Jackson vs. ESP

Jackson vs. ESP

  • Jackson

    Votes: 79 69.9%
  • ESP

    Votes: 34 30.1%

  • Total voters
    113
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Zerberus said:
I´m also in Europe. IIRC the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland) all have pretty big import taxes......and that´s where most of your cost is generated, because that ends up in the dealer wholesale price, which the dealer obviously has to knock up a bit to make a profit.

I don´t buy inside Europe either, but online from US dealers. That way, the import taxes (and other customs charges) end up on top of MY price, which in most european situations is just under dealer wholesale price (i.e, you´re paying LESS than the local licensed dealer is). The downside of course is that warranty issues and other "problems" have to be sorted out with someone on the other side of the Atlantic. Upside is that Jackson rarely has such issues ;)

www.mattsmusic.com
www.eastonguitars.com
www.vwallguitars.com
www.wildwestguitars.com

Do NOT assume that the price that you see on the site is what you´ll pay. Jackson has a MAP rule (minimum advertised price). You (the dealer) can sell it for less, but you can lose your dealership if you advertise it (Ie post the price on a website) for less. Just contact the dealers via e-mail ;)

You should save quite a bundle, and notice that you soon have dozens of guitars that all scream "PLAY ME, YOU IDIOT!" :headbang::D

To be honest, I´ve not paid more than 1000€ for ANY of my USA Jacksons, the one that almost hit 1000 was used in Germany. Used you can get a US Jackson in Mint condition off ebay or over at the JCF (you have to be a regular member, though, so don´t race over thinking "COOL, cheap Jacksons!"". Junior members can´t see the classifieds) for well under 1350,- € shipped incl. customs. FOr example, I´m working on getting the 16th bolt on Production Jackson, an Reverse EDS Fusion, and it´s looking to cost me about 750 euros grand total ;)

Yes, I'm aware of JCF and those shops and pricing, I'm a regular JCF lurker! It's still a big difference to walk into a local shop to buy a guitar than to order from US. Simply paying for the order is much more difficult, and I don't want to think about post. And in Finland, you can't even try US Jacksons anywhere. I've never tried one. And for one more thing, you can get a really high quality Custom piece from a Finnish luthier for that price also.

Make no mistake about my opinion on Jackson vs. ESP though, I'm a Jackson fan myself. I own one japanese Jackson that plays well. I just thought to point out that lots (and lots) of people often say that ESP is good quality but overpriced, when that doesn't apply everywhere. Of course there isn't that many of us here, but the price difference is simply astounding. It's not that ESP doesn't have to be shipped overseas and pay the same taxes.
 
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Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Actually they do, because import taxes apply regardless of whether the guitar was shipped form Japan or shipped from the US, it´s still coming INTO Finland /Germany.

*Edit*: just reread that line, we´re saying the exact same thing, LOL and sorry *Edit*

Either way, back when I had my retail shop I carried both, and the ESP Japan was ALWAYS a tad more expensive (list) than the Jackson USA, same holds true for both Custom Shops. The wholesale price tended to be pretty much the same, though...which in theory means that a dealer can sell more by taking a biger hit on his margin with the ESP ;)

Johtosotku said:
Check www.musamaailma.fi if you don't believe me.

I believe you, but without a link to a Finnish dealer that carries Jackson it´s hard to compare, the ESP prices there are pretty much the Dollar proices in Euros, exactly what Jacksons tend to cost in Mainland Europe....

It´s an interesting phenomenon, actually, that makes my life easier. I just calculate axe price + shipping, and treat that number as Euros = Voilá, instant , easy final price:D:D
 
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Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Zerberus said:
Actually they do, because import taxes apply regardless of whether the guitar was shipped form Japan or shipped from the US, it´s still coming INTO Finland /Germany.

*Edit*: just reread that line, we´re saying the exact same thing, LOL and sorry *Edit*

Either way, back when I had my retail shop I carried both, and the ESP Japan was ALWAYS a tad more expensive (list) than the Jackson USA, same holds true for both Custom Shops. The wholesale price tended to be pretty much the same, though...which in theory means that a dealer can sell more by taking a biger hit on his margin with the ESP ;)

I believe you, but without a link to a Finnish dealer that carries Jackson it´s hard to compare, the ESP prices there are pretty much the Dollar proices in Euros, exactly what Jacksons tend to cost in Mainland Europe....

It´s an interesting phenomenon, actually, that makes my life easier. I just calculate axe price + shipping, and treat that number as Euros = Voilá, instant , easy final price:D:D

http://www.topsound.fi/default_ie.asp

US Jacksons are practically nonexistant in Finland. I've only found two (2!) of them anywhere on the net. It's a bit difficult to get there, but I'll help you. You'll even get a free finnish lesson at the same time!

On the left, choose "Sähkökitarat" (Electric guitars)
Then "Kitarat" (guitars)
And then "Näytä kaikki tuotteet..." (Show all products on the same page)

Then you can scroll down and find an RR1 for 2950 euros! Sick!
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I can't vote on this one yet 'cause I've only played ltd esp's (and a few actual esp's). This new guitar store is opening up either today or tomorow and the guy says that they will have jackson's(along with alot of other nice brands (schecter epi marshall, some more down the road) and I really want to go there so I will vote when I get back.(if i go)
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I like/dislike both...its all just wood and metal. I don't care want name is on the headstock as long as the price is right compared to how the guitar sings.
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

well dont get me wrong on this one but didn´t Dave Mustaine change from Jackson to ESP, i know i know is a marketing thing but there must me at least something he must like on an ESP, besides de the money ???
i have never played on the real Jacksons or ESP´s but they both have cheap models, the LTD are nice and great feeling but the Jackson are more agressive, i think that both brands are great, i guess that what really matters is the models, you cant compare a true KH-1 with a Rhoads ??? that is just not RIGHT ??? i say get both guitars !!!
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I have not played an ESP that compared to a true blue MIA Jackson. The ESP's are close I'd put them on par with Fender MIAs but for the money you should get more.

As far as Mustaine goes, I have an interview where he talks about how he got mad b/c they wouldn't sell Jackson to him. Also remember that the Artist will always get a completely hand made one off guitar.

Luke
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I guess that i miss that one too, the hand made artist guitars are far better than the production ones... we can also take notice that the artist themselves can ask for more, if we are looking for a 10 they ask the 12 or higher!!!
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I played a few MIJ jacksons today at the new dealer here in town and they all played, felt, and sounded 150% better then the high end esp ltd guitars I've played.

My vote: Jackson
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

About Dave Mustaine, that guy's just a prick, so I wouldn't take his switching from Jackson to ESP too seriously..... HONESTLY, from all the interviews I've read he is maybe the biggest @sshole in the music world... "I got screwed over by everyone, but F*CK them, I rule".... some people out there are too hard to deal with.
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Metalman_666 said:
About Dave Mustaine, that guy's just a prick, so I wouldn't take his switching from Jackson to ESP too seriously..... HONESTLY, from all the interviews I've read he is maybe the biggest @sshole in the music world... "I got screwed over by everyone, but F*CK them, I rule".... some people out there are too hard to deal with.
Dave switched to ESP because when Jackson was for sale, he tried to buy it, and it was allegedly sold to Fender behind his back. He chose ESP because Gibson would not make him a 24 fret V.

Besides, what does the fact that he's a prick have to do with Jackson or ESP?
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Ironjose said:
well dont get me wrong on this one but didn´t Dave Mustaine change from Jackson to ESP, i know i know is a marketing thing but there must me at least something he must like on an ESP, besides de the money ???
i have never played on the real Jacksons or ESP´s but they both have cheap models, the LTD are nice and great feeling but the Jackson are more agressive, i think that both brands are great, i guess that what really matters is the models, you cant compare a true KH-1 with a Rhoads ??? that is just not RIGHT ??? i say get both guitars !!!

Moosetaine wanted them to produce the Turd on a Stick he cakks Axxion, they said no. He wanted to buy Jackson (when they were up for sale, Fender eventually took the deal), they said no. He left and wanted to go to gibson and get 24 fret Vs. They laughed.

He went to ESP and has been dissing Jackson ever since (and IMO generally been making an A55 of himself everytime the topic comes up).

You be the judge ;)

But, back to the topic: While ESP may spend much more on Endorsements (IMO they´re even bigger endorsement whores than Ibanez was in the 80s), endorsements don´t make a quality guitar, luthiers and attention to detail do ;)

Don´t get me wrong, ESP still makes world class guitars. But the discussion of endorsees has NOTHING to do with which guitar s are better or worse.

Endorsees = Marketing = Advertising = Not necessarily something you want to base your decision on = still a great way to get beginners to buy your products ;)

But again, the guitars are both above this, both companies can do without big name endorsements to sell their products, as Jackson is slowly but steadliy realizing.

And btw, you CAN very much compare a KH-2 (bolt on) to a DK-1, or a KH-2 Vintage to an SL2-H w/EMGs, or an M-II to an SL-1, or a King V to a DV-8, or a Rhoads to a Laiho.. (ok, that´s stretching a bit ;))....Or you can rig a custom shop quote for identical guitars off both websites and see which comes out on top.

They´re comparable in every aspect, I just despise everything ESP stands for and is founded upon: blatant disregard for trademarks, manipulative long term marketing (Hey, let´s make next to nothingon our guitars for 15 years , steal ideas and do almost none of our own R&D. They when everóne´s hooked, well jack up the prices and they´ll think we´re the best. And we´ll take any endorsee we can get with a CD, so everyone plays our guitars as well), but I have to admit that they´re doing a damn good job at it ;)
 
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Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Yesterday i was checking out both websites, Jackson and ESP, al though Jackson has always had that deep and metalish look on its guitars, ESP like Zerbie said is about endorsers, but who wouldn´t like to be endorse i know i want to.... even though it was from Daisy Rock ... (fags)
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

Ironjose said:
Yesterday i was checking out both websites, Jackson and ESP, al though Jackson has always had that deep and metalish look on its guitars, ESP like Zerbie said is about endorsers, but who wouldn´t like to be endorse i know i want to.... even though it was from Daisy Rock ... (fags)

I don't think daisy rock can be considered 'fags' when they are marketed towards girls. :duh:
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I like ESP's for the features that come standard on some guitars. Some ESP's already come with EMG or SD pups, tone pros bridges and tailpeices, Earvana nuts, orig floyd rose trems, and neck thru body construction. I think as far as value goes, ESP is the leader...
 
Re: Jackson vs. ESP

I have yet to play an ESP that wasn't a Kirk Hammett model. There are virtually no dealers that carry it around these parts. The LTD's I've played have been good, better in comparison to the Korean-made Jacksons.

However, the USA Jacksons that I've played have all been superb. There was one Soloist in particular that was really sweet. If they dropped the trem on it, I'd be $1500 in the hole for one.

I voted Jackson.
 
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