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Average Price: $941

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$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez JEM 555 is a testament to precision engineering and artistic flair, designed in collaboration with legendary guitarist Steve Vai. This solid body electric guitar sits in the spotlight with its distinctive monkey grip handle, making it instantly recognizable on any stage. Crafted for both visual appeal and sonic excellence, the JEM 555 is tailored to meet the demands of guitarists who value both style and substance.

Under the hood, this guitar boasts a combination of high-performance electronics and premium materials. The body is constructed from basswood, offering a balanced tonal foundation, while the Wizard III neck profile ensures fast, effortless playability. The DiMarzio Evolution pickups deliver powerful, articulate sound, perfect for both shredding solos and intricate rhythms. The double-locking tremolo system provides rock-solid tuning stability, letting you dive and scream without losing pitch.

Whether you're performing on stage or creating in the studio, the JEM 555's ergonomic design and versatile sound palette make it a formidable choice for musicians seeking a reliable and expressive instrument.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar designed in collaboration with Steve Vai
  • Basswood body for balanced tone
  • Wizard III neck profile for fast playability
  • DiMarzio Evolution pickups for powerful, articulate sound
  • Double-locking tremolo system for stable tuning
  • Distinctive monkey grip handle for unique aesthetics and handling
  • 24-fret fingerboard for extended range

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model JEM555 Steve Vai Signature
Finish Black, White
Year 1994 - 2015
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Steve Vai
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez JEM
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Artist Signature

FAQs

What pickups are installed in the Ibanez JEM 555?

The Ibanez JEM 555 is equipped with DiMarzio Evolution pickups, featuring a humbucker in both the bridge and neck positions and a single coil in the middle position, offering a versatile range of rock tones.

Is the Ibanez JEM 555 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Ibanez JEM 555 is designed as a signature model for advanced players, beginners can also benefit from its comfortable neck and versatile sound, though it may be more guitar than necessary for absolute beginners.

Does the Ibanez JEM 555 have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Ibanez JEM 555 features a locking tremolo bridge, which helps maintain tuning stability during aggressive playing and allows for expressive pitch bending.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez JEM 555?

The Ibanez JEM 555 has a thin and fast Wizard neck profile, making it ideal for fast playing styles and comfortable for extended playing sessions.

How does the Ibanez JEM 555 compare to other Ibanez JEM models?

The JEM 555 is a more affordable version of Steve Vai's signature series, offering many of the same design elements and features but with some differences in materials and hardware compared to higher-end JEM models.

vaiisking

vaiisking

Ibanez Jem 555 Review: Honest opinion of this 'jem' of a guitar.

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Jem 555 Review: Honest opinion of this 'jem' of a guitar. by vaiisking

Ibanez Jem 555 Review: Honest opinion of this 'jem' of a guitar.

vaiisking

vaiisking

Video thumbnail for Ibanez JEM 555 Guitar Review by Joel Palmer-Morrison

Ibanez JEM 555 Guitar Review

Joel Palmer-Morrison

Joel Palmer-Morrison

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ STEVE VAI JEM 555 JR DIMARZIO PICKUPS FLOYD ROSE VINE INLAY 555BK BLACK GUITAR UP CLOSE VIDEO by Essex Recording Studios

IBANEZ STEVE VAI JEM 555 JR DIMARZIO PICKUPS FLOYD ROSE VINE INLAY 555BK BLACK GUITAR UP CLOSE VIDEO

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for Ibanez jem 555WH 1994 by J-Guitar Music Shop

Ibanez jem 555WH 1994

J-Guitar Music Shop

J-Guitar Music Shop

Video thumbnail for Ibanez 1994 JEM 555 Electric Guitar - Made in Korea, DiMarzio Tone Zone & Air Norton by Max Rossell

Ibanez 1994 JEM 555 Electric Guitar - Made in Korea, DiMarzio Tone Zone & Air Norton

Max Rossell

Max Rossell

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Jem 555 WH by Mike Elgar

Ibanez Jem 555 WH

Mike Elgar

Mike Elgar

Video thumbnail for Steve Vai Ibanez JEM 555 - Guitar Of The Week #2 - Yasi Hofer by Yasi Hofer

Steve Vai Ibanez JEM 555 - Guitar Of The Week #2 - Yasi Hofer

Yasi Hofer

Yasi Hofer

Video thumbnail for Ibanez jem 555BK by J-Guitar Music Shop

Ibanez jem 555BK

J-Guitar Music Shop

J-Guitar Music Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez JEM 555.

Build quality

  • JEM 555's fretboard markers feature a unique mix of half tree of life and half dot marker inlays, with a rectangular inlay on the 24th fret engraved with "Steve Vai".

    Source
  • The JEM 555 is produced by Cort in Korea, identifiable by serial numbers starting with 'C', distinguishing it from Japanese models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Aftermarket knobs are a common modification, but original parts for 2005 models match the Korean-made specs, indicating authenticity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 2005 Korean-made JEM 555 was confirmed as a good deal despite a minor ding, suggesting it holds value well against cosmetic imperfections.

    Source
  • In the $400-$800 range, the 2009 JEM 555 is considered a solid deal, especially when compared to limited availability of Prestige models in this budget.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JEM 555 with DiMarzio Evolution pickups is praised for sound quality comparable to older Japanese JEM models, though the bridge is considered inferior.

    Source
  • The JEM 505 is recommended over the 555 for its Made in Japan quality and superior Edge tremolo, although it lacks the DiMarzio Evolution pickups by default.

    Source
  • The 2009 JEM 555, even Indonesian-made, is favored over the JEM JR for its superior specs and closer performance to Japanese models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Lo TRS 2 bridge on the JEM 555 requires careful setup to perform well, highlighting the importance of a good setup for optimal playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested to replace the Lo TRS tremolo with an original Edge for better performance, as this is more cost-effective than upgrading pickups to DiMarzio Evolutions.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention the vine inlay can make fret locations harder to see, but perseverance can lead to effective adaptation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

JEM555 Steve Vai Signature Review | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

JEM555 Steve Vai Signature Review: I think this guitar will be perfectly matched with a Carvin... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
A

Amazing Quality For Its Age

Even though some people may have had issues with their tremolo system, I haven't run into any major problems that have a serious affect on the guitar. I have had this guitar since August 2017 and have only had one issue with was my error. The tone on this guitar is versatile, because of its HSH pickup configuration I've been able to play a variety of genres and I am going to play this guitar until I can not play it anymore. Although I do have to say that the locking nuts on the neck are weak and can not hold the string down firmly, it may only be an issue on my guitar, but it will be replaced as soon as possible.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mateus Asato uses Ibanez JEM 555

Mateus Asato

Guitarist

Silk Sonic

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Mateus uses the Ibanez JEM 555 BK.

See how Jeff Hanneman uses Ibanez JEM 555

Jeff Hanneman

Guitarist, Composer

Slayer

...
Verified via Photo

In a rare photo that appears to be a magazine cutout from the 90s, Jeff Hanneman can be seen holding an Ibanez JEM 555, identifiable by the monkey grip and tree of life inlays, and adorned with punk rock stickers—typical of Hanneman's style.

See how Arturo Arredondo uses Ibanez JEM 555

Arturo Arredondo

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Arturo uso esta guitarra durante la época del "para ti con desprecio", lamentablemente fue destruida durante el vive latino 2006.

See how Jack Gardiner uses Ibanez JEM 555

Jack Gardiner

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Jack Gardiner is seen playing the Ibanez JEM 555, as he reflects on it being his first "proper" guitar.

See how Noah Carpenter uses Ibanez JEM 555

Noah Carpenter

Guitarist

Skinless

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:30 in the YouTube video titled "SKINLESS - Live at Hellfest 2015 - [PRO - SHOT] - (2015.06.20) HD," uploaded by Ricardo Ribas, Noah Carpenter can be seen playing a black version of the Ibanez JEM 555 guitar.

See how Song Seung Hyun uses Ibanez JEM 555

Song Seung Hyun

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

The image provides proof that guitarist Song Seung Hyun uses an Ibanez JEM 555.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez JEM 555, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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