I had the Japanese made V, Mustaine series in mid-90s, holy solid power chords and fast solos, couldn’t sit and play it too well but that is any V lol😂
Just got my first Jackson, A Soloist. It's very hard to find decent Left Hand guitars that aren't custom shop and the Soloist is about perfect for me. Might swap out to a real FR in the future when the knock off one it comes with starts to wear out but other than that it's pretty great right from the factory
Any guitar that checks following points, no matter price range: 1. Stays in tune 2. Is setup to your own preference Is a GOOD GUITAR. I never understood elitists about "only expensive guitars is good enough for professional use". I have both a bunch of different high-end, mid-range and starter kit guitars and I'm happy with all of them
Yeah I agree! I have Ibanez JS1000 and I love it and it was over $2K AUD! Then I just picked up a $40 Squire Affinity and sure it’s not as good as the Ibanez but not it not that far behind! It needs a set up new strings and if I spent money on new pickups and locking turners it be great!!
Agreed. In all my many recordings (all unheard of of course), the most, by far, compliments I have gotten on tone, is from a 3/4 size Squier Strat through a tiny Fender practice amp through an SM57.
Does anyone think this though? If anything people take their cheap guitars out to gig and leave the expensive one at home. Just because people like or aspire to have more expensive guitars doesn't mean they think cheaper guitars are bad.
I never understood why more players don't use angled guitar cables. I understand they don't work on ALL guitars, but they don't protrude when they're plugged in, so they have a nice, low profile, and you don't have to worry about damaging the plug, or more importantly, your output jack. I love 'em!
Some angled cables won't fit into a strat-style recessed jack. There's also the issue of damaging the jack or having a guitar fall off its stand with an angled cable, if you ever trip on the cable. Sometimes they work well though.
Hey Mike, just wanted to let you know your channel has become my favorite guitar channel on TH-cam. Love the unique and motivating topics that you discuss that other teachers don’t seem to talk about.
I had this exact guitar also, back in the 90's. Mine was blue, and I absolutely loved it. To this day it was my favorite guitar I ever owned. I played many shows in my cover bands with that guitar. Unfortunately mine was also stolen. I went to work one morning, and while I was gone my apartment was broken into. They stole my guitar and my Marshall JCM 800 50 watt half stack. I was absolutely DEVASTATED! Nearly 30 years later, now 56 years old, and I'm STILL heartbroken over it. To this day I still play guitar, but I've never been able to replace the guitar nor the Marshall amp. I was a single dad, making very little money, so I couldn't justify spending it on myself and not on things my son and I needed to survive. I saw this video it is just brought back all those awesome memories, and all of that devastating heartbreak at the same time. I totally swear by my strap locks, and have been using them for over 35 years. I've tossed guitars over my shoulder Cinderella style hundreds of times, and I've never had one come lose. However, I have ONLY ever used the JIM DUNLOP Straploks, so maybe that's the difference.
Cool! I also play a Soloist. You talked about how overtightening the hex head screws on the bridge can strip the threads on the saddles or the screws themselves. Try this: remove the screws and string locks from the saddles. Keep the ball ends on the strings and insert the OTHER end (the pointy end) in where the screw goes, but when you get to the saddle, instead of going into the screw hole, go up into the saddle through the rectangular hole underneath. Then reinsert the string lock and screw. You'll only need to tighten it a little bit and your strings will NEVER pop out of the saddles, no matter how aggressively you pull the whammy bar. The ball end fits snugly right under the screw body and is barely noticeable. Works great for me!
28 years back I picked up a DK-2 (Japan) from guitar center and fell in love right away. I've got 3 other Jacksons now and I love all of them. The necks are really nice for metal/rock playing.
I still use the rubber washer off of a bottle of Grolsch beer for a strap lock. Works great never had a problem out of them. Plus, you get a free beer with your strap lock!
I got my wife at Jackson Dinky and I have to confess repeatedly that it is the easiest guitar that we have to play. I have a Gibson lp, a fender Telly and Strat but that guitar is just easy to play. I tell her when we have grandkids that's the guitar they're going to learn to play on.
I own a white Jackson JS32 Dinky with a maple fretboard and bolt on neck. Bought it off of Amazon for ~$350 last May. I did replace the pick-ups with a set of Seymour Duncan’s: a JB in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck. I love the feel of the compound radius neck. It’s so easy to play, stays in tune, and sounds great! I am really shocked by the quality of these so-called “lower end” guitars.
I bought a purple Jackson JS32 Dinky 2 months ago and I have been in love with it since lol Super comfortable to play, I think it actually improved my playing
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎸 Overview of the favorite guitar* - Introduction to the favorite guitar from the speaker's collection. - Personal experience with the previous version of the same guitar. - Initial impressions and backstory of acquiring the current guitar. 01:10 *🎸 Features and build of the guitar* - Description of the body and neck material and design. - Weight and comfort considerations. - Detailed discussion on neck, frets, inlays, and finish. 03:01 *🎸 Bridge, pickups, and electronics* - Evaluation of the bridge type, including preferences and potential upgrades. - Assessment of stock pickups' performance and plans for replacement. - Discussion on pickup selector, knobs, output jack, and tuners. 05:24 *🎸 Personal preferences and modifications* - Personal preferences regarding headstock orientation and pickup configuration. - Explanation of modifications made to suit personal playing style. - Discussion on desired features for a custom signature guitar. 08:23 *🎸 Additional considerations and conclusion* - Remarks on reliability and preference for non-active pickups. - Summary of the speaker's priorities in guitar selection. - Final thoughts and gratitude to viewers. Made with HARPA AI
You´re so right about eveything on this guitar but you are more right about the heastock, I don't like reverse headstocks and Jackson Guitars look beautiful with the pointed down heastock, they look simetrical. your channel is a gold mine, I love it, thanks for sharing your knowledge, excuse my english, I'm not a native speaker.
You gave a really great guitar review. Your genuine enthusiasm really comes out, and you get into specifics about features that work for you. This may be one of the few reviews I've seen that didn't come off as being a commercial.
I was playing one of those at guitar center. I loved it. Especially the feel of the neck. I haven't felt a neck I like better. The salesman have me a word look everytime I went back to that guitar. It was like he hated me, the guitar, or he was hoping he would be able to buy it first. It was a very awkward experience. He showed me more expensive guitars, cheaper guitars... I really don't know what his problem was. I didn't make a purchase, because the whole situation just had a weird vibe (mostly due to the sales guy). I have regretted not snagging that Jackson ever since. I should've told that friggin guy to "F off" after that first weird look. Oh well.
All of my experiences at GC have been less than stellar. Guitars are never in good shape, it seems as if they are not taken care of. The sales team are always pushy while being woefully uninformed about the product and without fail always seem to feel the need to show off their skill for a minimum of 5 minutes when you ask to see a guitar. So a few tips for dealing with GC 1: You need to understand that employees work for minimum wage with a fucked up commission. Before they even earn commission they have to sell enough to cover their base salary. Thus the push on higher priced products. 2: Don't ever buy from GC. Use it as a resource to physically handle what you are thinking of buying, then go to a certified dealer, preferably a non chain store, and order what you want, ir order direct. 3: Never make direct eye contact. 4: ???? 5: Shred
I had a similar experience with a Dick sales guy and walked out even though was ready to buy. I emailed the store manager for help and got the guitar I wanted for $10 after my trade ins. It was a great Korean lp custom, it was used and was a hell of a lot better than new Chinese made one on the wall by far
Glad you got a replacement for your favorite, happy for you! Liked that you kept coming back to how so many of the features are right for you... might not be for someone else, but this has what you value in a guitar. A beauty, enjoy it!
I asked you about it some time ago and then went out and looked out for a similar one, I got a very used old MIJ DK2 that I found locally and no one wanted for like 150€/$. Coming from more classic guitars it felt almost too comfortable, too good to be true. Incredible guitars. Some Gotoh replacements and it became my #1 guitar as well, so thank you for that!
I got a randy Rhodes v it's called an RX10D made in Japan, 1997 floyd rose, emg pickups in the neck and bridge, shark fin inlays, its an amazing guitar I got it for 200 pounds off Facebook Market place the pickups alone are £150
I have played Ibanez Prestige and Premium models for years and then I recently tried a Jackson SL2 MAH Soloist. The Jacksons were such great guitars, I bought three. So, I totally agree with you about Jackson guitars, they are excellent quality!
4:50 THANK YOU!!! You're one of the few that actually abuse the trem so we can actually see how it responds. Most everyone else merely gives it a little wiggle at best.
After years of playing $1000+ guitars, I now love cheapies. I have around a dozen guitars which i paid $200 or less for 2nd hand. I've set them up real good and they are awesome. I don't hesitate to use them on stage (i play lead in rock and blues). Some of them i like MORE than my much more expensive guitars.
My backup guitar (which I also use for rhythm tracking) is an SLXT. When I bought it like new, the tuners had been switched out for locking tuners and the old owner had installed Jim Dunlop strap locks. Both are things I would do on any guitar. I swapped out the pretty good Duncan Designed pickups for a set of Invaders. Now, it's competing for the number one spot with my modded SE. All in all, I think Indonesian made guitars are the way to go. I haven't had or played one that was pure junk... unlike some US made guitars.
My first electric guitar was a Peavey Tracer back in 1995. Which looks exactly the same as your Jackson save for the inlays and a through neck. I still have that guitar to this day and is about to be on it's 3rd paint job. To this date is is the most comfortable and favorite guitar I have ever owned.
i’ll never understand why people hate on Jackson’s, they give you a bang for your buck! even the $300 models. i currently have 4 lol my favorite is the DK2XR
Oo DK2XR looks very nice! How is the neck on it? comparing to Ibanez for example? I mean I know they all vary, but in general? You and Mike will make me want to get one day Jackson!
Most people I know who bitch about Jacksons are older, or are just bitching cause brand loyalty runs deep in guitars and they just like another brand. On the older people complaining it's often because like when I was a kid Jackson didn't make anything even remotely affordable. They were the metal guitar that like ESP ONLY made expensive stuff. Then they came out with their import guitars that were like $600 90s dollars so still kinda expensive. They didn't make any cheaply made, starter style guitars. Most people were still okay with it but the cache was being lost. Then $200 starter pack JS guitars happened, and Fender owning them, and the magic was just kinda lost. They still make plenty of good guitars but your comment sums it up, they are great for the money! They used to be aspirational guitars. Now they are seen as a way to get a lot of guitar for less money. I have 4 myself, 1 USA made and 3 MIJ guitars that I bought BITD. I love my Jacksons but I am kinda sad at times that if I walk into a pawn shop and see one I don't immediately know it's something special like I used to. Some of those JS ones are serious shit buckets. Walmart Xmas starter pack quality. It sullied things.
The short version. A lot of people just got soured on the name when they went from a company that ONLY made amazing guitars to a company that make SOME amazing guitars.
I have a 2013 DK2M pro in silver burst. It's my number one. Mine came loaded with American made Seymour Duncan. JB and a 59. It's even got the full access heel joint that utilizes three bolts.Took the place of my charvel DK24.
I've done a similar thing with my Ibanez JS 140W - just an $1100+ (Can) guitar but I've upgraded the pickups to DiMarzio Satchtrack (neck) and Satchur8 (bridge), and then had it re-fretted with stainless frets and the neck and fretwork put through a Plek Station. Plays beautifully now.
My neon pink one had issues like uneven frets apparently so I moved it on. Hated the pups too. Played great other than the fret issue so it was fixable
Funny… I went into guitar center and played this guitar in the silver color (my favorite) and it played amazing - on par with my Ibanez Jem. I ended up buying it that day for $800. It’s literally my go to guitar now
The Jackson Necks are perfect, i have many more expensive guitars but my go to is a cheap Jackson JS32Q DKA HT, its so comfortable to hold and play + sounds really good in a mix with the stock Jackson pickups, minimal EQ:ing needed!
@the-art-of-guitar. I own three Jacksons. One is a 2003 SL1 USA Soloist I bought new back in 2003. I dont play it out anymore because I don’t want it damaged or stolen. I replaced it with two [Indonesian] Pro Soloists (one HSS and one HH) and I do play those out regularly. Whenever someone asks me about “what guitar should I buy…” after you find out the type of music, etc I almost always steer them to a intermediate priced guitar. There are some incredible instruments out there between $750 and $1200 that play great, sound great, look great and stay in tune. So different than the 1980s…I since have purchased a bunch of Charvel Pro Mods and Dinkys. Absolutely amazing for the $. They really stepped up their game since about 2015.
Is this actually a full neck through or is it a set-through neck? (glued-in, long tenon then sculpted) I'd be pleasantly surprised if you could get a neck-through in a mid-range guitar as that is usually a feature in very high end guitars due to the extra work required. It is great though when you zero in on something that, as you say, melts into your body so that is becomes a part of you. I'm still on that particular journey, having picked guitar back up during the pandemic and am still working on the list of what features I like in a guitar.
At this price point, Jackson neck-throughs go all the way through to the strap button, but they thin out so that only the side facing the player is the neck. The electronics are mounted into a different piece of wood on the top.
Also mid range or lower end guitar with good parts, modded with new pickups is a WAY better deal than a higher end guitar. Friend has a mexican strat, got some nice seymour duncans put into it, and the thing sounds soooooooo f-ing good.
You lose out on higher quality frets with the low end guitars. If you're looking to upgrade a cheap guitar make sure the neck is quality. MIM strats are fantastic out of the box though so theyre definitely an outlier
Fender Highway One HSS that I put a Burstbucker in the Bridge. 12 years and going workhorse, never let me down once! It's that one that you know you can go to war with and win! Cheers!
I’ve just bought a Jackson Dinky, my first free floating tremolo system or whatever you’d call it. Even though I’m not playing live I went and ordered one of those screw in Allen key holders because it’s a hassle having to unfold the flimsy pocket the stock ones came in and a hassle to get my actual tools out and a hassle to make sure I have them with me all the time anyway. Just makes my life easier and keeps me playing.
I just picked up a 250$ (expensive for me) Jackson monarkh sc js22. It's my first "les paul" style, and has definitely been time learning how to hold it comfortably, but other than that, I was really impressed. Coming from using an Ibanez grg131dx, with the same exact price tag, the jackson sounds much cleaner but also heavier, just better sound, better action, come with better setup, (both guitars were ordered, ibanez from amazon, jackson from sweetwater) basically the jackson was the same price for a 100% better, but less comfortable to hold guitar
Heres a tip for the strap lock issue on the jacksons. You remove the strap pin, take it off- put on your strap on via the bottom not the wide top, the take a screw driver and screw it back on the guitar. This way the guitar strap remains in mint condition having not forced it over the top of the pin as you normally do with all guitars. and It has no chance of ever coming off ( untill you unscrew it)
Awesome man, for some reason I prefer bolt ons so I went with the js32 model. The only set neck strat type I really bonded with was a ESP Ltd kh602. Most others feel like a dead body but that's me . Anyway I put a j90c pickup from the 80s in the bridge of the j32q and it slays.
I love my '95 Jackson PS-4 and '94 Rhoads EX. Definitely mid-range, both made in Korea and play really well. Both are bone stock, with the exception of new nut locks on the EX. To take the gloss off the neck, just use some #0000 steel wool to give it a satin type finish. It's what I use to scrub my rosewood fretboards with Kyser Lem-oil.
Really nice review, I loved the slow pan in some shots of you playing, nice touch. What's up with the jumpy frame rate though? It crops up in some of your videos and detracts and distracts from the content a bit.
I've got the hard tail version of that guitar in satin transparent purple burst finish with spalted maple top. It's a discontinued model so it was hard to find one that wasn't used.
I just bought a MIJ Jackson Soloist (white) and I love it. I had a cheaper Jackson years ago but I loved the neck. Jacksons are a dream to play on and have a very minimalist old school 80's vibe that I love the look of. I love my EBMM and Fender but the Jackson is a dream to play.
Okay. I was at the guitar shop recently, randomly picked up a Jackson dnky and was like "WHOA" I might need this thing. Been looking at them recently. And now... you put up this video. I'll take it as a sign that it's time to order, lol.
Use a green scotchbrite pad on the back of the neck to give the gloss a more satin style feel and if you ever want it gloss again just buff it with car polish till its shiny again
I play a Jackson Pro Series DK2M Dinky made in Japan with a black body, binding, and shark fin inlays. I added some carbon fiber graphic Air Force stickers to the body, EMG pickups, and nicknamed it Stealthy. 🔥🎸🔥
One of my favorites is a 97 Jackson Dinky Reverse. I have had so many guitars since getting it, but there's just something about it that I like. I got it years ago off a kid who had no idea how much it was worth for $150, so its definitely my cheapest buy, but its just "that" guitar for me.
My younger brother is endorsed by ESP & when he got his first guitar that comes standard with the Evertune bridge his mind was blown. I never saw anyone so excited about a bridge. He's got a whole quiver of LTD's & his last one that just came has the Evertune bridge & Fishman pups in it which sounds amazing.
My best built guitar is still a 1987 Charvel model 6. The Japanese version of the Jackson soloist. After all these years it is perfectly straight neck never a bad note never goes out of tune.
Well come on lol that's the flagship Chu Shin Gakki made Charvel lol. I have had a 1987 Model 3A since 1995 and it's still probably my favorite guitar ever. Previous owner swapped out the Jackson bridge and put in a Floyd original with a big brass block and I replaced the pickups with a SD JB/59 set and it works very well. Two years ago I walked into GC and there was an 87 Model 6 hanging on the wall without a case for $500. I didn't buy it because I thought my wife would be pissed. I'm still mad I didn't get it.
Oh my god. A few months ago, I picked one of those up and played with it for an hour. I told my mom I loved it and she bought it for me as a Christmas present.
great review of my axe thanks, couldn't agree more, mine is traffic cone orange, should have come w/ a dimmer switch, doubles as a night lite. can't wait to see what pick ups you choose.
I remember the ads for Jacksons in ‘80s & ‘90s Guitar World & Guitar Player mags. I’ve always been a Fender & Rick Snob, but an older cool dude who showed me Kill’em All -> …Justice licks loved his Jackson & would pass it to me, after I’d unlocked Metallica licks on Strat. I’ve never owned a Jackson, but they’re iconic.
My favorite qualities: 1) 24 frets 2) anti-gravity modules 3) Floating Floyd Rose trem bar 4) humbucker in the bridge 5) single coils in the middle and neck for sweet clean tone with 5 way selector switch - or just two humbuckers is good too, depending how crisp you want he clean tone 6) the right wood and other components to produce a thick tone 7) Hyperspace 8) internal tasing with song instruction program 9) reflective pick guard 10) a cool rockin' look Hyperspace is a nice option if people rush the stage or you're late for a gig or have a performance blunder and you would like to reverse the space/time continuum. My Hohner Les Paul copy had it. Hohner normally makes harmonicas, but they have a few nice guitars and the Hyperspace feature was definitely a solid selling point. It's sensitive though so you have to be careful. I found myself circling downtown Phoenix once before wizzing back to Chicago during the Crazy Train solo. Ibanez used to make an RG with a reflective pick guard which was nice for fixing your hair. The anti-gravity modules are perfect for levitating during key guitar solos. This came stock in the official Jackson Randy Rhoades V as featured in the Crazy Train Official Animated Video. The internal tasing unit that comes with a song instructional program called 'OO-Ow-Ah-STOP IT!' zaps you whenever you make a mistake while learning songs and is available on most Model 83-1BXJ57-9/?$+93# electric guitars by Lawrence Farquart of Long Island. That Jackson is perfect by the way. I brought one of my adult students to the guitar store and handed her that one along with a several others to try. She is in her mid 40's and likes Ed Sheehan and Fleetwood Mack and that's the guitar she picked. She said 'I love it' and I said 'me too, it has everything you could ever want.' That shirt is so awesome. My first blank video tape that I had movies recorded on had 1) John Carpenter's 'The Thing,' 2) Alice in Wonderland (Why, I see what's wrong with it! This watch is full of wheels!), and 3) the 1984 Police Synchronicity live concert
These changed my opinion of Indonesia, mine's been tweaked over time, I deleted the middle single, adding a guard to hide the mod. I use a 1984 Floyd and currently have a Duncan Full Shred in the bridge and a fender fat 60's in the neck. Just a 3-way and new wiring and I think it's finally complete.
I did the exact same thing. I bought an X Series Soloist in Dec 2018. It has an H H configuration. The guitar itself was made very well. There are no flaws whatsoever in the guitar. The "Duncan Designed" pickups were kind of lame. I replaced them with real Duncan's. I put an SH-1 in the neck and a JB-TB4 in the bridge. The Floyd Rose Special actually worked pretty well for about 3 years, until I started having issues with the strings popping out of the saddles. This is a common problem with the Special, due to the zinc alloy construction as opposed to the Schaller OFR which is hardened steel and brass. I replaced it last year with a Schaller OFR. The guitar is awesome now and also my favorite.
Looks like a great piece of gear, I have a number of the Jackson Dinky DK2M's. A little narrow on the neck, but nice size for transport when in a case. Have to modify them now, for tools on the neck! Thanks for the review! Rock on! 🤘
I totally agree with Mike about the Allen wrench access. I have the magnetic one, so I can move it to whichever guitar I’m playing with a trem and I only need one. I also lower that eyesore middle pickup on my Ibanez because my pick catches it. One of these days I’m going to remove it and cover the cutout of the pick guard with something creative.
Awesome video. I also have an Indonesian made Jackson Soloist but mine is black with 2 humbuckers, 2 knobs, and a 3 way selector switch. I also bought a set of decals that mimic the ones Jeff Hanneman had on his soloist from the mid-late 80s. It’s the. It’s the most aggressive sounding of all my guitars, perfect for Thrash. I agree the mid range guitars are the way to go. Sprucing them up with a few mods becomes less expensive and sometimes you hit the jackpot and really don’t need to modify anything, which was the case with this particular one. My second favorite Jackson of mine is a King V with a Floyd Rose trem. That guitar is also a mid range model. I’ve had quite a bit of luck with them.
You should try a Pro Series Soloist, man. The neck feels AMAZING! And it's still very affordable with some nice upgrades like an ebony fretboard and a 1000 series Floyd.
I have two JS series jackson guitars, they are both amazing. The necks are killer. The pickups aren't great, but I replaced one set with Seymour Duncan Black Winters, and it is absolutely amazing now.
This last week I found a neon orange one at a pawn shop for $250. Not a scratch on it. And whoever owned it has already swapped out the bridge pickup for a Seymour Duncan...so win-win! Awesome guitar! And it came with a raodrunner hard case. Thanks for the video!
I own 5 electric guitars, 2 of which are Jacksons, one Dean Dave Mustaine signature V, an Ibanez 7 string, and an old LP copy. My go to guitar is my vintage modded Jackson ps-4, the neck is absolutely amazing, I installed an SH-8 invader in the bridge, and a hipshot tremsetter for the floyd rose, she plays like a dream!
It's funny how sometimes a piece of gear can surprise you. Not a Jackson, but along the same idea of surprise...21 years ago I bought an RG7420 sight unseen out of a catalog to serve as a backup in case I busted a string on my RG7620 during a gig. Turns out I liked the feel of the 7420 better. It has become my main guitar for the last 20 years, and I sold the more expensive 7620 somewhere around 8-9 years ago.
Hey man. We’re such different people. And you’re a more capable player than me. But wow, we agree on SO MUCH about the guitar. It’s awesome to meet you, dude. It’s like you’re my brother. Unbelievable.
Just got this guitar back out the case have it hanging on wall now. Wondered what happened to the decals on your guitar when I first started this video.
I have an Alan wrench that’s magnetic. If you have metal tuners you never lose it sticks without any mods- I never take it off my guitar with a Floyd. Forget what it’s called but it looks like a big handle, the wrench part is very small but perfect for locking the nuts.
Please run through some of the great Heart Howard Leese solos from the 80s! Some people hate on that era of Heart song wise, but Howard was killing it the whole time.
That looks exactly like an Epiphone HSS from the mid/late 80s that was stolen. Same color, headstock, and shark fins. Neck through. I had a Floyd put in it about a month before it was stolen. Loved that guitar. Replaced it with the Ibanez 770 in my picture on the left.
10:19 use it to your advantage on a hard tail guitar without a trem system. Bend a string (b is the easiest imo) then a pluck the low e and it acts as a dive bomb without the trem. Random but as you mentioned it I wanted to put it out there 😂
Been playing an '87 Model 3A since I was 14 and it's one of the best feeling guitars I've ever played. Jackson and Charvel are the real deal....even the imports
Great video Mike. I have a soloist custom in natural finish with Floyd rose special. It's very similar to yours except for the finish. Awesome guitar and plays well. It's the only Jackson I own. Glad you found one to replace your stolen one!
Considering you have LP Custom and a Jem it's pretty cool you're no.1 is a mid-range Indonesian model, just a testament to how good import guitars have gotten. Also a testament to you as a player that you're good enough not to need the most expensive gear, you can just rock with anything. More guitar rundowns!
Jackson's are solid guitars. Been a fan since I saw Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman playing them in the early 90s.
Def Leppard was the first band that I saw play Jackson guitars and from that point on, I always wanted to get a Jackson. I got two in the mid-90s.
I had the Japanese made V, Mustaine series in mid-90s, holy solid power chords and fast solos, couldn’t sit and play it too well but that is any V lol😂
and the Megadeth historical bassist david Ellefson was endorsed by Jackson.
Just got my first Jackson, A Soloist. It's very hard to find decent Left Hand guitars that aren't custom shop and the Soloist is about perfect for me. Might swap out to a real FR in the future when the knock off one it comes with starts to wear out but other than that it's pretty great right from the factory
@@anonymouspubliccitizen5000 I think Vs are actually very easy to play sitting, I almost exclusively sit with mine
Any guitar that checks following points, no matter price range:
1. Stays in tune
2. Is setup to your own preference
Is a GOOD GUITAR.
I never understood elitists about "only expensive guitars is good enough for professional use".
I have both a bunch of different high-end, mid-range and starter kit guitars and I'm happy with all of them
Yeah I agree! I have Ibanez JS1000 and I love it and it was over $2K AUD! Then I just picked up a $40 Squire Affinity and sure it’s not as good as the Ibanez but not it not that far behind! It needs a set up new strings and if I spent money on new pickups and locking turners it be great!!
Agreed. In all my many recordings (all unheard of of course), the most, by far, compliments I have gotten on tone, is from a 3/4 size Squier Strat through a tiny Fender practice amp through an SM57.
Does anyone think this though? If anything people take their cheap guitars out to gig and leave the expensive one at home. Just because people like or aspire to have more expensive guitars doesn't mean they think cheaper guitars are bad.
Eh, to each his own. I don't lose sleep over it.
Then you belong to the vast majority of guitar players who just can't recognize tonal quality.
I never understood why more players don't use angled guitar cables. I understand they don't work on ALL guitars, but they don't protrude when they're plugged in, so they have a nice, low profile, and you don't have to worry about damaging the plug, or more importantly, your output jack. I love 'em!
I put the 90 end out of my guitar. If it gets pulled on, the outer jacket takes the strain and not the soldered connections inside.
Agreed, I always use an angled cable. Don’t have to worry about catching it on anything.
straights just look neat
Some angled cables won't fit into a strat-style recessed jack. There's also the issue of damaging the jack or having a guitar fall off its stand with an angled cable, if you ever trip on the cable. Sometimes they work well though.
Yep. Angled cables are a must for my ml's.
Hey Mike, just wanted to let you know your channel has become my favorite guitar channel on TH-cam. Love the unique and motivating topics that you discuss that other teachers don’t seem to talk about.
I had this exact guitar also, back in the 90's. Mine was blue, and I absolutely loved it. To this day it was my favorite guitar I ever owned. I played many shows in my cover bands with that guitar. Unfortunately mine was also stolen. I went to work one morning, and while I was gone my apartment was broken into. They stole my guitar and my Marshall JCM 800 50 watt half stack. I was absolutely DEVASTATED! Nearly 30 years later, now 56 years old, and I'm STILL heartbroken over it. To this day I still play guitar, but I've never been able to replace the guitar nor the Marshall amp. I was a single dad, making very little money, so I couldn't justify spending it on myself and not on things my son and I needed to survive. I saw this video it is just brought back all those awesome memories, and all of that devastating heartbreak at the same time.
I totally swear by my strap locks, and have been using them for over 35 years. I've tossed guitars over my shoulder Cinderella style hundreds of times, and I've never had one come lose. However, I have ONLY ever used the JIM DUNLOP Straploks, so maybe that's the difference.
Cool! I also play a Soloist. You talked about how overtightening the hex head screws on the bridge can strip the threads on the saddles or the screws themselves. Try this: remove the screws and string locks from the saddles. Keep the ball ends on the strings and insert the OTHER end (the pointy end) in where the screw goes, but when you get to the saddle, instead of going into the screw hole, go up into the saddle through the rectangular hole underneath. Then reinsert the string lock and screw. You'll only need to tighten it a little bit and your strings will NEVER pop out of the saddles, no matter how aggressively you pull the whammy bar. The ball end fits snugly right under the screw body and is barely noticeable. Works great for me!
28 years back I picked up a DK-2 (Japan) from guitar center and fell in love right away. I've got 3 other Jacksons now and I love all of them. The necks are really nice for metal/rock playing.
I still use the rubber washer off of a bottle of Grolsch beer for a strap lock. Works great never had a problem out of them. Plus, you get a free beer with your strap lock!
#EPIC
And that straplock noise doesn't come out of the amp that way either.
Damn Grolsch beer will get you very drunk..I've had my share and a terrible hangover too !
That is………AWESOME😂
Great review! I love your excitement and sheer joy whenever you talk about playing.
I got my wife at Jackson Dinky and I have to confess repeatedly that it is the easiest guitar that we have to play. I have a Gibson lp, a fender Telly and Strat but that guitar is just easy to play. I tell her when we have grandkids that's the guitar they're going to learn to play on.
Ibanez guitars are the easiest to play. Bar none.
@@SantoshKumar-wl7yb You ever play an 80s Kramer?
@@TylerJohnstonGuitar Nah bro. Are they better?
NOOO. Start them on a Les Paul. If you can shred an LP you can do anything. Dont make it easier, theyll be weaker player as a result.
I own a white Jackson JS32 Dinky with a maple fretboard and bolt on neck. Bought it off of Amazon for ~$350 last May. I did replace the pick-ups with a set of Seymour Duncan’s: a JB in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck. I love the feel of the compound radius neck. It’s so easy to play, stays in tune, and sounds great! I am really shocked by the quality of these so-called “lower end” guitars.
I bought a purple Jackson JS32 Dinky 2 months ago and I have been in love with it since lol Super comfortable to play, I think it actually improved my playing
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 *🎸 Overview of the favorite guitar*
- Introduction to the favorite guitar from the speaker's collection.
- Personal experience with the previous version of the same guitar.
- Initial impressions and backstory of acquiring the current guitar.
01:10 *🎸 Features and build of the guitar*
- Description of the body and neck material and design.
- Weight and comfort considerations.
- Detailed discussion on neck, frets, inlays, and finish.
03:01 *🎸 Bridge, pickups, and electronics*
- Evaluation of the bridge type, including preferences and potential upgrades.
- Assessment of stock pickups' performance and plans for replacement.
- Discussion on pickup selector, knobs, output jack, and tuners.
05:24 *🎸 Personal preferences and modifications*
- Personal preferences regarding headstock orientation and pickup configuration.
- Explanation of modifications made to suit personal playing style.
- Discussion on desired features for a custom signature guitar.
08:23 *🎸 Additional considerations and conclusion*
- Remarks on reliability and preference for non-active pickups.
- Summary of the speaker's priorities in guitar selection.
- Final thoughts and gratitude to viewers.
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You´re so right about eveything on this guitar but you are more right about the heastock, I don't like reverse headstocks and Jackson Guitars look beautiful with the pointed down heastock, they look simetrical. your channel is a gold mine, I love it, thanks for sharing your knowledge, excuse my english, I'm not a native speaker.
You gave a really great guitar review. Your genuine enthusiasm really comes out, and you get into specifics about features that work for you. This may be one of the few reviews I've seen that didn't come off as being a commercial.
I was playing one of those at guitar center. I loved it. Especially the feel of the neck. I haven't felt a neck I like better. The salesman have me a word look everytime I went back to that guitar. It was like he hated me, the guitar, or he was hoping he would be able to buy it first. It was a very awkward experience. He showed me more expensive guitars, cheaper guitars... I really don't know what his problem was. I didn't make a purchase, because the whole situation just had a weird vibe (mostly due to the sales guy). I have regretted not snagging that Jackson ever since. I should've told that friggin guy to "F off" after that first weird look. Oh well.
All of my experiences at GC have been less than stellar.
Guitars are never in good shape, it seems as if they are not taken care of. The sales team are always pushy while being woefully uninformed about the product and without fail always seem to feel the need to show off their skill for a minimum of 5 minutes when you ask to see a guitar.
So a few tips for dealing with GC
1: You need to understand that employees work for minimum wage with a fucked up commission. Before they even earn commission they have to sell enough to cover their base salary. Thus the push on higher priced products.
2: Don't ever buy from GC. Use it as a resource to physically handle what you are thinking of buying, then go to a certified dealer, preferably a non chain store, and order what you want, ir order direct.
3: Never make direct eye contact.
4: ????
5: Shred
I had a similar experience with a Dick sales guy and walked out even though was ready to buy. I emailed the store manager for help and got the guitar I wanted for $10 after my trade ins. It was a great Korean lp custom, it was used and was a hell of a lot better than new Chinese made one on the wall by far
He was probably saving up for it lol
You should have bought the guitar you liked and told him he wasn't very good at his job.
I think you should have bought the guitar and not worried about the sales guy. But you’ll find one that you like eventually.
Glad you got a replacement for your favorite, happy for you! Liked that you kept coming back to how so many of the features are right for you... might not be for someone else, but this has what you value in a guitar. A beauty, enjoy it!
I asked you about it some time ago and then went out and looked out for a similar one, I got a very used old MIJ DK2 that I found locally and no one wanted for like 150€/$. Coming from more classic guitars it felt almost too comfortable, too good to be true. Incredible guitars. Some Gotoh replacements and it became my #1 guitar as well, so thank you for that!
I got a randy Rhodes v it's called an RX10D made in Japan, 1997 floyd rose, emg pickups in the neck and bridge, shark fin inlays, its an amazing guitar I got it for 200 pounds off Facebook Market place the pickups alone are £150
I have played Ibanez Prestige and Premium models for years and then I recently tried a Jackson SL2 MAH Soloist. The Jacksons were such great guitars, I bought three. So, I totally agree with you about Jackson guitars, they are excellent quality!
I just bought a Jackson JS22 Arch Top Natural Wood Finosh, it's on the way, for my first proper guitar. Glad to know I made a good decision. Thanks!
4:50 THANK YOU!!! You're one of the few that actually abuse the trem so we can actually see how it responds. Most everyone else merely gives it a little wiggle at best.
After years of playing $1000+ guitars, I now love cheapies. I have around a dozen guitars which i paid $200 or less for 2nd hand. I've set them up real good and they are awesome. I don't hesitate to use them on stage (i play lead in rock and blues). Some of them i like MORE than my much more expensive guitars.
My backup guitar (which I also use for rhythm tracking) is an SLXT. When I bought it like new, the tuners had been switched out for locking tuners and the old owner had installed Jim Dunlop strap locks. Both are things I would do on any guitar. I swapped out the pretty good Duncan Designed pickups for a set of Invaders. Now, it's competing for the number one spot with my modded SE. All in all, I think Indonesian made guitars are the way to go. I haven't had or played one that was pure junk... unlike some US made guitars.
My first electric guitar was a Peavey Tracer back in 1995. Which looks exactly the same as your Jackson save for the inlays and a through neck. I still have that guitar to this day and is about to be on it's 3rd paint job. To this date is is the most comfortable and favorite guitar I have ever owned.
i’ll never understand why people hate on Jackson’s, they give you a bang for your buck! even the $300 models. i currently have 4 lol my favorite is the DK2XR
Oo DK2XR looks very nice! How is the neck on it? comparing to Ibanez for example? I mean I know they all vary, but in general? You and Mike will make me want to get one day Jackson!
I bought a kelly for around that price for a first guitar. Jackson rules
Most people I know who bitch about Jacksons are older, or are just bitching cause brand loyalty runs deep in guitars and they just like another brand. On the older people complaining it's often because like when I was a kid Jackson didn't make anything even remotely affordable. They were the metal guitar that like ESP ONLY made expensive stuff. Then they came out with their import guitars that were like $600 90s dollars so still kinda expensive. They didn't make any cheaply made, starter style guitars. Most people were still okay with it but the cache was being lost. Then $200 starter pack JS guitars happened, and Fender owning them, and the magic was just kinda lost. They still make plenty of good guitars but your comment sums it up, they are great for the money! They used to be aspirational guitars. Now they are seen as a way to get a lot of guitar for less money. I have 4 myself, 1 USA made and 3 MIJ guitars that I bought BITD. I love my Jacksons but I am kinda sad at times that if I walk into a pawn shop and see one I don't immediately know it's something special like I used to. Some of those JS ones are serious shit buckets. Walmart Xmas starter pack quality. It sullied things.
The short version. A lot of people just got soured on the name when they went from a company that ONLY made amazing guitars to a company that make SOME amazing guitars.
Im learning bass and i so badly want a white jackson js bass,saving my pennies towards it.
I have a 2013 DK2M pro in silver burst. It's my number one. Mine came loaded with American made Seymour Duncan. JB and a 59. It's even got the full access heel joint that utilizes three bolts.Took the place of my charvel DK24.
I love listening to people talk about their favorite instrument.
I've done a similar thing with my Ibanez JS 140W - just an $1100+ (Can) guitar but I've upgraded the pickups to DiMarzio Satchtrack (neck) and Satchur8 (bridge), and then had it re-fretted with stainless frets and the neck and fretwork put through a Plek Station. Plays beautifully now.
My neon pink one had issues like uneven frets apparently so I moved it on. Hated the pups too. Played great other than the fret issue so it was fixable
Funny… I went into guitar center and played this guitar in the silver color (my favorite) and it played amazing - on par with my Ibanez Jem. I ended up buying it that day for $800. It’s literally my go to guitar now
The Jackson Necks are perfect, i have many more expensive guitars but my go to is a cheap Jackson JS32Q DKA HT, its so comfortable to hold and play + sounds really good in a mix with the stock Jackson pickups, minimal EQ:ing needed!
That Jackson solid growl.... The sl1 is second to none. Great video, great channel!
That's a very good review, thanks! It sucks to have your stuff stolen 😩 I would love to see what you'll upgrade this guitar with :)
I own several guitar, and by far, my Jackson kelly is the best, even it’s a mid praced range guitar. Everything about it just feels right.
@the-art-of-guitar. I own three Jacksons. One is a 2003 SL1 USA Soloist I bought new back in 2003. I dont play it out anymore because I don’t want it damaged or stolen. I replaced it with two [Indonesian] Pro Soloists (one HSS and one HH) and I do play those out regularly. Whenever someone asks me about “what guitar should I buy…” after you find out the type of music, etc I almost always steer them to a intermediate priced guitar. There are some incredible instruments out there between $750 and $1200 that play great, sound great, look great and stay in tune. So different than the 1980s…I since have purchased a bunch of Charvel Pro Mods and Dinkys. Absolutely amazing for the $. They really stepped up their game since about 2015.
Is this actually a full neck through or is it a set-through neck? (glued-in, long tenon then sculpted)
I'd be pleasantly surprised if you could get a neck-through in a mid-range guitar as that is usually a feature in very high end guitars due to the extra work required.
It is great though when you zero in on something that, as you say, melts into your body so that is becomes a part of you.
I'm still on that particular journey, having picked guitar back up during the pandemic and am still working on the list of what features I like in a guitar.
I was incorrect…the soloists are neck-thru with glued on wings…sorry😮
At this price point, Jackson neck-throughs go all the way through to the strap button, but they thin out so that only the side facing the player is the neck. The electronics are mounted into a different piece of wood on the top.
These are 100% neck thrus-It doesn’t thin out when facing the player.
I agree - buying a solid mid range priced guitar and doing tweaks to customize it into your version is where it’s at.
Also mid range or lower end guitar with good parts, modded with new pickups is a WAY better deal than a higher end guitar.
Friend has a mexican strat, got some nice seymour duncans put into it, and the thing sounds soooooooo f-ing good.
You lose out on higher quality frets with the low end guitars. If you're looking to upgrade a cheap guitar make sure the neck is quality.
MIM strats are fantastic out of the box though so theyre definitely an outlier
Depends on the situation
Fender Highway One HSS that I put a Burstbucker in the Bridge. 12 years and going workhorse, never let me down once! It's that one that you know you can go to war with and win! Cheers!
I’ve just bought a Jackson Dinky, my first free floating tremolo system or whatever you’d call it. Even though I’m not playing live I went and ordered one of those screw in Allen key holders because it’s a hassle having to unfold the flimsy pocket the stock ones came in and a hassle to get my actual tools out and a hassle to make sure I have them with me all the time anyway. Just makes my life easier and keeps me playing.
I just picked up a 250$ (expensive for me) Jackson monarkh sc js22. It's my first "les paul" style, and has definitely been time learning how to hold it comfortably, but other than that, I was really impressed. Coming from using an Ibanez grg131dx, with the same exact price tag, the jackson sounds much cleaner but also heavier, just better sound, better action, come with better setup, (both guitars were ordered, ibanez from amazon, jackson from sweetwater) basically the jackson was the same price for a 100% better, but less comfortable to hold guitar
6:00 ddario straps with built in lock system are hands down are so nice, no need to get strap locks for every guitar and it's easy on and off
Dude I’m not kidding, I have seen your Jackson on reverb. I clearly remember that decal on the backend!
My Jackson is my favorite guitar I have. Fits me like a glove. Got it at guitar center. Love it.
Heres a tip for the strap lock issue on the jacksons. You remove the strap pin, take it off- put on your strap on via the bottom not the wide top, the take a screw driver and screw it back on the guitar. This way the guitar strap remains in mint condition having not forced it over the top of the pin as you normally do with all guitars. and It has no chance of ever coming off ( untill you unscrew it)
Awesome man, for some reason I prefer bolt ons so I went with the js32 model. The only set neck strat type I really bonded with was a ESP Ltd kh602. Most others feel like a dead body but that's me . Anyway I put a j90c pickup from the 80s in the bridge of the j32q and it slays.
I love my '95 Jackson PS-4 and '94 Rhoads EX. Definitely mid-range, both made in Korea and play really well. Both are bone stock, with the exception of new nut locks on the EX.
To take the gloss off the neck, just use some #0000 steel wool to give it a satin type finish. It's what I use to scrub my rosewood fretboards with Kyser Lem-oil.
Really nice review, I loved the slow pan in some shots of you playing, nice touch.
What's up with the jumpy frame rate though? It crops up in some of your videos and detracts and distracts from the content a bit.
Love the content, love the guitar reviews/collection, and I also love the t-shirt collection. Much respect to you. Cheers, Ted
I've got the hard tail version of that guitar in satin transparent purple burst finish with spalted maple top. It's a discontinued model so it was hard to find one that wasn't used.
I just bought a MIJ Jackson Soloist (white) and I love it. I had a cheaper Jackson years ago but I loved the neck. Jacksons are a dream to play on and have a very minimalist old school 80's vibe that I love the look of. I love my EBMM and Fender but the Jackson is a dream to play.
Okay. I was at the guitar shop recently, randomly picked up a Jackson dnky and was like "WHOA" I might need this thing. Been looking at them recently. And now... you put up this video. I'll take it as a sign that it's time to order, lol.
I have a JS22, Jackson makes some fantastic guitars
Use a green scotchbrite pad on the back of the neck to give the gloss a more satin style feel and if you ever want it gloss again just buff it with car polish till its shiny again
I play a Jackson Pro Series DK2M Dinky made in Japan with a black body, binding, and shark fin inlays. I added some carbon fiber graphic Air Force stickers to the body, EMG pickups, and nicknamed it Stealthy. 🔥🎸🔥
5:56 - check out the Ernie Ball polylock straps. (not affiliated in any way).
One of my favorites is a 97 Jackson Dinky Reverse. I have had so many guitars since getting it, but there's just something about it that I like. I got it years ago off a kid who had no idea how much it was worth for $150, so its definitely my cheapest buy, but its just "that" guitar for me.
I had one from that era. Totally agree.
I had a Jackson ps4 and a dinky that were at a pawn shop
willing to bet its not a 97, Serial number has nothing to do with year
My younger brother is endorsed by ESP & when he got his first guitar that comes standard with the Evertune bridge his mind was blown. I never saw anyone so excited about a bridge. He's got a whole quiver of LTD's & his last one that just came has the Evertune bridge & Fishman pups in it which sounds amazing.
I have a white Jackson Dinky with Fishman Fluence ceramic pickups and a Floyd Rose that I LOVE.
Some Lizard Spit fret polishing pads on those frets will keep it nice!
My best built guitar is still a 1987 Charvel model 6. The Japanese version of the Jackson soloist. After all these years it is perfectly straight neck never a bad note never goes out of tune.
The model series were great guitars, I have a '87 model 2 and love it...currently my no.2 guitar
Well come on lol that's the flagship Chu Shin Gakki made Charvel lol. I have had a 1987 Model 3A since 1995 and it's still probably my favorite guitar ever. Previous owner swapped out the Jackson bridge and put in a Floyd original with a big brass block and I replaced the pickups with a SD JB/59 set and it works very well. Two years ago I walked into GC and there was an 87 Model 6 hanging on the wall without a case for $500. I didn't buy it because I thought my wife would be pissed. I'm still mad I didn't get it.
Oh my god.
A few months ago, I picked one of those up and played with it for an hour. I told my mom I loved it and she bought it for me as a Christmas present.
I love the feel of jackson necks, they make want and enjoy playing them
Really enjoy your channel and your authenticity.
all ya need do to special is ad hardened saddles and brass block as the base plate is hardened
great review of my axe thanks, couldn't agree more, mine is traffic cone orange, should have come w/ a dimmer switch, doubles as a night lite. can't wait to see what pick ups you choose.
I remember the ads for Jacksons in ‘80s & ‘90s Guitar World & Guitar Player mags. I’ve always been a Fender & Rick Snob, but an older cool dude who showed me Kill’em All -> …Justice licks loved his Jackson & would pass it to me, after I’d unlocked Metallica licks on Strat. I’ve never owned a Jackson, but they’re iconic.
My favorite qualities:
1) 24 frets
2) anti-gravity modules
3) Floating Floyd Rose trem bar
4) humbucker in the bridge
5) single coils in the middle and neck for sweet clean tone with 5 way selector switch - or just two humbuckers is good too, depending how crisp you want he clean tone
6) the right wood and other components to produce a thick tone
7) Hyperspace
8) internal tasing with song instruction program
9) reflective pick guard
10) a cool rockin' look
Hyperspace is a nice option if people rush the stage or you're late for a gig or have a performance blunder and you would like to reverse the space/time continuum. My Hohner Les Paul copy had it. Hohner normally makes harmonicas, but they have a few nice guitars and the Hyperspace feature was definitely a solid selling point. It's sensitive though so you have to be careful. I found myself circling downtown Phoenix once before wizzing back to Chicago during the Crazy Train solo.
Ibanez used to make an RG with a reflective pick guard which was nice for fixing your hair.
The anti-gravity modules are perfect for levitating during key guitar solos. This came stock in the official Jackson Randy Rhoades V as featured in the Crazy Train Official Animated Video.
The internal tasing unit that comes with a song instructional program called 'OO-Ow-Ah-STOP IT!' zaps you whenever you make a mistake while learning songs and is available on most Model 83-1BXJ57-9/?$+93# electric guitars by Lawrence Farquart of Long Island.
That Jackson is perfect by the way. I brought one of my adult students to the guitar store and handed her that one along with a several others to try. She is in her mid 40's and likes Ed Sheehan and Fleetwood Mack and that's the guitar she picked. She said 'I love it' and I said 'me too, it has everything you could ever want.'
That shirt is so awesome. My first blank video tape that I had movies recorded on had 1) John Carpenter's 'The Thing,' 2) Alice in Wonderland (Why, I see what's wrong with it! This watch is full of wheels!), and 3) the 1984 Police Synchronicity live concert
These changed my opinion of Indonesia, mine's been tweaked over time, I deleted the middle single, adding a guard to hide the mod. I use a 1984 Floyd and currently have a Duncan Full Shred in the bridge and a fender fat 60's in the neck. Just a 3-way and new wiring and I think it's finally complete.
I did the exact same thing. I bought an X Series Soloist in Dec 2018. It has an H H configuration. The guitar itself was made very well. There are no flaws whatsoever in the guitar. The "Duncan Designed" pickups were kind of lame. I replaced them with real Duncan's. I put an SH-1 in the neck and a JB-TB4 in the bridge. The Floyd Rose Special actually worked pretty well for about 3 years, until I started having issues with the strings popping out of the saddles. This is a common problem with the Special, due to the zinc alloy construction as opposed to the Schaller OFR which is hardened steel and brass. I replaced it last year with a Schaller OFR. The guitar is awesome now and also my favorite.
They make a magnetic Allen wrench that I use. It's small and very handy.
Looks like a great piece of gear, I have a number of the Jackson Dinky DK2M's. A little narrow on the neck, but nice size for transport when in a case. Have to modify them now, for tools on the neck! Thanks for the review! Rock on! 🤘
I have a couple, top notch guitars DK2M
I totally agree with Mike about the Allen wrench access. I have the magnetic one, so I can move it to whichever guitar I’m playing with a trem and I only need one. I also lower that eyesore middle pickup on my Ibanez because my pick catches it. One of these days I’m going to remove it and cover the cutout of the pick guard with something creative.
Awesome video. I also have an Indonesian made Jackson Soloist but mine is black with 2 humbuckers, 2 knobs, and a 3 way selector switch. I also bought a set of decals that mimic the ones Jeff Hanneman had on his soloist from the mid-late 80s. It’s the. It’s the most aggressive sounding of all my guitars, perfect for Thrash. I agree the mid range guitars are the way to go. Sprucing them up with a few mods becomes less expensive and sometimes you hit the jackpot and really don’t need to modify anything, which was the case with this particular one. My second favorite Jackson of mine is a King V with a Floyd Rose trem. That guitar is also a mid range model. I’ve had quite a bit of luck with them.
You should try a Pro Series Soloist, man. The neck feels AMAZING! And it's still very affordable with some nice upgrades like an ebony fretboard and a 1000 series Floyd.
I have two JS series jackson guitars, they are both amazing. The necks are killer. The pickups aren't great, but I replaced one set with Seymour Duncan Black Winters, and it is absolutely amazing now.
This last week I found a neon orange one at a pawn shop for $250. Not a scratch on it. And whoever owned it has already swapped out the bridge pickup for a Seymour Duncan...so win-win! Awesome guitar! And it came with a raodrunner hard case. Thanks for the video!
Digging what appears to be the Robotron Marquee from a stand up arcade machine in the backgound.
like the output this way too. I like to use a cable with an angled jack and do the wrap around the srap thing. Works really well with this style.
I own 5 electric guitars, 2 of which are Jacksons, one Dean Dave Mustaine signature V, an Ibanez 7 string, and an old LP copy. My go to guitar is my vintage modded Jackson ps-4, the neck is absolutely amazing, I installed an SH-8 invader in the bridge, and a hipshot tremsetter for the floyd rose, she plays like a dream!
Had an SL4X, loved the Vintage Hot Stack I put in the neck
I have the Dinky Arch top in white. It was quite cheap $200 brand new. This is my favorite guitar i ever owned. Cheap guitars can be great.
I'm with you on the pick ups. I'm looking at the ESP/ LTD Horizon '87. I think the White version is for me. I have waaay too many black guitars.
Oh man, does that mean you never got the JCM 800 back?
It's funny how sometimes a piece of gear can surprise you. Not a Jackson, but along the same idea of surprise...21 years ago I bought an RG7420 sight unseen out of a catalog to serve as a backup in case I busted a string on my RG7620 during a gig. Turns out I liked the feel of the 7420 better. It has become my main guitar for the last 20 years, and I sold the more expensive 7620 somewhere around 8-9 years ago.
Hey man. We’re such different people. And you’re a more capable player than me. But wow, we agree on SO MUCH about the guitar. It’s awesome to meet you, dude. It’s like you’re my brother. Unbelievable.
Just got this guitar back out the case have it hanging on wall now.
Wondered what happened to the decals on your guitar when I first started this video.
I have an Alan wrench that’s magnetic. If you have metal tuners you never lose it sticks without any mods- I never take it off my guitar with a Floyd. Forget what it’s called but it looks like a big handle, the wrench part is very small but perfect for locking the nuts.
Ooh great choice! I have the Neon Orange and after years of playing many others I am most comfortable with this..
Looks like my old Japanese Jackson, but it had MOP "Jackson" in the headstock..man I miss it.
Please run through some of the great Heart Howard Leese solos from the 80s! Some people hate on that era of Heart song wise, but Howard was killing it the whole time.
I got a Jackson custom shop super strat model with stop tail a couple years ago, and it plays better than any high end axe I've ever known.
That looks exactly like an Epiphone HSS from the mid/late 80s that was stolen. Same color, headstock, and shark fins. Neck through. I had a Floyd put in it about a month before it was stolen. Loved that guitar. Replaced it with the Ibanez 770 in my picture on the left.
Thanks Mike-- I really appreciate all the info. Means a lot to me coming from a Guitar Guy with 3/4 of a Million Subscribers. Keep pushin' On
10:19 use it to your advantage on a hard tail guitar without a trem system. Bend a string (b is the easiest imo) then a pluck the low e and it acts as a dive bomb without the trem. Random but as you mentioned it I wanted to put it out there 😂
Love it!! I have the same model/year except in slime green and graphite blue.
Been playing an '87 Model 3A since I was 14 and it's one of the best feeling guitars I've ever played. Jackson and Charvel are the real deal....even the imports
Great video Mike. I have a soloist custom in natural finish with Floyd rose special. It's very similar to yours except for the finish. Awesome guitar and plays well. It's the only Jackson I own. Glad you found one to replace your stolen one!
Considering you have LP Custom and a Jem it's pretty cool you're no.1 is a mid-range Indonesian model, just a testament to how good import guitars have gotten. Also a testament to you as a player that you're good enough not to need the most expensive gear, you can just rock with anything. More guitar rundowns!
i own that exact jackson soloist and got it for free from jackson because there is a chip on the underside near the strap button. Score!
I have one of the least expensive Jackson guitars available and it plays beautifully. The neck play smoothly and the action is excellent.