The Ibanez JEM & RG: A Short History 

What a fantastic video. Thanks so much Keith. I found it fascinating as it unravelled info that I was unaware of. I very much appreciate the time and care you put into this. Steve Vai

Awesome Hypes! Once again half of what I know about Ibanez I learned in the last 20 mins. Thanks dude!🔥🔥🔥🔥

These Short Histories aren't getting any better, Keith. But that's because the whole series started off as close to perfect as you can be and you've maintained the standard throughout. Essential RU-vid.

9:59 - “The fingerboard was scalloped, something he borrowed from Malmsteen”. Minor correction, Keith - Vai actually got the idea to scallop those last four frets from Billy Sheehan, with whom he had worked when he was with David Lee Roth. Everything else was spot on! Except you still can’t pronounce “Yngwie Malmsteen” to save your life 😂. As a nearly 30 year Ibanez Jem and Vai fanboy, I can personally certify that this video is VERY accurate and hits all of the high points. You even got the photo of the right Maxxas that Hoshino sent to Vai for Christmas! Solid work!

Can’t wait for “The Ibanez PIA: A SHORT History”

The older MIJ RG550 etc are are still great to this day!

At last i now have all the history of the Jem and RG, i used to be a Fender buyer, but never liked their necks due to my small hands, then a friend suggested trying an Jem / RG. i now have a Jem and 2 RG's, fantastic guitars that sound as good as any fender even playing clean.

I've been waiting for this one Keith! The JEM is my "forever guitar", and I finally got a 1995 JEM 777 in Desert Yellow last year. Like a vintage car, it only comes out on special occasions, or when I'm feeling extra shreddy. It's surprisingly not as easy to play as my trusty Jackson Reverse Dinky, but it definitely has a feel all its own and sounds just amazing. One tidbit you forgot to mention was the JEM 2K DNA, which featured some of Steve's blood in the actual swirl paint job. Talk about innovation ;)

Here’s my Ibanez JEM/RG Story: I was 16 the summer of 1987 when the JEM released and my most often visited (to play the “Look at all the bad @$$ licks I learned” game) Ibanez dealer Thoroughbred Music had a LNG777 Jem #137 (if my memory serves) that I wanted sooooo bad. There was one dude, Chris Knoth I dealt with all the time. He was a great player and didn’t have to sell me to hard on that Jem. They had 90 day “Lay-A-Way” with only 10% down. I scraped up the requisite $178.00 and plunked it down on Chris Knoths counter for the dream guitar. I was pretty faithful dropping cash on that guitar every week. I had seen Chris a few times already in the middle of August when I came in to pay down my balance. I overheard Knoth talking to one of the other guys about going to see Steve Vai at the Eat ‘em and Smile dress rehearsal. When it came time to pay out I asked him what was up conversation? He told me that David Lee Roth’s dad was a Dr in Lakeland and he was doing dress rehearsals at the Lakeland Civic Center before the tour started and tonight was the last night. Ibanez was making sure Thoroughbred was taken care of since they had sold so much gear. The light bulb went off and I reminded him that I was the holder of the Jem777, #137 how about getting me in. He said wait a minute, got on the phone, came and got my ticket, pointed to my last name for my approval as he talked and waked back and forth on the phone. He hung up and said, “OK your in, go to the will call window, tell them who you are and there’ll be a ticket with your name on it. Oh and make sure you bring your ID”. Sure enough, the ticket was their, and the show was there and I got to meet Mr Vai and have been a total Jem/RG guy ever since. I even made my living dealing primarily in Ibanez RG parts on e-Bay for a couple of years.

My first guitar was an Ibanez starter pack that I got for a birthday, around 2001. It featured an RG-style model, and many players mentioned in this video inspired me, and a lot of things here bring me back to that time! The nostalgia is strong with this video, looking at the Jem & RG models! Mine didn't end up making me play like Steve, but it did start me down a long and perpetually rewarding path I'm still walking today. Always love these videos; thanks for posting!

I got my first real working guitar in the mid 90s, a 1993 RG-770 which I still have and will never part with. In the end, I went with many other things as I got older, but played the heck out of that thing in what I would call it's toothpick neck. Thinking back I don't know how I didn't break it. I shelved guitar to work on my career, which of course killed my playing, but allowed me to finally upgrade the stock pickups down the road when the time came. I remember when I was taking lessons in the late 80s-90s and the JEM showed up at the music store where I took guitar lessons. My teacher and I both avid rock and Satriani fans had are jaws drop when the Jem showed up in person. We never saw anything like it, the grip, and that wicked disappearing pyramid design in the in-lays. Those absolutely flew off the shelves when they came in. The store even had one of those models made after a design of Vai's house curtains in a floral pattern. What a time.

I bought an RG570 when it first came out. I had no interest in metal and if I'd done my research would have probably been happier with a plain old Strat to play my 3-chord punk/alternative. But I still have that guitar 30 years later. It isn't worth much but it represents more than 30 years of this intermediate plunking around on electric guitars so I don't get rid of it.

I have an Ibanez RG550LTD (all black with a mirror pickguard) made in Japan by the infamous FugjiGen factory (according to the S/N it's a February 1998 build). It was a gift from my parents when I made it to university after finishing high school. 22 years have passed since then, but I still remember the conversation very vividly: My mom asked me what I 'd like to have for my success and without hesitation I said an electric guitar. "But you already have one" she noted to which I responded "So? That's what I want. Thank you". I was targeting an all white Gibson Explorer with no pickguard, but it was too expensive. I ended up paying a visit to almost all the major music stores in the city centre where I lived at the time trying superstrats when I saw the RG. Immediately fell in love with the Wizard neck and the overall looks. So, I eventually ordered it from my local music shop. As I was getting more and more into heavy music some years later I discovered that Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest (my favourite band) had a Fender Strat with similar looks (black, mirror pickguard). So another reason to love it :) Apparently, I still have the guitar. She's actually next to me together with my ESP Edwards Explorer (yeah I finally got an Explorer :p) and my PRS. Here is a photo of the family: tinyurl.com/ybbq8umk And that's my story with the RG. Thanks for the great video Keith :)

I shared this channel with everyone I know. Seriously deserves more attention.

That was outstanding Keith! As an old blues guy, I've never seen or had an Ibanez in my hands, and new very little about them. I do now, thanks to you! Hope you and yours are safe and well! --gary

In 1974, I bought my 2nd guitar; an Ibanez SG. It was SO GOOD! It was on the rack next to a Gibson SG and the Ibanez blew the Gibson away. It played so much better and looked cooler too. I had that guitar until the mid 80s when I sold it. I kick myself every day now for the last 20 years. I would do anything to get my old SG back. She was my darling. It would also be worth a butt-load today too. Today, my Ibanez collection has grown with a few Jems and 4 RG's. I've played a lot of guitars but Ibanez has always felt better in my hands. I have Strats, Gibsons and a Carvin DC series (awesome guitar in its own right) and a few PRS's. I always come back to my Ibanez's.

Thanks Keith, Personally, I'm a huge fan of mid/early 80s Roadstars(II). I consider them the grandfathers of the gem lol.

A Vai fan over 30 years and an Ibanez fan since then. Thanks for this informative video. I really enjoyed it.

First, Thanks for doing this. I grew up in Bensalem PA. The U.S. Headquarters of Ibanez. The guitar stores were full of RGs when I was a Teenager. I wanted one so bad in 1987 when they came out. I remember seeing them on the racks. I couldn’t afford them. The RG550 in Desert Sun Yellow. That was the one that got away. I never stopped looking for one when I got money. But... they were never in good shape and the color didn’t look the same as at the store. Until NAMM 2007. The RG 20th Anniversary. They were going to make 1987 of them world wide. I had to have one. Original specs. (cept the neck was now a 5 piece to make it stronger). It was that guitar the 14 year old kid wanted. I had a hard time locating a Desert Sun Yellow one. I settled for a Road Flare Red one. I think I got it from Musicians Friend. It came and I liked it. It was everything I thought it would be. But...... It wasn’t Desert Sun Yellow. One day I took a Subway Ride down to 48th street. I walked into Sam Ash and there it was. Desert Sun Yellow. I played it and somehow it was even better than my Red One. I got the price down a bit and bought it right there. I will never forget that bright yellow case on the Subway. But I had found it. I have had that guitar for 13 Years now. It is still my favorite guitar. (Yes I still have the red one). It is getting due for a fret job. I have never modded it. It is completely stock. I have many other guitars many are much more expensive including my J Custom I bought in Japan. It is such a great sounding guitar. It is my “EVO”.❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

My first electric guitar was an Ibanez RG550 that I bought at music go round ($175 in 1996, I was 13) I knew nothing about guitars at the time just that it looked cool and I could almost afford it (Thanks Mom & Dad) I played it every day until someone broke the neck on it. Again I was young and tried to fix it myself but was never right again. I eventually sold it to a friend who wanted to learn to play. Only wish I still had it so I could fix it properly and play it again.

Thanks for the video chap👌 I am an Ibanez man Got a 1982 Artist, which was and still is Magical And an RG550, which was my professional work horse from 1988. Had an Iceman.... that went walking. These guitars are brilliant and have and still do serve me well. 🖖 Live long and party

I love my Ibanez RG Prestige ( the one with an oak top) . Thank you for your innovation Mr. Vai. You are a living legend. Much thanks and respect.

My first Ibanez was a RS320 - Roadstar II - that I bought at a pawnshop outside of Pioneer Kaserne, in Hanau, Germany in 1987. About five years ago, after checking out Fender, Gretsch, and Yamaha, I bought an RG655 Prestige. I've since purchased an RG550, for nostalgia stake - for me, it's the progression from the Road Star guitars, through what's available today. For ME five years ago, after looking at other guitars, the fit and finish of the name brands weren't as good as that of the cheap Ibanez RS320! Today, I have other guitars, but I find myself reaching for that old RS320 more often than not!

My nephew had an Ibanez guitar and I loved to play it. I've been through my share of guitars, Fender Telecaster, Hagstrom III and an old Truetone I had in high school. I wish I still had the Fender & the Hagstrom III. I now have an Ibanez of my own (a Strat copy). After taking physics in college I learned the formula for frequency and the relation to string length. At the time I thought only Ibanez had the adjustable string saddles to increase/decrease string length according to the physics formula for frequency. I wish I still had my Kustom 150 amp head with a bass speaker cabinet which had 3 fifteen inch Altec Lansing silver cone speakers. I loved that amp--rolled and pleated black. Live and learn. I now have a Crate 150 amp head which I hook up to 2 columns of stereo speakers one on top of the other. Each set of speakers are 8 ohms each so I had to wire them in series, then the pairs are wired in parallel. The Crate allows me to play in stereo as it has stereo output. Love that amp. Cheers from eastern TN

Again, a well documented and complete story! My first experience with Ibanez was a second hand SG model with bigsby in the mid seventies. It was not the best quality, but affordable. Later I had an Ibanez dreadnought acoustic, well built at a good price. When I considered a tremolo on my more recent SG copy model, my luthier talked me out of it, and recommended an Ibanez RG350DX. And I took the jump. To be honest, it is one hell of a guitar in many ways, but it is less forgiving than my 'old' SG. That is, I was forced to play more accurately and with better string muting control. Taming the Floyd is another skill required, but when set up properly, it can last for months with only little tuning corrections. I will always have a soft spot for Ibanez.

Another great post, well done again. With the 'other' brands, I've often thought 'these guys just aren't guitarists' but not with Ibanez. And Tom Quayle really connects - lightning legato chops are everywhere now but his lines are beautiful. Avanti!

I was a working guitarist...traveling and playing Top40/oldies cover tunes mainly in hotels in 1988. I had owned and played Ibanez Roadstar already for several years. I could not afford a Jem, but I found an RG550 used on consignment in a music store in Gadsden, AL. It played and sounded magical, and had everything I needed. I never sold it and still have it. It still plays and sounds amazing although it is a bit of a beater after all these years. Great guitars! I still look at Jems with lust...I want the JEM70V in surf green but they are now getting rare and expensive.

I swear by RG's. I have 4 electric guitars and 3 of them are RG's.

This is one of the coolest videos I've seen recently. I've always been a fan of Ibanez especially the RG's but all of the Ibanez's I've played were good. I've owned 4 or 5 RG's,a red RG570,a purpleish RG770, right now I have a RGT42FM. I remember having a black 570 around the same time I had the red one,I may of had the black one first then,traded it for the red one.I also had a RGT42DX.They are great guitars.

Fantastic as always. Please don't stop doing these.

Another great documentary of one of my favorite brands. Thank you.

As someone who has followed Steve Vai, Ibanez, and Jem guitars [not necessarily in that order] for the last 42 years....brilliant. Thanks.

Keith...your vids are getting better and better. Love your nod to your editor -- "...and to the improvement of my use of the English language." is my quote for the day.

Still, my go-to guitar. My 1990 Lipstick Red RG 560. I will never put her down and she will be in my Casket when I go!

I love this video! I've had an RG for what feels like at least 20 years, maybe longer. Nothing special about it except it is mine. I'm never getting rid of it.

So awesome! I have an RG1517 prestige my dad bought me like 15 years ago after my starter guitar needed an upgrade. After tons of jam sessions and countless gigs, I still play it every day!

Used to have a cheap RG , guitar center had t bring up three of them from their basement till I found one that compleatly worked . Glad they found one . For a $100 guitar it was fantastic .

Thanks for the video! I'm so blessed to own an Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM7V. I love everything about it: the fast neck, the PUs, the Edge bridge, the vine inlays, the weight, etc. In fact since owning it, my Gibson LP Std. hardly sees any playing time. Ibanez did a great job at making this to Steve's recommendations. Thanks Steve and thanks Ibanez!

Another gem of an article, thank you Keith. I owned an Ibanez Tele copy years ago, it was ridiculously affordable and played well. I am this close (holding up my thumb and inexpensive finger) to buying a George Benson LGB30 model which makes your video even more timely. Thanks again.

Back in June of this past year I picked up my first Ibanez, it was an RG 550 made in 2000, I have to say it is the most elegant guitar I have ever laid my hands on, the craftsmanship is absolutely stunning, like nothing I've ever played and I have had a few Fender's and Gibson's, and Shecters in my day but nothing I've ever played compares to this guitar. You know how they say some guitars just have that mojo, well this guitar has it. It's black with a chrome pickguard and has the V8, V7, and S! pickups and they sound amazing, but the best part of all is the Wizard all maple 3 piece neck, I have never played anything better in my opinion. This guitar inspires me every time I pick it up and I feel so lucky to own it, it's truly the highest caliber instrument I have ever had, thank you Ibanez.

Being a guy with one acoustic guitar this video changed my perception of Ibanez. I like the picture of Steve Vai from the movie Crossroads.

Love the work that was put into making this video.

Wow. There are not better curators for the history of the guitar than what you are doing right here. When the man who is responsible for a lot of the cool stuff covered in the guitar world compliments you for teaching HIM something, well...I think that speaks volumes!

Great video, I own one JEM a 1988 Root-beer which I love the most and I own eight RG's of various models that all have DiMarzio pickups setup with different configurations. They are very versatile and play very fast.

Wow. Incredibly thorough for such a short video. I learned a Hell of a lot watching this one. Keep up the great work!

Great video. I was in love with the RG the first time I picked one up. So consistent, got in cheap at entry level back in 97 now playing Axion Labels and Premiums. Thanks again for a great vid

Absolutely love these videos. I bought my daughter an Ibanez RG 320 for her birthday. We pulled it apart and cleaned and polished it up. Learned how much stringing up a Floyd Rose sucks, but once you get it set up and understand it, it sure is fun to play. Those Wizard necks are very comfortable and fast. Thanks for the story

I purchased a Jem Jr. about two years ago. For the first year I couldn't understand the tremolo system and how to retune it. One day I got fed up just seeing it hang on my wall and decided that it was time to really learn how to tune and restring it. Since then I have absolutely loved the guitar, I decided to call her Jupiter.

I have to resist going out and getting each of the guitars you showcase in these thoroughly detailed reviews. Thank you once again. Very informative entertaining and inspiring.

Joined the Ibanez club just 3 weeks ago when I picked up the RG550DX (Ruby Red). Been enjoying myself a lot!

As a teen just starting out on guitar i had visions and dreams of the guitar i wanted most. A royal blue finish, sharp horns, and a whammy. I was 20, in longview tx. On my way to work i passed a pawn shop and that little voice in my head told me to go in. I knew i didnt have the time to spare. But that voice was loud and insistent. I walked in and there it was. An RG270 . Beatiful. Just like my dream. I absolutely fell in love and put it on layaway right then. I wish i still had it. Beautiful guitar. I named her mary. And had eventually bought a black one i named jane.

I have a old Ibanez acoustic. I think it's have a dove and leaft work nice guitar. My friend gave it to me. Didn't know what she had,she cleaned old guys house,and he gave it to her. Thnx Jan!!!

I like your style. Fine combination of factual information and interesting background stories.

Have a RG270 i bought new in 1995, it has never had to have a set up. Neck is as straight as when I received it and intonation is perfect. Kind of crazy for a 25 year old guitar that has been used constantly

Such awesome content ❤❤❤ I bought a 1998 RG ltd last year and is my first electric guitar. It stood the test of time and Im so in love with the instrument.

I had an Ibanez '76 scroll logo LP custom lawsuit guitar back in '77 that I ultimately upgraded with Bill Lawrence PUs. And then later a Roadstar II with too many upgrades to mention. I couldn't afford the Gibsons and Fenders at the time and will always be appreciative of their build quality and attention to detail at a price a gigging musician could buy. Great video Keith, as always.

still have my 89 760....I will be buried with that guitar.....great re-watch, love this series

I always re-watch your vids. I absolutely love this channel. I'd also add that one of the JEM versions (JEM2K) has Vai's blood in the paint!

I was thinking of a great content subject: "Those musicians that changed the game of guitar luthery". If this review is ever done, you're definitely the man to do it!

Got my first 7strings guitar a few months ago, and it's a MIJ RG! Great neck and great sounding PU's! Thanks again for your short documentaries, they are concise and complete! Hope you're doing ok in this hard times.

Bought a new '93 JS and that thing is like playing on melted butter. In 2015 I got a smoke RG that is almost as good and looks sooo good. In 2017 picked up a 2007 white Jem added a 401 sustainer and now to me is the Holy Grail. Like the Holiest Grailiest guitar ever..... Thanks Steve V and Ibanez

Keith- I always enjoy your videos. Insightful and really solid info. I was the head designer at Ibanez during the Jem/RG period and everything in your video is correct. I was the guy at Steve's house when he disassembled the Jem protos right in front of me. Definitely a clench-worthy moment! Hats off to the team we had- Bill Reim, Bill Cummiskey, Mace Bailey, Leon Reddell (who painted the protos), myself and the great Fritz Katoh (Hoshino Gakki) and Nick Sugimoto (Fujigen). And of course Steve. Thanks again for a great series!

Just bought an entry level GIO in flat black/purpleheart fretboard/reverse headstock after watching these Ibanez videos. very exicted to get into this brand. very excited...

Keith, excellent as usual. Not knowing much about Ibanez, it was pleasantly not what I expected. On a side note, I have been playing around with my Fender Greta Pawn Shop amp. I retuned it and upgraded the tiny 4” speaker. However when this 2 watt amp is plugged into my 12” Cannibus Rex equipped cab it is amazing what you can get with such a small amp.

Fantastic video. I've been anticipating this one! I absolutely love my RG.

Great video as alway. Such a great guitar. 88 is when i started playing guitar and the gem was everywhere. An incredible time to start my journey. I had bought a similar guitar manufactured by Yamaha, probably do to my influence with the company as a piano play. My amazing RGX 1212a sold for $1200. It could not have been produced I think without the influence of the GEM.

I had a Gio RG years ago, I didn’t even buy it, I traded some CDs and a bottle of Jameson to a friend at the time. I blocked the trem and played it for a good bit. That wizard neck was fantastic, I do remember that. The budget Ibanez line can be rather impressive.

Thank you, Keith. Well up to your usual high standard. I'm getting old, and I am a firm Telecaster (and Martin) man, so all this new-fangled stuff from the 80s is news to me. I learnt loads from this video - thanks again. I can certainly echo Leo Torres (above) in saying that a FWW post makes it a good day over here in the UK. Stay safe.

My wife bought me a 7vwh Jem for my 40th in 1998,and a Jem 20th for my 50th in 2008,i bought a 2015 BFP a Euphoria 7 Vai electro acc and a modified RG 350dx,,last 6 frets are scalloped,my 7v. Is the most amazing just had a second Refret and it plays fantastic

Pure class. Nothing else to say. Makes me want a an Ibanez again. I can't wait until you do an Ibanez SR bass series video

I have three Ibanez bases and they all have their qualities; all three of them are nicely balanced, I have difficulty playing an instrument that I can’t get a hold of and these three I can get a hold of.

Honestly..I just bought a Premium RG... 11piece neck, quilted top, hsh (Tonezone/velvet/air Norton) , edge trem.. just all the bells & whistles... I loved the wizard neck, really, I don't why all the blues guys whine about thin necks, I think a wizard neck is a sublime thing to behold! Just, wonderful! But I just couldn't bond with the RG.. basically, I couldn't agree with the high pitched, HiFi tone... so I returned it....and got a Gibson SG! Big change, very different guitars, but so much more me! I frikken love the SG! The RG had me wake up every day going 🤔... I just couldn't get excited about, in spite of all the flashy appointments... The Gibson, though.. while relatively plain..just blows me the **** away every time I see it (it's a Pelham blue Special, btw)! I am in deep love😁 Moral of the story? I'm a Gibson guy, no question. I've got two Gibson's and they are my #1 & #2...and even #3 is a PRS because of it's Gibson like qualities. I'm a Gibson guy, no point fighting it. Besides...why would you wanna change that?!

I love the flexibility and tone available from my J-Craft RG2550.. Thanks to everyone responsible for that... Great Vid Sir!

I have an RG570 I picked up in '99 while stationed in Italy. I really should research it. It sounds and feels amazing.

I've watched multiple of your videos before and I was very happy to see that video as the huge Ibanez fan :). This was great told story about the brand I love. I will add, that RG didn't appear in 1987, but the name was already used for a couple years by then. The RG was the effect of evolution that Roadstar series took between 1985 and 1987 with JEM being one of the most important influences, but not the only one. Also since 2012 Ibanez has its own factory in Indonesia, where Premium series (like quoted by you AT10P) are made.

Recently bought an RG450DX for a steal! Super excited to experience an Ibanez.

Thank you very much for making this video. I recall asking for you to cover this a while back. Thank you. I've been a fan of Ibanez since I started, my prized treasure being a beat up, paint stripped 550RG. I don't know what the original pups sounded like, but the playability of the neck and fretboard is amazing, and despite being basswood, it sustains beautifully, even on the highest notes.

This was very informative! I've had many different Ibanez guitars ranging from Indonesian made to Prestige line and just got an RG550 genesis the other day. I love Ibanez! Cheers man!

I was starting out in the late '80's early '90's. The guitar I bought and is still my favorite is the Ibanez 540S. After the Universe came out, I liked the idea of the possibilities that a 7 string might offer. Ibanez then put a 7 string neck on a 540S body. I guess that's my unicorn guitar. I'd still kinda like to have one.

One of the best videos I've seen in a long time.

Another excellent History highlight, Keith. . . really interesting, thanks

This was sooooo awesome, thanks for share this knoledge with all of us, it's great for a new year learning things.

Im not a Vai fan, but I have to greet him for make the RG possible, i just adore this model, and im not much into metal guitars now.

This was so enjoyable to watch. Nicely done!

I had a late 70s Ibanez catalogue. All so cool. The Bob weir model, studio and artist models, 1/2+1/2 bone/brass nuts, adjustable tension tuners. This poor boy used to dream about them.

I love that the old Ibanez guitars pictured are from one of the Meshuggah guitar player's collections.

Bought my red RG560 in 1990, sold it a few years later for a Strat. Regretted it and then found it again 20 years later kicking around in a college dorm. Now it's back with me.

I always love this story; I *will* have a JEM someday

Thanks Keith! You keep cranking out what you do and I'll keep watching for as long as you do it

Hi Keith, I bought a 1987 Ibanez Pro in white that has now aged to a beautiful yellowed white. I rarely play it so it’s in mint condition. I’ve thought about selling it over the years but my daughter talked me into keeping it because she loves its looks as do I. I believe Satriani made the Pro famous. Great video Keith, thanks!

For all of the crap I've said about the Tele's, Les Pauls, SG's. Now you are talking. Been a fan of just not only how sweet they are to play, but their versitilitiy. IMHO is unmatched. Cool to know that it was Vai that set what we have known and still do just how versatile Ibanez guitars really are.

Begone tilde! Down to an RG and the sweetest JS i ever played at the store then i saw the bem figuring on an ASAT and deal was done. Oh, that PIA! Great show, many thanks.

I remember seeing some JEMs in a music store in Hong Kong ( Kowloon ) in 1988 and thinking "what the heck are these" lol with the contrasting colors, they were a stand out. In hind sight, wish I would have bought one. But I did purchase a Boss HM-2, which I still have. Thanks for the great and informative video.

My Ibanez story: Reader’s Digest version. My 1995 Gibson SG Special was my only electric from ages 16-22. I never considered another. Til I ran into a “lawsuit” (not really) 1976 Ibanez bolt-on LP in a piss poor tobacco burst finish. To my tastes today it is hideous, but at the time it captured my imagination. I made it happen and paid a horrible price for it, knowing no better. It stayed with me a short time, but I’m the meantime I met and fell in love with my first RG, the pre-Prestige Japanese built RG520: the mahogany RG. With a denser body wood, Ultra Wizard neck, real Edge trem and coveted H-H configuration it was and remains a shredder’s dream. I didn’t know what to do with it, which meant I used it in more interesting ways than a typical shredder might have. The parallel neck sound in position 4 and John Petrucci split inner-coil sound in position 2 were game changers. I later discovered it had a DiMarzio Liquifire neck and Super 3 (Phil Collen Hysteria era) bridge pickup, a monstrous combination and utterly perfect for the guitar. Soon swap fever hit me again and I traded it for the most iconic RG I’ve ever owned, a 1990 RG550 in incredibly rare Coral Mist Metallic finish- made only in 1990. This guitar was my introduction to guitar setups as I soon enough discovered that anything undone can be redone and completely disassembled the guitar down to every part of the Edge, spurred by its filth and ensuing WD-40 bath. This guitar I’ve owned twice, the second time not realizing I was buying back my old guitar because it had been refinished relatively well (though tragically) to an approximation of Desert Sun Yellow, well warranted granted the chipped and cracked condition of the original CMM finish. Suffice to say I’ve owned many more Japanese RGs:three more 520s, a 1991 Heather Pearl (doesn’t hold a candle to Coral Mist Metallic), a 1989 760 (HSS) with rare West German built Bill Lawrence Ultrasonic pickups, a 1992 570 in purple neon, a later Prestige 3120 (the rich man’s 520 with quilted maple top- not half the guitar the half-priced 520 is), and one of the most coveted Ibanez models ever, the Prestige RG321 arch top hardtail RG. The Prestige line never fails in technical excellence, but they’ve also never failed to leave me cold compared to the magic of the golden era RGs, even with the unpredictable neck “evolution” (warpage) that is more than understandable in the thinnest one piece necks ever mass produced. I’ve owned of course several Japanese Sabres (a gorgeous 1992 maple board Jade Metallic being foremost), an incredible Japanese seven string 7620 in Vampire Kiss, and evening a few Indos over the years, notably the excellent Tele-shaped FR365. But of them all, nothing compares to the immaculate magic of that first RG, a 1998 or 99 Japanese built mahogany RG520, even in the horribly regrettable “trans black” (affectionately known as Root Beer) quilted sapele veneer finish.

Always enjoy these videos, thank you.

Right up my street on this one KW. Excellent episode sir. Well up to the usual 5WW high standard. Thanks.

This was such an amazingly composed and insightful video. Loved every single second of it, thank you!

Really good stuff as usual, Keith! I look forward to your videos and you never disappoint.

I love your videos. Learning so much from them. Respect to you sir.

Finally my RG 170 from '01 getting some love Loved the video man