JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

[Nagisa]

I live in Japan where prices and availability are different than elsewhere. I'm looking for a shredder guitar with a trem. I hope to use this guitar for Petrucci, Vai type sounds. I have an Ibanez AZ hss and a LP to handle other styles.

Now, I initially wanted a Majesty but I have read so many reports about issues that it scared me off. I can't afford sending it to America to get repaired.

MM guitars are super limited and expensive here. I recently found a JP13 new for $2600 USD before tax. I'm thinking the tones should be what I want, it has ss frets and has a great reputation. Also I'm intrigued by the dream, boost and piezo features. That said, the guitar is a model from 5 years ago but is being sold new. Also, the all-silver design is neat enough but compared to flamed maple on Ibanez's...


For the same price are J.Custom guitars. No SS on the affordable models, but they appear to have great quality all around. Usually those are tone zone/AN guitars.

Do you have any insight on differences in quality, value, tone, etc.? Thanks

 

[Masta' C]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Both are great "quality" guitars. Money spent on either is a solid bet and you're sure to get a product you'll be happy with.

That said, I'd jump on the JP13 before the Ibanez.

The piezo and boost features are unparalleled. Plus, the Illuminator pickups can do everything the TZ/AN can and more. It comes down to personal taste, of course, but they are among my favorite DiMarzios.

The stainless frets are awesome and the trem is really great, as well, very predictable with a super nice feel.

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Thanks!

Actually - I just got a reply from the store and they said it would take 6 months for the JP13 to arrive. Not sure I'm feeling like waiting that long. I think I'll wait for NAMM, see if something new comes out. They have a new Majesty artisan in stock for the same price... just really scared of issues with that one. Ugh.

 

[Mincer]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

My thought is that if a MM is being considered, always choose the MM.

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Hrmmm...6 months is a looong time to wait.

Any thoughts about the majesty and reports of neck issues? The humidity can be a problem where I live. I really want that guitar but am terrified of the neck twisting.

 

[greekdude]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Access to parts, support, local techs is also smth to consider. Those high end guitars use special hardware, for example this bridge on the MM looks not so common.

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Access to parts, support, local techs is also smth to consider. Those high end guitars use special hardware, for example this bridge on the MM looks not so common.

Yea with Ibanez it's really worry free for me. They're rock solid in the first place, but the parts are all common, the wiring I can do myself, and the support here in Japan is basically perfect. If only they had SS frets!

 

[1b4n3z]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

The frets on j.customs are very hard and smooth to begin with, very close to the alloy called stainless steel to begin with (according to the tech I use for fret jobs). My preference is the j.custom for sure. I have two now, and if I lived in Japan I'd probably be swimming in them

 

[devastone]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

You have an Ibanez AZ and a LP, what can the JP do that the AZ can't? The AZ has a really nice non-locking trem, not sure if you have the 22 or 24 fret version though. If you want to do trem acrobatics, I'd go with the J-Custom for the locking Edge. That's my <$0.02 anyway.

 

[Open lane]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

I’ve never played a MM, i own 6 ibbies though (two japanese and 4 various lower grade asian imports). Everytime i’ve purchased an Ibby, i’ve been pleased. I’d realllllly like to own a j custom some day. Those things look amazing. I don’t think you can go wrong with either. My vote goes for The J Custom, though!

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

You have an Ibanez AZ and a LP, what can the JP do that the AZ can't? The AZ has a really nice non-locking trem, not sure if you have the 22 or 24 fret version though. If you want to do trem acrobatics, I'd go with the J-Custom for the locking Edge. That's my <$0.02 anyway.

Yea you have a point that the JP and AZ have some pretty similar things going on. I do have the 22 fret hss version though. I'm hoping for a really high-power shredder - the AZ (with a Suhr aldrich bridge) is great for traditional superstrat sounds like EVH, Satch (surfin), or 80's hair - but I want something for heavier and darker leads a la Petrucci.

You know, the AZ is alder and the J.Customs I'm looking at are mahogany. Maybe I should think harder on them.

Thanks for your input (everyone)

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

It's a no brainer. J Custom is the ultimate of Ibanez. I wouldn't even consider any other brand if J Custom is involved (okay maybe ESP, or FGN). Then again, I am an Ibanez freak...lol. Well, I just love Japanese guitars, period.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

I wouldn't even consider any other brand if J Custom is involved (okay maybe ESP, or FGN).

Sounds like someone hasn't played a JP13 yet



But, seriously, Nagisa, if you like the finish better on the J.Customs and are worried about obtaining warranty service in your country, maybe the Ibanez is the best bet for you.

The MM is certainly no more or less reliable than any of the J.Customs and the comments above about "finding parts" and the uniqueness of proprietary trem are unwarranted because the MM components are top-notch in every way and servicing the guitars is no different than any other, but you have to go with what you're ultimately comfortable with.

 

[Adieu]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

If you live in Japan, you can get tons of god-level used guitars for $1k and under locally

Don't know if you live in a big city, if you don't, try checking inventories online or calling in and make a shopping trip of it on an off day... should be lots of oldskool shredder goodness to be found

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Yea it's a $380 round trip to Tokyo for me. I'm right now checking into a new J custom (2018) for 2200 USD. I'd prefer new as this will be a keeper. It should round out my collection with one shredstick, one modern Strat, one LP

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

Well, I think I narrowed it down to this guy: j.custom RG8570Z-CRA Chrysocolla

Tone Zone, AN. Edge zero trem.

But I don't know if I should go for a 12% off deal for one for it being a "new" but display item. $300 off (=about 2200 usd) vs new (2500 usd).

Thoughts on buying "outlet new" display items? I wrote to the store and they said there are no noticeable scratches or defects that affect the appearance, but might have some very small scratches or similar from people trying it. Wish I could go look at it myself...

 

[greekdude]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

maybe fret wear? due to being display item?

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

maybe fret wear? due to being display item?

That's the thing - without seeing it, there could have been 100 people a day banging away on it for a year, or there could have been 0.

 

[Nagisa]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

https://www.digimart.net/cat01/shop1484/DS04965677/

Just found this guy, about $2860. It's a floor/exhibit "new" model. Suhr Modern Pro.

I know people online LOVE Suhr, I've never tried one.

I like the SS frets, the floyd.
Not sure about the maple fretboard and pickups giving me a good Petrucci-style sound though. I guess I could change the pickups if needed...but what do you think? This vs a j.custom for less money?

Got that AZ with a Suhr Aldrich bridge, so the Suhr seems a bit redundant...

 

[greekdude]

Re: JP13 or Ibanez J.Custom?

wow!! suhrs are just the thing!