esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

[Chazzy]

Which one of these is the best quality? I am looking at either an esp e2 horizon fr black, a jackson kelly ke2, or an ibanez j custom rg8420ZD. I plan on changing the pickups on all of them to some bareknuckles just so you know...

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

You wont get a definitive answer to this as people have their own subjective opinions on it. The only thing that can be stated surely is that all are quality guitars. Which is best is up to you to decide.

Choose which one you like the most.

 

[Chazzy]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

You wont get a definitive answer to this as people have their own subjective opinions on it. The only thing that can be stated surely is that all are quality guitars. Which is best is up to you to decide.

Choose which one you like the most.

I read somewhere that the esp e2 is like the old ltd elite guitars, and that they arent all that good...? It is cheaper than the jackson and j custom

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Cheaper doesnt mean its bad or even worse. Dont know where you read that but its wrong that the EII's are just LTD elites. When they released the E2's ESP even stated they were the ESP standard series just renamed.

You are comparing 3 different guitar that exist at 3 different price points in their respective manufacturers lines.

Anything that anyone says (especially at these price points) is "better" is going to be subjective.

 

[Helldogg]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Ibanez and Jackson are great, ESP has become a joke. If you ever decide to sell you will loose money on the E2. ESP saw fit to not put their 2 cent decal on the headstock so they really can't be called an ESP, but they still cost like it.

I would go:
USA Jackson
Ibanez
Caparison

E2 somewhere below Fender Squires

Good luck!

 

[jacksen]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Ibanez and Jackson are great, ESP has become a joke. If you ever decide to sell you will loose money on the E2. ESP saw fit to not put their 2 cent decal on the headstock so they really can't be called an ESP, but they still cost like it.

I would go:
USA Jackson
Ibanez
Caparison

E2 somewhere below Fender Squires

Good luck!

wow really??

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Well I'm on a Frickin' Jackson USA kick myself these days so...

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Best quality? I would say a tie between Jackson and Ibanez (for USA vs J-Craft)

But for the price of either I would rather build my own thru Warmoth or Musikraft. IMO

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Best quality? I would say a tie between Jackson and Ibanez (for USA vs J-Craft)

But for the price of either I would rather build my own thru Warmoth or Musikraft. IMO

Warmoth and USACG are incredible consistent high quality builds and top shelf plus you can hand pick every single component for a truly custom build. My USACG Iceman is my favorite guitar. The Strat I just sold was kickass too. But, that said, you can find deals on Jax and Ibby Guitars if you're patient, diligent in your search and willing to negotiate. I'd have to say the older ESP Horizon, Mirage, Maverick, M-I, M-II, M-III Guitars were awesome guitars as well. Not so familiar with the new ones though.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Warmoth and USACG are incredible consistent high quality builds and top shelf plus you can hand pick every single component for a truly custom build. My USACG Iceman is my favorite guitar. The Strat I just sold was kickass too. But, that said, you can find deals on Jax and Ibby Guitars if you're patient, diligent in your search and willing to negotiate. I'd have to say the older ESP Horizon, Mirage, Maverick, M-I, M-II, M-III Guitars were awesome guitars as well. Not so familiar with the new ones though.

You are absolutely right about finding deals on Jacksons and Ibanez–I should have mentioned that I really don't care for thin necks and super flat & compound radius necks which is why I prefer for the money to spec it out myself on Warmoth/Musikraft. Your USACG Iceaman is one fo the best looking axes I've seen–love the color combo!

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

You are absolutely right about finding deals on Jacksons and Ibanez–I should have mentioned that I really don't care for thin necks and super flat & compound radius necks which is why I prefer for the money to spec it out myself on Warmoth/Musikraft. Your USACG Iceaman is one fo the best looking axes I've seen–love the color combo!

Thanks for the kind words. Same w/your guitars; I always know it's going to be something cool and unique when I see a NGD/Build Thread from you.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Thanks for the kind words. Same w/your guitars; I always know it's going to be something cool and unique when I see a NGD/Build Thread from you.

You are most welcome man! I prefer the feel of Rosewood and Ebony over Maple, but your build really makes me wants a white guitar with all Maple neck! :headbang:

And I really appreciate that man! I think my 2015 projects are done, but have some planned for 2016 (including a White Body/Maple neck )

 

[LazNovak]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Having played one recently I'd go with the Jackson USA Kelly. I've played them all and they're all great. I just prefer the Jackson.

 

[Shooter.556]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

I have owned or do own several of the guitars you ask about.
Ibanez Jcraft is badass! I just bought an RG655 myself.
I have played many USA Jackson guitars and they are phenomenal guitars for what you get.
Same with the USA ESP guitars.

 

[Chazzy]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

Warmoth and USACG are incredible consistent high quality builds and top shelf plus you can hand pick every single component for a truly custom build. My USACG Iceman is my favorite guitar. The Strat I just sold was kickass too. But, that said, you can find deals on Jax and Ibby Guitars if you're patient, diligent in your search and willing to negotiate. I'd have to say the older ESP Horizon, Mirage, Maverick, M-I, M-II, M-III Guitars were awesome guitars as well. Not so familiar with the new ones though.

Honestly money isnt a problem... but I did find a j custom for 1400$ on ebay once, my friend jumped on it.

 

[Chazzy]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

I have owned or do own several of the guitars you ask about.
Ibanez Jcraft is badass! I just bought an RG655 myself.
I have played many USA Jackson guitars and they are phenomenal guitars for what you get.
Same with the USA ESP guitars.

USA esp are really too much money... anything past 3000-3500 is way too much to be spending on a guitar imo

 

[Shooter.556]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

USA esp are really too much money... anything past 3000-3500 is way too much to be spending on a guitar imo

I agree totally, they are over priced. Have you looked at importing an Edwards? They are pretty nice, same quality as the Ibanez Prestige.
My favorite in the USA is a Jackson Custom Shop. I have played many thru the years and have always been impressed.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

What Jackson custom shop is cheaper than an ESP? You will have a hard time finding any new custom shop Jackson under 3k. Standard USA models under 3k sure... customs... not so much.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

You can find stuff for "cheap" if you are patient and don't mind searching through a lot of Junk. I found a Wayne, Wayne Charvel's current line of guitars, for $1,200 at a Pawn Shop...just have to dig around.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: esp e2 vs ibanez j custom vs jackson usa

How many stores even carry new custom shop jacksons on the shelf? Hell most won't even order them for you.