Decoding the Ibanez Jem777 Neck: A Deep Dive into Specs and Feel
The Ibanez Jem777, Steve Vai's signature guitar, is renowned for its innovative design and exceptional playability. A significant contributor to this stellar performance is its meticulously crafted neck. Let's delve into the specifics, addressing common questions guitarists have about this iconic instrument's neck profile.
What is the wood used for the Ibanez Jem777 neck?
The Ibanez Jem777 typically features a Wizard neck, crafted from maple. Maple is prized for its bright tone, resonant qualities, and strength. While the specific grade of maple can vary slightly, it's consistently chosen for its ability to contribute to the guitar's overall sonic character and sustain.
What is the neck profile of the Jem777?
The neck profile on the Jem777 is often described as a Wizard, which Ibanez defines as having a thin, fast profile. This is incredibly important because it contributes to the guitar's renowned playability. However, "thin" is subjective. While it's undoubtedly slender compared to thicker neck profiles found on other guitars, the exact dimensions vary slightly from year to year and even between individual instruments due to the nature of working with wood. Expect a relatively flat radius, promoting comfortable chording and effortless soloing. It's best to handle a Jem777 in person if precise measurements are crucial to your playing style.
What is the scale length of the Jem777 neck?
The Ibanez Jem777 boasts a 25.5" scale length. This is a standard scale length for many electric guitars and offers a good balance between string tension and overall feel. It provides a comfortable playing experience for a wide range of techniques.
What is the fretboard radius of the Jem777?
The Jem777 features a compound radius fretboard. This means the fretboard radius changes subtly along the length of the neck. It typically starts flatter at the nut and gradually curves tighter towards the body. This design caters to both chording and soloing, offering optimal comfort for various playing styles. The precise measurements vary depending on production run but generally stay within a range that makes bending and vibrato easy, while facilitating comfortable chords.
What is the fret size on a Jem777?
Ibanez Jem777 guitars are typically equipped with medium frets. These offer a good balance between comfort and sustain, suitable for various playing styles. The exact specifications of the fret size can have minor variations, but generally fall into the medium fret category.
How does the Jem777 neck feel?
The overall feel of the Jem777 neck is often described as fast and comfortable. The thin profile, combined with the compound radius and medium frets, creates a playing experience that is highly regarded by many guitarists. However, individual preferences regarding neck profiles vary greatly, so it's vital to try a Jem777 before purchasing to see if it suits your personal style.
Are there any variations in Jem777 neck specs?
While the overall design remains consistent, minor variations in neck profile and wood characteristics might occur between different production years and even individual instruments. These differences are subtle and usually fall within the acceptable tolerances of Ibanez's manufacturing process. These slight variations contribute to the unique character of each individual guitar.
Ultimately, the best way to truly understand the specs and feel of the Ibanez Jem777 neck is to play one yourself. Each guitar has a unique personality shaped by these various factors. This detailed overview should provide a solid foundation for your understanding of this iconic guitar's design.
