ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

[Humphrey Bear]

It's time to gather up all arguments, facts and experiences and to compare the guitars and quality of ESP, Jackson and B.C. Rich.

The question is, who makes the best guitar of those three?
Who offers the highest quality?

I already have a Jackson Kelly (USA series) and a custom made Soloist. But for my next custom shop guitar I was considering choosing ESP Guitars.

Electric Sound Products have recently raised their prices for 2004. Just have a look at their custom shop quote form.
B. C. Rich have also raised their prices. They now charge an outrageous $469 (retail price) to add a Kahler bridge to a custom order. That's not the only example. For a complete overview take a look at the B.C. Rich 2004 price list. For 2004, Jackon's custom shop prices have remained the same.

Also I would like to hear from people who own or have tried custom made guitars by any of the three mentioned manufacturers. Please share your views on the quality and any other relevant aspects.

 

[dystrust]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

I've played Custom Shop ESPs and they seem to be the least guitar for the most money. Of the three companies listed, they have the consistently lowest resale value except of a few key models.

Regarding BC Rich, Drum City Guitarland no longer carries BC Rich because the quality has dropped significantly as of late. (at least that's what Jason told me)

Of the three, I'd go for another Jackson as all of the USA Jacksons I've played have been about as close to perfect as a guitar can get. My only worry would be the supposedly poor support that Fender provides.

 

[Byakhee00]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

i've pretty much heard the same info. On the plus side, however, i hear that Ibanez's quality is getting better.

 

[Dime59hum]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

Amazing custom shops arent huge guitar retailers, they are the professional luthiers that will make you anything. Try a forum member named Blueline or www.mosercustomshop.com or www.gmwguitars.com , all excellent places.

 

[xerxes]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

i dont know about the custom shop, but im highly impressed by the quality of all the esp's ive played (around 5).also, the quality of ltd's are terrific. in fact, my next guitar will most likely be an ltd with p-90's....

 

[Metalblaze]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

i dont know about the custom shop, but im highly impressed by the quality of all the esp's ive played (around 5).also, the quality of ltd's are terrific. in fact, my next guitar will most likely be an ltd with p-90's....

I agree about the ESPs.

A guitar builder I know (one of the best here), told me that if he had to choose one that would be an ESP. He also told me to stay away from B.C. Richs. As for Jacksons I just know that they are great.

 

[xerxes]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

ive played a few of the b.c's, and i dont think the overal quality is great at all, decent at best....

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

I like BC Rich a lot, but I love Jackson.

ESP is not so good in my opinion.

-X

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: ESP Vs. Jackson Vs. B.C. Rich

alot of people seem to forget that bc rich has a USA shop too, not just the crappy imported ones. i dont like ESP is as good as people say they are, they are way hyped. BC rich(usa one, i mind you) are probably some of the best guitars you can get anywhere! they may be a bit pricey, but i think they're worth every penny. as for jackson.... i think they are the best value guitars you can get on the market today. tehy come stock with good parts(duncans, original floyds, ebony fretboards, etc.) , so for the price, they are really hard to beat.