The Ibanez JIVA Jr emerges as the accessible sibling to Nita Strauss’s acclaimed signature JIVA guitar, offering a potent blend of performance and Ibanez craftsmanship at a more approachable price point of approximately $1119.99 CAD MAP. This model represents a significant leap in quality and features when compared to guitars like the RG 470DX, immediately recognizable as part of Ibanez’s revered S series. The S designation brings with it a host of player-centric design elements, including smoothly contoured curves, a reduction in sharp edges, and a neck profile that many guitarists, including myself, find exceptionally comfortable for extended playing sessions.
Before delving into the specifics of this impressive Jr Guitar, it’s important to address a regrettable attitude that sometimes surfaces in the guitar community. During a recent visit to The Arts Music Store, I overheard someone dismissively labeling the JIVA as a “chick’s guitar.” Such comments are not only misplaced but also disrespectful to incredibly talented musicians like Nita Strauss. Nita, known as “Hurricane” in the music world, has earned her place among guitar greats through sheer skill and dedication, touring with luminaries such as Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato. Her versatility across musical genres and distinctive playing style are undeniable. To reduce her signature instrument to a matter of gender is to ignore the artistry and hard work that define her career. Talent knows no gender, and Nita Strauss’s achievements stand as a powerful testament to that fact.
Delving Deeper into the JIVA Jr Guitar
The JIVA series places Nita Strauss in the esteemed company of guitar icons like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Pat Metheny, all of whom have signature Ibanez instruments. However, unlike some signature models that are merely cosmetic upgrades, the JIVA and JIVA Jr are born from a genuine collaboration between Nita Strauss and Ibanez, reflecting her specific performance needs and preferences. Built upon the foundation of Ibanez’s celebrated S body shape, the JIVA Jr offers the ergonomic comfort and sleek aesthetics that the S series is known for.
This jr guitar is equipped with Ibanez’s own floating tremolo system, featuring the advanced Edge Zero II bridge design. A key innovation of the Edge Zero II is the placement of the fine tuners in a lower profile position, significantly reducing the chances of them interfering with your picking hand, a thoughtful detail for players who utilize the tremolo extensively. Complementing the bridge is a locking nut system with three individual plates, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability even during aggressive tremolo use.
Electronically, the JIVA Jr features a versatile HSH (humbucker-single-humbucker) pickup configuration using Ibanez Quantum pickups. These pickups are controlled by a straightforward five-way selector switch, along with master volume and tone knobs. The absence of push-pull pots contributes to the guitar’s user-friendly design, making it immediately accessible to players of all levels without a steep learning curve. This jr guitar is designed to let you plug in and play, focusing on performance and tone right out of the box.
JIVA Jr Specifications: A Closer Look
Ibanez is known for providing clear and easily accessible specifications for their instruments, making it simple for guitarists to understand exactly what each model offers. For detailed specifications on the JIVA Jr, guitar players can readily find comprehensive information on the official Ibanez website or through authorized Ibanez dealers. These specifications typically cover aspects such as:
- Neck Type: Often featuring Ibanez’s slim and fast necks, designed for comfortable and speedy playing.
- Body Material: Specifying the tonewood used for the body, which significantly impacts the guitar’s overall tone and resonance.
- Fretboard Material: Detailing the wood used for the fretboard, influencing playability and tonal characteristics.
- Fret Type: Indicating the type of frets used, often jumbo frets for enhanced playability and bending.
- Bridge: Highlighting the Edge Zero II tremolo system and its features.
- Pickups: Specifying the Ibanez Quantum HSH pickup configuration and their tonal properties.
- Hardware Color: Detailing the finish of the hardware components.
[Include a link to the official Ibanez JIVA Jr specifications page here when available]
Conclusion: The JIVA Jr – A Signature Experience for Aspiring Guitarists
The Ibanez JIVA Jr stands out as an exceptional jr guitar, delivering a signature playing experience inspired by Nita Strauss at a price point that is more accessible to a wider range of guitarists. It successfully captures the essence of the JIVA design, offering the comfortable S series body, versatile HSH pickup configuration, and the innovative Edge Zero II tremolo. Whether you are an aspiring guitarist looking to upgrade your instrument or a seasoned player seeking a high-performance guitar with a signature touch, the JIVA Jr is well worth considering. It’s a guitar that empowers you to explore your musical boundaries and unleash your inner guitar hero, regardless of anyone’s preconceived notions about who should play what. Explore the Ibanez JIVA Jr and discover the inspiration of Nita Strauss in your own hands.
