I actually love the black satin finish, looks clean Also like the fact this comes with a hipshot, i personally tend to prefer the feel of that over TOM bridges
Love the look of that! Big fan of matte finishes too, I love the way they age easier, plus those shiny wear spots showing the mileage.... all good with me!
Big fan of matte finish and hipshot bridges 😂 we are all different eh! They both look lush though Josh! I tell you what does annoy me is why most manufacturers stick the volume knob right by the high e string! Sucks when you get down there and keep turning your volume down by accident!
The matte looks greats. Also Fishman single coils have a 3db boost option to match humbuckers better, check the wiring. Personally, the humbucker + single coil aesthetic looks great.
Actually love everything about the first prototype. ESP should slap a different model number on it and offer it (giving you a little kick back, of course).
The released model definitely sounded like it had more girth in the low mids. I like the overly bright sound of Hipshot bridges but that’s also because I tune extremely low on baritones and that helps to bring out a bit more string clarity. Definitely think that recessed TOMs feel immensely smoother and sound better for a standard scale guitar in more “normal” tuning ranges.
Your definitely on the right track, and I agree %100 percent that small differences in the geometry of a guitars layout can throw me off. I've been trying to get MusicMan/Sterling to make a Cutlass HSS with some kind of non trem hardtail and no pickgaurd. It would sell tons.
Looks great with the matt finish tbf. Maybe you can have the TOM countersunk like they did on the new eclipse model? Also, I'm pretty sure they can do a better heel on that bolt on, it can be uncomfortable. It's your signature ofc whatever works for you but for the sake of discussion... Looks sick anw 🔥
Funny you should say that about the Hipshot bridge being bright. I've got a Schecter KM-6, which when I got it had Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter pickups, which I assumed were the problem because they're proper ice-picky. Swapped them out for BKP Ragnaroks and while it's less extreme, it's still an incredibly bright/thin sounding guitar, but I never thought the bridge might be the issue. I just put it down to the tonewood or something. But I get on sooo much better with how the Hipshot feels vs tune-o-matics and just learned to accept I just have a very bright guitar (which I just recorded a whole album on - on well!) Informative video though, nice one! Maybe if I see your model in a guitar store, I'll have a little noodle on it, see if I can't be swayed about the tune-o-matic thing.
I believe there is a connection or solderable connection on those Fishman single coils that make up the output gain difference between the single and hum so the output is the same! Should see if you can make that adjustment and see if you like playing the guitar a bit more after!
Whe need something like this but, with a floyd bridge and a fluence humbucker but in sigle coil format in the neck because it looks sick! To complement the original JM-II which is already fantastic
I was surprised to actually hear a difference between the two, maybe it"s not entirely because of the bridge but interesting nonetheless. Both cool guitars! I might grab another MII with a fixed bridge someday since I only own Eclipses with TOMs or Horizons, Laihos and MII with Floyds.
Love the H/S combo, but totally get how it can be a drastic shift from a hot bridge pickup to even an active single coil. FWIW, if this prototype were what hit the market, I would have blind bought immediately 👍
I remember several years ago I had Schecter Banshee which had hipshot bridge. I had a same comment with you, when I record my DI's it sounds tiny, bright, annoying tbh especially when palm muting. At that time I also had schecter C1 which use tune o matic bridge, much fuller tone, so good. I ended up with selling the banshee with the main reason isbecause of the hipshot bridge. I'm glad I'm not the only one that hate hipshot bridge haha
Hey Josh, i love my Jm-II and it’s my #1 for recording or playing live. Is there a possibility of doing an evertune model in the future? I would love to have one of these equipped with one but don’t wanna hack this one up lol.
Hey man, pickup rings vs. direct mount pickups; i was curious as to what went into you choosing a pickup ring mounted setup in your sig models over direct mount. Is it just the familiarity of them, after being an LTD/ESP guy through the years? I feel like direct mount setup guitars ive played with similar build/wood, and same model pickups have always sound brighter/hotter in my head. But because i overheard that exact statement in my early formative years of playing, I've kinda just went with it all these years later. But i also know my brain can make me think i hear a tonal difference that may actually be negligible, just to appease mind/ears 😅. Was just curious if there were decisions based on actual tone differences, when it came to choosing the pickup mounting styles for your sig models?
oh yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh the hipshot bridge instead of the tun-o-matic is probably the oinly reason why I did not buy the 1st version, and the HS config is delightful
With the TOM being recessed, the only downside is it's a pain in the ass to reach the intonation screws. Otherwise, the TOM being inherently radiused makes changing string height a lot less of an ordeal. With the Hipshot, you have to adjust every saddle and there's little nuances to it.
Ngl I might like the first one more than the one that came out lol Ig we can hope for esp to offer a second sig and josh just "upgrades" this into a full guitar
I like both guitars, but I would change the pickups in the grey guitar to make it sound even more different. I don't like the hipshot bridge, it needs more mass, maybe in a different metal. 🤘
I know what you mean by being able to remove something in the sound later rather than beginning with it removed, i’m a fan of the jb pickup and bought the dave mustaine signature thrash factors which are like a jb but the low end is tamed, i’m always trying to bring the low end back later in the chain and it just feels weird.
You nailed your signature model. You can tell you put a lot of thought into it. Matt finishes are kind of shit, they age fast. Probably replace my caparison hgs with your geet.
Wow, that first prototype looks infinitely cooler than the production model. While what you released isn’t bad, the finish and Hipshot on the prototype are superior. TOM with no stop tail and string thru body looks super cheap. Also the single coil in the neck is way cooler. The only changes I’d made is extending the treble side of the board to 26 frets to meet the neck pickup and opting for a Hipshot Ibby bridge. Edit: you should’ve moved the bridge pickup closer to the bridge.
Matte finishes are absolute ass and I'll never understand why ESP are so insistent on having half of their lineup in matte finishes. It looks great in promo shots but once those grease stains start showing up it completely ruins the aesthetic
Totally agree w your changes 🤘🏽🤘🏽😎 I built a hard tail guitar w hipshot bridge with an LTD M bolt on Neck which i had laying around… Its waaaayy too thin sounding. Never thought that it had to do with this type of bridge.. i thought its the lack of tone pod (tried 250 and 500 w different resistors as well)
Not into the Evertune. Tonally it's pretty bass heavy and palm muting always feels a bit off. Like the Evertune is trying to account for the pressure applied on the strings by the palm. I'm all about the tone being perfect and I'm just not into the way they sound
@JoshMiddletonOfficial thanks for the response, dude! Do you find this to be true with all guitars you've played with an evertune, or is it more specifically to your tuning / scale length / pickup choice?
@@JoshMiddletonOfficialI bought your signature after almost buying a Solar with an evertune. I’m so glad I didn’t go for the evertune. I think they are really cool and love what they do but yea, not for me either lol. Love your signature guitar, it’s my main player! 🤘
Massive Caparison/old school ESP vibes on it too. Love it!
U literally about to coment the same thing matee! it looks seriously close to a Caparison!
I hope something like prototype 1 gets released at some point
I like the feeling of satin on my wrist more than I like the look of gloss.
I love this, I wish there was a guitar (affordable, not caparison) with these specs
I actually think it looks pretty great in matte
I agree. I would love to see this as a V2
I actually love the black satin finish, looks clean
Also like the fact this comes with a hipshot, i personally tend to prefer the feel of that over TOM bridges
Id buy that matte one. No doubt. Amazing guitar, kinda reminds me of Caparison
I came to simp, but I actually learnt something. love your videos josh !
Love that configuration. More models need it.
Looks even cooler than the market one for me and I would definitely buy this in that finish and a single coil
Love the look of that! Big fan of matte finishes too, I love the way they age easier, plus those shiny wear spots showing the mileage.... all good with me!
Very cool!
Big fan of matte finish and hipshot bridges 😂 we are all different eh! They both look lush though Josh! I tell you what does annoy me is why most manufacturers stick the volume knob right by the high e string! Sucks when you get down there and keep turning your volume down by accident!
Got a nice ESP NT-II with Fluence Moderns after watching Josh's video a couple of years ago. It's a beast of a thing.
Just ordered JM-II and it arrives next month !
yooooo - they both look killerN. Congrats man!
COOL GUITARS .Josh..😁👍🇧🇷
The mic picking up the string attack actually really helped in showing the difference between the two!
TOUR AUSTRALIA!!!!!🇦🇺
i like you nerdie videos about the sound and guitar. many more!
Can confirm the Tonepros bridge is the best for Beatdowns, you have ultimate control over the palm mutes and palms sustain of the mute.
Hipshot Ibby is by far the best hardtail bridge.
@@GuitarGuy4647 agree to disagree :)
This prototype is exactly what I want my ESP custom shop to be 😂 besides the neck pickup🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Its clear as day my guy. I approve!
The matte looks greats. Also Fishman single coils have a 3db boost option to match humbuckers better, check the wiring. Personally, the humbucker + single coil aesthetic looks great.
If anything, I think the next signature should be that one Ironbird inspired one.
Genuinely I would to see this as a version 2 when it comes time for a new sig model.
Speaking of Casting Shadows and TSO, can we have them back on Spotify please? I grew up on those EP's!
Actually love everything about the first prototype. ESP should slap a different model number on it and offer it (giving you a little kick back, of course).
Extremely beautiful 🤘🏻
5:25 and 8:29 bridge comparison
Man, those are both sick. I just wish ESP would make your X type guitar, I'd snap one up in the blink of an eye.
Well hello there JM-II!
The released model definitely sounded like it had more girth in the low mids. I like the overly bright sound of Hipshot bridges but that’s also because I tune extremely low on baritones and that helps to bring out a bit more string clarity. Definitely think that recessed TOMs feel immensely smoother and sound better for a standard scale guitar in more “normal” tuning ranges.
Your definitely on the right track, and I agree %100 percent that small differences in the geometry of a guitars layout can throw me off. I've been trying to get MusicMan/Sterling to make a Cutlass HSS with some kind of non trem hardtail and no pickgaurd. It would sell tons.
Both look sick dude. I think I like the 1st prototype better, but my ideal finish is a matte finish. A thin nitro is my next fav finish style.
I liked Josh with les paul in 2015 🤟🏻
Looks great with the matt finish tbf. Maybe you can have the TOM countersunk like they did on the new eclipse model? Also, I'm pretty sure they can do a better heel on that bolt on, it can be uncomfortable. It's your signature ofc whatever works for you but for the sake of discussion... Looks sick anw 🔥
The TOM bridge is sunk on the final JM-II. I think it was the first LTD model to offer it
I completely missed that 😅@@JoshMiddletonOfficial
To bad Fishman didn't end up doing a custom set for your original prototype layout. Congrats on the signature ax
You know, I think a gloss black JM-II with a single coil in the neck and a TOM would be super cool
Funny you should say that about the Hipshot bridge being bright. I've got a Schecter KM-6, which when I got it had Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter pickups, which I assumed were the problem because they're proper ice-picky. Swapped them out for BKP Ragnaroks and while it's less extreme, it's still an incredibly bright/thin sounding guitar, but I never thought the bridge might be the issue. I just put it down to the tonewood or something. But I get on sooo much better with how the Hipshot feels vs tune-o-matics and just learned to accept I just have a very bright guitar (which I just recorded a whole album on - on well!)
Informative video though, nice one! Maybe if I see your model in a guitar store, I'll have a little noodle on it, see if I can't be swayed about the tune-o-matic thing.
I believe there is a connection or solderable connection on those Fishman single coils that make up the output gain difference between the single and hum so the output is the same! Should see if you can make that adjustment and see if you like playing the guitar a bit more after!
Whe need something like this but, with a floyd bridge and a fluence humbucker but in sigle coil format in the neck because it looks sick! To complement the original JM-II which is already fantastic
Hipshot bridge all day..!!
I was surprised to actually hear a difference between the two, maybe it"s not entirely because of the bridge but interesting nonetheless. Both cool guitars! I might grab another MII with a fixed bridge someday since I only own Eclipses with TOMs or Horizons, Laihos and MII with Floyds.
Love the H/S combo, but totally get how it can be a drastic shift from a hot bridge pickup to even an active single coil. FWIW, if this prototype were what hit the market, I would have blind bought immediately 👍
Lower the bridge pickup, raise the neck pickup.
Very nice, I have a MV300 with a similar layout and it's a shame they don't have them anymore :D
I remember several years ago I had Schecter Banshee which had hipshot bridge. I had a same comment with you, when I record my DI's it sounds tiny, bright, annoying tbh especially when palm muting. At that time I also had schecter C1 which use tune o matic bridge, much fuller tone, so good. I ended up with selling the banshee with the main reason isbecause of the hipshot bridge. I'm glad I'm not the only one that hate hipshot bridge haha
Hey Josh, i love my Jm-II and it’s my #1 for recording or playing live. Is there a possibility of doing an evertune model in the future? I would love to have one of these equipped with one but don’t wanna hack this one up lol.
Love that guitar!
I would absolutely kill for a bright pink stain or bright aqua stain version of the first prototype
Hey man, pickup rings vs. direct mount pickups; i was curious as to what went into you choosing a pickup ring mounted setup in your sig models over direct mount. Is it just the familiarity of them, after being an LTD/ESP guy through the years?
I feel like direct mount setup guitars ive played with similar build/wood, and same model pickups have always sound brighter/hotter in my head.
But because i overheard that exact statement in my early formative years of playing, I've kinda just went with it all these years later.
But i also know my brain can make me think i hear a tonal difference that may actually be negligible, just to appease mind/ears 😅.
Was just curious if there were decisions based on actual tone differences, when it came to choosing the pickup mounting styles for your sig models?
Now we’re getting to the nerdy stuff
Man that would be so sick if you released that version with the single coil and just change the bridge to the recessed tunomatic
I would happily buy that off you mate 😁
Do you know if there's any plans of a lefty JM?
oh yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh the hipshot bridge instead of the tun-o-matic is probably the oinly reason why I did not buy the 1st version, and the HS config is delightful
With the TOM being recessed, the only downside is it's a pain in the ass to reach the intonation screws. Otherwise, the TOM being inherently radiused makes changing string height a lot less of an ordeal. With the Hipshot, you have to adjust every saddle and there's little nuances to it.
When will the H-S version be in shop? I’d like to try this one.
very cool.. but I like the pickup style without rings... as on Ltd M-1000 Ht
If I didn't like trems so much I would definitely go for the tuneomatic
Ngl I might like the first one more than the one that came out lol Ig we can hope for esp to offer a second sig and josh just "upgrades" this into a full guitar
I like both guitars, but I would change the pickups in the grey guitar to make it sound even more different. I don't like the hipshot bridge, it needs more mass, maybe in a different metal. 🤘
A-B Comparison:
Proto 1 - 5:25
Final 2 - 8:27
Jeff loomis uses a hipshot fine. More than one way to skin a can bro I guess (I own one one of your JMIIs btw and they do slap hard)
Holy shiiit
reminds me of the older MV LTDS
I like more the prototype 1. The slanted single is not my favorite, but I like the hipshot bridge better.
Why is the volume knob in the way?!
I know what you mean by being able to remove something in the sound later rather than beginning with it removed, i’m a fan of the jb pickup and bought the dave mustaine signature thrash factors which are like a jb but the low end is tamed, i’m always trying to bring the low end back later in the chain and it just feels weird.
I don’t get how bridge can possibly impact the sound. Sounds a bit esoteric to me
What's your thoughts on the evertune systems?
I like the hipshot bridge.
You nailed your signature model. You can tell you put a lot of thought into it. Matt finishes are kind of shit, they age fast. Probably replace my caparison hgs with your geet.
Hey Josh. Ill take that first proto if you dont want it. :p
Can we have a lefthanded option?
Thoughts on evertunes?
i like the first proto better. both really nice tho
I wish there was an LTD version for poor me.
Deff would have biught the hum/single
love that one! Would definitely by one, if it were a production model
Tbh it looks better like that lmao I'd buy it in a heartbeat, hard skip if it were gloss but that's just me
bridge tone... dude. This is so tiny affect. You can just fix it with 1 eq point in treble and bass. With tune-o-matic you get annoying arph echo
Why you ruined the guitar with a tunomatic and the black fade??????
Hipshot always wins...
Wow, that first prototype looks infinitely cooler than the production model. While what you released isn’t bad, the finish and Hipshot on the prototype are superior. TOM with no stop tail and string thru body looks super cheap. Also the single coil in the neck is way cooler. The only changes I’d made is extending the treble side of the board to 26 frets to meet the neck pickup and opting for a Hipshot Ibby bridge.
Edit: you should’ve moved the bridge pickup closer to the bridge.
tune o matic doesn't sound any different than hipshot
Matte finishes are absolute ass and I'll never understand why ESP are so insistent on having half of their lineup in matte finishes. It looks great in promo shots but once those grease stains start showing up it completely ruins the aesthetic
They really do be giving everyone a signature guitar these days. I'm gonna release a song or two and get me a siggy guitar.
Totally agree w your changes 🤘🏽🤘🏽😎
I built a hard tail guitar w hipshot bridge with an LTD M bolt on Neck which i had laying around…
Its waaaayy too thin sounding. Never thought that it had to do with this type of bridge.. i thought its the lack of tone pod (tried 250 and 500 w different resistors as well)
It ain’t the bridge.
@@GuitarGuy4647
Woooooow,
Really helpful , gj.
Love it, dude. Have you ever thought about producing a sig with an evertune option, though?
Not into the Evertune. Tonally it's pretty bass heavy and palm muting always feels a bit off. Like the Evertune is trying to account for the pressure applied on the strings by the palm. I'm all about the tone being perfect and I'm just not into the way they sound
@JoshMiddletonOfficial thanks for the response, dude! Do you find this to be true with all guitars you've played with an evertune, or is it more specifically to your tuning / scale length / pickup choice?
@@JoshMiddletonOfficialI bought your signature after almost buying a Solar with an evertune. I’m so glad I didn’t go for the evertune. I think they are really cool and love what they do but yea, not for me either lol. Love your signature guitar, it’s my main player! 🤘
@@JoshMiddletonOfficialthat actually sounds perfect for my terrible style of playing