2009 Ibanez JEM-JR Overhaul | Part 1

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Preamble

This white Ibanez JEM-JR has been left to rot in a corner of the original owner's home for years. It's recently changed hands, and the current owner would like to know if it can be restored to playing condition. As such, this guitar has been completely disassembled, and every component thoroughly evaluated. What's the verdict, then? Well, the good news is that the JEM-JR should be playable after an overhaul, parts replacement, fretwork, and setup. The bad news is that all this is going to cost a pretty penny. At the time of writing, I'm still waiting for the owner's go-ahead.

Headstock Face

Back of Headstock

Neck Heel Stamp

Fretboard and Frets

Let's start with the rosewood fretboard, which features 24 jumbo frets and white dot inlays. As can be seen in the pics below, the fretboard itself is infested with dirt, grime and a host of unmentionables. Meanwhile, the frets are pitted in numerous areas, and a couple have been worn completely flat.

Fretboard and Frets - Image 1

Fretboard and Frets - Image 2

Fretboard and Frets - Image 3

Hardware

Moving on to the hardware, grime and corrosion seem to be the order of the day. And in case you're wondering why I'm sharing so many close-ups, it's because I'd like you to see the adverse effects of abject neglect with your own eyes.

Edge III Tremolo Disassembled

Close-Up of Tuners

Assorted Hardware - Image 1

Assorted Hardware - Image 2

Assorted Hardware - Image 3

Pickups

This JEM-JR features an HSH pickup configuration comprising two open-coil ceramic humbuckers and an Alnico single-coil. All three pickups still work as they should, thankfully. Cleaning the dirty white covers and corroded polepieces is definitely going to take a lot of elbow grease, though.

Neck Humbucker

Middle Single-Coil

Bridge Humbucker

Underside of Pickups

Electronics

The electronics on this guitar comprise a Cor-Tek 5-way pickup selector switch, full-sized master volume and tone pots, and a barrel output jack. Unfortunately, none of these components are in working order. By the way, the white powder encrusting both pots is actually sea salt.

Electronics

Salt-Encrusted Volume and Tone Pots

The Body

With the hardware and electronics removed, one has a clear view of this JEM-JR's white body. It's wonderful to see that the pickup and control cavities are shielded with conductive shielding paint. On the other hand, the sheer amount of caked-on crud and grime is kind of hard to ignore.

Shielded Pickup Cavities

Shielded Control Cavity

Pickguard Outlined in Crud

Lower Horn

Tremolo Recess

Tremolo Cavity

Output Jack Cavity