Welcome to the Index Page Layout
If you are seeing this message in a Single PRODUCT PAGE - DO NOT WORRY! This message will disappear once your site is published
If you are NOT in a Single Product Page, please DO NOT USE the INDEX page layout. Please go to "page" and select to use any other page layouts
**This message will disappear once your site is published**
Stunning Early Vintage Ibanez Jem 1991-93 777VBK (Vine Black) + Hard Case + Tremolo Arm + Green Strap
The original JEM777 guitars are some of the most iconic and desirable Ibanez instruments ever made — bold, vibrant, and utterly unique. Among them, the “V” series (VDY, VSK, and VBK) stand apart as the crown jewels: each a piece of history representing the early golden era of Ibanez craftsmanship.
We’re extremely privileged to offer this stunning example of the legendary JEM777VBK (Vine Black), believed to have been built between 1991 and 1993, identifiable by its 25-series neck plate — part of the transitional run that followed the end of the dated plate system in 1990. These later-run JEMs are particularly interesting to collectors, bridging the early numbered series and the fully consecutive plate era, with only a limited number believed to have been produced in this short period.
By this time, Ibanez had already cemented the JEM as a world-class performance instrument, and this example shows off everything that made it so. The Lo-Pro Edge tremolo, introduced around 1991, offers a smoother feel and lower profile than the original Edge, while the HSH pickup configuration — with DiMarzio PAF Pros and JEM single coil — delivers the unmistakable Vai tone: glassy cleans, tight rhythm crunch, and soaring leads. The signature vine inlay dances across a beautifully grained rosewood fingerboard, adding a touch of artistry that still turns heads more than three decades later.
Visually, the black finish with neon green pickup tops remains one of the most striking combinations ever created. Under natural light, the contrast pops dramatically — a true 1980s-meets-1990s aesthetic icon that looks as bold today as it did the day it left Japan.
Every detail of this guitar reflects Ibanez’s peak attention to quality and innovation, with superb fretwork, tight tolerances, and playability that makes even modern instruments blush. For the discerning collector or serious player, this VBK represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most historically significant JEMs ever made — a guitar that not only defined an era but continues to appreciate in value year after year.
A genuine investment-grade example of a true legend.
A detailed inspection and full guitar condition report has been listed below, please read this before making any offer on the guitar.
If you have any questions at all or would like to make an offer please : Contact us on the Sell My Jem Email
Don't miss out on future jems like this! Click: Get Notified
When another Jem like this one gets listed you will be instantly notified and have first dibs before the guitar goes on sale to the public!
Stunning Early Vintage Ibanez Jem 1991-93 777VBK (Vine Black) + Hard Case + Tremolo Arm + Green Strap
We’re hugely privileged to offer this fantastic, exceptionally clean example of the legendary JEM777VBK (Vine Black), believed to have been built between 1991 and 1993 during the transitional period that followed the original dated plate system. This era marked the final years of the original JEM777 production — a time when Ibanez craftsmanship was at its absolute peak and every instrument was built with precision and pride.
The Vine Black finish remains one of the most striking combinations ever made: a deep, mirror-gloss black body set off by those unmistakable neon green pickups. Under the case lid it leaps to life, vibrant, confident, and impossible to ignore. The introduction of the Lo-Pro Edge tremolo during this period brought a smoother, more refined feel to the JEM platform, while build quality stayed at the same elite level that defined Ibanez’s golden age.
The VBK has always been something different — bold, rare, and utterly distinctive — and examples like this continue to rise in both value and reputation. Whether you’re a serious collector or a player who simply wants one of the rarest, most recognisable guitars in Ibanez history, this is a truly exceptional opportunity.
If you have any questions at all or would like to make an offer please : Contact us on the Sell My Jem Email
Guitars History
This is a guitar that’s been loved and played but carefully, now entering that sweet spot where vintage character meets superb playability. An early 1991–1993 example, this JEM777VBK represents one of the later runs from the first golden era of JEM production. It’s an ideal choice for the collector who wants the tone, feel and authenticity of an original Japanese-built JEM without worrying about making the first pick mark.
All signs of use are entirely superficial — a few tiny edge dings and light surface marks consistent with age — but structurally this guitar is rock solid with no neck pocket cracks, no wood stress, and no repairs. The neck is a standout feature: a beautifully grained, silky-smooth maple that feels alive in the hand. Every now and then you find a piece of wood that just feels “right” — this is one of those.
This example remains completely original throughout, with no swapped hardware or electronics. It’s a guitar full of history, playability and tone.
Condition: Fit and Finish
This is a very clean, JEM777VBK in excellent mechanical and cosmetic order. The guitar feels fantastic in hand — lightweight, resonant, and every inch the professional-grade instrument it was built to be. Below is a detailed breakdown of condition by area, supported by close-up HD photographs.
Fret Life / Fretboard – Frets have excellent life remaining with no flat spots or divots. The rosewood board is clean and well cared for, showing only light polishing from use.
Tremolo – Factory Lo-Pro Edge bridge in great working order with expected light tarnish from age. It holds tuning perfectly and feels silky underhand.
Neck – Straight as an arrow and plays effortlessly. The maple grain is truly beautiful — one of the nicest we’ve seen on a VBK. No cracks, no stress marks, no repairs.
Electronics – 100% original DiMarzio PAF Pro / JEM Single / PAF Pro configuration. Every switch, pot, and pickup functions flawlessly. These pickups absolutely sing — crisp cleans, tight rhythms and that signature Vai lead tone.
Bodywork / Paint – As with most black finishes of this era, there’s a light polish swirl visible under certain light — perfectly normal and only cosmetic. The front face is remarkably clean, free from chips or scratches beyond the normal polish swirl. Around the rear edges there are a few tiny paint chips, which have been carefully touched in and are barely noticeable unless closely inspected (see photos). Overall, the finish presents beautifully and retains that deep, mirror-like black with vivid green accents that make the VBK such an icon.
Case – Supplied with a non-original hard case, fully functional with key included. The exterior shows a few stickers and honest wear but all latches and hinges work perfectly. The interior padding remains plush and supportive, offering full protection for the instrument.
Extras – Additional strap pins are included inside the case if you prefer to fit black hardware for a more stealthy look.
Summary
A tidy, all-original JEM777VBK from the early-’90s transitional period — structurally flawless, visually striking, and mechanically sound. A perfect piece for the player or collector who values originality, tone, and the unmistakable feel of a true vintage Japanese-built JEM.
|
For international shipping quotes please contact me before purchasing direct but as a rough guide UK: £35 Next Day Delivery EU £55-75 1-3 Days Delivery + Customs USA/World £90-130 3-5 Days Delivery + Customs |
|
Please take a look at the sellmyjem Returns Policy & Testimonials Page for both international and domestic, we know how important peace of mind is when purchasing a Jem and that is why we publish reviews from all of our happy customers. Most Ibanez Jem sellers dont honor any returns at all but if you are not happy with your purchase then im happy to accept a return providing you conform to the returns policy of the website.
IBANEZ JEM 777VBK INFORMATION
- JEM777VBK - vine inlay, Black, American Basswood body (years of production 1988 - 1992)
The Ibanez JEM777 is the oldest Jem model having been developed back in 1985 and released in 1987 by the merged powers of Steve Vai and Ibanez whilst he was shopping around for a company fitting enough to bring the vision of the Jem into reality. Three different models were produced each labeled as the JEM777DY, JEM777SK, and JEM777LNG, with the color being the only real difference between them, each colored Desert Sun Yellow, Shocking Pink, and Loch Ness Green respectively.
The 777LNG was the first produced of all 777 Jems and only 777 exist each of which was numbered and signed by Steve Vai himself. The numbers produced of the yellow and pink guitars are unknown, but for what it’s worth the pink was produced from 1987 up to 1987 and the yellow from 87 all the way up to 1996. The original 777 models featured a basswood body with a maple neck and fretboard and had an Edge tremolo and DiMarzio PAF Pro pickups. The inlays were also originally pyramids that gradually depleted as they went higher up on the neck.
In 1988 a new black model was introduced which was overall the same save for the inclusion of a rosewood fretboard and the introduction of the now standard vine inlay. The black 777VBK ran until 1992. In 1989 two new models were introduced, or rather to new variations of older models. The 777DY and 777SK models were re released as the 777VDY and 777VSK with the rosewood fretboard and vine inlay, and while the pink didn’t linger past 1989 the yellow lasted up until 1991. It’s also worth mentioning the 777VDY and 777VSK featured Ibanez’s Wizard neck where the other models had thicker necks.
Also, since we’re on the topic, the 777VSK was manufactured, but not for a USA release due to a tendency for the pink paint used to fade. That would be the dictating reason why the pink models did not last past 1989.
These days the 777 line is among the most collectible guitars out there. It’s pretty infrequent, but every so often you can catch them on EBay for a substantially high price, and even more rare and proportionately more pricey you can find a Loch Ness Green JEM777. In fact that’s pretty much how this article began. A year ago Jameson actually spotted one and wrote this article. I’m just updating it now because having dead auction links crammed in single paragraph articles tend to look stupid. But you know what doesn’t look stupid? JEM777 guitars. At least if you’re into neon pink they don’t… and if you dig handle grips built into the body.
Ibanez Jem 777VBK Specifications
Name: JEM777 VBK Years: 1989 Areas: Worldwide Made in: Japan Finishes: VBK 1988-1992
American Basswood
Neck joint:
Cutaway Heel
Bridge:
1987-1990: Edge tremolo
1991-1996: Lo Pro Edge tremolo
Hardware color:
Cosmo Black
Pickguard:
BlackNeck type:
JEM
Neck material:
1-Piece Maple
Fingerboard:
ROSEWOOD Vine Inlay
Fret 21-24 scalloped
Inlays:
Green Vine Inlay
Frets:
24 / 6100PU Config:
HSH
Neck PU:
DiMarzio PAF Pro
Mid PU:
DiMarzio JEM Single
Bridge PU:
DiMarzio PAF Pro
Controls:
1 Volume / 1 Tone / 5-Way Lever
