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Average Price: $896

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Description

The 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh is a quintessential piece for any guitarist looking to capture the vibrant sound and style synonymous with the Jem series. Designed in collaboration with famed guitarist Steve Vai, this electric guitar blends innovative design with performance-focused functionality. The Jem 555wh features the iconic monkey grip handle, a hallmark of Vai's signature models, offering not just a unique aesthetic but also practical portability.

Constructed with a solid basswood body, this guitar provides a balanced tone that is both warm and articulate, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres. The versatile HSH pickup configuration allows for a wide range of sound options, from crunchy rhythms to soaring leads. A maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability, while the double-locking tremolo system offers precision tuning stability, even during intense performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid basswood body for a balanced tone
  • Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • HSH pickup configuration for versatile sound options
  • Iconic monkey grip handle for distinctive style and portability
  • Double-locking tremolo system for tuning stability
  • Designed in collaboration with Steve Vai

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 is the neck profile of the 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh?

The 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh features a thin, fast-playing neck profile, typical of Ibanez guitars, making it ideal for shredding and fast soloing.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez Jem 555wh?

The HSH pickup configuration provides a versatile range of tones, from thick, high-output humbucker sounds suitable for rock and metal to bright, articulate single-coil tones for clean and bluesy styles.

Is the 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh is designed with advanced features like a locking tremolo bridge and 24 frets, catering to more experienced players who require precision and versatility.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez Jem 555wh benefit my playing?

The locking tremolo bridge allows for stable tuning even with heavy use of the whammy bar, making it perfect for expressive playing without compromising tuning stability.

What is the body material of the 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh, and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the 1998 Ibanez Jem 555wh is made from basswood, which provides a balanced tone with good midrange presence and a smooth, even response across the tonal spectrum.

Estevão Dourado

Estevão Dourado

GUITARRA IBANEZ JEM555 KOREA | STEVE VAI SIGNATURE | ANO 1998

Video thumbnail for GUITARRA IBANEZ JEM555 KOREA | STEVE VAI SIGNATURE | ANO 1998 by Estevão Dourado

GUITARRA IBANEZ JEM555 KOREA | STEVE VAI SIGNATURE | ANO 1998

Estevão Dourado

Estevão Dourado

Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tonymolloy1999

Another great guitar, never let me down.

The Ibanez JEM555 is a JEM series electric guitar model and signature model of American guitarist Steve Vai. It was introduced in 1994 as a more affordable member of the JEM family, made in Korea instead of Japan and with less expensive parts. In 2008 production moved to Indonesia. It has not been part of the US lineup since 2000, but is still in production and widely available outside the US.

Notable fact is that the JEM555 does feature the US made DiMarzio Evolution pickups also used for high end models. Other features include a basswood body, a rosewood fingerboard with partial vine inlay and a double locking tremolo. The tremolo used for the JEM555 is usually the one that is used on non-Japanese made RG models that year. Since 1994 this has been the Lo TRS II, Edge Pro II and Edge III. It has been available in a black and a white finish since 1994, but the black one has been discontinued after 2008. First year's JEM555s have a clear black and white pickguard, in 1995 this was changed into a pearloid one.

Artist usage

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See how Teemu Mäntysaari uses Ibanez Jem 555 Steve Vai Signature

Teemu Mäntysaari

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
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He said he uses this guitar as a main to teach

Genre Usage

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