Current gen Caparison guitars

[Delmonte Du]

Hi y’all, was instructed by someone on the gearpage to post my question here. Have a question about current generation Caparison guitars. Without getting into the mud of my long search (for a super strat specifically), I went through a number of pieces from other brands that I ended up returning due to a number of reasons, most crucially uncovered a wrist issue that developed over the last year and a half that I’ve luckily gotten under control through therapy (though there are some guitar neck profiles that just aggravate it more than others, like super thin necks). I did like a number of the Jackson’s I played (one of the few brands that gave me the least amount of issues across a number of models), though there were a handful of feature preferences and price issues that made me pass. Recently I came across the Caparison brand, and after doing some research seems to share a lot in common with Jackson, including a connected history. The features on the Dellinger model specifically seem to have a lot more of what I’m looking for in that price tier (similar neck shape to the Jackson’s I’ve played but with a slightly larger profile that is my preference, electronics layout, etc.). So to my question, since I unfortunately have no opportunity to play any in the area I live in, how similar in playability is that particular caparison guitar to a Jackson, more specifically to something like a USA soloist (Custom or Select) or even a PC1? Appreciate the input. Thanks

 

[jco5055]

Welcome,

First, yes even if you aren't a Seven string player, this place imo is the hub for discussions on "Metal" guitars, not counting facebook groups.

But also as a resident thin neck hater (not wrist for me but a thumb issue years ago that I'm trying not to bring back), I'd say Caparison is really your best bet for a non custom-shop superstrat with a thicker neck. I don't know if I'd necessarily say that I'm most reminded of Jackson when I play my own TAT 7 - I think it feels equally similar to ESP or I guess in general similar to Jackson if we just agree that the Soloist is kinda the OG 24 fret superstrat. I actually felt like the Friedman NoHo felt the most similar to a Soloist, like eyes shut I wouldn't be able to tell the difference besides maybe the scale length, but Grover did produce those Friedmans.

The only complaint that can be had objectively is that they may be a little overpriced, just because for example the TAT 7 I have was like $5k new, and imo probably non-custom guitars should be like $4k new max, but the Dellingers are a little cheaper, and even more cheap if you go used.

If someone else can point out another non-custom ordered Superstrat with a thicker neck that would be just as good, I'd be interested to hear, but for example just looking on Sweetwater I really don't see anything else. If you don't mind a wait you could order a Anderson Angel with a thicker neck profile for similar price, though it's not as outwardly metal.

TLDR; Get a Caparison if you like Jackson/ESP/insert Superstrat here but want a thicker neck.

 

[Mtz]

I have not played one, but I love Jacksons and I have been looking at Caprisons many times, but some of the reasons why I have passed on them are because they have a top-mounted Floyd Rose which I really don't like, it sits too high off the body almost like a TOM bridge compared to a recessed, and they also have a more narrow string spacing like Japan ESP's with a R2 nut instead of a wider R3 like Jackson.

 

[jco5055]

I have not played one, but I love Jacksons and I have been looking at Caprisons many times, but some of the reasons why I have passed on them are because they have a top-mounted Floyd Rose which I really don't like, it sits too high off the body almost like a TOM bridge compared to a recessed, and they also have a more narrow string spacing like Japan ESP's with a R2 nut instead of a wider R3 like Jackson.

the narrower nut is definitely a valid thing, as a R3+ sized fan on 6s myself, but someone on Facebook actually replaced the original R2 nut with a R3 nut and I guess it actually fits/works, when I would assume it would cause the strings to be off the fretboard.

 

[Dambo55]

Never played one myself. But from all the reviews, and threads I'v eread, seems they play amazingly well.

I really want CC Shreds new Sig model w the ebony board.

 

[oracles]

I absolutely wouldn't pay new prices for one, I think they're comfortably $1500-$2k overpriced relative to what you get. I also wouldn't buy one without playing it first, as they can be a bit inconsistent. The narrower spacing as mentioned above can also be a deal breaker for some folks.

If you're looking within that price bracket new, Anderson would get my vote every time. Less "metal" looking, but in every aspect, a better instrument.

I really want to like Caparison, but I just don't find them to be competitive in the market. Their pricing and specs make them a hard sell.

 

[Surveyor 777]

I have no experience with USA Jackson's- I think mine are from Indonesia- but I do have several Caparisons. The necks on my Jackson's are definitely thinner than the Caparisons. However, I much prefer the Caparison necks. They are a little thicker but they fit my hand "Just right.

Yes I agree they are expensive. I just noticed on the Sweetwater site that the Dellinger Prominence models are steeply discounted. I don't know if they're coming out with new colors or what, but it seems like they're trying to get rid of these. I wouldn't mind getting one with the lower price but I really don't like the finishes on the current ones.

And regarding the CD signature (new one) - yes, it is nice. I have one of the old ones also - the pink one - and I love them both. Just love my Caparisons in general.

 

[soul_lip_mike]

I have owned one Caparison (a 7 string CZQ orbit). The build quality was great. I was not a huge fan of the neck but that was more because of the fact it was glossy instead of satin.

 

[Sslfetish]

There are Jackson's out there that have a ' standard neck ' not 'speed' . That might be what your looking for. Granted my RR v with a standard is a custom shop. Phil strats as well if your ok with maple decks and being bolt on. YMMV. Cheers.

Addendum: those Capirisons with the sponge finish look like a crystal chasing love and light hippy painted it. They look as bad in person as they do in pictures. Everything is subjective though isn't it ?
Peace be with you ....

 

[siloshredder]

I don't have a Dellinger, but I have an old TAT and a USA Select Jackson. They're comparable quality. I did have a newer TAT as well, but returned it as I didn't get along with it the same as my older TAT. That - plus the fact that Caparisons don't hold their value - makes me say just get a used Caparison. Save the money, open yourself up to a wider range of configurations, finishes, etc.

That being said, neither my Jackson nor Caparison has an especially thick neck. Thicker than an Ibanez wizard, thinner than a typical Les Paul.

 

[Delmonte Du]

Thanks for all the input. The shear dominance of the online market with this particular tier of guitar has made the whole process all the more annoying (am very much an in person and spend some time with it player lol). Are pretty much forced to roll the dice and take a chance (which at these prices adds another layer of pressure and stress ). Luckily a lot of places are offering more liberal return policies now, though you still have to read if there’s any fine print. Gibson and fender (including custom shop) a plenty in my neck of the woods lol (Chicagoland), a stones throw from about any position , though god forbid any of my local shops (including a handful of the GC’s by me) invest in more interesting pieces from the likes of Jackson USA, Suhr, ESP USA, or even Caparison for this discussion. CME is about the only place, and even they’re sparse when it comes to these brands. Wish I was closer to the west coast (SoCal) where there seems to be a really healthy market and selection for these tiers.

 

[jco5055]

Thanks for all the input. The shear dominance of the online market with this particular tier of guitar has made the whole process all the more annoying (am very much an in person and spend some time with it player lol). Are pretty much forced to roll the dice and take a chance (which at these prices adds another layer of pressure and stress ). Luckily a lot of places are offering more liberal return policies now, though you still have to read if there’s any fine print. Gibson and fender (including custom shop) a plenty in my neck of the woods lol (Chicagoland), a stones throw from about any position , though god forbid any of my local shops (including a handful of the GC’s by me) invest in more interesting pieces from the likes of Jackson USA, Suhr, ESP USA, or even Caparison for this discussion. CME is about the only place, and even they’re sparse when it comes to these brands. Wish I was closer to the west coast (SoCal) where there seems to be a really healthy market and selection for these tiers.

Hey man I lived in Chicago for like a decade and currently deciding if we will move back after our lease is up, if we do I’d be down to check out guitars together or try anything I have you are interested in; I’m also like you where I really need to try first so I feel your pain

 

[altnate]

No experience with Caparison, but I've got an ESP E-II with the "thin U" neck and it has the thickest neck of any shred style guitar I've played. Much thicker than any Jackson I've played or the "extra thin U" necks on my LTD's. I was pretty surprised actually, but I prefer necks a bit on the thicker side anyway.

 

[budda]

(Nothing holds its value unless you buy it used) continue

 

[stratjacket]

You can find good deals on used Caparisons if you keep an eye out.

I love them. I own 7: 1 TAT Special, 1 Dellinger and 5 Horus. If you have hand issues, definitely check out the Horus. They have chunky necks and are 24.75” scale (like an LP). They are extremely comfortable to play and come in fixed or Floyd. One of the very few 24.75” scale super strats. Although Took Anderson dues make a shorty model but they are more expensive than the Horus.

I do have 1 Horus Custom Line and it’s neck is a bit thinner, not thin but thinner than the standard Horus.

5 of the 7 I got we’re all used deals over the years and the 2 new ones I got good discounts by contacting the stores directly. So don’t be put off too much by the new prices, you can find them from $1500 - $2500 all the time.

 

[nightsprinter]

If you don't go all in on a Caparison, then some Agiles have thicker necks. current one I'm looking at is 21.5-22mm thick.

 

[crushingpetal]

Just FYI, Sweetwater has a few Caprisons for $1300--1500 off (not sure if these are desirable):

https://www.sweetwater.com/sale/guitar-gallery-sale/hottest-deals/129274/lp

 

[oremus91]

I'm also someone who greatly dislike overly thin necks, and I played a TAT from within the last few years in a store, and was pleasantly surprised by the neck. It felt a bit like my Suhr Modern, it was a bit flatter than a C, but still round with enough thickness, without being overly thick. The other benefit is that the nut width is smaller on Caparison than Jackson, since they are mostly 1.65" nuts, and you have the option to get a shorter scale as well with the Horus.

The main downside is the value proposition, they don't have that many options, and their prices are higher than J Custom last I checked, but the quality certainly seems to be there, and if I'm honest Caparison was always priced high, even decades ago.

I'm a really big fan, if you are considering them, I think due to the slim nuts and shorter scale options, in addition to the neck profile shape, they could be a great option. Unfortunately I've yet to play a PC1 to speak on that, but based on the numbers it could be a good option.

 

[Delmonte Du]

 

[Delmonte Du]

Am a Gibson fan (Les paul in particular, have a black custom fretless wonder). Would I like the Horus (take to it comfortably)?