Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: varkunus on May 27, 2008, 08:26:33 PM

Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 27, 2008, 08:26:33 PM
Hey there again. Well as some of you have proberly seen i was pretty set on getting the ibanez rg1570, but i just saw the jackson sl3. Now i was just wondering which of these guitar you woudl think is better bearing in mind im LEFTY, play anything really from t-rex to megadeth to george benson to garry moore to sabbath. So i need something which is versatile. And why is the sl3 so much cheaper than the other soloists? I assume its cause its not made in the USA. Anyway which has the better trem. Im not to bothered about pickups cause i will almost certainly swap them out for bareknuckles anyway and and proberly make the middle single coil, and the neck maybe minibucker. Im thinking maybe the jackson would be more suited providing i could get a good humbucker and single coil sound out of neck. Anyway ill leave it to you guys on this, also any other good guitars in that pricerange which are availible in lefty in the UK (can order online)

yeah i know i need to play them, but im lefty so its very hard to try any floyd rose guitar. Secondly i live on the isle of wight so i have to pay £80 for each ferry crossing, and if i find the guitar i like there but dont know if the trems good then without the help of UG i could end up wasting almost a £1k. So I am really exploring every possibly avenue i can think off.

So... so far you guys are saying the ibby trem is better? And what about neck through, i gather that it will give more sustain, but what about action/playability and the rest of it? Also is basswood any good for classic rock or would the alder in the jackson be more suited
just reading some more reviews on the jacksound do you think the HSS would offer more versatility than the HSH. And everyone is saying the neck plays like butter, and its sustains like a beast. If the tremelo was up to scratch is routed so i could put a floyd in at a later date?
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: MDV on May 27, 2008, 08:34:01 PM
I'd take the SL3 personally.

Most of thats down to taste, though. Some of it is down to the maple thru: yes, its gonna be trebly, but you can be sure of good vibration transmision (and select pickups to taste afterwards). Ibanez on the other hand are making some really nice guitars these days, but a mate of mine just got a 2570 that let the side down: the bolt on wasnt good contact at all (to be fair though, most ibanezes I've seen lately have been very good in that regard, but beware; the QC isnt quite as on the ball as it was back in the day (like, '87 ;))

They both have liscenced trems. Jacksons can be pretty good, but the consensus is that Edge trems are better. The Edge pro on the Ibanez is probably gonna take it, but you'd have to wait till someone like Dave chips in that actually really cares enough about trems to have a well informed opinion (I block mine).
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: warpthrone on May 27, 2008, 09:08:15 PM
I would go for the Ibanez, simply becouse i'm bias.
 I love Ibanez, best guitars I ever played for metal.
But it really does come down to personal taste.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: dave_mc on May 27, 2008, 09:53:53 PM
That sl3 has an OFR now, mark, I think.

I'd say it's pretty close... they're both nice guitars. I'd probably go with the sl3 too (but that's because i already have an HSH bolt-on ibanez rg!), but they're pretty similar in terms of quality. the sl3 doesn't come with a case either, but then does come with nicer pickups, and neck-thru (which isn't "better", but tends to be more expensive).

difficult choice, to be honest. on the one hand, i guess that means it's hard to go wrong with either, but the flipside is whichever you get you might always wish you'd got the other...
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 12:09:31 AM
well im not a full out metal head so need something versatile. And ive heard rumours that bass wood can sound somewhat flat in a vintage toned environment. Anyway i know necks and stuff are personal preference so im just gona have to try them out as best i can. But i will replace whichever one i get with BKs. So which has the best trem? And to person who said the SL3s now come with OFRs, linky please...
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 12:15:20 AM
also whats the advantages off neck thru over bolt on? Im aware that neck through gives better sustain, but am unaware of how it afffects the tone. Although i was under the impression that bolt on are more trebly. Also bolt ones can be replaced alot more easily. Anyway im confused... help!
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 12:19:00 AM
Here it says its a Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 tremolohttp://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Jackson-SL3-Soloist-Electric-Guitar?sku=512237

Also how does it compare to the SL1, both specification wise, and playability wise (hope someone here has played both)
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 12:24:25 AM
I'm pretty sure it doesn't come with an OFR, but its a Japanese jackson if I remember right, and generally not a bad guitar.

Personally I thought it felt too plasticy, and wasn't that impressed, I much prefer the LTD MH1000 for around the same price, which does come with an OFR.

Between that and the Ibanez, I'd go for the Nez, even though I don't like them, a lesser of two evils situation.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: Jonny on May 28, 2008, 12:33:55 AM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
I'm pretty sure it doesn't come with an OFR, but its a Japanese jackson if I remember right, and generally not a bad guitar.

Personally I thought it felt too plasticy, and wasn't that impressed, I much prefer the LTD MH1000 for around the same price, which does come with an OFR.

Between that and the Ibanez, I'd go for the Nez, even though I don't like them, a lesser of two evils situation.

Don't think Paul, himself, does. However that doesn't make PRS PS any worse off. Far from it.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 12:34:25 AM
Like i said if anyone else has better solutions post em here.

The reviews dont sound good in comparision to the nez!! http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Jackson/SL3/10/1
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 12:37:15 AM
btw i dont think that LTD comes lefty
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 01:08:22 AM
Quote from: Jonny
Quote from: noodleplugerine
I'm pretty sure it doesn't come with an OFR, but its a Japanese jackson if I remember right, and generally not a bad guitar.

Personally I thought it felt too plasticy, and wasn't that impressed, I much prefer the LTD MH1000 for around the same price, which does come with an OFR.

Between that and the Ibanez, I'd go for the Nez, even though I don't like them, a lesser of two evils situation.

Don't think Paul, himself, does. However that doesn't make PRS PS any worse off. Far from it.


I think some of them he does actually, I doubt he does it often, but it wouldn't suprise me if he popped into the workshop from time to time, he seems to like to get his hands dirty.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 01:15:57 AM
paul? whos he!

Anyway back on topic please guys this is doing my "nut" in
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: Jonny on May 28, 2008, 09:19:06 AM
Quote from: varkunus
paul? whos he!

Anyway back on topic please guys this is doing my "nut" in

Paul Reed Smith of.. Paul Reed Smith Guitars. :lol:

I would go for the Jackson (I'm an Ibanez fan) because I don't see an RG1570 playing any George Benson, Sabbath, etc. I can't imagine it'll sound good with basswood (I think that's the wood of the guitar, isn't it?)

Although it has an Edge, nice neck joint and decent QC (although look out for what Mark said) I would still go for the Jackson. LFR trems are really like 'the one you got is shite, or it's good', quality doesn't really follow the guitar brand, rather just the product.

Plus I think the single neck could give a little leeway towards your versatility.

However, it is more expensive. But if you can afford either - the Jackson.

Hope that helps. :wink:
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 10:06:38 AM
well i was looking around and it turns out the trem on the jackson is an OFR. Not only have people emailed floyd rose, but also people who own it say it has OFR stamped on the trem.

Anyway in comparision to the USA SL1 how does it compare, and how will a rose wood an ebony freboard differ
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 10:23:22 AM
Quote from: varkunus
well i was looking around and it turns out the trem on the jackson is an OFR. Not only have people emailed floyd rose, but also people who own it say it has OFR stamped on the trem.

Anyway in comparision to the USA SL1 how does it compare, and how will a rose wood an ebony freboard differ


Rofl - Compared to a guitar more than twice the price, how do you imagine it compares?

Its not that bad I guess, but when I played it I really wasn't that impressed, but then again, I ended up buying a Horizon, which is a guitar it can't really compare to considering the £1000 jump.

In that price range Ibanez does kinda rule supreme. Unless you look at Schecter which are great, and if I remember right do the Hellraiser as a left hander. That would wipe all the guitars mentioned totally out of the water imo.


Edit, yep: http://www.adirondackguitar.com/lefty/schecter/hr_c1_fr.htm
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 10:33:57 AM
ive never been a huge fan of scheters. Anyway would it worth working for maybe 2/3 summers and buying a SL1 or maybe even a custom
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 10:47:51 AM
Quote from: varkunus
ive never been a huge fan of scheters. Anyway would it worth working for maybe 2/3 summers and buying a SL1 or maybe even a custom


That's up to you.

But Schecters are superb tbh. Really great guitars.

Personally I would never buy an SL1, but thats just me I guess...
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 12:41:33 PM
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: Jonny on May 28, 2008, 12:42:58 PM
I've think we've hit a GAS loophole here.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 12:49:12 PM
Quote from: varkunus
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar


Because they're extremely well built, well playing, good sounding guitars.

In their price range they blow everything else out of the water completely imo.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: Jonny on May 28, 2008, 12:50:17 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: varkunus
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar


Because they're extremely well built, well playing, good sounding guitars.

In their price range they blow everything else out of the water completely imo.

+1
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: Philly Q on May 28, 2008, 01:23:18 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Edit, yep: http://www.adirondackguitar.com/lefty/schecter/hr_c1_fr.htm

I like the way they illustrate it with a reversed image of a right-hander!  :lol:
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: dave_mc on May 28, 2008, 01:33:22 PM
Quote from: varkunus
Here it says its a Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 tremolohttp://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Jackson-SL3-Soloist-Electric-Guitar?sku=512237

Also how does it compare to the SL1, both specification wise, and playability wise (hope someone here has played both)


yeah, i emailed floyd rose about that a while back as it seemed strange. they seemed a bit confused themselves ( :lol: ) but eventually told me they thought it was just an OFR. I've tried one, and it looked like an OFR ok. I think, anyway. :lol:

just to give the other side of the coin on schecters, I've never really liked any of the schecters i've tried. i haven't tried all that many (no dealers here, only been able to try them when i was on the mainland and near a sound control), but the couple i have tried weren't very good at all. of course, i've also tried an ibanez prestige in a sound control and though it was very badly set up, so it's hard to say whether i don't like schecters or sound control's setup standards...  :lol:

considering you don't want an out-and-out metal guitar, it's debatable what point there'd be in going for a hellraiser (it's got emgs, doesn't it?), but i'm sure they have other OFR non-emg models.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 01:57:58 PM
Quote from: Philly Q
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Edit, yep: http://www.adirondackguitar.com/lefty/schecter/hr_c1_fr.htm

I like the way they illustrate it with a reversed image of a right-hander!  :lol:


Hahahah!!

Just noticed that - You wouldn't be able to tell if it wasn't for the logo!
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: gingataff on May 28, 2008, 02:09:27 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: varkunus
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar


Because they're extremely well built, well playing, good sounding guitars.

In their price range they blow everything else out of the water completely imo.


And nothing to do with the fact that they're owned by ESP? :wink:  :wink:
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 02:19:20 PM
hhhm so any other guitars to try out?
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: gingataff
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: varkunus
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar


Because they're extremely well built, well playing, good sounding guitars.

In their price range they blow everything else out of the water completely imo.


And nothing to do with the fact that they're owned by ESP? :wink:  :wink:


Are they??

That would explain alot I guess.

I thought they were American?
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: dave_mc on May 28, 2008, 03:32:52 PM
Quote from: varkunus
hhhm so any other guitars to try out?


washburns maybe?
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 03:38:55 PM
so in summary...

sl3 or rg1570 or c1 hellraiser (bear in mind im not a metal nut)

or save and buy the sl1 or custom?
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: noodleplugerine on May 28, 2008, 03:44:53 PM
I think there are Schecter left handers with OFRs and "normal" pickups, but hell, you'll probably get BKPs in whatever guitar anyway so surely the EMGs don't matter :P
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: gingataff on May 28, 2008, 03:51:25 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: gingataff
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: varkunus
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar


Because they're extremely well built, well playing, good sounding guitars.

In their price range they blow everything else out of the water completely imo.


And nothing to do with the fact that they're owned by ESP? :wink:  :wink:


Are they??

That would explain alot I guess.

I thought they were American?



I made a slight error, technically they are not owned by ESP but the (Japanese) owner of ESP also owns Schecter guitar research and the ESP corporate website lists them as part of their empire (including the Musicians Institute schools). There is a series of high end Schecter super-strats (think Suhr/Tom Anderson style) that are made in Japan, almost certainly by ESP.
I don't think there's any coincidence that Hellraisers are so similar to Horizons.

Anyway to get back on topic, I agree that it's a good alternative to the Ibanez and Jackson, and would look and probably sound more convincing playing George Benson than those other two after a pickup change.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: nfe on May 28, 2008, 03:56:34 PM
Quote from: gingataff
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: gingataff
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: varkunus
why do u rate scheters so highly? Also i dont just want a metal guitar


Because they're extremely well built, well playing, good sounding guitars.

In their price range they blow everything else out of the water completely imo.


And nothing to do with the fact that they're owned by ESP? :wink:  :wink:


Are they??

That would explain alot I guess.

I thought they were American?



I made a slight error, technically they are not owned by ESP but the (Japanese) owner of ESP also owns Schecter guitar research and the ESP corporate website lists them as part of their empire (including the Musicians Institute schools). There is a series of high end Schecter super-strats (think Suhr/Tom Anderson style) that are made in Japan, almost certainly by ESP.
I don't think there's any coincidence that Hellraisers are so similar to Horizons.


Yep, LTDs and the lower end Schecters all come out the same factory, same woods, awfully similar hardware etc. As are Daisy Rock, incidentally  :lol:

I'm not as sure on the ESPs coming out the same place as the higher end schecters as I've never worked in a shop that sold either or had any real dealings with either.
Title: ...second thoughts
Post by: varkunus on May 28, 2008, 04:08:46 PM
well im not like a huge george benson nut but as long as it can get a passable tone, like if i put the tone knob all the way down