MASS DEFECT
SS.ORG Infiltrator
Probably because it's a hassle to cut string ends and lock the nut for most guitarists.
Jackson Pro Series Mick Thomson
- Thread starter JustinRhoads1980
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Womb raider
Drink from the goblet, the goblet of gore
Not going to create a NGD thread since this thread already exists. Just wanted to give you guys a quick review with obligatory shitty phone cams pics full of smudge marks and dust.
Coming from the Indo factory, my hopes weren't too high to receive a flawless guitar, I just wanted something playable. I've had horrible luck with Iron Label guitars and was a bit hesitant to drop coin for one of these. But come on... it's a black Jackson with reverse headstock for under 1k.
First thing I notice when I pull the guitar from the wrapping is the shitty routing for the truss rod. Like what in the actual fuck passes for QC over there. At least pre drill a screw hole so I have the option to install a truss rod cover if you're going to have such crappy routing.
The binding has plenty of flaws throughout, but that's pretty much par for the course for an Indo build. I tempered my expectations quite a bit so I wasn't expecting a phenomenal guitar, I just wanted something that was actually playable.
Beyond that, I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it plays. The action was decent, no fret buzz, no bad frets, and fret ends are ok. Definitely not rounded off, but filed down enough the where they aren't sharp. P.S. the block side markers are bad ass. I tend to opt for guitars with inlays, but with these things, inlays aren't really necessary.
Pickups are pretty "meh". Blackouts aren't my favorite, and I'm not sure why Mick Thomson is so fond of them as they don't seem to do anything particularly well, even basic chugging. Of course, a fresh set up and the right tuning could fix all of that, but as of right now, I'm not impressed.
I've got some spare EMGs laying around so those will probably be installed along with a fresh set of strings and tuned to drop B.
The bridge is awesome. It's not a Floyd Rose brand, but Jacksons take on a blocked Floyd. It feels great and string changes will be a breeze not having to worry about a floating trem. This was a major selling point for me and it didn't disappoint.
The only issue I have is the neck. It's thin, like Ibanez thin. Veryyy flat. I pick this up expecting a soloist and it's just weird to me. I admit I am used to ESP and regular Jackson Soloist necks, so I will give this one some time.
If this one ends up going back, it will be because of this.
All in all, it's a decent guitar for the money. I know there are a lot of guitars in that 8-$900 price point, but I think this one fits right in there in terms of features, playability and quality. Yes, I could have just bought a "used Prestige", but I don't like Ibanez necks anymore so those are pretty much out of the running for me.
It's a pretty solid guitar for the money. If you can snag one for 10 or 15% off, even better.
Coming from the Indo factory, my hopes weren't too high to receive a flawless guitar, I just wanted something playable. I've had horrible luck with Iron Label guitars and was a bit hesitant to drop coin for one of these. But come on... it's a black Jackson with reverse headstock for under 1k.
First thing I notice when I pull the guitar from the wrapping is the shitty routing for the truss rod. Like what in the actual fuck passes for QC over there. At least pre drill a screw hole so I have the option to install a truss rod cover if you're going to have such crappy routing.
The binding has plenty of flaws throughout, but that's pretty much par for the course for an Indo build. I tempered my expectations quite a bit so I wasn't expecting a phenomenal guitar, I just wanted something that was actually playable.
Beyond that, I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it plays. The action was decent, no fret buzz, no bad frets, and fret ends are ok. Definitely not rounded off, but filed down enough the where they aren't sharp. P.S. the block side markers are bad ass. I tend to opt for guitars with inlays, but with these things, inlays aren't really necessary.
Pickups are pretty "meh". Blackouts aren't my favorite, and I'm not sure why Mick Thomson is so fond of them as they don't seem to do anything particularly well, even basic chugging. Of course, a fresh set up and the right tuning could fix all of that, but as of right now, I'm not impressed.
I've got some spare EMGs laying around so those will probably be installed along with a fresh set of strings and tuned to drop B.
The bridge is awesome. It's not a Floyd Rose brand, but Jacksons take on a blocked Floyd. It feels great and string changes will be a breeze not having to worry about a floating trem. This was a major selling point for me and it didn't disappoint.
The only issue I have is the neck. It's thin, like Ibanez thin. Veryyy flat. I pick this up expecting a soloist and it's just weird to me. I admit I am used to ESP and regular Jackson Soloist necks, so I will give this one some time.
If this one ends up going back, it will be because of this.
All in all, it's a decent guitar for the money. I know there are a lot of guitars in that 8-$900 price point, but I think this one fits right in there in terms of features, playability and quality. Yes, I could have just bought a "used Prestige", but I don't like Ibanez necks anymore so those are pretty much out of the running for me.
It's a pretty solid guitar for the money. If you can snag one for 10 or 15% off, even better.
SJShinn
Well-Known Member
How exactly is that bridge attached? there's got to be another screw underneath, right?
Womb raider
Drink from the goblet, the goblet of gore
Theres a third mount into the body right under where the fine tuners are.
JustinRhoads1980
Jackson Elitist
Phew I am thankful it isn't too thin. How were the pickups? Also is there a neck profile that is similar to the MT? I don't want them to do that red color like at Ibanez, I find that color gross. I hope if they do that, they do a blood red metallic like on his custom model. Also does it have a great sustain?
I hope they do a flying v model or Warrior model in his same format of his guitar. I would pay for something like that! Hopefully mick has the same intentions in mind for expanding his stuff with Jackson
JustinRhoads1980
Jackson Elitist
JustinRhoads1980
Jackson Elitist
Exactly! I hope Jackson makes this a feature on their guitars. My wallet won't be happy tho
JustinRhoads1980
Jackson Elitist
I could understand people not wanting to deal with floating floyds, but this, that is just kind of lazy IMO
JustinRhoads1980
Jackson Elitist
Not going to create a NGD thread since this thread already exists. Just wanted to give you guys a quick review with obligatory shitty phone cams pics full of smudge marks and dust.
Coming from the Indo factory, my hopes weren't too high to receive a flawless guitar, I just wanted something playable. I've had horrible luck with Iron Label guitars and was a bit hesitant to drop coin for one of these. But come on... it's a black Jackson with reverse headstock for under 1k.
First thing I notice when I pull the guitar from the wrapping is the shitty routing for the truss rod. Like what in the actual fuck passes for QC over there. At least pre drill a screw hole so I have the option to install a truss rod cover if you're going to have such crappy routing.
The binding has plenty of flaws throughout, but that's pretty much par for the course for an Indo build. I tempered my expectations quite a bit so I wasn't expecting a phenomenal guitar, I just wanted something that was actually playable.
Beyond that, I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it plays. The action was decent, no fret buzz, no bad frets, and fret ends are ok. Definitely not rounded off, but filed down enough the where they aren't sharp. P.S. the block side markers are bad ass. I tend to opt for guitars with inlays, but with these things, inlays aren't really necessary.
Pickups are pretty "meh". Blackouts aren't my favorite, and I'm not sure why Mick Thomson is so fond of them as they don't seem to do anything particularly well, even basic chugging. Of course, a fresh set up and the right tuning could fix all of that, but as of right now, I'm not impressed.
I've got some spare EMGs laying around so those will probably be installed along with a fresh set of strings and tuned to drop B.
The bridge is awesome. It's not a Floyd Rose brand, but Jacksons take on a blocked Floyd. It feels great and string changes will be a breeze not having to worry about a floating trem. This was a major selling point for me and it didn't disappoint.
The only issue I have is the neck. It's thin, like Ibanez thin. Veryyy flat. I pick this up expecting a soloist and it's just weird to me. I admit I am used to ESP and regular Jackson Soloist necks, so I will give this one some time.
If this one ends up going back, it will be because of this.
All in all, it's a decent guitar for the money. I know there are a lot of guitars in that 8-$900 price point, but I think this one fits right in there in terms of features, playability and quality. Yes, I could have just bought a "used Prestige", but I don't like Ibanez necks anymore so those are pretty much out of the running for me.
It's a pretty solid guitar for the money. If you can snag one for 10 or 15% off, even better.
I am getting mine at $720 plus tax.
I think some of these things you have stated are occasional things. The truss rod route from what I have seen has been meh, some have issues, some prob don't.
Also what exactly is wrong with thhe binding? I saw a picture and couldn't see anything wrong. Is there anything specific?
Womb raider
Drink from the goblet, the goblet of gore
I didn't take any pictures, but there are spots where it looks uneven or even cracked under the clearcoat. The tip of the headstock has some black showing through. I thought it was a chip at first, but just shitty binding.
JustinRhoads1980
Jackson Elitist
Well I don't think that is much of a concern for me. If it is very little things oh well. If there is anything major, then it is getting returned.
I am more concerned about the neck. I heard from you that is very Ibanez like. I don't get along with Ibanez necks and this might be the deal breaker right here if it is something I cannot bond with or get used to
MASS DEFECT
SS.ORG Infiltrator
Yeah, I too saw uneven binding or paint overspray down the side of the neck.
groverj3
Bioinformagician
That truss rod route is a bummer. Otherwise, it looks pretty decent to me and on-par with other Indo-made stuff at that price.
If it were me I'd try to get another one without the messed up truss rod route, but that's just me.
If it were me I'd try to get another one without the messed up truss rod route, but that's just me.
Thanks for the more detailed Pics.
Im gasing for one of these but the White one. I have the Ibanez MTM2 (black) without the AWFULL inlay and its one of my preferred guitars that I own. Never managed to get the White one, so this is a perfect excuse
Im gasing for one of these but the White one. I have the Ibanez MTM2 (black) without the AWFULL inlay and its one of my preferred guitars that I own. Never managed to get the White one, so this is a perfect excuse
Is that wood, or just finish?
You might be able to just sand it back slightly and clean it up, if you don't just return it for another one.
You might be able to just sand it back slightly and clean it up, if you don't just return it for another one.
Yeah, in this range as long as there isn't a significant issue, I'd probably just keep it. The odds of getting a "better" one, when the issue is only aesthetic and not in a very visible spot, is minimal. The next one might have a cleaner truss rod route, but terrible fretwork.
That said, I'm from the camp that if you're not happy for whatever reason, send it back.
Womb raider
Drink from the goblet, the goblet of gore
It is probably finish, but it's pretty thick, about 1cm. Sanding it could be an option but I'll probably leave it as is. That issue alone doesn't bother me, but there are a bunch of small imperfections throughout which add up. That being said, this one plays great so that's all that matters I suppose. If this one does go back, it will be because of the thin neck and my aversion to them.
Gravy Train
SS.org Regular
Tried one at my local GC yesterday (in white). There were binding issues and uneven truss rod routing. Besides that, it played pretty decently with the typical GC setup you would expect. I’m sure with some real TLC it would be a really kickass guitar! Also, the neck isn’t nearly as thin as I was expecting. Very comfy and fast!
Maybe I’ll get a white USA someday
Maybe I’ll get a white USA someday
