Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

[BobbyEarl]

Hey everyone! My 19 y/o son wants his first "expensive" guitar. He's a bit of a metal head. He is wanting to go half with me on either the Jackson or the LP...I was thinking of playing Santa this year and popping for all of it..(he deserves it)..Anyway my question is...which would ya'll choose? I'm kinda old school and am leaning towards the LP Standard...but shoot I don't know, I'm a Strat guy.
I'm looking for pros/cons of either. Like I said he plays alot of metal thru a Marshall 50w Plexi reissue (must be nice!!).
Thanks in advance!
Peace...

 

[JeffB]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

Hey everyone! My 19 y/o son wants his first "expensive" guitar. He's a bit of a metal head. He is wanting to go half with me on either the Jackson or the LP...I was thinking of playing Santa this year and popping for all of it..(he deserves it)..Anyway my question is...which would ya'll choose? I'm kinda old school and am leaning towards the LP Standard...but shoot I don't know, I'm a Strat guy.
I'm looking for pros/cons of either. Like I said he plays alot of metal thru a Marshall 50w Plexi reissue (must be nice!!).
Thanks in advance!
Peace...

First of all, would you like to adopt a 35 year old male?

Either would be excellent, I'm sure. I had a Soloist with the carved/arched top at one time...floyd rose, etc. Awesome playing, extremely well built guitar, just didn't care for the Jackson active pickups. With some good pickups (not sure what they come with now), the Jackson will be more versatile than the Gibson. I know when I was younger I was always buying/changing gear to better approximate the sounds of whomever my "hero of the week" was, don't know if you're son is like that.

That said, nothing sounds like a Les Paul through a Marshall Plexi..and the resale will probably be better

Even though I've traditionally been a Gibson guy, I think w/ money as no object, I'd go for the Jackson myself.

 

[rocksoldier]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

I would pick the jackson, but it´s a hard decision becuause they are 2 completley diffrent animals.

Basically it´s all about what sound you prefer: the screaming lead tone of the jackson or the warm and chunky les paul tone.

The soloist does also have superior upper fret acces, but again: Nothing else sounds like a good les paul.

And of course, does he want to have a floyd trem or not (remember that the soloist is also avaible without one).

Maybe the best thing would be to just ask your son what he wants, but not tell him that you gonna buy it for him, because it´s a very hard decision.

 

[BobbyEarl]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

Thanks!! I think the Jackson comes w Duncans now...cool!
My kid is going to Fire fighter academy and I'm pretty proud of him...I'd buy all ya'll geeters if I could!
Hmmmm if everyone played guitar wouldn't the world be a better place?.... :newangel:

 

[Hellion]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

Current metal trends seem to favor a dropped tuning. The Jackson will definitely do that better. But I'm a Gibson man, myself...

 

[ex-250]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

id say LP. but ive been having major GAS for lp's lately, so dont depend on my answer haha

 

[presa_tito]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

If you don't want to break the bank, an alternative to the USA soloist is the esp m1000 LTD. I got to try it and it's killer. Neck thru 24 frets with an original floyd. I think they are a hair under a grand. Maybe you won't like it because I think it has stock emg's though. It is metal through and through. It's the third one down. www.espguitars.com/ltd_deluxe.htm

 

[The New Guy]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

It's all personal taste...I've owned a Jackson Soloist since 1986, I've gone through several different pickup combo's as my tastes have changed, no matter what other
guitar I have at the time..(Les Paul, Ibanez, washburn) I always love the feel of the Jackson best...then neck is supreme for soloing.....I'm sure which ever one you decide on, he'll love...you really cant go wrong with either one...have fun!!

 

[rocksoldier]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

If you don't want to break the bank, an alternative to the USA soloist is the esp m1000 LTD. I got to try it and it's killer. Neck thru 24 frets with an original floyd. I think they are a hair under a grand. Maybe you won't like it because I think it has stock emg's though. It is metal through and through.

Or get a used usa soloist for the same price, but i´m a jackson freak myself so......

 

[ex-250]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

more than anything, ask him what kinda necks he likes. an LP standard (as long as you get the '50s neck one) has a pretty fat neck, whereas a soloist is a lot more of the thin side

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

You're a good dad! Does your son play alot of leads, and does he like upper fret access and whammy? If the answer is yes, then definately the Jackson. If the answer is no, its really a toss up between the LP and the Jackson. (not the lead playing thing, can definately do that on LPs! , but if he wants easier upper fret access and a whammy the Jackson is the way to go) Thing is, and LP may be a bit more versitile and retain better retail value than the Jackson.

 

[texasguitarslinger]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

Guitar trends come and go but through it all you will always find LPs. Go fo the Les Paul. :22:

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Jackson SL1 USA Soloist vs. Gibson LP Standard

Apples and oranges.
There are many guitars in that price range.
My advice is to try every guitar within 150 miles of your house before deciding.
... 200 miles if you have to.