Jackson or Ibanez

[Jackson Distortion]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

It's kinda hard to say OP since they both can play essentially the same thing equally. I own the USA Soloist and it's great (subjectively speaking). I find Jackson's overall to be sexier than the geeky Ibanez's. Completely subjective preference, but I don't feel Ican give much more wholly mind-altering ideas. Sorry. Your call.

 

[Petrovsk Mizinski]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

As an Ibanez owner, give their current guitars a wide berth.
Their golden years are well behind them, but if you can pick up a guitar from their more golden times, you will get a KILLER instrument, seriously.
For me personally, just for the fact the Ibanez stuff with a Wizard I neck has a flatter fretboard radius wins for me. I just find flatter radiuses more comfortable and I just love how it feels when you bend the strings.

But if you're gonna buy new, Jackson HANDS DOWN I reckon. Jackson are still putting out amazing instruments.
A friend of mine has a Dinky DK2S and it's a damn playable machine. I haven't had as much experience with the US made range apart from playing a few Soloists a few times, but the Japanese stuff is already incredible, so it makes sense the US made stuff is just super good

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Do you have a reading comprehension problem? I said Schecters beat LTDs not actual ESPs. As far as electronics, they're both about the same. As far as build and feel? Schecter. I've owned both. It's my preference and my opinion. Don't like it, you'll get over it.

Tragically, many people (fans) see ESPee and LTD as the same thing, like they do with Epiphone and Gibson USA. It somehow adds credibility to their lesser-grade instrument, at least in their eyes.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

I have Prestiges, Dinkies, and Soloists......Jackson for sure.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Do you have a reading comprehension problem? I said Schecters beat LTDs not actual ESPs. As far as electronics, they're both about the same. As far as build and feel? Schecter. I've owned both. It's my preference and my opinion. Don't like it, you'll get over it.

Hey dick maybe your the one with the problem, LTD's are ESPs. Hence the ESP LTD. If you want me to edit it, I will. LTD has hands down better electronics. You would get more from a $700 LTD than you would from a $700 Schecter

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Tragically, many people (fans) see ESPee and LTD as the same thing, like they do with Epiphone and Gibson USA. It somehow adds credibility to their lesser-grade instrument, at least in their eyes.

No the difference is EPiphone is another brand, LTD is a line from ESP. GO on ESPguitars.com you will see the LTD line, go on Gibson and you wont see EPI

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Hey dick maybe your the one with the problem, LTD's are ESPs. Hence the ESP LTD. If you want me to edit it, I will. LTD has hands down better electronics. You would get more from a $700 LTD than you would from a $700 Schecter

LTDs are made by ESP but are NOT ESPs. Hence the price difference for one and why it says LTD on the headstock. They are to actual ESPs what Jackson imports are to USA Jacksons or Class Axe BC Riches were to actual USA BC Riches. They're import class ESPs. Plain and simple.

You certainly wouldn't compare any of the import BC Riches to a Custom shop and say it's the same because the name is the same. Or perhaps YOU would. Most would not.

Just like there are different grades of Gibsons under the name, there are different grades of ESP. The clear indicator is these are stamped LTD and are the low end, even when it's a high end LTD.

ESP didn't want to sully the ESP name so they named the mass produced, import line equivalent (funny because they're all imports) LTD so as to not confuse the issue. Apparently that indication is lost on some.

Again if you don't agree that's fine and if you don't like my opinion, I'm sure you'll get over it.

I've owned both and I'd go with a Schecter any day over and LTD. I'm sorry if this upsets your sensitive sensibilities.

 

[FrankyBoy]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Hey dick maybe your the one with the problem, LTD's are ESPs. Hence the ESP LTD. If you want me to edit it, I will. LTD has hands down better electronics. You would get more from a $700 LTD than you would from a $700 Schecter

Even if you call it a ESP LTD, it remains an LTD that is asian made. Is this guitar better because the guy calls it a "Gibson Epiphone Les Paul"? http://cgi.cafr.ebay.ca/Gibson-Epip...88?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item20b1484c88

And I don't see why LTD would have hands down better electronics than Schecter's... In facts I think most of Schecter guitars come with a large variety of SD and EMG pickups, and their more affordable guitar come with Duncan Designed. Most LTD's either come with crappy ESP pickups or EMG 81/85/60 or SD JB/59', nothing else.

 

[KiD CuDi]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Hey dick maybe your the one with the problem, LTD's are ESPs. Hence the ESP LTD. If you want me to edit it, I will. LTD has hands down better electronics. You would get more from a $700 LTD than you would from a $700 Schecter

Actual ESPs are great. Not a big fan of the LTD line thought they're not all terrible. Schecter would still beat the pants off an LTD.

I wouldn't go that far. ESP has better electronics than Schecter and majority of ESP come with better pickups.

Do you have a reading comprehension problem? I said Schecters beat LTDs not actual ESPs. As far as electronics, they're both about the same. As far as build and feel? Schecter. I've owned both. It's my preference and my opinion. Don't like it, you'll get over it.

:foot:
It's funny you guys would argue about that because it just so happens that ESP owns Schecter. ESP's owner bought Schecter a while ago. Having that said(may be wrong) I would assume that both company's intermediately priced guitars should be at about the same level as far as electronics go although they do look and feel different.

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Something about those LTDs that just bother me. I don't like many Schecters but the ones I do like I like better than the few LTDs I like.

I played a LTD KH2 model, whatever they're actually called, that wasn't bad. But then just last week played a Hellraiser and was more impressed. And I've always been a fan of the C-1 Classic.

It's just a feel thing.

 

[KiD CuDi]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

I think this depends entirely on you. When I first tried a Wizard neck, it was like a breath of fresh air. Finally I could move quickly around the upper octave of the fretboard and really develop some speed.

Fast-forward a few years, after I've had a few Gibson-type guitars with much thicker necks and slowed down a little as a player. Now I can't play a Wizard for long without my hand cramping up, I don't like the super-flat board anymore, and the Jackson neck feels much better to me.

Still, when I pick up my Japanese SL3 with a relatively low shredder action, I can play every bit as fast as I used to on the RG guitars -- when I want to.



I think it does. I think it also helps to have the neck be a piece of quartersawn maple instead of a multipiece neck.

I can't tell you which one is right for you, but I think they're both tremendously great guitars. I've played some recent Prestige Ibanez, and I own a USA Jackson.

Key differences I see:

The Ibanez is a basswood body with a bolt-on neck.
The Jackson is an alder body with a maple through-neck.

The Ibanez is a rosewood fretboard.
The Jackson is an ebony fretboard.

The Ibanez is H-S-H.
The Jackson USA will be an S-S-H or an H-H.

The Ibanez Edge trem has the best action and tuning stability of any trem I've tried.
The Original Floyd Rose on the Jackson SL1 or SL2H is the best-sounding trem I've tried.

The Ibanez neck is very thin and can be great for playing fast.
The Jackson Soloist neck is thicker, more comfortable (for some), and can also be great for playing fast.

Of the higher-end or Prestige RG's I've played, I think they have a more piercing tone than a neck-through Jackson. They sound a little more Strat-like, for those funky, spanky types of sounds.
The Jackson has more crunch, to my ears, and it's great for classic metal. It has tons of sustain and mids. You probably won't mistake it for the sound of a similarly-equipped Les Paul, but it will be closer than the RG.

I guess I like Jacksons more, because of the looks and because not as many people play them. Also, I'm a Yankee, so I feel a bit of a patriotic bond with some of our American guitar makers. But I still love my JEM and my 7-string Japanese RG.

As an Ibanez owner, give their current guitars a wide berth.
Their golden years are well behind them, but if you can pick up a guitar from their more golden times, you will get a KILLER instrument, seriously.
For me personally, just for the fact the Ibanez stuff with a Wizard I neck has a flatter fretboard radius wins for me. I just find flatter radiuses more comfortable and I just love how it feels when you bend the strings.

But if you're gonna buy new, Jackson HANDS DOWN I reckon. Jackson are still putting out amazing instruments.
A friend of mine has a Dinky DK2S and it's a damn playable machine. I haven't had as much experience with the US made range apart from playing a few Soloists a few times, but the Japanese stuff is already incredible, so it makes sense the US made stuff is just super good

I have Prestiges, Dinkies, and Soloists......Jackson for sure.

Thanks for the input guys based on your positive comments, the poll results, and seeing the jackson site I've decided to order a sl2ht soloist(hopefully in lightning sky finish if it's available). I had a low priced dxmg dinky 3 years ago and I just came off an epi lp and it was hard to shred on it of course. Well this dinky not only made shredding and metal possible, it made it easy. Buying that guitar made me a metal/shred guitar player. It's doubtless that they're made for metal and I'm sure that a Jackson USA guitar will impress me for $2300 if a Jackson impressed me at $450. So glad I didn't buy an epi SG instead of that dinky:approve:

Cheers

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

If you're not hung up on the lightning graphic there is this SL2HT on eBay for $450 less

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jackson-Soloist...m&pt=Guitar&hash=item563573e86a#ht_572wt_1137

If you shop around at different dealers you should be able to score what you're looking for for much less than $2300 and no six month wait for a custom order.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Something about those LTDs that just bother me. I don't like many Schecters but the ones I do like I like better than the few LTDs I like.

I played a LTD KH2 model, whatever they're actually called, that wasn't bad. But then just last week played a Hellraiser and was more impressed. And I've always been a fan of the C-1 Classic.

It's just a feel thing.

You ever try the MH model? The C-1 Classic vine of life was the only schecter I really liked other than the semi hollow one the c/sh-1 or ea. I just didnt like how the head stock came into the first fret.

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

I had an MH (I believe) 7 string years ago. Just didn't do it for me. It was the top of the line LTD 7 string at the time and for the $700 it was a great guitar. It was just missing something. It felt cheap to me.

 

[KiD CuDi]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

If you're not hung up on the lightning graphic there is this SL2HT on eBay for $450 less

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jackson-Soloist...m&pt=Guitar&hash=item563573e86a#ht_572wt_1137

If you shop around at different dealers you should be able to score what you're looking for for much less than $2300 and no six month wait for a custom order.

Waaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiit Whaaaaaaaaaat?! I know I sound immature but six ****ing months?:eyecrazy::banghead: I thought that was the wait 4 a custom shop order(one where you fill out a spec sheet that costs $4-6k) was like 6 months. Anyway where can I buy the soloist without a wait that long if anywhere. I don't know if I could trust ebay :28:but if it was the ONLY place that didn't have the wait I'd consider that or just cross my ****ing legs and be patient.

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Well look, bottom line is if you can't find a dealer that has EXACTLY what you're looking for, you're doing a custom order. That's usually a minimum of 4-6 months. I ordered a BC Rich Wave Supreme a few years back, nothing crazy. Took me almost a year to get it. Granted more custom than what you're looking for but it wasn't in stock anywhere and BC Rich had to make it just for me.

So... if you're not able to find the exact model you looking for or aren't happy with the models you can find in stock wherever they may be, you're doing a custom order. It's just the way it is. I suggest you look up dealers on Jacksons site and call around to see who has what. Look around on ebay, you shouldn't experience any problems so long as you do electronic payments and such just to protect yourself. Never send someone a money order.

Try either www.mattsmusic.com, www.themusicfarm.com or www.themusiczoo.com or www.guitarasylum.com. See if those guys have something you like. Call and ask for a price. They may give you a break beyond MSRP. Ya never know.

Do yourself the favor and check around before just off and ordering one. Also I don't believe you can order directly from Jackson, though I may be wrong. I think you have to go through a dealer which again means custom order.

Shop around and be flexible if you can't find the exact finish you're looking for but someone is bound to have it below MSRP.

 

[KiD CuDi]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Well look, bottom line is if you can't find a dealer that has EXACTLY what you're looking for, you're doing a custom order. That's usually a minimum of 4-6 months. I ordered a BC Rich Wave Supreme a few years back, nothing crazy. Took me almost a year to get it. Granted more custom than what you're looking for but it wasn't in stock anywhere and BC Rich had to make it just for me.

So... if you're not able to find the exact model you looking for or aren't happy with the models you can find in stock wherever they may be, you're doing a custom order. It's just the way it is. I suggest you look up dealers on Jacksons site and call around to see who has what. Look around on ebay, you shouldn't experience any problems so long as you do electronic payments and such just to protect yourself. Never send someone a money order.

Try either www.mattsmusic.com, www.themusicfarm.com or www.themusiczoo.com or www.guitarasylum.com. See if those guys have something you like. Call and ask for a price. They may give you a break beyond MSRP. Ya never know.

Do yourself the favor and check around before just off and ordering one. Also I don't believe you can order directly from Jackson, though I may be wrong. I think you have to go through a dealer which again means custom order.

Shop around and be flexible if you can't find the exact finish you're looking for but someone is bound to have it below MSRP.

Thanks alot for the info man I didn't know that going in but I can look for other finishes that are available and compromise but I'm just thinking if I'm shelling out around 2000 bucks I better make my dream guitar instead of your run of the mill black, blue, red, green, natural ya know I want something unique.

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Totally agreed which is why I say if you're not stuck on the lightning graphic. As I told the dude in the Gunslinger thread, don't compromise just to get something. Get exactly what you want if it's all you want. But do be prepared to wait 6 months for that exact guitar. Especially because you're looking for a SL2HT. Most SL2Hs will have an OFR on them though not all but now you're not only looking for a lightning graphic but also a non OFR. So...

Don't settle. Just be prepared to either look for a long time or order one custom. You don't necessarily have to end up with a solid black, blue or red finish, but you may need to be ok with or hopefully even want a trans finish or maybe the ghost flame finishes they have out there if you can't find the lightning finish.

Good luck and pix when ya get it.

 

[Jessie Sammler]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

Does anyone know how the Jackson USA production & distribution model works for USA Select guitars? I mean, the store where I bought mine is gone, else I'd ask them. They always had a handful of USA instruments; here are some that I remember:

- my SL2HT in Burnt Cherry Sunburst
- SL1T in a trans-red flame
- SL2H in Graveyard
- RR1 in Lightning Sky
- RR1 in Black Gloss
- SL1 in Black Gloss
- KE1 in Skulls (I think)

Do stores just order those up from Jackson because it's what they think might sell, or does Jackson make whatever guitars they want, then try to sell them, or what? Because I doubt the store just got stuck with a bunch of special-orders that people backed out of.

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Jackson or Ibanez

IIRC, the USA Select series are production guitars based on the most common options from the custom shop. I believe as a dealer you agree to take X amount from Jackson every year and they send you what is selling. Kinda like a lottery. I'm not sure they have any real say in what they get sent or not.

Zerb knows for sure I believe.