem7V hardware (e.g. Trem, Pups). My first Jem and still my favourite. A pro-musician buddy of mine agrees.
      If you absolutely need the Ebony fretboard you'll have to find a 1994-2003 Jem7V or the current Premium Jem7VP. Neither are cheap...

  • @miketurpin5331
    @miketurpin5331 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm partial to the Dark matter pick ups but I also had a sustainer put in mine like Steve's

  • @drixxv2435
    @drixxv2435 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Jem 7 is rounder, defined, warmer tone. Well considering difference of the pick up used on the two guitars, for sure it should be a factor too. Also the bridge. Another is the body used. I thought the Japanese JEM used an American Alder which sound rounder and has good resonance. On the Jem Jr which used Mahogany that is also a factor. If I get a Jem Jr I would definitely change the pickups, not bad and can be greatly improve.

  • @josephbrandonrovito2576
    @josephbrandonrovito2576 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you for choosing my favorite steve vai song to demonstrate these two guitars, perfect choice for a video. this was a helpful and very practical comparison. i enjoyed the sounds on both guitars, but i would go with the 7vwh due to its warmer, fuller tone and better build quality and components. but the jem jr is an exceptional instrument for the money. i would totally but this for my child if he wanted to play guitar. the japanese 7vwh is my favorite guitar ever!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

    • @josephbrandonrovito2576
      @josephbrandonrovito2576 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jem555bkk your welcome, and you had the best choice of song of any comparison video ive ever seen on youtube, hats of to you, you did it properly with the melodic song. i would love to see you do steves "liberty song " video comparison one day. my wife is japanese, thats also why i love japanese guitars. they have excellent build quality! correction-i made a presumptious mistake in my first message when i said that the 7vwh is my favorite guitar ever. its is not, its the 1988 ibanez jem floral pattern, which in my humble opinion is the greatest guitar ever made and the 7vwh is my second favorite. there is a video you need to see by a guy named max cirillo on youtube talking about the 1988 ibanez jem and "why it might be the best guitar ever made" check it out and youll see why its my favorite guitar of all time. type it in youtube with the same heading i wrote and youll find it quick.

    • @josephbrandonrovito2576
      @josephbrandonrovito2576 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      i hope you enjoy it like i did.

  • @steveweilhart2359
    @steveweilhart2359 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a jem jr and am very happy with its tone and feel. I think for the money its a great guitar. I can hear some tonal advantages with the jem 7 no doubt, but for a hobbyist as my self its a no brainer. Jem Jr (great for the money)

  • @paulj312002
    @paulj312002 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Yes you can hear the difference fir sure. Both nice though and nice playing

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you for watching!

    • @rokku87
      @rokku87 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      There's definitely much less of a difference when you begin to overdrive them. On the clean channel there's a bigger difference. Time to upgrade my Jem Jr's pickups. THANKS FOR NOTHING! /s

  • @pedrosr2292
    @pedrosr2292 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The main difference i can hear is that the Jr has less sustain, but it doesn’t bother me at all, i think this is going to my next guitar

  • @archivestereo
    @archivestereo 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is very helpful and you play amazingly well! The 7v is better, and that's pretty clear, but with distortion the Jr. keeps up very well. I imagine sticking diMarzio's in the Jr. would bring it even closer. I just got a Jr. and am very pleased with its neck and its sound, but, yeah, pleasure to hear your comparison. Thanks

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well the trick is in the video editing.:) I simply removing the bad parts away, but even that you can hear bad timing and out of tune playing here and there. I would love to try Dimarzio in the Jr. but too lazy for soldering work now. Maybe, someday. Thanks for watching.

  • @OloloshSlavenok
    @OloloshSlavenok 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    1. Check out frets on 21+.
    2. For me, 7v has more "melodic" sound on clean. Like more clarity in it. Now I understood what's the fuss about cheap and wxpensive versions of one guitar.

  • @quentintrask2258
    @quentintrask2258 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    To my ears, the 7vwh sounds brighter on clean and sustains better with distortion. The lack of brightness would likely be the difference in body wood ( mahogany vs alder). The Jem Jr. with Evolution pickups would probably sound like a beast!

  • @derekminchener6537
    @derekminchener6537 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes. The difference is the Dimarzio pickups on the Jem7v. Brighter,hotter, and more sustain.

  • @AstraVex
    @AstraVex 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice comparison, I'll be changing the pickups in my Jem JR to either "Evolution" or "Gravity Storm" pickups soon :)

  • @cliffsofadelaide
    @cliffsofadelaide 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    They both sound close in the Video, The 7v has better Clear and more Sustain. But I have tried it at home and you can really hear the difference between the Jr and the 7v. I like the Jr as well, but I love my 7v more. Thats just my opinion

  • @garrettendi
    @garrettendi 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The 7v sounds a bit more articulated. Notes are ringing out a little more. The Jr sounds a little bit muddier, but as an owner of a Jr myself I think it sounds good, and very close for a $500 guitar

  • @AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE
    @AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Jem JR Quantum pickups sound a bit lifeless compared to the Evo's, with much less sustain and high-frequency harmonic content etc... definitely not bad for the price though! I just grabbed one of these Jem JR's off of eBay and will probably put a PAF Pro in the bridge at some point. Thanks for the comparison video!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

    • @AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE
      @AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jem555bkk Thank you mate for the great video!

  • @pinkyfloydy2868
    @pinkyfloydy2868 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a Jr .. that's the one thing I do not like about it ...is the lack of sustain ... but I can't really complain. ..the price it's awesome ...

  • @jacekp578
    @jacekp578 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good job. There is a difference. I'm switching from my JEM Jr to Dimarzio. Bridge - AT-1; Middle - Cruiser with side-by-side coils; Neck - Evolution.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @Anton_the_Vampire
    @Anton_the_Vampire 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great job, on a VERY difficult piece!!!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching!

    • @Anton_the_Vampire
      @Anton_the_Vampire 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome. Was a very enjoyable watch. :-)

  • @howardrodriguez9831
    @howardrodriguez9831 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Big differences from both builds crazy still a nice video!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @ericlarsenhbeleatherworks4992
    @ericlarsenhbeleatherworks4992 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    The better trem/tone block will make the 7v warmer and thicker toned with the same pups.

  • @shivakrishnan9382
    @shivakrishnan9382 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    wow. Jem JR really makes the match closer. I think Ibanez rg 350 has got the same quantum Pickup as that Jem jr. They could be matched too!
    Anyway jr is the best c choice for budget guitarists!.

  • @ryant3600
    @ryant3600 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think the biggest difference is the pups. I have a set of Evo's in one of my Ibanez Rg's and it just has a very distinct tone and sound. especially over the stock pups the jr comes with.. That's an easy fix though. For still a lot less money

  • @GregGreg1983
    @GregGreg1983 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Pickups are the difference, the Original is brighter but they both sound amazing. Im buying the Jem Jr really soon cant wait!!!

  • @knjpollard
    @knjpollard 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sound close, but both Sustain and Tremelo bridge are better in Jem 7v. I am sure materials going into Jem7v are better as well.
    Probably 300 bucks into Jr and you’d have a really good mid level Via machine. In particular new bridge and locking nut. New pick guard just for looks.
    I wouldn’t replace the pickups because you start getting into spending a lot for little gain.

  • @poarag
    @poarag 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice playing! Rock on bro!!

  • @tonedriverss8629
    @tonedriverss8629 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Either one ... Best guitars on the planet , period . Love my RG350 ! My new Jem JR will be here soon .

  • @lwwells
    @lwwells 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The jr has a lot less sustain on your playing of 'For the love of god'

  • @hamedghaffaridarab9585
    @hamedghaffaridarab9585 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    the ton of JR is fairly good but it needs more powerful or higher output pickups. it has the lower sustain comparing the 7v.

  • @irwansigieo2362
    @irwansigieo2362 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    the 7v sound's more clean n warm the jr is more heavy a lit bit n more distorted
    .
    n the both of them have diff charm, i think it's good depend on the song n the genre when it's play

  • @tonisbx7000
    @tonisbx7000 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    very cool the comparative, i can hear the diference, good job and play, congratulations.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for watching!

  • @SK-pn1pe
    @SK-pn1pe 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great comparison video. For the most part, very similar....I could only tell the difference on the spots where there was some harmonics and sustain. You could hear the Jr. die out faster. For the money though, I'd buy the Jr.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @chosuke02
    @chosuke02 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I came for the guitars, I stayed for your incredible playing. You sound so much like Vai.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @NotBCT
    @NotBCT 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    JEM7V has more "snap" and "twang," JEM Jr. sounds a little bit fuzzier on the low-end. Probably a matter of personal preference when it comes to tone.
    HOWEVER. Played quite a number of JEM Jrs, quality varies depending on how well the store takes care of their stock. Some of them were pretty shoddy, some of them were diamonds in the rough. That being said, compared to a JEM7V or even the Premium JEMs, the Jrs are a couple of tiers below, and it's most likely on purpose on the part of Hoshino Gakki/Hoshino U.S.A. They're a nice entry-level starter-guitar designed to whet your whistle and appetite for more expensive offerings the more your spending power increases, but some people are happy with the Jr and a pickup-swap, and that's cool.
    Point being that the "feel" of playing both guitars is completely different, thanks to the materials used and the amount of craftsmanship expended on each individual unit (the Jr being mass-produced and the Premiums and MIJs being small-batch with dedicated luthiers). Again, this may be a point of personal preference, or some people may not notice the difference at all, or at least delude themselves into thinking that they don't notice the difference. Whether it's worth the price difference, again, is a matter of personal sensibilities.
    So yeah, get the JEM Jr. because you've found one that's a solid guitar or you're a low-intensity Steve Vai fan, but don't expect it to be the equal of a guitar designed and priced to be 6 or 7 times the price, or even the ones that the LACS (or whatever it's called these days, in Sun Valley) hand-makes for Steve Vai himself (Steve has a video of them making "Woody" for him. Too bad the LACS isn't open to the public). Or find yourself a used Prestige RG and live without the monkey grip and EVO/Dark Matter pups.

  • @yamitanomura
    @yamitanomura 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great playing and sound.

  • @matthewevans4841
    @matthewevans4841 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks jem mate for posting.I was going to break the bank (and my marriage) for the 7v but after listening to this what the hell is the point.Just put on Evolution pickups and away I go.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      glad I've saved your marriage and thanks for watching. :)

  • @charlieramonesbackingtrack8876
    @charlieramonesbackingtrack8876 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice playing!! ... On clean sounds the 7v sounds warmer. On the Hi gain sounds they were really close!

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @davidepannone6021
    @davidepannone6021 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    the 7v has more clarity, no doubt about it. They both sounds good tho. THERE IS a difference tho.

  • @harshapaulraj815
    @harshapaulraj815 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    On some points the 7v does sound a bit more pristine but the Jr is surprisingly goo.

  • @rockinroy
    @rockinroy 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    if you want to sound like steve, get the expensive one. i would recommend getting both. one to take on the go and the other for serious performances. either you want to save money or be serious....if you can't afford the expensive one the jr. is close enough to make an awesome performance. the jr has exceptional quality in comparison to all other guitars. don't let the price make you think it is no good. it is the best you can get for the price.

  • @antidoto666
    @antidoto666 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    with distortion sound very closer , both are good guitars

  • @MarsHalekGuitar
    @MarsHalekGuitar 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I could hear a definite difference on the clean passage at the beginning. The Jem sounded fuller with more depth of tone than the Jr. I could barely hear a difference during the song, which you did an awesome job of (going to check if you do any Vai instruction videos next! ), although it seemed as though the harmonics and some of the faster parts sounded more fluid on the full fledged Jem, as though the Jr lacked a bit of sustain, fretted out, and/or didn't accommodate your technique quite as well.

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't dare to do Vai instructional video. Thanks for the comment!

  • @glennedwardgo
    @glennedwardgo 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Original slightly clearer & more definition than the junior. But is it a $1000 difference? Junior is a steal!

  • @fareastmanilavideoproducti4499
    @fareastmanilavideoproducti4499 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    good playing , think the are very close sounding. the Jem 7 of course is louder

    • @jem555bkk
      @jem555bkk  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @cdreid99999
    @cdreid99999 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have a handbuilt jem copy its freaking amazing. And these both sound great (you didnt gimp the test like Rob Chapman... im thinking he doesnt sell jems). But honestly i just want to be able to play like you

  • @MarbsMusic
    @MarbsMusic 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    The 70v is much closer to the 7v but it's got pretty much the same hardware just made in Indo. The new floral has the zero edge 2 rather than the original edge (like the 70v) or the low pro. I have found the low pro and the original to be very similar in sustain and stability. How is the new generic Ibz trem on the Jr? Wat thinking of getting one for one of my sons. Great playing by the way!

  • @fender4brad
    @fender4brad 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hmmmm the Jr hangs in their, makes me want to know the gear used, some amps seem to make cheap guitars sound great. However my Jems sounds great through all my amps including my Marshall JMD1 with the solid state front with tubes only driving the power section. Nice post!

  • @sazopro
    @sazopro 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    If you’re planning on recording the next Steve Vai album get the 7v, if you’re just gonna play on your home studio get the Jr... the 7v has a more sustained and warmer sound but definitely the Jr is a great buy if you’re on a budget