Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $941
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
vaiisking
Ibanez Jem 555 Review: Honest opinion of this 'jem' of a guitar.
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
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
23
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
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.
Arturo uso esta guitarra durante la época del "para ti con desprecio", lamentablemente fue destruida durante el vive latino 2006.
In an Instagram post, Jack Gardiner is seen playing the Ibanez JEM 555, as he reflects on it being his first "proper" guitar.
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.
More Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jose_carmoGear IQ 1119
-