NGD - Jackson Sustainiac

Well, it's only been a week since my last NGD, but I couldn't help myself. I just bought a black Jackson DK2S Sustainiac, reduced to half price due to a nice ding near the tone pot. It's coming from the other side of the country so a few days to wait yet... but looks like my old HR strat is headed for Ebay :neutral:

http://www.keymusic.com/gfx_productcode/78292/4/Jackson-DK2S-Dinky-Black.jpg

Anyone else love their Jacksons?

Very nice; I think you'll like it.

I really wish, in some ways, that FMIC would have restored Grover's original formula for his two brands: Charvel = bolt-on; Jackson = neck-through (save for an odd custom order).

It's been in fashion for some time now to knock on Jacksons, but those original Soloists and Rhoads models played like butter. I also seem to recall Jeff Beck having a fondness for a custom order that Grover's guys built for him.

you're new aren't you.... :razz:

looks like a cool guitar

Very nice; I think you'll like it.

I really wish, in some ways, that FMIC would have restored Grover's original formula for his two brands: Charvel = bolt-on; Jackson = neck-through (save for an odd custom order).

It's been in fashion for some time now to knock on Jacksons, but those original Soloists and Rhoads models played like butter. I also seem to recall Jeff Beck having a fondness for a custom order that Grover's guys built for him.

I've had the pleasure of owning both a RR-1 Randy Rhoads offset V, and a SL-1 Soloist. Bought the Rhoads in my early days, in a heavy metal phase, and it was an immaculately built guitar. Perfect everything! I think it was purchased around 96-97. Ended up getting stolen, almost quit playing after that. A few years ago, picked up the SL-1, probably 2009. Again, beautiful instrument! The epitome of Stratocaster evolution. Sold it a few months after buying my first Tele, after realizing my preferences had changed greatly over the years. Both had amazing necks, great for speedy licks and what not. Great sculpted neck heels that blended perfectly into the body. The only reason I can see people knock Jackson is that they've never played a properly setup high end model. I'd imagine their lower end models probably fare about as well as Squire Strats and Teles, especially seeing as how their now owned by FMIC.

WIWTL (when i win the lottery) I'm gonna pop for both the Adrian Smith and Phil Collen signature super-Strats. I've always wanted a "real" Jackson, but could only afford used MIJ Charvels and a few odd Charvettes. Some people can't get past the point headstocks and (some) pointy bodies, but they are some of the smoothest playing guitars ever. The stock Jackson pickups are generally hot/tight sounding, but could easily be re-voiced with a Seymour JB or something similar. I've played a few of the 80's model US Jacksons and they rank higher than the US Gibsons and Fenders I've owned, IMHO, YMMV, blahblahblah.

As far as the new sub-$400 new Jacksons, they're the same in name only. The same $$ will buy a new Dean, ESP, CV/VM Squier, or a used almost anything.

...BTW, the above-mentioned Sustainiac model does not fit in the el-cheap category. My brother has a honeyburst version and it does justice to the brand name:lol:

WIWTL (when i win the lottery) I'm gonna pop for both the Adrian Smith and Phil Collen signature super-Strats. I've always wanted a "real" Jackson, but could only afford used MIJ Charvels and a few odd Charvettes. Some people can't get past the point headstocks and (some) pointy bodies, but they are some of the smoothest playing guitars ever. The stock Jackson pickups are generally hot/tight sounding, but could easily be re-voiced with a Seymour JB or something similar. I've played a few of the 80's model US Jacksons and they rank higher than the US Gibsons and Fenders I've owned, IMHO, YMMV, blahblahblah.

As far as the new sub-$400 new Jacksons, they're the same in name only. The same $$ will buy a new Dean, ESP, CV/VM Squier, or a used almost anything.

...BTW, the above-mentioned Sustainiac model does not fit in the el-cheap category. My brother has a honeyburst version and it does justice to the brand name:lol:

Pickups in my RR-1 were super-hot, being active and all. Pinch harmonics were a breeze! However, the SL-1 is a jack of all trades. It'll get as raunchy as you want, but a bit of fiddling with the tone and volume knobs can dial up a veritable smorgasbord of tone, even traditional jazz with the appropriate amp. Pickups were two Seymour Duncan Classic Stacks in the neck and middle position, and a Seymour Duncan TB-4 at the bridge.

Also, if had lottery cash, I'd spring for one of these 160 year old wood constructed San Dimas...sorry for inducing GAS!

As far as the new sub-$400 new Jacksons, they're the same in name only. The same $$ will buy a new Dean, ESP, CV/VM Squier, or a used almost anything.

I almost bought one of the sub-$400 Jackson Dinkys when I was in the market recently, a JS32RT I think. It played very well, but you're right, you can buy almost anything used in that price range, and I ended up with a BARELY used Sterling Silo 30, and I am very happy I went that direction.

A friend of mine did have a custom shop Soloist, and it was one of the smoothest guitars I've ever played.

Anyway, congrats and enjoy that thing! It looks like it will be alot of fun!