Yes--you read that right! Ibanez is releasing a Jem in the Premium lineup for 2012. If Steve Vai says a Premium is good enough to be a Jem, then that should help quell the fits most of the naysayers are throwing. For over a year now, I've been trying to convince even the most die-hard, purist Ibanez fanatics around the globe that the Premium models are on par with the made in Japan models, and even hold their own against the old RG500 and 700 series. Well, now I've got Mr. Vai on my side! There's an old saying in the Ibanez circle, "What Steve wants, Steve gets." Steve Vai got a Premium Jem. At first glance, you'd never know it was a Premium model until you glanced at the headstock and saw the Premium stamp proudly displayed right above the Ibanez logo. Compared to his traditional Jem7VWH, there aren't many differences. Besides the color, which is a beautiful seafoam green, the only other differences are:
BODY
Jem7VWH =Alder Jem70V=Basswood
FRETS
Jem7VWH=6105 Jem70V=Jumbo
INLAY
Jem7VWH=Pearl/Abalone Vine Jem70V=Color-Matched Vine
HARDWARE COLOR
Jem7VWH=Gold Jem70V=Chrome
FINISH
Jem7VWH-White Jem70V=Seafoam Green
FRETBOAD RADIUS
Jem7VWH=430mm Jem70V=400mm
Everything else is exactly the same: original Edge bridge, DiMarzio Evolution pickups, 5-piece maple/walnut neck, neck width and neck thickness. About two years ago, Ibanez and Steve Vai held that infamous "Design-A-Jem" contest. I submitted about seven different designs.There were a few new floral patterns, a few Hawaiian prints, a purple and a seafoam green. While I did not win the contest, nor get a nod for honorable mention--here we have a seafoam green Jem that looks exactly like the design I submitted. So YES--I'm just a little happy about seeing this one. On top of that, we've been offered the same white and black Jem models for several years. For 2012, we get a nice splash of color--and it's a Premium!
I cannot wait to get my hands on one of these beasts to do a comprehensive review. Maybe this will finally be the proof that the Premium models are just as good as, not only the Prestige line--but the other Jem models.
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