@@diabeticmonkey what are you talking about, JS series? The regular production imports (not Japan) have really been stepped way up, according to a few well known players that i trust and not backed by Jackson. MJ Series (Japan) I imagine is as good or better than American Series, I am talking about playability, and build quality with quality components. Stuff like luminlays, ss frets, locking tuners(lol) dont mean shit to me and original floyd vs 1000 1500 or 2000 is ridiculous, original aint better just overpriced and probably being replaced by 1000 etc, MJ Jacksons use the Gotoh double locking trem which is as good or better than any floyd rose. The old Jackson licensed trems on their japanese made guitars were killer, just dumbasses hated on them and replaced them with floyd rose probably before actually trying them for any period of time. I have had to replace and work on my original floyd roses and my jackson tekeuchi licensed trems from over twenty years ago some of them, no issues
I just bought the HSS SL3 Soloist. I traded 2 baritone guitars, managed to knock 20% off the price tag, and paid $1000 to get it out the door. You are right about USA guitars. They are amazing! I played a 1991 Charvel MIJ for most my life and the neck totally reminds me of that guitar. Now I'm saving up for the King V KV2 USA made guitar. Keep shredding. Take care, Sam.
I agree. I don't like down playing their other line of guitars, because they are really great for the money but the USA models just have that little extra that makes them 🤌
Nice! I just commented that I picked up an SL3 on SUnday. I got the slime green one and Guitar Center had it on sale for some reason at $1,700 which is a no-brainer. I will say that full price of $2,300 for this guitar is too much. IT really should have the SS frets (not a big deal), an original FR, and better pickups. I like these SD JBs, but on a #2,300 guitar you should get better pickups. At that price point I'd go with an ESP.
@@machiwoomiapoo Nice! Which color did you go with? I love this guitar, but I was a wanker and had GC set it up with the wrong strings. I put 10s on it, but I put the heavier 10s by accident (strings 4, 5, and 6 being 30-42-52 versus the "other) 10s with 26-36-46) My fingers are getting a WORKOUT. haha
Thank you for this review. It was everything I hoped to hear about this model. My jaw dropped when they announced it. Every single feature is perfection. Everything I told myself I would have to settle on is no longer a concession.
It's funny that you and I parallel each other with these guitars. I just bought an army green fixed bridge version of this one and also already own an X-Series Soloist. It is a fixed bridge version as well. It goes without saying the USA model is a far better guitar....But the X-Series models get you into the Jackson speed neck, compound radius, and neck through aspects of the Soloist at a fair price. I have wanted an American made Jackson Soloist since the late 80's. Since I no longer played Floyd equipped guitars, I thought it would never happen. I thought my X-Series was as close as I would ever get. Not even the Pro Series tempted me. But when I saw the army green USA HT, I knew I had to get one. And I love it, of course. It's everything I could ever want in a modern Soloist. Even the EMG's, which are not modern but still hold a very special place in my heart. Damn....I love this guitar.
Just a bass player here, but I grabbed a CBXNT DX IV about five months ago and it has become my favorite since then. It is not for everything, but, what it is good at it does it well and it feels great doing it. Jackson has been knocking it out of the park lately.
Am i the only guy that prefers a 1500 series over the original? I like it for the fact that it has stainless steel parts while the original doesn't. Also think the price of the guitar is great, especially when compared to the select series that doesn't come with stainless steel frets and the quality being on par. The select series are sold for over 4k. 2600 is a solid deal, not sure why people think it's expensive. My DK1 select series was 2k when i bought it and its worth every penny and I'm sure this one is too
It’s disappointing that they’d go with the FR1500 as opposed to the Original. They went with steel over nickel, putting that kind of thought into the detail and then follow it up with the 1500…ugh.
@tacticaledc I disagree. Like I said in my comment, the 1500 series is a excellent trem especially with its stainless steel components which last longer, especially when compared to the original which doesn't have stainless steel frets. It can hold a tuning just as well. Don't get me wrong the original is great but it's disappointing that it doesn't come with stainless steel components
@@TYLERtheMAGGOT1 Stainless steel is important if you’re talking about silverware, but the quality of the original bs the $1500 is reflected in the mass production, where it’s made, and the price. Unless I’m going to dunk my trem and guitar in water, I’m not concerned with stainless vs. quality.
Mine turned up today and oh my gosh it’s nice. Best guitar I’ve ever played and I’ve played / owned high end mayones, suhr and fender custom. Neck is nice
Yeah it’s the fret wire for me that seals the deal. Love SS frets. I also like the upside down shark fin inlays. Considering selling all my guitars for this 😅
As someone who owns a Jackson USA, a Custom Shop Soloist, and has another Custom Shop Warrior being built right now, the only Jacksons worth buying are the USA Select Series and Custom Orders. Save your money and buy the better stuff. Not a fan of the direct mount pickups and satin finishes either. Good to see that they finally got the stainless frets on.
I played one at the store the other week, and honestly it played much better than the SL3, which I can't explain since they are made in the same place.
The orange model would look great beside an organge amp. I have a Crush 20 RT. Small and simple, but it packs so much punch for very little power usage.
Hi Taylor, I have the Jeff Loomis Pro Series Kelly and it plays and sounds awesome. Which one would you prefer between this and the Kelly?? Thanks, great reviews 🙌🏼
Why you gotta ask me such difficult questions? lol I have a soft spot for the Kelly shape, so I'm pretty biased. But I mean it, these stainless steel frets are something else. I'd highly recommend playing one if you have the opportunity.
Pick up rings are something you typically see on lower priced guitars. IDK for sure, but my guess is builders use pick up rings to cover routing, which is not as "finished" looking as on a more expensive guitar. TLDR - it's cheaper to produce a guitar with pick up rings is my guess.
I’m really interested in one of these! Love the fact that they put EMG’s in, not Fishmans. Not too much of a satin finish fan, but the green one does look quite nice (since army green would look sh*t in gloss). Love to see your enthousiasm, great review!
I absolutely love the look and specs of this guitar. I've been on a long waitlist for the ESP E-II M-II, but I might opt for this Jackson. Biggest differences in the E-II are the OFR and gloss finish, and the fact that it comes with the hardshell case (as it should for $2600). I really love the look of this Jackson, though! How do you think the satin finish will hold up over time on this? I've heard some people complain about quick wear on satin finishes that create shiny spots where your arm/hand rests on the body.
Great review. The guitar is indeed beautiful! I see you have a Solar too. How do you feel about those two guitars? (I know the comparison depends on many factors and maybe the models you have are not quite similar, but I’m asking because I’m wondering about get one of those Jacksons or a Solar). Thanks in advance.
Hey Taylor, great video man! What noise gate pedal is that you are using in the video? I heard almost no frequency loss from it. I'm now looking to purchase one of these guitars asap, thanks!
Definitely looking at one of the hardtail ones to pair with my virtuoso. Will be interesting to see the excuses for why people won’t buy this one either now that it has stainless steel frets and a hardtail option.
Oh man, how you like the virtuoso? That was my intro to Jacksons USA models, and it's one of my favorites to play now. If people are making excuses or poo poo'ing this guitar, it's just not for them. And that's OK. Plenty of great options in other budget ranges.
@@TaylorDanleylove my virtuoso, it’s probably the fastest guitar I’ve ever played period. The neck is amazing. Not to mention the smell of the roasted maple even though it’s faint now. How do you like the new soloist neck compared to the virtuoso?
a little miiffed that they deciided to finally do stainless steel frets after I bought the first american series soloist and the virtuoso. sick guitars, litereally the only thing miissing on them is stainless steel frets.
Great guitar! I still prefer the MIJ Soloist, though. Has a neck binding, sharkfin inlays in the right direction and a high gloss black finish. But my biggest hope is that Jackson will publish a new American Kelly series! Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaase!
I got a Harley Benton Amarok that comes with 90% of what that has (Hipshot bridge instead of Floyd) for under $500. Neck-through construction, stainless steel frets, heal truss adjustment, luminlay dots, EMG Retro Active Hot 70 pickups, Grover locking tuners, ebony fretboard, and a bunch of stuff I'm forgetting at the moment. So, why is the Jackson $2,600? Granted, mine didn't come with a case, but that's a $2,100 difference made up for by getting a $50 Thomann guitar case with it.
US labor is more expensive than Chinese labor. That’s part of it. US manufacturing has a reputation associated with it and to add the “Made in USA” mark is an American trademark that you can’t BS on, so building something here and putting that seal on it means more to the world than the faceless people behind HB. The other part: not all stainless steel is created equal. Stainless frets on an American guitar are guaranteed to meet that standard.
You already know the answer. The Jackson is built in the US. Tons of people were bemoaning that no guitars are made in the US. Now Jackson has at least three US production models and the complaint is they’re too expensive. Everyone seems to forget that labor to build things costs money in North America in a way that it doesn’t overseas. That’s where a lot of the price is. If you don’t value that, that’s fine don’t buy it. But to question why an import guitar with similar specs costs less than a US made guitar is being willfully ignorant.
@@K707OR30 and those prices are giving the employees in America wages to live on. It comes full circle: you want American guitar, you pay for it, employees get a cut. Inflation up because demand is higher than supply = costs go up and if they go up enough, standard of living goes up, employees need more to survive, guitar prices go up.
That's really interesting... I never thought of the stainless steel variables. These SS frets are no joke the most shiny/smooth I have seen on a guitar. Not by a crazy amount, but it's noticeable.
Harley Benton is the Chinese mass market gear, lol))) Even with all the cool specs you’ve described. The quality of HB is 50/50 lottery as well. So the comparison with American Jackson isn’t fair at all.
2600 is actually priced fairly good. The USA Select series woukd be sold for over 4k. This guitar has better specs minus the Floyd original. I bought a USA select DK1 for 2000 used and it's worth every penny in my opinion, especially when I compare it to my E-iis and prestiges which are also priced around this point.
Frets don't look big/huge as they should be on Jackson. It seems they are smaller then on 90-2000 Jackson USA/Japan guitars. It is right or only my impression based on video?
Question for you, does it play like the E string is too high on the neck, meaning all the strings are placed perfectly in spacing except for the E string? Mine is like that & no quick fix.
I thought not installing SS frets on their guitars (especially the bigger companies) is a way to make more profit, while PRS claims it changes tone and EVH said it didn't affect anything. But a 1k Schecter has SS frets, and a 3K Ibanez J-custom use nickel, but some prestige that cost less do have SS frets. It's confusing haha
The real advantage is that they (supposedly) last forever, so you don't have to worry about getting a fret level at some point. But idk how accurate that is. Seems legitimate 🤷♂️
I think the 1500 is great. I have an original and a pro. I prefer the profile of the pro, but honestly the 1500 feels just as, if not more solid than the others.
Definitely a beast of a guitar. In terms of stainless steel frets, you could save quite a bit of coin and get something from the Pro Plus series. Interestingly though, I can't see a HH Soloist. I got the MJ Series Dinky DKR in Satin Black. Other than not having stainless steel frets, it's a mighty fine axe that feels amazing to play 🤘🤘 Considering a Jackson for my first 7 string 🤘
Every Jackson I've played has been quality so far. Even way down in their budget line (foreshadowing). I appreciate their consistency with the neck profile and overall feel of the guitars as well.
@@TaylorDanley very much personal preference. Just in my style i dont find myself using the trem enough to make the extra work worth, but they still are very cool and very fun.
I’m looking at buying my first electric guitar. I’ve never played one before. I come from the frame of mind that buying something for beginners is a waste of money because quite quickly you will outgrow something for beginners. I’m looking at something mid-range to high quality but don’t want to break the bank. My thinking is, if I buy a high quality guitar that means I will HAVE to practice every day because I hate wasting money. BTW, I’m 50 and grew up on Metal. That’s what I want to learn how to play. Any suggestions?
Jackson js series is amazing it’s very good quality also being cheap, pick your favorite shape and color that will make you want to pick it up everyday and id 100% say pick up a JS series
Like others have said, the JS series are excellent. I have a video coming on one very soon, but to spoil it I was super impressed with the cheapest full range they offer (js11 I believe). Yes you might outgrow it, but if you want something solid that will last until YOU are ready to invest in something a little more 🤌, it is an excellent candidate.
Is the neck similar to the Jeff Loomis profile? Out of all usas and Japanese pros that Loomis neck kinda destroys the older ones. Pretty unbelievable for a decent price
So my first Jackson was that X series soloist I showed in the video, which is relatively new in terms of the companies lifespan. All the Jacksons I've had are newer (like 2010 on), and I don't notice a difference on the neck profile between any of them. Doesn't mean there isn't a difference, just that I personally don't notice it 🤷♂️ Hope that helps.
@@TaylorDanley hahahaha!!!! I know that feeling. I worked for a band for many years and the guitarist only played rare and really cool stuff. Like he has one of the first korena flying V’s in MINT condition. He got a real old mint condition fender tele and he’s also got a silver burst lp from I think it was the mid/late 70’s. And he has a 40th anniversary prs. My job was to clean string and tune all of these guitars. The first couple times I did it I was super nervous. Before too long tho, I was grabbing one up to practice or record with. They were really fun guitars. He’s also got a 70’s fender p bass that was super sick and he’s got a couple cool acoustics. The dude knows his guitars and has expensive taste.
it is noteworthy that Ive now heard and experienced that no matter what model Jackson they seem to come setup and in tune. I bought a Loomis Kelly and it was ready to go out of the box, other than the locking nut SNAP, easily fixed tho but its biggest flaw.
Tough call. Depends on what I'm doing I guess. I really like my uberkab and Engl for certain things, but my Mesa usually always beats out everything else, so I stick with that most of the time.
I wish companies would just switch to richlite, fretboards don't have any actual tonal quality despite what facebook groups say, and the streaks in modern ebony boards don't look great. Should let the supply recooperate for a few decades. The rest of the guitar looks and sounds awesome.
As much as I want to agree, on my last Grimoire I was asked about richlite and hesitated because I had no experience with it. I think it's probably a matter of time because it does sound like a cool product.
Yes! Plus you can get Richlite in any color, so you can get that jet back fretboard to contrast the pearl/abalone inlay like the good old days. I also want to see carbon fiber necks. No more truss rod nonsense.
For some people, no. But for others, yes. The analogy I would use is like this. If you are a car enthusiast, you would probably be really excited to have a porsche, and be willing to pay the premium price. But if you only use a car to commute and prioritize things like economy and gas mileage, then it wouldn't make sense for you to make such a large investment in an automobile. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
Can you get an MJ Series and see if USA is as good or better, Sounds like the newer USA Jacksons are still great like the older ones. When I saw they are made in Corona now I was afraid they were gonna be made by Fender in their regular Fender USA production plant. So maybe they are still made by Jackson legends or Fender custom shop, the regular Fender production plant/line would be a serious downgrade in playability and quality. Even Fender custom shop would kinda worry me, they might fenderize the necks. I still dont care about SS frets on jacksons because whatever fretwire Jackson has been using forever is killer. Jackson bolt ons are killer, and Fenders are mostly bolt on so thats cool. I would way rather have bolt on than set in necks, gotta be bolt on or neck thru, glued in just seems stupid.
It's possible. I don't think Fender will ever fender ize Jackson, they realize how different the brands are and it would be weird for them to cannibalize their own brand. The biggest crossover I've seen is the reverse Fender headstock on Jackson guitars, which I think is kind of a cool novelty.
what i dislike on the new americam series is the inlays being the wrong way around. i'd rather buy a japanese made one (which is sold at the same price in my country) and have a guitar that's more accurate to the original 80s and 90s specs.
Honestly, it not having an OFR or neck binding at this price point is... Disappointing. 1000 Series Floyds are all right, but they're still no match for OFR or Schaller.
I just learned that the OFR nut only comes in a 10” radius, whereas the R3 1000 series nut has a 12” radius. So playability wise the 1000 series is going to feel and play waaaaay better out of the box (and actually match the Jackson radius at the nut)
Having both OFR and 1500, I would disagree.. I think the 1500 is just as nice, and I really like the addition of stainless steel screws. I think people have bias towards them because they assume the quality is less, but IME it's not the case.
@@TaylorDanley I've had a 1000 and a Schaller. Schaller was in perfect condition, while being twice as old (the blades were never changed since the day one) and abused just as hard. Some rust and discoloration, but no physical wear. 1000 got dull over the years and some screws need replacement.
@@Admiral_Bongo true! But I don’t know many non-custom guitars that come stock with a Lockmeister. No idea what the distribution details look like with Schaller direct, but most builders clearly order from AP International, which means you get a Floyd Rose branded trem on a production guitar. So what we need is for AP International to sell 12” Schaller nuts with OFRs, because putting a 10” nut on a 12” Jackson neck is not great.
It's hard to sell US made guitars when really the only benefit is showing off that you could afford it. It's just a status symbol bc nobody is gonna know or care where your guitar was made on stage or in your studio tracks
I don't think they are going to have a hard time selling these guitars. It's OK for people to not want to buy a guitar in this price range, but there are a lot of players that only buy guitars in this price range. Different strokes for different folks.
Get one here! sweetwater.sjv.io/Qy9MKM
The army green looks sick as hell
Jackson worker here. Was looking forward to your video on this. Love the riffs🤘great stuff
No way, so cool! Good job, you guys are killing it.
Looking forward to more models in the American series line up! Great move by Jackson
Do better. The cut costs on lower priced models is an insult.
@diabeticmonkey , damn....He said he was a worker at Jackson, not a boss. Why give him grief for decisions made by corporate management?
@@diabeticmonkey what are you talking about, JS series? The regular production imports (not Japan) have really been stepped way up, according to a few well known players that i trust and not backed by Jackson.
MJ Series (Japan) I imagine is as good or better than American Series, I am talking about playability, and build quality with quality components. Stuff like luminlays, ss frets, locking tuners(lol) dont mean shit to me and original floyd vs 1000 1500 or 2000 is ridiculous, original aint better just overpriced and probably being replaced by 1000 etc, MJ Jacksons use the Gotoh double locking trem which is as good or better than any floyd rose. The old Jackson licensed trems on their japanese made guitars were killer, just dumbasses hated on them and replaced them with floyd rose probably before actually trying them for any period of time. I have had to replace and work on my original floyd roses and my jackson tekeuchi licensed trems from over twenty years ago some of them, no issues
I just bought the HSS SL3 Soloist. I traded 2 baritone guitars, managed to knock 20% off the price tag, and paid $1000 to get it out the door. You are right about USA guitars. They are amazing! I played a 1991 Charvel MIJ for most my life and the neck totally reminds me of that guitar. Now I'm saving up for the King V KV2 USA made guitar. Keep shredding. Take care, Sam.
I agree. I don't like down playing their other line of guitars, because they are really great for the money but the USA models just have that little extra that makes them 🤌
Nice! I just commented that I picked up an SL3 on SUnday. I got the slime green one and Guitar Center had it on sale for some reason at $1,700 which is a no-brainer. I will say that full price of $2,300 for this guitar is too much. IT really should have the SS frets (not a big deal), an original FR, and better pickups. I like these SD JBs, but on a #2,300 guitar you should get better pickups. At that price point I'd go with an ESP.
@@jaredlonghitano8747 I love that green one! It's super sweet!
@@machiwoomiapoo Nice! Which color did you go with? I love this guitar, but I was a wanker and had GC set it up with the wrong strings. I put 10s on it, but I put the heavier 10s by accident (strings 4, 5, and 6 being 30-42-52 versus the "other) 10s with 26-36-46) My fingers are getting a WORKOUT. haha
@@jaredlonghitano8747 Pearl white. I play bass too. That really builds those calluses.
Finally a Jackson thats not a custom “USA” that checks all the boxes. Would dig a reverse headstock but still nabbing the green one!
Man I love Jacksons, such great guitars, the best headstock ever! Sharkfins are the best inlays too! Just a perfect shred machine! Nice video !
Thanks dude! Yes, it's a shred machine for sure!
Thank you for this review. It was everything I hoped to hear about this model.
My jaw dropped when they announced it. Every single feature is perfection. Everything I told myself I would have to settle on is no longer a concession.
Glad you enjoyed it. I try really hard to bring infotainment to the guitar gear space.
Jackson is Killing it!
Jackson using stainless steel frets will usher in a new golden era for them. Not to mention the new USA production line as well.
I hope so!
They're already using ss frets on all Pro Plus models!
They actually listen to their customers 🤘
It's funny that you and I parallel each other with these guitars. I just bought an army green fixed bridge version of this one and also already own an X-Series Soloist. It is a fixed bridge version as well. It goes without saying the USA model is a far better guitar....But the X-Series models get you into the Jackson speed neck, compound radius, and neck through aspects of the Soloist at a fair price.
I have wanted an American made Jackson Soloist since the late 80's. Since I no longer played Floyd equipped guitars, I thought it would never happen. I thought my X-Series was as close as I would ever get. Not even the Pro Series tempted me. But when I saw the army green USA HT, I knew I had to get one. And I love it, of course. It's everything I could ever want in a modern Soloist. Even the EMG's, which are not modern but still hold a very special place in my heart. Damn....I love this guitar.
I dig your attitude and delivery man keep humble 🤘🏾
Totally want one!
I love how fast a Jackson neck feels
Gorgeous looking guitar! I've had my Indonesian made Mick Thomson Soloist for over 3 years now and I still absolutely love it
Thanks for showing up Ronny!! They make solid guitars! If you ever get a chance to play one of these, you should check them out!
@@TaylorDanley definitely. It's a shame I'm a poor, so that is pretty unlikely
Bought this beauty in matte green, honestly feels better than many 3k+ guitars I tried lol
Just a bass player here, but I grabbed a CBXNT DX IV about five months ago and it has become my favorite since then. It is not for everything, but, what it is good at it does it well and it feels great doing it. Jackson has been knocking it out of the park lately.
I absolutely love it!
That sound is totally killer 🔥
Am i the only guy that prefers a 1500 series over the original? I like it for the fact that it has stainless steel parts while the original doesn't.
Also think the price of the guitar is great, especially when compared to the select series that doesn't come with stainless steel frets and the quality being on par. The select series are sold for over 4k. 2600 is a solid deal, not sure why people think it's expensive. My DK1 select series was 2k when i bought it and its worth every penny and I'm sure this one is too
No, I feel the same exact way. People get so mad about it having a 1500 and I'm like 🤷♂️
It’s disappointing that they’d go with the FR1500 as opposed to the Original. They went with steel over nickel, putting that kind of thought into the detail and then follow it up with the 1500…ugh.
@tacticaledc I disagree. Like I said in my comment, the 1500 series is a excellent trem especially with its stainless steel components which last longer, especially when compared to the original which doesn't have stainless steel frets. It can hold a tuning just as well. Don't get me wrong the original is great but it's disappointing that it doesn't come with stainless steel components
@@tacticaledcalso Jeff Loomis prefers the 1500 series over the original 🤷🏻♂️
@@TYLERtheMAGGOT1 Stainless steel is important if you’re talking about silverware, but the quality of the original bs the $1500 is reflected in the mass production, where it’s made, and the price. Unless I’m going to dunk my trem and guitar in water, I’m not concerned with stainless vs. quality.
damn man im so jealous! now youve got both of those totally awesome Jacksons!
You'll get to visit them whenever I upload a video 🤗
Beast of a guitar and excellent demo! My early 2000s USA made SL2H was refretted with stainless and it's amazing, my number one for sure.
Hey dude, thanks for dropping by! That's a good upgrade. If I ever replace the frets on my older Jacksons, I think that's what I'm going to do.
Mine turned up today and oh my gosh it’s nice. Best guitar I’ve ever played and I’ve played / owned high end mayones, suhr and fender custom. Neck is nice
I just ordered the orange one
what a machine of a guitar!
thank you for an awesome review!
My pleasure!
@@TaylorDanley are you waiting for Kelly American series?)
Yeah it’s the fret wire for me that seals the deal. Love SS frets. I also like the upside down shark fin inlays. Considering selling all my guitars for this 😅
I just bought one on reverb. thanks for the review
How do you like it?
As someone who owns a Jackson USA, a Custom Shop Soloist, and has another Custom Shop Warrior being built right now, the only Jacksons worth buying are the USA Select Series and Custom Orders. Save your money and buy the better stuff. Not a fan of the direct mount pickups and satin finishes either. Good to see that they finally got the stainless frets on.
I tried one of these at my local guitar store and it played well, and the fit and finish seemed fine. Not a bad deal for the price in my opinion.
I played one at the store the other week, and honestly it played much better than the SL3, which I can't explain since they are made in the same place.
It's probably due to the setup. A well setup cheap guitar will always play better than a poorly setup expensive guitar
Finally....yes indeed Jackson!!! Excellent 👌🏻 demo dude 😎👊🏻
If it had a reverse headstock, it would be perfect
The orange model would look great beside an organge amp. I have a Crush 20 RT. Small and simple, but it packs so much punch for very little power usage.
Hi Taylor, I have the Jeff Loomis Pro Series Kelly and it plays and sounds awesome. Which one would you prefer between this and the Kelly?? Thanks, great reviews 🙌🏼
Why you gotta ask me such difficult questions? lol
I have a soft spot for the Kelly shape, so I'm pretty biased. But I mean it, these stainless steel frets are something else. I'd highly recommend playing one if you have the opportunity.
Hopefully this summer I can get my hands on one of this. Thanks man 🙌🏼🤘🏼
Dude been drooling over these for months now. Almost can afford to acquire some new debt for the new year.
I love this guitar, it’s one of my daily’s still!
Wooh, money money.....MONEY
The Virtuoso's active/shark fin brother... Nice work, TD!
Yeah, it feels more like a Jackson with shark fins for sure lol.
If only there was a way to avoid those oily spots on matte finishes I would actually buy this guitar.
When did guitar companies agree collectively to not use pickup rings anymore?
Right?!
I love pickup rings, so this trend kills me.
It especially sucks cause it makes it way harder to swap pickups since the routes are all different.
@@brandonbryson3317that's probably exactly why they did it
Pick up rings are something you typically see on lower priced guitars. IDK for sure, but my guess is builders use pick up rings to cover routing, which is not as "finished" looking as on a more expensive guitar. TLDR - it's cheaper to produce a guitar with pick up rings is my guess.
Pickup rings are ugly. Not a fan
I’m really interested in one of these! Love the fact that they put EMG’s in, not Fishmans. Not too much of a satin finish fan, but the green one does look quite nice (since army green would look sh*t in gloss). Love to see your enthousiasm, great review!
Thanks!
Perfect comparison!!
I remember my friends having that living room that we couldn't enter lol
The hard gig bag idea is pretty cool.
My type of guitar!! Just bought an LTD ESP 1007 recently though so I'll give it a while before I get something new
I absolutely love the look and specs of this guitar. I've been on a long waitlist for the ESP E-II M-II, but I might opt for this Jackson. Biggest differences in the E-II are the OFR and gloss finish, and the fact that it comes with the hardshell case (as it should for $2600). I really love the look of this Jackson, though! How do you think the satin finish will hold up over time on this? I've heard some people complain about quick wear on satin finishes that create shiny spots where your arm/hand rests on the body.
Great review. The guitar is indeed beautiful!
I see you have a Solar too. How do you feel about those two guitars? (I know the comparison depends on many factors and maybe the models you have are not quite similar, but I’m asking because I’m wondering about get one of those Jacksons or a Solar).
Thanks in advance.
Sounds good 💯
Good video, Thanx! And that guitar is amazing looking!
Glad you like it!
Hey Taylor, great video man! What noise gate pedal is that you are using in the video? I heard almost no frequency loss from it. I'm now looking to purchase one of these guitars asap, thanks!
Definitely looking at one of the hardtail ones to pair with my virtuoso. Will be interesting to see the excuses for why people won’t buy this one either now that it has stainless steel frets and a hardtail option.
Oh man, how you like the virtuoso? That was my intro to Jacksons USA models, and it's one of my favorites to play now.
If people are making excuses or poo poo'ing this guitar, it's just not for them. And that's OK. Plenty of great options in other budget ranges.
@@TaylorDanleylove my virtuoso, it’s probably the fastest guitar I’ve ever played period. The neck is amazing. Not to mention the smell of the roasted maple even though it’s faint now. How do you like the new soloist neck compared to the virtuoso?
a little miiffed that they deciided to finally do stainless steel frets after I bought the first american series soloist and the virtuoso. sick guitars, litereally the only thing miissing on them is stainless steel frets.
Oh hell yes🤘
Dig the song you came up with 🤘🏻
Lol Christmas living room is called "the den"lol my grandparents had one.😜👍
GAHT….DAMNIT! I already have an rg-styled guitar with 81/85, and I’m definitely going to need one of these. Holy shit 🤘🏻🤘🏻
They are really nice! I have 81/85's in almost everything 😂 so I totally understand that feeling.
Getting crazy with prices
Great guitar! I still prefer the MIJ Soloist, though. Has a neck binding, sharkfin inlays in the right direction and a high gloss black finish. But my biggest hope is that Jackson will publish a new American Kelly series! Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaase!
Get the satin black with gold hardware. Now that is a slick looking guitar!
Oh man, Jackson is stepping up even higher very niceee 🤘🤘🤘🍕🍕🍕
They are. It was a really nice surprise. Finally SS frets!
I got a Harley Benton Amarok that comes with 90% of what that has (Hipshot bridge instead of Floyd) for under $500. Neck-through construction, stainless steel frets, heal truss adjustment, luminlay dots, EMG Retro Active Hot 70 pickups, Grover locking tuners, ebony fretboard, and a bunch of stuff I'm forgetting at the moment. So, why is the Jackson $2,600? Granted, mine didn't come with a case, but that's a $2,100 difference made up for by getting a $50 Thomann guitar case with it.
US labor is more expensive than Chinese labor. That’s part of it. US manufacturing has a reputation associated with it and to add the “Made in USA” mark is an American trademark that you can’t BS on, so building something here and putting that seal on it means more to the world than the faceless people behind HB.
The other part: not all stainless steel is created equal. Stainless frets on an American guitar are guaranteed to meet that standard.
You already know the answer. The Jackson is built in the US. Tons of people were bemoaning that no guitars are made in the US. Now Jackson has at least three US production models and the complaint is they’re too expensive. Everyone seems to forget that labor to build things costs money in North America in a way that it doesn’t overseas. That’s where a lot of the price is. If you don’t value that, that’s fine don’t buy it. But to question why an import guitar with similar specs costs less than a US made guitar is being willfully ignorant.
@@K707OR30 and those prices are giving the employees in America wages to live on. It comes full circle: you want American guitar, you pay for it, employees get a cut. Inflation up because demand is higher than supply = costs go up and if they go up enough, standard of living goes up, employees need more to survive, guitar prices go up.
That's really interesting... I never thought of the stainless steel variables. These SS frets are no joke the most shiny/smooth I have seen on a guitar. Not by a crazy amount, but it's noticeable.
Harley Benton is the Chinese mass market gear, lol))) Even with all the cool specs you’ve described. The quality of HB is 50/50 lottery as well. So the comparison with American Jackson isn’t fair at all.
2600$ holy unobtanium batperson.
That price is insane just to have usa stamped on the headstock
Back of the headstock too. Crappy satin finish, welcome to the golden era of guitars they say.....
2600 is actually priced fairly good. The USA Select series woukd be sold for over 4k. This guitar has better specs minus the Floyd original. I bought a USA select DK1 for 2000 used and it's worth every penny in my opinion, especially when I compare it to my E-iis and prestiges which are also priced around this point.
@beefnacos6258 the satin finishes look nice I disagree there. I like glossy finishes but they get so sweaty easily. 1 touch and it's already dirty
Yep, this pos can’t compare to my Grover era Jacksons. My $1800 Wild card limited edition smokes this thing. 🤪
Also no neck binding.
It's a stealthy beauty for sure
Hey dude! Yeah, I know I SHOULD get some other colors in the pallete, but I'm the one who is playing them so black it is lol
Sounds grrrrreat!🎉❤😮
Frets don't look big/huge as they should be on Jackson.
It seems they are smaller then on 90-2000 Jackson USA/Japan guitars. It is right or only my impression based on video?
They’re jumbo frets according to Jackson’s website.
Question for you, does it play like the E string is too high on the neck, meaning all the strings are placed perfectly in spacing except for the E string? Mine is like that & no quick fix.
Tried the Lambo orange one at GC...feels like butter❤ would prefer a non-Floyd version!
literally just bought an X-Series.
Probably the best guitar I have in my collection at this point.
They are EXCELLENT guitars.
I thought not installing SS frets on their guitars (especially the bigger companies) is a way to make more profit, while PRS claims it changes tone and EVH said it didn't affect anything. But a 1k Schecter has SS frets, and a 3K Ibanez J-custom use nickel, but some prestige that cost less do have SS frets. It's confusing haha
The real advantage is that they (supposedly) last forever, so you don't have to worry about getting a fret level at some point. But idk how accurate that is. Seems legitimate 🤷♂️
@@TaylorDanleyCorrect, the two main advantages of SS frets are that they wear very slowly and that they're very smooth when bending strings.
Hey man, really nice guitar. Quick question, what type of strings do you use for C#? thanks my friend.
I play in C standard usually and use Beefy Slinkys. I always just refer the the ernie ball string gauge guide when figuring this stuff out.
@@TaylorDanley thanks a lot man, appreciate!
Taylor man pleasee i need to know what song you were playing at 7:40
Your amp set up is 2006-2007 dream 🖤🤘🏽
💪
Nice 😮
Would love to compare one of these to the 90s Japanese professionals
I'm about to pull the trigger on one. is it worth it? also how is the 1500 floyd? I might upgrade to irginal if the guitar is good
I think the 1500 is great. I have an original and a pro. I prefer the profile of the pro, but honestly the 1500 feels just as, if not more solid than the others.
@@TaylorDanley that’s good to hear. Turns up tomorrow and can’t wait. Just had an esp e2 and sent it back as qc was awful. I hope this is better
Definitely a beast of a guitar. In terms of stainless steel frets, you could save quite a bit of coin and get something from the Pro Plus series. Interestingly though, I can't see a HH Soloist.
I got the MJ Series Dinky DKR in Satin Black. Other than not having stainless steel frets, it's a mighty fine axe that feels amazing to play 🤘🤘
Considering a Jackson for my first 7 string 🤘
Every Jackson I've played has been quality so far. Even way down in their budget line (foreshadowing). I appreciate their consistency with the neck profile and overall feel of the guitars as well.
@@TaylorDanley good to know as I definitely like the neck on mine 🤘
These remind me of the 90s stuff. No crazy color scheme or Abolone throw up. Just classic flat and too the point
The hardtail ones in matte army are way cooler in my opinion, but this is still sick
Totally personal preference. I am a FR guy, so this one had me drooling.
@@TaylorDanley very much personal preference. Just in my style i dont find myself using the trem enough to make the extra work worth, but they still are very cool and very fun.
I need Jackson to do a Rhoads like this
I’m looking at buying my first electric guitar. I’ve never played one before. I come from the frame of mind that buying something for beginners is a waste of money because quite quickly you will outgrow something for beginners. I’m looking at something mid-range to high quality but don’t want to break the bank.
My thinking is, if I buy a high quality guitar that means I will HAVE to practice every day because I hate wasting money.
BTW, I’m 50 and grew up on Metal. That’s what I want to learn how to play.
Any suggestions?
Jackson js series is amazing it’s very good quality also being cheap, pick your favorite shape and color that will make you want to pick it up everyday and id 100% say pick up a JS series
Js32 plays very very nice, would 10000% recommend
@@bigyobbos Thanks fellas! Just bought my first electric guitar online. I went with a Jackson JS32T Rhoads🤘😎🤘 Will be here on Tuesday
@@Metaldanriffz Thanks for the positive advice! Just bought a Jackson JS32T Rhoads online. Will be here next week 🤘😎🤘
Like others have said, the JS series are excellent. I have a video coming on one very soon, but to spoil it I was super impressed with the cheapest full range they offer (js11 I believe). Yes you might outgrow it, but if you want something solid that will last until YOU are ready to invest in something a little more 🤌, it is an excellent candidate.
Lol. The xmas living room. Nice!!
Happy holidays! 🥳
Is the neck similar to the Jeff Loomis profile? Out of all usas and Japanese pros that Loomis neck kinda destroys the older ones. Pretty unbelievable for a decent price
So my first Jackson was that X series soloist I showed in the video, which is relatively new in terms of the companies lifespan. All the Jacksons I've had are newer (like 2010 on), and I don't notice a difference on the neck profile between any of them. Doesn't mean there isn't a difference, just that I personally don't notice it 🤷♂️ Hope that helps.
Should've kept it in E! Or maybe D :)
You have enough guitars with EMGs in C, so having this one in E would've been fresh
Nah, that just means I'd never play it
Hello! What string gauge do you use in C tuning?
Beefy Slinkys (idk 10-52?)
Bro, that is not a “nice” guitar. That is a mean machine!!!! Thing looks killer!!
It makes me nervous holding it lol.
@@TaylorDanley hahahaha!!!! I know that feeling. I worked for a band for many years and the guitarist only played rare and really cool stuff. Like he has one of the first korena flying V’s in MINT condition. He got a real old mint condition fender tele and he’s also got a silver burst lp from I think it was the mid/late 70’s. And he has a 40th anniversary prs. My job was to clean string and tune all of these guitars. The first couple times I did it I was super nervous. Before too long tho, I was grabbing one up to practice or record with. They were really fun guitars.
He’s also got a 70’s fender p bass that was super sick and he’s got a couple cool acoustics. The dude knows his guitars and has expensive taste.
it is noteworthy that Ive now heard and experienced that no matter what model Jackson they seem to come setup and in tune. I bought a Loomis Kelly and it was ready to go out of the box, other than the locking nut SNAP, easily fixed tho but its biggest flaw.
what's your favorite cabinet you own?
Tough call. Depends on what I'm doing I guess. I really like my uberkab and Engl for certain things, but my Mesa usually always beats out everything else, so I stick with that most of the time.
Look at youbeing sponsored by MFin' Jackson!!!! That is awesome and that that guitar looks really nice!
Couldn't have done it without your support champ! 💪
man i want one hehe , maybe one day it's not cheap haha but look cool and pretty well build.
🤘🤘🤘
💪💪💪
My only gripe is I'm not a fan of the reversed inlays just a personal taste thing tho
Yeah, I might have preferred reverse headstock to inlays, but honestly just glad they are starting to use SS frets.
@@TaylorDanley But they are not reversed inlays??
I wish companies would just switch to richlite, fretboards don't have any actual tonal quality despite what facebook groups say, and the streaks in modern ebony boards don't look great. Should let the supply recooperate for a few decades. The rest of the guitar looks and sounds awesome.
As much as I want to agree, on my last Grimoire I was asked about richlite and hesitated because I had no experience with it. I think it's probably a matter of time because it does sound like a cool product.
Yes! Plus you can get Richlite in any color, so you can get that jet back fretboard to contrast the pearl/abalone inlay like the good old days. I also want to see carbon fiber necks. No more truss rod nonsense.
BROTHER.
🥳 just waiting for Thursday?
Is it really gonna be worth the $2500? Is it that much of a difference in quality? For that price I can get 2 guitars from Badstroke guitars.
For some people, no. But for others, yes. The analogy I would use is like this. If you are a car enthusiast, you would probably be really excited to have a porsche, and be willing to pay the premium price. But if you only use a car to commute and prioritize things like economy and gas mileage, then it wouldn't make sense for you to make such a large investment in an automobile.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
@@TaylorDanley Perfectly explained. I appreciate it. I'ma have to check one out then. I've always wanted an American jackson
Can you get an MJ Series and see if USA is as good or better, Sounds like the newer USA Jacksons are still great like the older ones. When I saw they are made in Corona now I was afraid they were gonna be made by Fender in their regular Fender USA production plant. So maybe they are still made by Jackson legends or Fender custom shop, the regular Fender production plant/line would be a serious downgrade in playability and quality. Even Fender custom shop would kinda worry me, they might fenderize the necks. I still dont care about SS frets on jacksons because whatever fretwire Jackson has been using forever is killer. Jackson bolt ons are killer, and Fenders are mostly bolt on so thats cool. I would way rather have bolt on than set in necks, gotta be bolt on or neck thru, glued in just seems stupid.
It's possible. I don't think Fender will ever fender ize Jackson, they realize how different the brands are and it would be weird for them to cannibalize their own brand. The biggest crossover I've seen is the reverse Fender headstock on Jackson guitars, which I think is kind of a cool novelty.
If i won the lottery i will buy that Jackson guitar
Time to buy some scratch its...
Buying the guitar is like winning a lottery. I got me the Lambo Orange. 🤌🏽
The price is amazing also
what i dislike on the new americam series is the inlays being the wrong way around. i'd rather buy a japanese made one (which is sold at the same price in my country) and have a guitar that's more accurate to the original 80s and 90s specs.
So .... what's the price tag on this one?? Wish they made a model without the Floyd
Jackson offers this same model with a hardtail bridge.
Me: “PLEASE release a 22 fret King V with a top mounted Floyd and a 22 fret Kelly with the bigger body and no extreme cuts!”
the steel frets are not a good argument ..I prefer nickel (because the sound is a little different) but this guitar i so beautifull
Too many black should have gotten the Orange one dude !🔥
I like black though 🤷♂️
Could've had it made in Korea with a ge1996/lockmeister and same price point. Paying for "made in USA" imo
They have made in indonesia guitars, they're called the X series.
Honestly, it not having an OFR or neck binding at this price point is... Disappointing. 1000 Series Floyds are all right, but they're still no match for OFR or Schaller.
I just learned that the OFR nut only comes in a 10” radius, whereas the R3 1000 series nut has a 12” radius. So playability wise the 1000 series is going to feel and play waaaaay better out of the box (and actually match the Jackson radius at the nut)
Having both OFR and 1500, I would disagree.. I think the 1500 is just as nice, and I really like the addition of stainless steel screws. I think people have bias towards them because they assume the quality is less, but IME it's not the case.
@@TaylorDanley I've had a 1000 and a Schaller. Schaller was in perfect condition, while being twice as old (the blades were never changed since the day one) and abused just as hard. Some rust and discoloration, but no physical wear. 1000 got dull over the years and some screws need replacement.
@@bvanhoosenYou can buy a Schaller nut with 12 inch radius. It literally uses metal that's identical to the OFR.
@@Admiral_Bongo true! But I don’t know many non-custom guitars that come stock with a Lockmeister. No idea what the distribution details look like with Schaller direct, but most builders clearly order from AP International, which means you get a Floyd Rose branded trem on a production guitar. So what we need is for AP International to sell 12” Schaller nuts with OFRs, because putting a 10” nut on a 12” Jackson neck is not great.
It's hard to sell US made guitars when really the only benefit is showing off that you could afford it. It's just a status symbol bc nobody is gonna know or care where your guitar was made on stage or in your studio tracks
I don't think they are going to have a hard time selling these guitars. It's OK for people to not want to buy a guitar in this price range, but there are a lot of players that only buy guitars in this price range. Different strokes for different folks.