I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

[itbepopples]

I was so f***ing suprised at how well it was put together I couldn't believe it. The fretwork was just about the best I've *ever*, yes EVER seen and it played really well. They most likely used cheap rosewood for the boards but they used ebony stain I'm guessing and it looked fantastic! The binding was flawless and everything was well done except the nut. It was cheap and plastic-y looking and it wasn't cut very well but I'd say if you got a quality nut and a set of your favorite pickups and electronics you'd have a custom shop equivalent guitar.

I'm still in awe of the quality and even if the Mockingbird, Bich and Eagle body shapes aren't your thing (they're definitely not mine) do yourself a favor and just pick one up and play it for awhile.

My rating?
Playability - :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: out of 5
Sounds - :headbang: :headbang: out of 5 (modded I'm sure could be a lot higher)
Construction - :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: out of 5

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

they really are great guitars and that really is an Ebony fretboard...I agree 100%...add somne killer pickups, new pots and switch and a well cut bone nut and they would be worth 3 times what they sell for!!!

 

[Usurper666]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

I would advise checking out the MCS imports, http://www.mosercustomshop.com/shred/ they piss all over the "new" BCRs. Besides, I won't buy ANYTHING that helps support lousy corporations like HHI.

Cheers,

CJ

 

[itbepopples]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

Hhi?

 

[Usurper666]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

Hhi?

HHI bought BC Rich in 2001, they have totally ruined the USA custom shop and now they are trying to sue Neal Moser, the guy that really helped put BC Rich on the map (Bernie Rico wasn’t as involved with the guitars as most people think). You can read up on it here. http://mcs.acidpit.org/viewtopic.php?t=5540&start=0

Basically HHI are a big corporation trying to bully the small builder out of business. Why? Because Neal’s guitars are infinitely better than ANYTHING HHI could put out and they know it. MCS is growing and HHI feels threatened. So, rather than put out a better product to compete they would rather shut down the competition. F**K HHI.

Cheers,

CJ

 

[Mephis]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

I'm not sure where on the map my platinum pro is, but it's pretty darn nice for the money. I got it brand new for $200, and it seems nicer than anything I've played between 300-600 range.

It's a 2004 tho, so things may have changed.

 

[itbepopples]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

HHI bought BC Rich in 2001, they have totally ruined the USA custom shop and now they are trying to sue Neal Moser, the guy that really helped put BC Rich on the map (Bernie Rico wasn’t as involved with the guitars as most people think). You can read up on it here. http://mcs.acidpit.org/viewtopic.php?t=5540&start=0

Basically HHI are a big corporation trying to bully the small builder out of business. Why? Because Neal’s guitars are infinitely better than ANYTHING HHI could put out and they know it. MCS is growing and HHI feels threatened. So, rather than put out a better product to compete they would rather shut down the competition. F**K HHI.

Cheers,

CJ

That's pretty friggin lame but I think most of the MCS are pretty ugly. I won't say anything else because I've never played or seen one in person. Good luck to him though!

 

[JeffB]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

IF they have the classic BCR headstock...

Beeatches I like...

Mockingbirds I like...

Those Moser things are ugly as sin, IMO..may be built well but good gawd.... :wrf:

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

I have to agree, the Classics are ****ing amazing, especially for 600.

So is the neck thru Warlock that they don't have listed on the site, but Guitar Center stocks. Same price, but it's a neck thru, hardtail Warlock with ebony fretboard and big diamond inlays.

 

[MikeS]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

The board is real ebony - look closely at the grain.

I love my NJ Classic Mockingbird. I'd give it a 5 for playability, 2 for sound, and 4 for construction. The sound improved 10 fold when I dropped the Duncans in. The stock pups were too trebly and hot for an already very bright axe. Construction is pretty good, and the finish is nice, however, on mine there are a couple minor cosmetic issues on the back where the walnut is sandwiched between the maple and nato.

That didn't deter me, though. The guitar was so comfortable and played so well that I wasn't going to let stock pickups and a minor cosmetic issue keep me from walking out with it. I went to the store for a few sets of strings and walked out with a few sets of strings... just so happened that one set was attached to a guitar.

 

[itbepopples]

Re: I played one of the new BC Rich NJ Classic Guitars today...

At this point I've come to the conclusion that a good guitar is a good guitar whether it says BC Rich, Fender, MCS, Gibson whatever on it. You could have me play a guitar with Squier written all over it but if it's good I don't care.