Decoding the Ibanez Jem777 Neck: A Deep Dive into Specs and Feel
The Ibanez Jem777, Steve Vai's signature guitar, is renowned for its unique features, and the neck is no exception. Its distinctive profile significantly contributes to the instrument's playability and overall feel. While precise specifications can vary slightly between production runs, we can explore the common characteristics that define the Jem777 neck.
What wood is the Jem777 neck made of?
The Ibanez Jem777 neck is typically made of maple. Maple is chosen for its bright tone, stiffness, and stability. This contributes to the guitar's overall bright and articulate sound, ideal for Vai's signature style. While some variations might exist, maple remains the standard wood choice for this iconic guitar neck.
What is the Jem777 neck profile like?
This is where the Jem777 truly distinguishes itself. The neck profile is often described as a Wizard-type, but with a crucial difference: it's noticeably thicker than standard Wizard necks. Many describe it as a "super Wizard" or a "slightly chunky Wizard." This thicker profile offers a substantial feel in the hand, providing a secure grip and enhanced control for fast playing. The exact dimensions aren't consistently published by Ibanez, but players consistently note its comfortable yet robust feel.
What is the scale length of the Jem777 neck?
The Jem777 boasts a 25.5" scale length. This is a fairly standard scale length for electric guitars, offering a good balance between string tension and playability. The 25.5" scale length contributes to the guitar’s versatile tonal characteristics, allowing for both powerful low-end and clear high-end frequencies.
What is the fretboard radius of a Jem777?
The Jem777 typically features a compound radius fretboard. This means the radius changes from the nut to the body. It starts with a flatter radius near the nut, facilitating comfortable chording, and gradually curves more towards the body, enhancing soloing and bending capabilities. The exact radii specification may not be consistently advertised, but the compound radius is a key feature of the Jem777’s design.
What type of frets does the Jem777 have?
Ibanez generally equips the Jem777 with jumbo frets. These larger frets provide a more substantial feel under the fingertips, contributing to easier bending and vibrato. They also contribute to the guitar's characteristic sustain and resonance.
Is the Jem777 neck a one-piece or set-neck?
The Jem777 neck is a one-piece neck-through-body construction. This design, where the neck runs the entire length of the guitar, enhances sustain, resonance, and overall tonal consistency across the fretboard. It also provides exceptional strength and stability.
How does the Jem777 neck feel to play?
Ultimately, the "feel" of the Jem777 neck is subjective. While many describe it as comfortable and substantial, others might find it thicker than they prefer. The thicker profile contributes to a sense of stability and control, particularly appreciated by players who favor aggressive playing styles. It’s recommended to try one in person if possible before purchasing, to get a firsthand sense of its unique feel.
