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 key element contributing to its legendary feel is the neck. Let's delve into the specifics of the Jem777 neck, exploring its dimensions, construction, and overall impact on the playing experience.
What are the exact dimensions of the Jem777 neck?
While Ibanez doesn't publish exact millimeter measurements for every single detail of the neck profile across all production runs, the Jem777 neck is widely characterized as having a Wizard neck profile. This profile is known for its relatively thin and fast feel, making it incredibly comfortable for fast playing styles. The specific dimensions will vary slightly depending on the year of production and potential minor variations in manufacturing. However, expect a neck that's noticeably thinner and flatter than many other guitar necks, particularly those with thicker "C" or "D" profiles. This contributes significantly to its speed and ease of playing.
What kind of wood is used for the Jem777 neck?
The Jem777 typically features a maple neck, chosen for its bright tone and resonant qualities. Maple is a hard wood that provides excellent sustain and contributes to the overall clarity of the guitar's sound. The specific grade of maple can vary, affecting the appearance and tonal characteristics slightly, but generally, the focus remains on a robust and responsive piece of wood.
What is the fretboard material and radius?
The Jem777 typically boasts a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is known for its warm tone and smooth playing surface. Combined with the maple neck, this creates a balanced tonal palette. The fretboard radius is generally a compound radius, meaning it changes curvature from the nut to the body. This design allows for comfortable chording near the nut and easier bending further up the neck. The precise radius specifications can vary subtly between production years.
How does the neck's profile affect playability?
The Wizard neck profile's thinness and flatness are key to the Jem777's playability. This design makes it easier for players to execute fast runs, bends, and vibrato. Many players find the neck extremely comfortable for extended playing sessions. This contributes to the guitar's popularity among shredders and players who prioritize speed and technical proficiency. However, it's worth noting that this thin profile might not suit every player's hand size or preference. Some might find it too narrow or thin.
Is the neck shape consistent across all Jem777 models?
While the overall Wizard neck profile is a defining feature of the Jem777, minor variations can exist across different production years and potentially even within a single production run. These variations are usually subtle and within the tolerances of typical guitar manufacturing processes, but they can lead to slight differences in the feel of the neck from one guitar to another.
What are some common user experiences with the Jem777 neck?
Many players praise the Jem777 neck for its speed, comfort, and overall responsiveness. Its thin profile is particularly appealing to players who prioritize speed and technical execution. Conversely, some players, especially those with larger hands, might find the neck too thin or narrow. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Jem777 neck is right for you is to try one yourself.
This detailed exploration of the Jem777 neck specs aims to provide comprehensive information about this important aspect of the iconic guitar. Remember that minor variations can exist, and personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal neck profile for any individual player.
