I need some help, I am going to be receiving a bit of money for my birthday and I am going to buy a new guitar with it but I can't decide what guitar to get I can spend anywhere between £700-780 (at a push)

I was thinking about getting a Ibanez Jem555 because I usually use Ibanez guitars and I love them from my expirience.

Does anyone have any suggestions of on par if not better guitars I could get in that price range?

Thanks in advanced guys!

The JEM guitars are horribly overpriced. They are made out of the same materials that are used on most high-end Ibanez guitars, which also cost a lot less. The only significant differences are the looks and possibly the pickups, though I can't recall the pickups on various JEM guitars.

My suggestion would be to find a used but well-maintained high-end guitar. For nearly 800 quid you ought to find a really good one. I'd really think through it before buying any Ibanez guitar new - their policy on price is outrageous!

I could keep my eyes on ebay and just see what I can find I've noticed that some people can get really sweet deals on ebay (In good condition too)
Thanks for the advice!

I've got a Jackson Dinky and it's a belter! The pick ups have got some serious power and the neck is simply a joy to play. I think it offers good value-for-money and a high-end one is within your price range.

I have a Jackson DK2M and it's good. I can't really compare it to anything since I have only played 4 guitars in my life. All of which were low end except for the DK2M which is kind of a midrange guitar.

You could go to a pawn shop and find a jem.

As for getting another guitar, Try something that isn't overpriced then buy the pickups and other addictions that you'll like on your guitar. If you don't like the body, buy a new one.

Stay clear from the Jem555, it has weak pups and trem. I'd be thinking more along the lines of an RG770DX or similar. There are some great early Ibanez RG models to consider eg RG550, RG570, RG560, RG760. Some nice Ibanez on ebay at the minute.

I was actually considering trying Jackson guitars, but since I've never played one before I didn't know if it'd be in bad judgement.

Also IbanezDaemon thanks alot for your advice I've skimmed around and seen some of your guitars (and some of them on the Jason Becker board)
And I must say you have a smokin' collection!
Thanks for your advice on this matter, I'm looking for a Ibanez with a maple neck at the moment and I've spotted the 20th anniversery desert yellow RG and I really like that one I may have to save up a bit longer and see if I can go with that :)

thanks everyone!

-BlackStar

Yeah, you can't go wrong with an RG550 mate. In my opinion that's the best pound for pound guitar Ibanez ever made. Those 20th anniversary RG550's are great guitars, killer looking too. Good luck with your purchase, I hope you get one. It'll be worth the wait to save up some extra money!

Oh sweet!, I'm glad to know they are good quality.
I've got a Ibanez RG350 at the moment (An okay guitar)
But I've been looking to upgrade for a while now.

After this I guess I'd better get saving for the Mesa/Boogie amp!
haha, but my Marshall DSL401 has served me alright over the past year or so, I'm just looking to fix up all my gear because with college and everything the amount of performances I have to do has increased so I'm just trying to invest in decent gear that I won't have to replace so much.

Thanks guys!

Yeah man, it does pay dividends to have good quality guitars/gear. Problem is though when you get them you're always looking for something better. It's hard to ever be fully satisfied with a guitar and the perfect one is akin to the 'Holy Grail' metaphor.

You won't be dissapointed with the RG550 trust me. The RG350's are okay guitars but the pickups are weak and the Edge III trem (or EdgeII depending on year) is made from a cheap alloy which leads to problems with the knife edge after only a short time of use.

When you're buying Ibanez it's best to stick to the Japanese made guitars, they have far better trems (Edge Zero excepted) i'e Edge, Lo Pro Edge and Edge pro though the Edge Pro really does benefit from a locking stud conversion.

There has been a few of those 550XX's on ebayuk recently. Expect to pay £600 and upwards for one, you may get one a bit cheaper of course depending on condition and depending on how much the seller needs to shift it.

Gorgeous guitars especially the DY models and you also get a nice coloured hardcase to match your guitar!! B)