Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

[Houseof1000Rejects]

I'm looking at a Jackson DKMG with EMG 81 and 85 and a DK2M with Duncan JB and '59. The DKMG is $200 and the DK2M is $300. I play thrash, death, and industrial metal and occasionally some indie rock like Kings Of Leon and some blues. I know all the specs and everything so I don't need that information but does the wood actually make THAT much of a difference? I like a dry, cut tone that has crunchy palm mutes and smooth leads. Never played a guitar with Duncans, only EMGs, so what is more fit for my style? As of now I'm looking at the DKMG since I know about EMGs and prefer the reverse headstock.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Both are made of wood that came from the same stock. However, that doesn't precisely define their tone as even same-genus trees that grow right next to one another can differ in wood structure.

I'd suggest the DKMG. They offer a slightly tighter, drier, faster body tone and the EMGs accentuate it even further.

The huge black plastick inlays on the eM are a shame and an eyesore, in my view. But if you don't mind that, the flat top body works great with Duncans.

Either way, these are great players for the money so pick a winner and play it like you stole it.

 

[dominus]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Personally I like maple fretboards, but if you already like EMGs, I'd stick with that one.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Since when does inlay material influence tone? Yeah, those black fin inlays were plastic. So were the disappearing pyramid inlays on the '88 JEMs that people sell kidneys for. So what? I've had USA Jackson maple necks with maple fretboards and ebony sharkfin inlays and found no substantial difference in tone directly relating to the inlays. No one has. Because it doesn't exist.
They look a far sight better than those idiotic dot inlays.

House:
If you favor EMGs and the reverse head and don't mind the rosewood fretboard, get the MG. If you want the brighter, snappier tone of a maple fretboard, get the DK2M.

However, for the same money on a used guitar, look at some of the newer models on Ebay. You can find great deals if you look hard enough. The Indonesian neckthrough Pro models are probably the best value going right now, and you may score one super-cheap. I got a KVMG Pro last year from Ebay for less than $400. Neckthrough, EMGs (81/89), ebony fretboard, OFR.

 

[dominus]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

However, for the same money on a used guitar, look at some of the newer models on Ebay. You can find great deals if you look hard enough. The Indonesian neckthrough Pro models are probably the best value going right now, and you may score one super-cheap. I got a KVMG Pro last year from Ebay for less than $400. Neckthrough, EMGs (81/89), ebony fretboard, OFR.

*That* was luck. They're going for $500-$600 now. The only ones going for less are morons listing lower models as KVMGs.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Bought from Music123's Ebay store. $378 was the final price (had to look up my Ebay history).

Got an Ellefson Rust In Peace edition (logo on the truss rod cover) CBX-V 5-string in 2012 from another dealer's Ebay store for less than $300. Listed as "scratch and dent". Flawless when I got it. Serial number matched the one they posted in the listing. Easily as good as a 90s Concert V (which I also have).

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Speaking of the devils:

Vintage White KVXMG - $350 BIN (edit: thought it was the same series as mine, but this one has rosewood and MOTO fins. Also got a nice chip outta the tip, but meh. I'd hit it if I had room - this is your Hetfield Puppets Jackson V)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jackson-X-Series-King-V-KVXMG-Aged-White-/221843564059?hash=item33a6e8261b

Crimson Swirl DK2M (fins) $375 BIN
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jackson-DK2...r-Hard-case-/111733529953?hash=item1a03d65d61

DXMG for $290 BIN
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jackson-MIJ...ig-Bag-Nice-/271947291001?hash=item3f51525979

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Hell,at those prices buy 'em both!!!

 

[Lucy Diamond]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

No BS bro. For $300 a piece....buy both of them if you like them.
They are made from the best quality parts for their price point and they will grow with you. They will both take pro upgrades like champs.

 

[dominus]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Speaking of the devils:

Vintage White KVXMG - $350 BIN (edit: thought it was the same series as mine, but this one has rosewood and MOTO fins. Also got a nice chip outta the tip, but meh. I'd hit it if I had room - this is your Hetfield Puppets Jackson V)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jackson-X-Series-King-V-KVXMG-Aged-White-/221843564059?hash=item33a6e8261b

Yup, that's the Chinese replacement for the Indonesian Pro. I think it's a licensed Floyd Rose as well.

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

Reverse headstock is all you need to know.... that trumps all other considerations.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

It may seem surprising to you but depending on the specific planks, a guitar with a maple fretboard might not sound any brighter than a similar one with rosewood.

These plastic sharkfins remind me of fragments of a shattered garbage bin. They first scream "look at me" and then "I'm so cheap". I find that about as convincing as a plastic necklace painted gold. I don't mind if you disagree but this is my opinion.
Dots are a different story - they really stop looking stupid the very moment you realize they are not ornament. On Strats and alike they just sort of blend in and disappear since they've been around before Leo Fender wore diapers. Sure, they usually do not look like they belong on a pointy show piece because there's nothing quite as flashy as mother of pearl on ebony. But when trying to make an instrument with "bang for the buck" in mind, dropping all ballast and form following function are the rules of best practice. Incidentally, those who obey end up with a Charvel clone but that can't be a bad thing.

On a side note, the most disappointing guitar I've ever touched was a Japanese JEM so don't expect me to be too concerned about how fashionable they are. Let's not dwell on that and move on to the point: none of this matters if it plays and sounds great and au contraire, no bling, ten tops, birds' eyes, ebonies, pearls, signatures, no Vai DNA, no bigblocks and no price tags can ever help a dead piece of wood become a great guitar.

 

[Houseof1000Rejects]

Re: Differences between Jackson DKMG and DK2M?

I had a realization that with the gain I need the fretboard wood probably won't even make much of a difference. I'm just gonna go with the DKMG for now since I know what I like already and it seems to be in better condition. Might shop around on eBay though, I've noticed there's some really good deals on there now