Ibanez JEM7VP vs PIA3761 | Guitar Comparison
After over 3 decades with the famous Ibanez JEM and its many iterations, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai decided it was time to make some changes to the long-running signature model. These changes would be so significant that Vai and Ibanez saw fit to give the model a completely new name: PIA, an acronym for “Paradise In Art” according to Vai.
For a prospective buyer, the question that may be asked is just how different these two guitars are, especially now that Ibanez has seemingly discontinued production of the Japanese JEMs in favor of producing the Indonesian-built JEM7VP. In the video above, I compare one of those JEM7VPs with the new, Japanese-built PIA3761 in the limited-edition “Panther Pink” finish. If you’re interested in getting a quick, written synopsis of the differences or are unable to watch the video, read on.
PIA3761
Body: Alder
Neck: PIA 5pc Maple/Walnut
Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ PIA Blossom; Scalloped on frets 21-24
Fingerboard Radius: 430mmR / 16.92”
Frets: Jumbo Stainless Steel; Prestige Treatment
Bridge: Edge Tremolo
Pickups: Dimarzio UtoPIA Set
Tuners: Gotoh
Comes with Hard Case
Price (US): $3499.99
JEM7VP
Body: Alder
Neck: Wizard 5pc Maple/Walnut
Fingerboard: Ebony w/ Tree of Life
Fingerboard Radius: 400mmR / 15.75”
Frets: Jumbo Nickel; Premium Treatment
Bridge: Edge Tremolo
Pickups: Dimarzio Evolution Set
Tuners: Gotoh
Comes with Gig bag
Price (US): $1799.99
Construction
Both of these guitars are built incredibly well. Despite being nearly half the price, the JEM7VP has no quality control issues to be found. Both guitars feature phenomenal fretwork, finishing, and hardware functionality, which is especially great given that the JEM is about 1/2 the price of the PIA.
As can be seen in the spec, there are some difference between the two guitars’ components. In addition to these differences, the PIA also features a magnetic cover plate for the trem cavity, as well as much rounder body contours in comparison to the JEM.
Feel
Fans of Ibanez guitars will feel right at home with either of these two guitars, but there are some noticeable differences in playing feel. Though the difference in fretboard radius is slight, the PIA feels noticeably flatter under the fingers than the JEM. Personally, I prefer the slightly rounder profile on the JEM.
Additionally, I felt like the edges on the JEM’s neck were a little more rounded than those on the PIA. This made the JEM’s neck feel a touch narrower despite the fact that Ibanez’s website lists the two necks as being identical widths.
Because of the stainless steel frets on the PIA, bends typically felt more effortless on this guitar. This isn’t to say that the JEM’s frets posed any sort of problem when bending, as the frets on both guitars were incredibly smooth. Stainless steel, to me, has just always felt a great deal more smooth than even the most well-polished nickel frets.
The JEM and PIA also differ in regards to how the body feels up against you when playing. As mentioned before, the PIA has much rounder body edges than the JEM, and this makes the PIA feel more comfortable to me. The PIA, thanks to these contours and body cutaways, just feels like it melts into you when playing. The JEM, though still comfortable, has much more noticeable edges when resting up against you.
Sound
Given that the JEM and PIA have different pickup sets, you can expect there to be sound differences between the two, despite using similar body woods. To my ears, the PIA seems to have noticeably more output and low-end than the JEM, and a slightly more rolled off high-end response than the JEM. Both guitars sound great with a variety of tones, so it’s really just a matter of personal preference as to which guitar sounds better.
Conclusion
I’ve had a lot of fun playing both of these guitars while trying to make this comparison. In the past, I’ve had a hard time getting along with Ibanez necks, but that has changed as a result of making this comparison. I personally don’t think you can go wrong getting either of these two guitars. Both feel great to play, sound wonderful, and are built extremely well.
Ultimately, if I were choosing one of these for myself, I would be inclined to choose the PIA. I prefer the stainless steel frets over the nickel, I prefer the way the PIA looks, especially in Panther Pink, and the contouring of the body on the PIA makes it so you can play it for hours without feeling anything resembling a sharp edge.
I’m sad these two guitars have to be returned to their rightful owners, but I’m really grateful I was able to play them both make make this comparison. Now, I’m on the lookout for an Ibanez 6-string of my own.
