Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $547
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez JEM-JR". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ibanez JEM-JR White is an electrifying embodiment of Steve Vai's legendary style, designed to deliver the iconic JEM experience to a broader fan base without compromising on quality. This guitar showcases the renowned Monkey Grip, a hallmark of Vai's signature series that not only adds a unique aesthetic but also offers practical handling. Crafted with a mahogany body, the JEM-JR resonates with a deep, warm tone that is perfect for both searing solos and lush rhythm sections.
The sleek Wizard III maple neck is tailored for speed, allowing for lightning-fast runs and effortless chord transitions. Its jatoba fingerboard features the stunning Tree of Life inlay, adding a touch of elegance to this powerhouse instrument. Equipped with a versatile H/S/H pickup configuration, courtesy of the Quantum series, the JEM-JR provides a dynamic range of tones, from scorching leads to glassy cleans.
Ibanez's double-locking tremolo system ensures that you can dive-bomb and whammy with abandon, all while maintaining rock-solid tuning stability. The JEM-JR White is not just a guitar; it's a statement piece, marrying eye-catching aesthetics with uncompromising performance.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body for warm, resonant tone
- Wizard III maple neck for ultra-fast playability
- Jatoba fretboard with Tree of Life inlay
- Quantum pickups in H/S/H configuration for versatile tone
- Double-locking tremolo system for stable tuning
- Iconic Monkey Grip and Lion's Claw tremolo cavity
- Cosmo black hardware for a sleek finish
- 5-way pickup selector switch for diverse sound options
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | JEM |
| Body Material | Meranti |
| Body Finish | Polyurethane Gloss |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Wizard III |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 15.7" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Acrylic Vine |
| Number of Frets | 24, Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.693" |
| Nut Material | Locking nut |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Double-locking Bridge |
| Tuners | Cosmo Black |
| Neck Pickup | Quantum Humbucker |
| Middle Pickup | Quantum Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Quantum Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 5-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .009-.042 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Ibanez JEM-JR White?
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The Ibanez JEM-JR White features a Wizard III maple neck, known for its thin and flat profile, providing fast playability ideal for shredding and complex finger work.
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Are the pickups on the Ibanez JEM-JR White suitable for rock and metal?
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Yes, the Ibanez JEM-JR White is equipped with Quantum pickups, which offer a versatile tonal range suitable for rock and metal, providing a powerful and articulate sound.
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Does the Ibanez JEM-JR White come with a locking tremolo system?
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Yes, the Ibanez JEM-JR White features a double-locking tremolo system, allowing for stable tuning even with extensive whammy bar use.
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Is the Ibanez JEM-JR White suitable for beginners?
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While the Ibanez JEM-JR White is designed with advanced features for experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for enthusiastic beginners as well.
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What is the body material of the Ibanez JEM-JR White?
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The body of the Ibanez JEM-JR White is made from meranti, which contributes to its balanced tonal qualities and lightweight feel.
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How many frets does the Ibanez JEM-JR White have?
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The Ibanez JEM-JR White has 24 jumbo frets, providing ample range for lead guitar work and extended solos.
Videos
Rob Chapman
Ibanez JEM Junior Steve Vai Guitar Demo!
Reviews
PROS
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Economical alternative to high-end JEM models
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Medium to high-output pickups offer versatile tonal exploration
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Solid build quality, especially for the price point
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Bridge stays in tune effectively, even with use of tremolo
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Lightweight and well-balanced design
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Unique "monkey grip" handle adds functionality
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Eye-catching "tree of life" inlays and overall aesthetic appeal
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Neck is fast and thin, great for technical playing
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Versatile tonal options from clean to highly distorted
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Ready to play out of the box with minimal adjustments needed
CONS
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Some fret buzz issues reported, especially on lower strings
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Initial setup may not meet everyone's expectations, requiring adjustments
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Inconsistent finish quality, with occasional cosmetic defects
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Tremolo system not up to par with premium models
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Pickups may lack the power and depth of higher-end models
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Neck and frets may require additional smoothing for optimal playability
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Some users find the guitar's tone too bright or tinny
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Cosmo black hardware prone to color fading over time
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez JEM-JR.
Mods and upgrades
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The Gotoh GE1996T tremolo is a direct drop-in replacement for the stock tremolo on the Ibanez JEM-JR, enhancing stability without requiring extensive modifications.
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Upgrading pickups can be worthwhile for those seeking a specific sound, although the stock pickups are generally well-regarded for versatile use.
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Some users recommend upgrading the tremolo to a Schaller or original Floyd Rose for improved stability.
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A Tremol-No system can be installed to lock the bridge for easier tuning changes, providing a reversible solution for those wanting to experiment with tunings.
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Setup and maintenance
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Stainless steel frets are considered cost-prohibitive for the JEM-JR, with owners suggesting a new neck purchase over a refret for better value.
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Owners suggest wrapping extra string around tuning pegs for high E and B strings to easily reattach if they break at the bridge.
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Floyd Rose bridge maintenance requires balancing multiple adjustments, impacting string action, intonation, neck relief, and tuning; setup can be outsourced to professionals.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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The Wizard III neck, known for its thin and flat profile, may not suit all players; testing before purchasing is advised.
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Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 11 Ratings
236
Pleasant surprise
I ordered it with low expectations but everything seems to be great with this guitar. I bought the first edition 1P01 that has mahogany body and rosewood fretboard i believe is far better than meranti body and jatoba fretboard that 1P02 now has. Decent pickups, hold up tuning well and overall beautiful guitar for those who admire Steve Vai. The only negative i have to say about it is that cosmo black hardware start to lose colour and became silver.
2786
that is a nice looking guitar, how are the pickups?
282
i replaced the original pickups with some seymour duncans, but the originals are really good
736
My favorite guitar, I love everything about it
I'm modding is with a kill switch scalloping on the 21st-24th frets and putting pickup switches on it
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video titled "[2012] The Show Must Go On - Queen cover by Nothing But Thieves UK," at the 2:28 mark, Dominic Craik is seen using a white Ibanez JEM-JR while performing the song with Nothing But Thieves.
In an Instagram post by Chris Cole, he is seen playing an Ibanez JEM-JR White, highlighting its use during a filming session for Revolver Magazine.
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-JR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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