Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

[75lespaul]

Okay--I have a nice small collection of rock and blues guitars but I want a real metal guitar. I think Randy was one of the best, but I don't want this guitar because of him. I REALLY want a metal guitar and this one just looks like it will foot the bill. Anyone have one or play one? This is a "once" in a lifetime purchase for me and I don't wanna blow it. Although it's new, it's online and it's got a special finish so I can't play that particular guitar. Does the quality vary on those or is it still a kickazz company?

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

You can rest assured that you'll be getting a GREAT guitar. Jackson's USA Select guitars are untouchable...I believe that they only make 12 at a time.

I've actually never played a RR-1, so I'll let those with experience talk, but I do own a USA Jackson and I've played several and can tell you with honesty that they are some of the finest guitars made. A true pleasure to play.

 

[Mike D]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

You can rest assured that you'll be getting a GREAT guitar. Jackson's USA Select guitars are untouchable...I believe that they only make 12 at a time.

I've actually never played a RR-1, so I'll let those with experience talk, but I do own a USA Jackson and I've played several and can tell you with honesty that they are some of the finest guitars made. A true pleasure to play.

+1

I got my first USA Jackson about six months ago and I have no regrets. USA Jacksons are among the best out there when it comes to rock/metal. The necks are superb and quality control is top notch. I own a SL-2 Limited Edition and it's a pleasure to play. For metal, this is it! As far as buying it online, is it through an authorized dealer or is this an ebay sort of deal? In other words, are you stuck with it once you make the purchase? Jacksons are pretty damn consistent, but just be careful when buying through ebay or the like. Check all the details, ask questions, and review feedback.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Is the RR1 that much better than the RR3? I assume the RR3 is not american made and must have cheaper hardware, pickups etc...

 

[Mike D]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

I don't have as much experience with the imports. I hear that they're not bad, but once you get your hands on a USA neck there's no going back. I'd say that's the biggest difference. Also take into account the fingerboard (ebony vs. rosewood). The inlays are not real MOP on the RR3. It doesn't have an Original Floyd Rose, and the pickups are "Duncan Designed." There are cosmetic differences too. I wouldn't say that the RR3 is a bad guitar because I've never played one, but is the RR1 much better? Definately.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Oh my god the RR3 is complete ****.


I had an RR-1... Very nice guitar. Played insanely well, yes. Looked awesome, played amazing, had the tendency to kill string life, but was an awesome guitar.

Cons, and why I ultimely sold it:

It sounded like complete ass. No wood back near the bridge = no balls to the sound.

That was my only complaint really, besides the size of the case. Otherwise, it was an awesome guitar. I generally go for more of a crushing brutal sound, rather than a cutting edgy sound, which the RR-1 was made for, IMO.

I'd honestly get an SL1 or SL2H over the RR-1. Look into those!

That said, I really wish I was still into 6 strings, so I could snag an RR-1T. They definately are the easiest playing guitars standing up, and look so badass.

FWIW though, I never once regretted selling my RR-1 for a Schecter C-1 Classic and C-7Hellraiser

 

[vinterland]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

I can't say enough about my soloist and usa jacksons in general. It was a revelation in terms of playability, construction, and sound to me personally.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

I was considering just getting an el cheapo guitar like a Flying or older Charvel Model 2 with the single humbucker, but this guitar just "rocked my world" for lack of a better term. I've always wanted a high end Charvel or Jackson. I already have a Gibson doubleneck (which I sold a few things to buy about two years ago) and that was by FAR the most I've ever spent on a guitar or amp. I've got two LPs, but I've had the one since 82 and the other was a great bargain a few years ago for $800. To buy this guitar I may have to part with one of those guitars and/or quite a few of the smaller priced things I've accumulated over the years as I've got to replace this cash.

Man, I'm biting my fingernails. I've already got the wife's blessing as I really don't spend cash on anything but music stuff, so she doesn't give me any crap, but nearly 2 grand is out of my comfort zone. The thing I fear is looking back five years from now and kicking myself for not getting it. Oh well, I'll report in a few days if I get it.

DSS--That early to mid (not late) 80s metal sound is what I'm looking for, so this guitar should fit the bill. When I play really heavy stuff like what you do, I use my Les Paul. That seems to be about the only type of sound my LPs don't do that well. Good, but not like this guitar will. And thanks for the heads up on the RR3.

 

[Mike D]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Debating whether or not to sell some gear in order to buy new stuff is the story of my life. Just when you think you're done another awesome piece of gear comes into sight. Damn GAS. All I can say is really try to weigh your needs right now. A $2000 purchase is serious stuff - make sure it's definately what you want. If you pass it up, there's always something just as cool in the future. (And if you are ever at a point where you want to go crazy, there's the Jackson Custom Shop)

 

[nahfuten]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

i can't decide if i'd rather have a RR or a kelly for massive edgy metal

until i have 2 grand, i've settled for my ibanez

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

BTW - What finish is it in? I sure hope the price is right!

Regardless, I urge you to check of vwallguitars.com . Scott's a real nice guy to deal with and offers a fair price.

EDIT: After checking the site out...he only has the snakeskin finish available at the time, but it's on clearance. Here's a link... http://www.vwallguitars.com/Jackson_RR1_Snake_skin.html

 

[Mike D]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

BTW - What finish is it in? I sure hope the price is right!

Regardless, I urge you to check of vwallguitars.com . Scott's a real nice guy to deal with and offers a fair price.

+1

My SL-2 Limited Edition was part of a small batch ordered by VWall Guitars. I'd definately talk to him for any future Jackson purchases.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Yeah, that's the thing--I've got a lot of guitars and a lot of amps, but do I use them? I know I'll use this. I've got a couple of vintge low end Fenders that should just about cover the cost of this guitar. I really like them, but I NEVER play them. I'm always playing my strat I put together from parts or one of my two Les Pauls. I know I would play the Jackson a ton. I think the trade off would be very fair. Twenty years down the road, hopefully I'll have enough dough that I won't care if the stuff I sold is worth more than the guitar I bought.

Unlike the past 25 years. :smack:

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

It's that Eerie Dess Swirl or EDS. This one is real dark though, so it doesn't look like an LSD flashback as much. I was looking at the USA KV2 as well and someone has one on eBAY for $1300 but I like the RR1 much better. Again, don't know if there's a quality difference.

 

[Mike D]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Yeah, that's the thing--I've got a lot of guitars and a lot of amps, but do I use them? I know I'll use this. I've got a couple of vintge low end Fenders that should just about cover the cost of this guitar. I really like them, but I NEVER play them. I'm always playing my strat I put together from parts or one of my two Les Pauls. I know I would play the Jackson a ton. I think the trade off would be very fair. Twenty years down the road, hopefully I'll have enough dough that I won't care if the stuff I sold is worth more than the guitar I bought.

Unlike the past 25 years. :smack:

Go with what you're going to play. That's how I decide what is worth selling. I have had some awesome guitars but never got around to playing them much. At one point I said "what's the point?" It was a shame to keep them in their cases. If you're sure the Jackson is going to see a lot of use I think it's a good decision. Again, just make sure it's what you want. Jackson offers a nice selection of finishes (solids, graphics, transparents...).

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Jackson offers a nice selection of finishes (solids, graphics, transparents...).

That's true. I started checking it all out today but so far, this one seems to be "the one" as far a finish. It may not seem like it after reading my posts, but finish color is actually the least of my concerns. In the end though, if this is going to be my guitar, I want it to look the way I want it as well. Kinda like the old I'm 42 and want what I want for once thing.

I'm considering just waiting, selling off what I have for now to get the cash ahead of time instead of dipping into reserves, and maybe a used one will pop up on ebay or something for considerably less. I'm just a little afraid that the color will be a bit different since no two look alike it seems. But if I can save five bills or more, I can live with that, LOL.

 

[Mike D]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

That's true. I started checking it all out today but so far, this one seems to be "the one" as far a finish. It may not seem like it after reading my posts, but finish color is actually the least of my concerns. In the end though, if this is going to be my guitar, I want it to look the way I want it as well. Kinda like the old I'm 42 and want what I want for once thing.

I'm considering just waiting, selling off what I have for now to get the cash ahead of time instead of dipping into reserves, and maybe a used one will pop up on ebay or something for considerably less. I'm just a little afraid that the color will be a bit different since no two look alike it seems. But if I can save five bills or more, I can live with that, LOL.

Yeah, I wish I sold my gear before making my last purchase (my Taylor). I haven't had a chance to sell my stuff yet and now my Visa balance is out of control until I do.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

Yeah, I wish I sold my gear before making my last purchase (my Taylor). I haven't had a chance to sell my stuff yet and now my Visa balance is out of control until I do.

Those credit cards will kill you. About six years ago we had 20 grand on the credit cards. Some of it was real estate repairs on an investment I did and made it back, but the interest alone was killer. When I sold that house, I paid off that CC, killed off my other one and lowered the limit to 2 grand. Keeps us under control.

 

[pinto79]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

If you can, find an older one. You'll pay almost as much for an '84 or '85 as you will for a brand new one, but in my opinion, they play better. I had an '86 that I wish I hadn't sold and now I have an '85 that plays so nice. The non-recessed Floyds of the older ones give the body a more balanced feel, IMO.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Jackson RR1--is it worth it?

You'll be hard pressed to find anything built better than a USA jackson. I've had a couple in the past and they were incredibly well built, and it's a Jackson so you know it will play as good as anything.

my cons are mostly this:

TONE.

I cannot stand the wood combination they use in a neck through guitar. Maple/Alder/Ebony...just....don't like..at ALL :blackeye: It's very clear toned without alot of body/guts to the sound (to my ears). That said I didn't mess around with the pickups and something darker and fatter may have helped them immensely...but along with the frustration of floating floyds & 24 frets I just got rid of them both. Love the way they played, love the way they were built. Just not for me. Tone-wise I actually preferred the Charvel Model 6 and the archtop flametop thing that "replaced" it (toothpaste logo..750XL maybe?).

I would most likely have to go custom shop again...mahog body, mahog neck through. 22 frets. Non recessed Floyd or a TOM/string through.

Bolt ons Jacksons with the alder/maple/ebony combo are a different story. Much more punchy than the neck through versions.

BTW, I think the Jackson imports are quite good.

Like any guitar you should play one through your own rig before ya lay down the cash.