Great video! Schecter charges like $3k for most the US models but theyre wayyy higher quality. I wish those glammy colored DX were a few bucks more and had higher quality. They look sick but have whack fretwork and bottom feeder Poplar bodies 👎🏻.
All of the hate on these went out the window when I played it. Just gifted one to my brother as a law school graduation present. He owns lots of top end guitars and said this one will probably be his main gigging guitar. The trem and frets don’t matter when the neck is that good. Also…they’re solid components. The only serious complaint is the semi-soft case…like wtf?
I've been gas'ing for one since they came out, and I just played one last week at a local store that has a green one. Dude, it's a super solid guitar. The frets and playability are immaculate, the trem is super low profile and handled everything I threw at it. It's a top notch instrument...then the case lol. I totally agree with you. Like why didn't they just take that molding sitting on top of the plush, and place that in the case?!...I don't get it.
@@Scorcher19 yeah i have seen this repetitive news going around like a virus. I rather just have the comparison between the countries of their Jackson model. USA is going to lose due to labor and lowering the parts to keep it competitive with Japan and Korean from what I see.
but to pay 1.0-1.5k more just for the "corona, california" logo? ... most raw materials are not even from USA, should say instead "assembled in Corona, California" . Custom shop is justified tho as it´s name says... is custom, not massive built.
@@slayerfog its still higher wages. Not higher quality but thats up for debate. Honestly if they were the same price as the mj or concept line people would complain about it being to cheap
@@Scorcher19 not sure, honestly.... I have 2 MIJ jacksons, both from 2021 and tbh they are more "bang for buck" than this new USA series... I do believe this new Jackson USA are made in the same lines as the Fender Strats ultra and ultra luxe... still those have better specs and not that expensive. not sure what market Jackson is aiming for, perhaps just the melancholyc 80´s guy as nowadays there are better options out there, even Jackson imports (Korea/Indonesia)
I really don’t understand the focus on the trem. I have guitars with both and there’s no practical difference in them. Same steel same quality and specs. And for anyone that thinks the materials are different I have a family member that works for a forensic failure company that does analysis on failed metal parts ie bridges, cranes, industrial equipment, pretty much anything that can fail and hurt someone. We’re both guitar nerds so he tested the saddles and base plates of an old vintage OFR of mine and a FR 1000 of his and there wasn’t enough difference in material hardness to be consistently measured the only difference is place of manufacture
Honestly, I don't understand the uproar over the Floyd Rose. Eddie Van Halen preferred the feel and action of the 1000/1500 series compared to the original, and that's what was on all his personal EVH guitars. If it's good enough for Ed, it's good enough for me. Most people buying these guitars won't even end up putting the guitar through the kind of abuse he did.
1000/1500 aren't bad. They're still typically found on ~1k guitars, everything over that usually has an OFR. For 2,5k I'd just get a fully decked ibanez with a lo pro edge (which is actually what I did lol)
These guitars are more impressive in person than on paper. I work in a guitar store with lots of high end & custom shop stuff, and when these came in I wasn't overly excited, not really my style. But when I played one it changed my mind, I was very impressed. The fit and Finnish is proper top tier, stable tuning when using the trem, and the fret work is absolutely immaculate.
I am in guitar sales and an 80's guy. I have been playing the imports for a few years until we received the USA models a short while back. I was never a huge fan of Jackson for whatever a reason, nothing bad of course, more of a Charvel guy:) Anyhow I was really surprised with this USA model! To be honest I thought it would be another 2kish shredder that played well. No, this is a machine. Very consistent as well. However, today we received the Virtuoso Pro's. Check one out. I'll leave it at that. Well, other than I will lose money because I think this VP at 2K retail, will be a hit. Because I will suggest it over the SL3. And I will own one after tonight! lol It really is insanely nice for the cost. And thought it was going to be around 3k before seeing the actual price!
A Gibson Les Paul standard is about the same price. To me and American Soloist is way more of a guitar than an LP standard, a regular pro series Soloist is more valuable to me than an LP standard. So compared to an LP the USA soloist is NOT a rip off.
Unless I'm getting a guitar from the custom shop I couldn't justify spending more on a Jackson than the $900 to $1500 a pro series cost. Quality materials, top of the components and an oil rubbed neck with an ebony fretboard. I've own(ed) several pro series Jacksons and couldn't be happier with them.
I've owned an Indonesian SL2H in Quicksilver for a decade now and it has performed flawlessly. I upgraded to Dunlop Strap Lock Buttons, the push-fit Floyd Rose Tremolo arm - that's only $40 worth of extras for both - and a fatter Brass Block. Mine is an earlier (P.T.Wildwood) model. It's fantastically well built with the 3-piece laminate neck, Seymour Duncan JB/59 pups and brushed metal backplates. The best bit? I bought (stole?) mine used and in mint condition for $300. There is no way the USA made Jackson is worth $2.6K. It's a pure cash grab. To a slightly lesser extent, the MIJ Series were too. Both those Jackson series of guitars are simply cashing in on the 'heritage' of 90's models
My pro series soloist from 2018 was made in Korea and has held up and plays as well as it did day one through the gigging and years of teaching/daily use I've put it through. I only paid a grand and have nothing but good things to say about. I feel like if you want a decked out jackson for a reasonable price, the concept series would probably be the way to go, or at least what I would recommend as far as bang for buck goes. Japanese series are a great option too if you're wanting to throw down more
Not saying it’s right, but $1000 in 1987 is $2600 today. Of course, in 1987, $1000 was a really expensive guitar too. Also, what’s worse about the FR 1500/1000 compared to the original? Nice guitars I am sure. One other thing, I must be the only one, but I hate the wheel at the joint adjustment. I guess I’m old school but I like them at the nut. (But not so old school that i like removing the neck and using a Phillips head screwdriver. That’s just sadistic.)
$2500 is just way too much. The features found on this guitar are available on guitars that cost $1000 less and for $500 more I can have a guitar custom made to my own specifications...
Way overpriced. If they had put stainless steel frets on these and an OFR, I’d consider them to be worth it then. Need to knock off ~$800 even after all that, though. Consider the ESP LTD Deluxe’s. They are roughly $1500 for a super-Strat style guitar with neck through, usually active pickups, and stainless steel frets. Way better price point for the specs.
Esp E-II which is ESP’s standard series made in Japan come with original Floyd rose’s. so do the Jackson concept series. Aren’t these examples mass produced? For the price point on these new Jackson’s, there absolutely should be an original Floyd.
I have a Pro Series SL2 and it's really a fantastic axe! I got it used, in mint condition, for less than $800. I really don't see any reason to pay $2500 for something only slightly better.
Got a Gibson, a Korean schecter and Ibanez made in Japan. In terms of quality Ibanez is untouchable. Schecter is not far behind but I had to spend some time setting it up. Gibson was fine out of the box but this is the guitar that I’ve put most work in adjusting action and all sorts of stuff over last 2 years. Sounds killer though that’s why I have it. However, you buy a Gibson for sound, not so much Jackson, Charvel etc. And in terms of quality Korean built guitars are on par with American built these days, and Japanese are better.
I was excited about this guitar till I seen the price and components. I was actually hoping for a 2 humbucker setup, don't care for singles especially for shredding. I'd much rather get the Jackson Mick T signature model, the cheaper one, check the specs on that bad boy! I bought the Kramer Dave Sabo signature model, came with the Floyd Rose 1500, however all my Floyd Rose tremolos get Fu-tone Brass big blocks, and Titanium saddle blocks and screws. Makes a world of difference! I actually have an original Kramer Nightswan Aztec with a Floyd original and it's 30 years old and still going. To me the original Kramer Nightswan is the ultimate pure shred machine, not the rereleased version (they dropped the ball on that one). Again for the money, buy something like the Dave Sabo guitar or the cheaper version of the Jackson Mick T. Version, put some Fu-tone parts on the Floyd and your set, and way under budget compared to the new Jackson. I've been trying to buy an original old Soloist for years now. Instead of trying to get an Floyd Rose original tremolo, I'd definitely rather go with a Fu-tone one, they make some super impressive stuff. I've outfitted 3 guitars now with there components.
@@nikaxeguitar absolutely, they are fantastic to deal with! Check out the website, you'll be impressed with what they offer and who uses it. It's all in the details lol
Wait, it only comes in HSS? Well that sucks. HH or just Humbucker in the bridge position is the only way I can roll on a high performance guitar, still a great guitar, just not for me now that I know that.
Considering that it's American-made I don't think it's overpriced at all. Especially since the Korean-made Concept series is over $2000 as well. They merely downgraded some components to keep costs down. If it went over $3000, they would be competing against custom shop Jacksons, and competing against different tiers within their own product line is something companies try to avoid. At its current pricing, the Jackson American series most likely exists to make the Korean Concept series and USA Custom Shop more appealing to potential buyers.
Disagree on it not being overpriced for being American made. Kiesel. Made in USA. Starts at $1400. (Delos) PRS S2. Made in USA. Starts at $1500. Fender American Performer Strat. Made in USA. Starts at $1400. Ibanez RG Prestige. Made in Japan. Starts at $1500. Speaking of Ibanez, they have the Genesis guitars. Made in Japan. Starts at $1,000. I'd love to see someone play these guitars blindfolded and tell me which is better, cause they're probably of the same quality. This Jackson American Series Soloist SL3i s a $1,200 more than the least expensive made in USA guitar. Is it better than the guitar listed above? If so, how? For around $1800 you can even get guitars with stainless steel frets, which this guitar surprisingly doesn't have. Jackson is trying to go upmarket and compete with... I guess Ernie Ball Music Man? But they don't have the specs to back the prices up.
@@YaYousef5 100%. These have the specs and looks of typical $1000-1300 guitars. Overpriced as hell. But what the other guy was saying is that they might be overpriced on purpose. You see, if you have 2,5k to drop on a guitar, you'll go see the specs and all the stuff you're missing out on not getting a Jackson randomshop version. Prepare the tinfoil hats boys.
I bought a Jackson like a month ago, and a few weeks after this came out, not going to lie, I was legit upset. But, the more I read into it, the more I get torn apart, because the guitar that I bought, was exactly the first alternative that you mentioned, this walnut beastie is just, super specked for the price. I just can't justifiy getting another, this one is better specked, prettier than a solid color, nearly 1k cheaper, and the only thing that I would have prefered was, having the big sharktooth inlays instead of the small ones. Something that both of them are lacking is stainless steel frets. I never gave a damn until I tried it, now if the guitar justifies it, when it needs a refret it's getting stainless, cause it's just so much better. On a different brand, you have the same floyd issue, check out PRS's Dustie Waring, it's a 2.6k guitar with a 1k series floyd...
The other spec that is missing here is stainless steel frets. You get those on LTDs and even Harley Bentons now, so there are no excuses. Hell, at this price point Jackson are going into competition with the likes of Suhr and they definitely need more than the name and some 1980s goodwill to go up against that kind of craftsmanship and specification.
1:24 I like guitars and for sure in some cases, I like how the matching headstock gives that little extra to the looks of the instrument, but I perceive that for some reason manufacturers and even us as consumers tend to give a lot of value to that "feature" to the point that they are willing to charge and we are willing to pay an extra significant amount of money for that, and let's be honest, is only two extra sprays of paint to the guitar.
Main things I don't like about this guitar is obviously the floyd rose 1500, and no SS frets. HOWEVER, I am willing to compromise on this model. I've always wanted a USA jackson, but paying 6k for a guitar I won't even get for the next year or two is unrealistic. If this guitar absolutely shreds, I will replace the bridge with an original floyd rose. I really hope I love this guitar.
@@nikaxeguitar I got the guitar, and it fucking shreds. The quality is top notch. tuning stability is amazing, the finish is flawless, and the neck feels great. It's a little fatter than most people would probably expect. They also milled the fret slots instead of sawing all the way through the fretboard, so there are no seems in the fretboard which I thought was a really nice touch.
@@palix5925 Dude this is awesome insight. I might have to grab one. Thanks for the quick rundown. It should help people following this video. Appreciate you!
Your main concern was the quality of the FR, and you advised to wait a couple years and pick up on the used market? Why is it nowadays?Everybody wants to be an expert in some area and there is absolutely no value to what they say.
Maybe the price went down, I got the blue one today for $2300 (not a b stock model or anything). The craftsmanship is second to none. This cost just as much as an ESP Eii which are also immaculate. I think these are totally worth the money, it felt better out of the box than my horizon. This is a top tier guitar at a reasonable price. I do understand people are somewhat upset do the the FR 1500 as opposed to the OFR but the metal parts and components and dimensions are all the same as the OFR just made in Korea. And if the high end Schecters and LTDs are anything to go off of, this shouldn’t be a concern. Specs on paper are one thing, but build quality trumps a speced out guitar with Chinese build quality cmon does anyone buy this? The MJ series is also sick and Im gonna trade two guitars for that myself but in all honesty I would rather a Korean trem than having USA Jackson’s be $4,000+ again. If the trem bothers you and you can’t get past it then got for the made in Japan ones. I played one of them side by side with the USA and while it was amazing, the USA feels better to me
Funny enough. All guitars I have had with Floyd Rose Original has stayed in tune really well. All guitars with FRT1000 has not stayed in tune. And I do my own setups, so I know how to setup a OFR, and it should be 100% the same procedure as the FRT1000. Yet they just dont stay in tune. I have upgraded to Gotoh Floyd Rose on one of them = suddenly great tuning stability.
These guitars, at least in my mind, are the downfall of Jackson. they just don't make them the same anymore. I don't wanna sound like Dave Mustaine but its hard not to. The QC is laughable, the specs are amateur, and the price is unjustifiable. I put new parts in my Rhoads but it almost turns it into a new guitar. I like modding my guitars but I feel like Jackson is making guitars that have to be modded just for a basic reliable instrument.
Non original Floyd, no proper hard shell case, no binding…hard pass. Older used USA select guitars are a better buy. I don’t mind the price, but the “flagship” range should have the specs to match. Jackson is a shell of what it used to be IMO.
I don’t know… I work in a guitar store and have two custom shop DK1’s and custom Shop RR1 and a Japan Reversed headstock soloist and these came in and I bought the Green and the Blue but they play amazing as great as my custom shops honestly They are a joy to play…they did cut corners on the Floyd and the binding etc but they are a dream to play I quite love them and the quality is top notch but for the lack of binding and non abalone logo the 1500 Floyd , the case…. They could be a tiny bit cheaper I do think the bridge should be a Dimarzio Super 3 in there … I may change that out
@@nikaxeguitar if I could change one thing…. I’d probably prefer a black headstock rather than the matching headstock. I think it makes them look a little cheaper but i have no complaints… and the Floyd stays in tune perfectly 😀
At that price point, what will you like to see on a Jackson USA? I think the line is nice but it is a bummer that it doesn't come with an OFR. Also will like to see an H-H and H-S configuration from that line. Does this guitar also come with Stainless steel Frets because I feel that at this point any guitar around 400 or more should come with these.
1000 vs 1500 series floyds is far from just the push in trem arm, and it's quite obvious as some of the parts are silver on the black trem. 1500 series has stainless steel parts added to it, can't be bought standalone, but you can upgrade a floyd to be a 1500 series. The 1000/1500 series are claimed to be as good and made out of the same materials as the OFR, but in Korea instead of Germany, but many has claimed that it doesn't last as long as an OFR, but I don't know.
Made in USA versus import, high dollar every time., I think leaving the binding out was kind of cheap though., if I was in the market for a new guitar, I’d still consider this.
i know I'm late to this, but yeah these are so over priced it's just dumb. People these are NOT the Jacksons that Grover was making back in the 80's, but Jackson is trying to sell you on the idea that they are, no.. These are made by Fender and they're not really anything spectacular. Compare them to the Solistist made in Indonesia, like my Soloist Slq2. The USA is made of Alder, the Indo is Mahogony. The USA does have luminlays and Gotoh tuners, the indo doesn't, both come with Seymour Duncans and Floyd Rose Trems. The USA is painted (like 4 satin solid paint including the back of the maple neck) The Indo most come with quilted maple tops in different color schemes and the back of the guitar looks like a really nice stain that makes the Mahogony stand out and the neck is oiled. (which I prefer over painted necks). So basically you're paying approx 2400 or more for luminays, satin painted finish and grotoh tuners. Yeah no thanks.
I think a lot of the uproar is that if you look at the specs you're not getting anything amazing. It's pretty much on par with their 1299 priced pro series guitars. Which means you're paying a $1200 premium solely for where it's made.
I have an amazing USA custom shop 1987 Soloist, with a fully bound neck/headstock, that just oozes quality. I also have an amazing Chinese Gretsch that has full neck binding for $600 new. For the price they are charging, the American Series Soloist should have a bound neck. But so should most USA PRS guitars for that matter.
I always finded the shark tooth inlays ugly and the heads of those guitars, it's a bit too much. Also, Jackson need to make a version of those with one bridge pickup. Bolt on necks are preferable, honestly the glued necks just raise the price and the difference is mini.
Yeah I heard when these things came out they were originally like 15 1600 bucks not sure if that person was mistaken but, just about 6 months after that video was made that I'm referring to, theses Jacksons have almost doubled in price? I almost bought one of these, and thankfully I realized there's no stainless steel frets. I would've really been upset if I were to have purchased this just to later realize that the Frets were nickel. Honestly, in my opinion, For 2500 bucks, you should be getting a floyd rose original, stainless steel frets with good fretwork bear minimum
I’m sure it’s a great guitar. For me, I’m an old school Charvel Jackson fan but, in my opinion. Fender is killing those brands to me. I won’t personally buy anything fender produces. Aside from that point for me, it doesn’t look like an American Jackson.
I bet you could agree with me for a metal guitar MATT BLACK would of been a better choice. It's my opinion but I don't like the colors choices to much and it has to be a good guitar that is reliable in tunning and durable and sounds good for me to be interested in anything like that. I'm sorry but it seems like the color choices were picked by a female just to increase sales and get more women to buy. Because being a guy I feel like it is a double standard to cater to one gender more than the other just for the sake of sales. If you look closely 3/4 of the colors schemes a girl would pick out. Like I said once again MATT BLACK would of been a better choice for a metal guitar of that caliber. The only one I think it would would be interested in is in the pearl white guitar. Because I know they use Pearl lot on hot rods in the 80s. And it's a neutral color for men and women. Unisex.
I have an original 1988 Jackson/Charvel Soloist in almost mint condition. Wanting the new one so the original doesn't take damage but was also waiting for a used one to come along. My original is pink so I was thinking about a green one
Now here's what's up there's pros and cons to neck through and bolt on, say perhaps there's a warp in the the neck there's no fixing it if it's neck through the comfort on the bolt on for easy high fretboard access. American made and foreign made there's really no big difference some America made and some foreign made guitars are made with quality errors such as flaws in paint sometimes they do quality expectations during the manufacturing process sometimes they don't, do them very well and sometimes a Chinese made can be just as good as American made Floyd's are all decent quality whether it be Floyd's special, 1000 series Floyd and then the original but it's mainly a matter of different metals used in each one. I woul d say that if you're buying a guitar with a Floyd Rose for the first time to look for one that's don't have any play in the arm, Floyd Rose are great tremolos Any one you get is decent it's a good upgrade if you want it to stay in tune. Floyd Rose original are the best ones but if you buy the special or the one thousand series just check it out before you buy it and watch a video of how the Floyd Rose works if you're not used to using one.
It’s mid priced. I dig the guitar, personally. I really think the 5 way switch is well thought out, too. Trem keeps in tune just fine. nothing wrong with the 1500 series Floyd. Only issue I can really find is no MADE IN USA on the front of the headstock. Not sure why they went that way.
The American Series SL3 cant put the “Made in USA” on the headstock as what the US Custom Shop did. This is due to the parts used in the American Series are not made in US but instead they are only assembled in Corona, US. I believed the reason why they are overpriced due to US labour cost however the parts from where they got it were actually cheaper from other countries.
I have one of those new soloist, and I am very frustrated with it. It has a couple of high frets, the finish is cracking at the side position markers, the fingerboard is cracking right down the middle, and I have never seen that on any Guitar, the bridge humbucker did not sound that good, kind of low output, and had a weird mid range spike. It did not sound like other JB‘s I have had. I would not spend that kind of money again on any guitar. My foreign Jackson’s kick ass compared to this one for the money
American made, ok so a CNC operated in America and assembly vs CNC operated abroad and assembly. Seriously, there is very very little labour involved in this US Jackson. That said PRS do the same with their lower end specced US made guitars and Gibson and they get away with it...
That price point of the SL3 is what all of the USA Select guitars are actually worth and should cost. If $2500 is overpriced for the SL3, $4500 is just laughably insulting for the Selects.
You can find the concept or even the wildcard series for 1100-1200 on the used and 1700 new. The wildcard series came with OFR and Fishman pickups. But the real trash deal with these are that hybrid case. It DOES NOT fit a soloist. It bounces all around and the headstock makes contact with the bottom of the case. Dont be fooled. These are labeled "American Series" but has made in Corona, CA on it. There's a reason. The not so new California rule states : A. The foreign components or parts do not constitute more than 5% of the final wholesale value of the product. or B.The foreign components or parts do not constitute more than 10% of the final wholesale value of the product and the manufacturer demonstrated that those components or parts are unavailable in the United States.
The trem systems are good. I have a couple of guitars with them on and wouldn't hesitate to keep using them. No noticeable difference between them and my OG Floyd equipped guitars. Rock solid stability
@@booshting3520 the cheaper Floyd's softer metal over time doesn't grip the strings as well. Brand new, yeah, they're probably equal functionality. I'm talking about durability.
From Malaysia and always a Jackson fans since the 80s & owned 3 Jackson guitars. A normal soloist here cost about RM3-4k with Duncan Design pick up & FR 1000 & just imagine this will cost? Sure it's gonna be a fortune. Jackson did overpriced it's guitar. Guess gonna get an Ibanez S series for my collection.
( SL3s made in Indonesia in 2020 were going for $999.00 ) They mimic the (USA Jackson SL1) maybe do a video on (Jackson SL3 from Indonesia) vs. (Jackson SL1 USA) I'm interested in knowing your opinion.
I think it should be priced at 2 grand myself but yeah you pay a premium for made in USA... I prefer the 1500 over the original myself... Idk people will always find something to complain about but it is a little over priced imo but then again I have not played one. I could pick it up like it's worth every penny lol
due to rising inflation, i am not too sure that $2500 is over priced, but i would say in my 30 years of owning guitars, just find something that is comfortable to you, put in an origianl floyd, great PU and electronics and you're set. noting else really matters. A used JS series with a german floyd and EMGs will sound better than this thing.
You're paying for American wages and benefits. People in Korea and China are paid next to nothing for their labor. That's the difference. They can put an authentic floyd in an over-seas made guitar because they don't pay the workers fairly. They have to fit the price point of the guitar with who's building it.
I was looking at a jackson pro soloist sl3r mirror finish that is going for $2000 CAD before taxes IIRC. The one in this video is going for $3199 CAD. The former has a sd distortion bridge pickup. Since I already have a guitar coming in with a JB bridge pickup and since the mirror finish is $1000 CAD less, it's an easy choice...plus the mirror finish is distinctive. Edit. I just googled jackson pro soloist sl3 and I found it being offered BRAND NEW at long & McQuade in satin orange for $1409 CAD before taxes. EASY pass on this series...
All it matters is about midrange... And American models have it... You cut your ears from midrange.. So the price is logically up... But if you thing to hear that midrange you need to go in custom models it's value for money
It's just like the new Fender American guitars, you're basically paying for the name and that the guitar is made in America. I would personally prefer to buy a custom guitar if I was paying that much.. its not much more for a Ran or something like that.
Fender has gone GREED crazy... about the same as a Mexican Strat or a Charvel. Get several of those for that kind of money. Fender just laid off over 300 people...
The origin of the parts is likely why it doesnt have the iconic "made in USA" branding on the front of the headstock USA Jacksons were known for. Theres rules on how much of the product is actually made here before you can use that wording I guess.
@@BassWhoopinFishingTeam Right, and they don't say "made in the USA" either, they say "Corona California". I know thats just the way it is, and I get it, I'm just lamenting the loss of a USA Jackson being able to have that on the headstock. Oop just realized you werent replying to me, sorry
It's just the change in rules that limits how you can state the origin of a product. If the American Series Jackson was fitted with a German Floyd Rose and Schaller Tuners (for e.g.) you might end up with a similar situation. Similarly, body and fretboard woods might not all be USA sourced either. It's a bit like political correctness - it's understandable but has been taken too far. "Assembled in the USA" might've been a better description for the new range..
@@nikaxeguitar Seriously though, when I was a kid in the 80s I was jealous of anyone who could have a neck-through Jackson. Those beasts were amazing. I ended up getting an RG like everyone else and couldn’t have been happier. But those Jacksons felt incredible.
I'm sorry, but no guitar is worth $2,600. None. I would bet my right arm that I could find a half dozen guitars right now for under a thousand that play and sound and are as well constructed as these new Jacksons. That's not a dig at Jackson, they certainly they are not the only guitar manufacturer to think that guitar players are idiots who believe that a second mortgage on their house is the only way to get a respectable guitar (I'm looking at you, Gibson). But, again, absolutely no guitar is worth that much money.
i mean i dont really mind but i will only accept white bindings im not saying there are other colour bindings but knowing humans we probably have those...
Great video! Schecter charges like $3k for most the US models but theyre wayyy higher quality. I wish those glammy colored DX were a few bucks more and had higher quality. They look sick but have whack fretwork and bottom feeder Poplar bodies 👎🏻.
It’s two posts and some springs. How much more do they want it engineered?
All of the hate on these went out the window when I played it. Just gifted one to my brother as a law school graduation present. He owns lots of top end guitars and said this one will probably be his main gigging guitar.
The trem and frets don’t matter when the neck is that good. Also…they’re solid components.
The only serious complaint is the semi-soft case…like wtf?
I've been gas'ing for one since they came out, and I just played one last week at a local store that has a green one. Dude, it's a super solid guitar. The frets and playability are immaculate, the trem is super low profile and handled everything I threw at it. It's a top notch instrument...then the case lol. I totally agree with you. Like why didn't they just take that molding sitting on top of the plush, and place that in the case?!...I don't get it.
most USA Jackson's are around $3 to 5k and custom shop is 5 to 8k so this being a cheaper alternative for a USA at $2600 is about right.
Finally someone said it
@@Scorcher19 yeah i have seen this repetitive news going around like a virus. I rather just have the comparison between the countries of their Jackson model. USA is going to lose due to labor and lowering the parts to keep it competitive with Japan and Korean from what I see.
but to pay 1.0-1.5k more just for the "corona, california" logo? ... most raw materials are not even from USA, should say instead "assembled in Corona, California" . Custom shop is justified tho as it´s name says... is custom, not massive built.
@@slayerfog its still higher wages. Not higher quality but thats up for debate. Honestly if they were the same price as the mj or concept line people would complain about it being to cheap
@@Scorcher19 not sure, honestly.... I have 2 MIJ jacksons, both from 2021 and tbh they are more "bang for buck" than this new USA series... I do believe this new Jackson USA are made in the same lines as the Fender Strats ultra and ultra luxe... still those have better specs and not that expensive. not sure what market Jackson is aiming for, perhaps just the melancholyc 80´s guy as nowadays there are better options out there, even Jackson imports (Korea/Indonesia)
I really don’t understand the focus on the trem. I have guitars with both and there’s no practical difference in them. Same steel same quality and specs. And for anyone that thinks the materials are different I have a family member that works for a forensic failure company that does analysis on failed metal parts ie bridges, cranes, industrial equipment, pretty much anything that can fail and hurt someone. We’re both guitar nerds so he tested the saddles and base plates of an old vintage OFR of mine and a FR 1000 of his and there wasn’t enough difference in material hardness to be consistently measured the only difference is place of manufacture
Honestly, I don't understand the uproar over the Floyd Rose. Eddie Van Halen preferred the feel and action of the 1000/1500 series compared to the original, and that's what was on all his personal EVH guitars. If it's good enough for Ed, it's good enough for me. Most people buying these guitars won't even end up putting the guitar through the kind of abuse he did.
Thats a great point
It’s the price tag…
@@jesuzleonardo yeah, no one really thinks the 1000/1500 is bad. Just that you're paying for an OFR and getting a 1500.
I agree, never really was much of an OFR fan either...
1000/1500 aren't bad. They're still typically found on ~1k guitars, everything over that usually has an OFR. For 2,5k I'd just get a fully decked ibanez with a lo pro edge (which is actually what I did lol)
No stainless steel frets, no HARDshell case are big no no for a "premium" modern made in USA guitar
These guitars are more impressive in person than on paper. I work in a guitar store with lots of high end & custom shop stuff, and when these came in I wasn't overly excited, not really my style. But when I played one it changed my mind, I was very impressed. The fit and Finnish is proper top tier, stable tuning when using the trem, and the fret work is absolutely immaculate.
I am in guitar sales and an 80's guy. I have been playing the imports for a few years until we received the USA models a short while back. I was never a huge fan of Jackson for whatever a reason, nothing bad of course, more of a Charvel guy:) Anyhow I was really surprised with this USA model! To be honest I thought it would be another 2kish shredder that played well. No, this is a machine. Very consistent as well.
However, today we received the Virtuoso Pro's. Check one out. I'll leave it at that. Well, other than I will lose money because I think this VP at 2K retail, will be a hit. Because I will suggest it over the SL3. And I will own one after tonight! lol
It really is insanely nice for the cost. And thought it was going to be around 3k before seeing the actual price!
A Gibson Les Paul standard is about the same price. To me and American Soloist is way more of a guitar than an LP standard, a regular pro series Soloist is more valuable to me than an LP standard. So compared to an LP the USA soloist is NOT a rip off.
Unless I'm getting a guitar from the custom shop I couldn't justify spending more on a Jackson than the $900 to $1500 a pro series cost. Quality materials, top of the components and an oil rubbed neck with an ebony fretboard. I've own(ed) several pro series Jacksons and couldn't be happier with them.
That’s good insight man. Appreciate that. I’ll take a look at the pro series
I've owned an Indonesian SL2H in Quicksilver for a decade now and it has performed flawlessly. I upgraded to Dunlop Strap Lock Buttons, the push-fit Floyd Rose Tremolo arm - that's only $40 worth of extras for both - and a fatter Brass Block. Mine is an earlier (P.T.Wildwood) model. It's fantastically well built with the 3-piece laminate neck, Seymour Duncan JB/59 pups and brushed metal backplates. The best bit? I bought (stole?) mine used and in mint condition for $300.
There is no way the USA made Jackson is worth $2.6K. It's a pure cash grab. To a slightly lesser extent, the MIJ Series were too. Both those Jackson series of guitars are simply cashing in on the 'heritage' of 90's models
My pro series soloist from 2018 was made in Korea and has held up and plays as well as it did day one through the gigging and years of teaching/daily use I've put it through. I only paid a grand and have nothing but good things to say about. I feel like if you want a decked out jackson for a reasonable price, the concept series would probably be the way to go, or at least what I would recommend as far as bang for buck goes. Japanese series are a great option too if you're wanting to throw down more
I have a 2017 pro series soloist, and I agree. Has held up all this time and is just an all around killer guitar. For way less of a price than this.
Not saying it’s right, but $1000 in 1987 is $2600 today.
Of course, in 1987, $1000 was a really expensive guitar too.
Also, what’s worse about the FR 1500/1000 compared to the original?
Nice guitars I am sure.
One other thing, I must be the only one, but I hate the wheel at the joint adjustment. I guess I’m old school but I like them at the nut. (But not so old school that i like removing the neck and using a Phillips head screwdriver. That’s just sadistic.)
Spoke wheels are superior in every possible way. I'm glad these are becoming the industry standard.
$2500 is just way too much. The features found on this guitar are available on guitars that cost $1000 less and for $500 more I can have a guitar custom made to my own specifications...
Way overpriced. If they had put stainless steel frets on these and an OFR, I’d consider them to be worth it then. Need to knock off ~$800 even after all that, though.
Consider the ESP LTD Deluxe’s. They are roughly $1500 for a super-Strat style guitar with neck through, usually active pickups, and stainless steel frets. Way better price point for the specs.
Isn't this the policy of Floyd Rose , that they do not sell the original to manufacturers for mass produced models?
The Jackson ke2 usa had a German original Floyd rose I would like to try a kahker
Never heard that before
Esp E-II which is ESP’s standard series made in Japan come with original Floyd rose’s. so do the Jackson concept series. Aren’t these examples mass produced? For the price point on these new Jackson’s, there absolutely should be an original Floyd.
@@jaxn13 Yes So What I said above is not true then, I don't even remember where I heard it.
I have a Pro Series SL2 and it's really a fantastic axe! I got it used, in mint condition, for less than $800. I really don't see any reason to pay $2500 for something only slightly better.
Got a Gibson, a Korean schecter and Ibanez made in Japan. In terms of quality Ibanez is untouchable. Schecter is not far behind but I had to spend some time setting it up. Gibson was fine out of the box but this is the guitar that I’ve put most work in adjusting action and all sorts of stuff over last 2 years. Sounds killer though that’s why I have it. However, you buy a Gibson for sound, not so much Jackson, Charvel etc. And in terms of quality Korean built guitars are on par with American built these days, and Japanese are better.
I was excited about this guitar till I seen the price and components. I was actually hoping for a 2 humbucker setup, don't care for singles especially for shredding. I'd much rather get the Jackson Mick T signature model, the cheaper one, check the specs on that bad boy!
I bought the Kramer Dave Sabo signature model, came with the Floyd Rose 1500, however all my Floyd Rose tremolos get Fu-tone Brass big blocks, and Titanium saddle blocks and screws. Makes a world of difference! I actually have an original Kramer Nightswan Aztec with a Floyd original and it's 30 years old and still going. To me the original Kramer Nightswan is the ultimate pure shred machine, not the rereleased version (they dropped the ball on that one). Again for the money, buy something like the Dave Sabo guitar or the cheaper version of the Jackson Mick T. Version, put some Fu-tone parts on the Floyd and your set, and way under budget compared to the new Jackson. I've been trying to buy an original old Soloist for years now. Instead of trying to get an Floyd Rose original tremolo, I'd definitely rather go with a Fu-tone one, they make some super impressive stuff. I've outfitted 3 guitars now with there components.
Dang dude this is some great info! Thanks for that. Do you buy your FU tone straight from their site?
@@nikaxeguitar absolutely, they are fantastic to deal with! Check out the website, you'll be impressed with what they offer and who uses it. It's all in the details lol
Wait, it only comes in HSS? Well that sucks. HH or just Humbucker in the bridge position is the only way I can roll on a high performance guitar, still a great guitar, just not for me now that I know that.
Considering that it's American-made I don't think it's overpriced at all. Especially since the Korean-made Concept series is over $2000 as well. They merely downgraded some components to keep costs down. If it went over $3000, they would be competing against custom shop Jacksons, and competing against different tiers within their own product line is something companies try to avoid. At its current pricing, the Jackson American series most likely exists to make the Korean Concept series and USA Custom Shop more appealing to potential buyers.
Disagree on it not being overpriced for being American made.
Kiesel. Made in USA. Starts at $1400. (Delos)
PRS S2. Made in USA. Starts at $1500.
Fender American Performer Strat. Made in USA. Starts at $1400.
Ibanez RG Prestige. Made in Japan. Starts at $1500.
Speaking of Ibanez, they have the Genesis guitars. Made in Japan. Starts at $1,000. I'd love to see someone play these guitars blindfolded and tell me which is better, cause they're probably of the same quality.
This Jackson American Series Soloist SL3i s a $1,200 more than the least expensive made in USA guitar. Is it better than the guitar listed above? If so, how? For around $1800 you can even get guitars with stainless steel frets, which this guitar surprisingly doesn't have. Jackson is trying to go upmarket and compete with... I guess Ernie Ball Music Man? But they don't have the specs to back the prices up.
@@YaYousef5 100%. These have the specs and looks of typical $1000-1300 guitars. Overpriced as hell. But what the other guy was saying is that they might be overpriced on purpose. You see, if you have 2,5k to drop on a guitar, you'll go see the specs and all the stuff you're missing out on not getting a Jackson randomshop version. Prepare the tinfoil hats boys.
I bought a Jackson like a month ago, and a few weeks after this came out, not going to lie, I was legit upset.
But, the more I read into it, the more I get torn apart, because the guitar that I bought, was exactly the first alternative that you mentioned, this walnut beastie is just, super specked for the price.
I just can't justifiy getting another, this one is better specked, prettier than a solid color, nearly 1k cheaper, and the only thing that I would have prefered was, having the big sharktooth inlays instead of the small ones.
Something that both of them are lacking is stainless steel frets. I never gave a damn until I tried it, now if the guitar justifies it, when it needs a refret it's getting stainless, cause it's just so much better.
On a different brand, you have the same floyd issue, check out PRS's Dustie Waring, it's a 2.6k guitar with a 1k series floyd...
and 10" fretboard radius
I have been playing Jackson since 1986, stopped after the quality went way down late 90's.
The other spec that is missing here is stainless steel frets. You get those on LTDs and even Harley Bentons now, so there are no excuses. Hell, at this price point Jackson are going into competition with the likes of Suhr and they definitely need more than the name and some 1980s goodwill to go up against that kind of craftsmanship and specification.
Lucky for me that I have 2 soloists I bought in the 80s and one from 1990 and they are still awesome. Barring a miracle, I’m done with Jackson.
1:24 I like guitars and for sure in some cases, I like how the matching headstock gives that little extra to the looks of the instrument, but I perceive that for some reason manufacturers and even us as consumers tend to give a lot of value to that "feature" to the point that they are willing to charge and we are willing to pay an extra significant amount of money for that, and let's be honest, is only two extra sprays of paint to the guitar.
Main things I don't like about this guitar is obviously the floyd rose 1500, and no SS frets. HOWEVER, I am willing to compromise on this model. I've always wanted a USA jackson, but paying 6k for a guitar I won't even get for the next year or two is unrealistic. If this guitar absolutely shreds, I will replace the bridge with an original floyd rose. I really hope I love this guitar.
Let us know my dude!
@@nikaxeguitar I got the guitar, and it fucking shreds. The quality is top notch. tuning stability is amazing, the finish is flawless, and the neck feels great. It's a little fatter than most people would probably expect. They also milled the fret slots instead of sawing all the way through the fretboard, so there are no seems in the fretboard which I thought was a really nice touch.
@@palix5925 Dude this is awesome insight. I might have to grab one. Thanks for the quick rundown. It should help people following this video. Appreciate you!
Your main concern was the quality of the FR, and you advised to wait a couple years and pick up on the used market? Why is it nowadays?Everybody wants to be an expert in some area and there is absolutely no value to what they say.
Bot! Get em!
Maybe the price went down, I got the blue one today for $2300 (not a b stock model or anything). The craftsmanship is second to none. This cost just as much as an ESP Eii which are also immaculate. I think these are totally worth the money, it felt better out of the box than my horizon. This is a top tier guitar at a reasonable price. I do understand people are somewhat upset do the the FR 1500 as opposed to the OFR but the metal parts and components and dimensions are all the same as the OFR just made in Korea. And if the high end Schecters and LTDs are anything to go off of, this shouldn’t be a concern. Specs on paper are one thing, but build quality trumps a speced out guitar with Chinese build quality cmon does anyone buy this? The MJ series is also sick and Im gonna trade two guitars for that myself but in all honesty I would rather a Korean trem than having USA Jackson’s be $4,000+ again. If the trem bothers you and you can’t get past it then got for the made in Japan ones. I played one of them side by side with the USA and while it was amazing, the USA feels better to me
Funny enough.
All guitars I have had with Floyd Rose Original has stayed in tune really well.
All guitars with FRT1000 has not stayed in tune.
And I do my own setups, so I know how to setup a OFR, and it should be 100% the same procedure as the FRT1000.
Yet they just dont stay in tune. I have upgraded to Gotoh Floyd Rose on one of them = suddenly great tuning stability.
These guitars, at least in my mind, are the downfall of Jackson. they just don't make them the same anymore. I don't wanna sound like Dave Mustaine but its hard not to. The QC is laughable, the specs are amateur, and the price is unjustifiable. I put new parts in my Rhoads but it almost turns it into a new guitar. I like modding my guitars but I feel like Jackson is making guitars that have to be modded just for a basic reliable instrument.
You made some good points brother…
I appreciate your work…. 😎👍
Appreciate that dude
Non original Floyd, no proper hard shell case, no binding…hard pass. Older used USA select guitars are a better buy. I don’t mind the price, but the “flagship” range should have the specs to match. Jackson is a shell of what it used to be IMO.
Im still saving for my js 32, will keep you posted
I don’t know… I work in a guitar store and have two custom shop DK1’s and custom Shop RR1 and a Japan Reversed headstock soloist and these came in and I bought the Green and the Blue but they play amazing as great as my custom shops honestly They are a joy to play…they did cut corners on the Floyd and the binding etc but they are a dream to play I quite love them and the quality is top notch but for the lack of binding and non abalone logo the 1500 Floyd , the case…. They could be a tiny bit cheaper I do think the bridge should be a Dimarzio Super 3 in there … I may change that out
Its good to hear from someone that has pity their hands on one of these. Thanks for that dude!
@@nikaxeguitar if I could change one thing…. I’d probably prefer a black headstock rather than the matching headstock. I think it makes them look a little cheaper but i have no complaints… and the Floyd stays in tune perfectly 😀
At that price point, what will you like to see on a Jackson USA? I think the line is nice but it is a bummer that it doesn't come with an OFR. Also will like to see an H-H and H-S configuration from that line. Does this guitar also come with Stainless steel Frets because I feel that at this point any guitar around 400 or more should come with these.
TLDR: yes rip off 👍🏼
1000 vs 1500 series floyds is far from just the push in trem arm, and it's quite obvious as some of the parts are silver on the black trem. 1500 series has stainless steel parts added to it, can't be bought standalone, but you can upgrade a floyd to be a 1500 series.
The 1000/1500 series are claimed to be as good and made out of the same materials as the OFR, but in Korea instead of Germany, but many has claimed that it doesn't last as long as an OFR, but I don't know.
I have several Jacksons JS to pro series, super happy with all of them. I do not need a USA Jackson.
As a HUGE Jackson fan i agree these are WAY overpriced. I love Jackson but come on… if they were $1200-$1400 I’d buy two.
The 1500 is awesome, it’s on both my Loomis guitars and I prefer it. Not sure why it gets bashed.
Made in USA versus import, high dollar every time., I think leaving the binding out was kind of cheap though., if I was in the market for a new guitar, I’d still consider this.
Steve from Boston made some good observations like the new Soloist missing binding around the fretboard…
I hear that!
i know I'm late to this, but yeah these are so over priced it's just dumb. People these are NOT the Jacksons that Grover was making back in the 80's, but Jackson is trying to sell you on the idea that they are, no.. These are made by Fender and they're not really anything spectacular. Compare them to the Solistist made in Indonesia, like my Soloist Slq2. The USA is made of Alder, the Indo is Mahogony. The USA does have luminlays and Gotoh tuners, the indo doesn't, both come with Seymour Duncans and Floyd Rose Trems. The USA is painted (like 4 satin solid paint including the back of the maple neck) The Indo most come with quilted maple tops in different color schemes and the back of the guitar looks like a really nice stain that makes the Mahogony stand out and the neck is oiled. (which I prefer over painted necks). So basically you're paying approx 2400 or more for luminays, satin painted finish and grotoh tuners. Yeah no thanks.
100% agree. I'll take my SL2 Pro Series and pocket the cash difference any day 🤘
I think a lot of the uproar is that if you look at the specs you're not getting anything amazing. It's pretty much on par with their 1299 priced pro series guitars. Which means you're paying a $1200 premium solely for where it's made.
Exactly! 👍
I have never spent over 400. on a guitar.
Nice!!
I have an amazing USA custom shop 1987 Soloist, with a fully bound neck/headstock, that just oozes quality. I also have an amazing Chinese Gretsch that has full neck binding for $600 new. For the price they are charging, the American Series Soloist should have a bound neck. But so should most USA PRS guitars for that matter.
I recently had a Schaller lockmiester fitted to my Ibanez RG550, it's much better than the awful Ibanez trem, and it's made in Germany!
Depends which Ibanez trem. An Original Edge (or just Edge) is just as good as a German Floyd. Edge Zero II (EZ2), not so much.
I always finded the shark tooth inlays ugly and the heads of those guitars, it's a bit too much. Also, Jackson need to make a version of those with one bridge pickup. Bolt on necks are preferable, honestly the glued necks just raise the price and the difference is mini.
Bought this guitar, and im loving it ❤ 3700$ here in canada
Yeah I heard when these things came out they were originally like 15 1600 bucks not sure if that person was mistaken but, just about 6 months after that video was made that I'm referring to, theses Jacksons have almost doubled in price? I almost bought one of these, and thankfully I realized there's no stainless steel frets. I would've really been upset if I were to have purchased this just to later realize that the Frets were nickel. Honestly, in my opinion, For 2500 bucks, you should be getting a floyd rose original, stainless steel frets with good fretwork bear minimum
I’m sure it’s a great guitar. For me, I’m an old school Charvel Jackson fan but, in my opinion. Fender is killing those brands to me. I won’t personally buy anything fender produces. Aside from that point for me, it doesn’t look like an American Jackson.
I bet you could agree with me for a metal guitar MATT BLACK would of been a better choice. It's my opinion but I don't like the colors choices to much and it has to be a good guitar that is reliable in tunning and durable and sounds good for me to be interested in anything like that. I'm sorry but it seems like the color choices were picked by a female just to increase sales and get more women to buy. Because being a guy I feel like it is a double standard to cater to one gender more than the other just for the sake of sales. If you look closely 3/4 of the colors schemes a girl would pick out. Like I said once again MATT BLACK would of been a better choice for a metal guitar of that caliber. The only one I think it would would be interested in is in the pearl white guitar. Because I know they use Pearl lot on hot rods in the 80s. And it's a neutral color for men and women. Unisex.
Yeah Matte black would have been sick
I have an original 1988 Jackson/Charvel Soloist in almost mint condition. Wanting the new one so the original doesn't take damage but was also waiting for a used one to come along. My original is pink so I was thinking about a green one
Now here's what's up there's pros and cons to neck through and bolt on, say perhaps there's a warp in the the neck there's no fixing it if it's neck through the comfort on the bolt on for easy high fretboard access. American made and foreign made there's really no big difference some America made and some foreign made guitars are made with quality errors such as flaws in paint sometimes they do quality expectations during the manufacturing process sometimes they don't, do them very well and sometimes a Chinese made can be just as good as American made Floyd's are all decent quality whether it be Floyd's special, 1000 series Floyd and then the original but it's mainly a matter of different metals used in each one. I woul d say that if you're buying a guitar with a Floyd Rose for the first time to look for one that's don't have any play in the arm, Floyd Rose are great tremolos Any one you get is decent it's a good upgrade if you want it to stay in tune. Floyd Rose original are the best ones but if you buy the special or the one thousand series just check it out before you buy it and watch a video of how the Floyd Rose works if you're not used to using one.
It’s mid priced. I dig the guitar, personally. I really think the 5 way switch is well thought out, too. Trem keeps in tune just fine. nothing wrong with the 1500 series Floyd. Only issue I can really find is no MADE IN USA on the front of the headstock. Not sure why they went that way.
That’s a good point.
Probably to stop any confusion when selling second hand down the road, someone may say is the other usa series one the more expensive one.
The American Series SL3 cant put the “Made in USA” on the headstock as what the US Custom Shop did. This is due to the parts used in the American Series are not made in US but instead they are only assembled in Corona, US.
I believed the reason why they are overpriced due to US labour cost however the parts from where they got it were actually cheaper from other countries.
I have one of those new soloist, and I am very frustrated with it. It has a couple of high frets, the finish is cracking at the side position markers, the fingerboard is cracking right down the middle, and I have never seen that on any Guitar, the bridge humbucker did not sound that good, kind of low output, and had a weird mid range spike. It did not sound like other JB‘s I have had. I would not spend that kind of money again on any guitar. My foreign Jackson’s kick ass compared to this one for the money
No stainless steel frets is a rip off
They’re made in the Fender factories right? If that’s the case I already know it’s not worth paying for the USA built one in terms of QC these days.
I played this guitar and plays awesome, but is pricey. My question is does the playability the same as the Dinky?
American made, ok so a CNC operated in America and assembly vs CNC operated abroad and assembly. Seriously, there is very very little labour involved in this US Jackson. That said PRS do the same with their lower end specced US made guitars and Gibson and they get away with it...
That price point of the SL3 is what all of the USA Select guitars are actually worth and should cost. If $2500 is overpriced for the SL3, $4500 is just laughably insulting for the Selects.
You can find the concept or even the wildcard series for 1100-1200 on the used and 1700 new. The wildcard series came with OFR and Fishman pickups. But the real trash deal with these are that hybrid case. It DOES NOT fit a soloist. It bounces all around and the headstock makes contact with the bottom of the case. Dont be fooled. These are labeled "American Series" but has made in Corona, CA on it. There's a reason. The not so new California rule states : A. The foreign components or parts do not constitute more than 5% of the final wholesale value of the product. or B.The foreign components or parts do not constitute more than 10% of the final wholesale value of the product and the manufacturer demonstrated that those components or parts are unavailable in the United States.
The trem systems are good. I have a couple of guitars with them on and wouldn't hesitate to keep using them. No noticeable difference between them and my OG Floyd equipped guitars. Rock solid stability
If you pay top dollar you want the real deal German made Floyd.
@@allenmitchell09 It's the same thing
@@booshting3520 the cheaper Floyd's softer metal over time doesn't grip the strings as well. Brand new, yeah, they're probably equal functionality. I'm talking about durability.
@@allenmitchell09 The FR Special is made of softer material. The 1000 series is the same materials as the original, just made in a different country.
Yeah, In a different country not known for precision like Germany is.
I have one of these American series Jacksons and it is one of the best guitars I own. That being said I only paid $1650 for it.
Where did you buy ?
@@samueljacob3428 Reverb
Gibson Les Paul Standard made in USA $2,500
From Malaysia and always a Jackson fans since the 80s & owned 3 Jackson guitars. A normal soloist here cost about RM3-4k with Duncan Design pick up & FR 1000 & just imagine this will cost? Sure it's gonna be a fortune. Jackson did overpriced it's guitar. Guess gonna get an Ibanez S series for my collection.
Someone explain the hate on the FR 1500 please. I think it’s a great trem. Loomis even opted for it on his personal Kelly’s.
Thanks for the video, just bought one. Fuckin sweet guitar.
Hell yeah
@@nikaxeguitar imo, I own an ESP (e-ii horizon nt) and a Japan Jackson. This thing shreds. Definitely each have their own place.
@@nikaxeguitar also mine was 1399 which I can justify over spending 1000 or so on a Chinese version.
( SL3s made in Indonesia in 2020 were going for $999.00 ) They mimic the (USA Jackson SL1) maybe do a video on (Jackson SL3 from Indonesia) vs. (Jackson SL1 USA) I'm interested in knowing your opinion.
Hehe, picked one up today new for $1550. Crazy how fast the price depreciated only 1.5 years later.
Where did you buy at that price ?
@@samueljacob3428 Reverb. Last I checked, there even cheaper now. Some stores where trying to liquidate their supply.
I have a Dinky js12 $ 169.95 was 149.95. Kicks ass .its not the price ,its the its the player.,. O i forgot, MADE IN China
I think it should be priced at 2 grand myself but yeah you pay a premium for made in USA... I prefer the 1500 over the original myself... Idk people will always find something to complain about but it is a little over priced imo but then again I have not played one. I could pick it up like it's worth every penny lol
seems like a rip for the price.
due to rising inflation, i am not too sure that $2500 is over priced, but i would say in my 30 years of owning guitars, just find something that is comfortable to you, put in an origianl floyd, great PU and electronics and you're set. noting else really matters. A used JS series with a german floyd and EMGs will sound better than this thing.
My 2020 pro series (mim) dk2m has the wheel truss rod adjustment. It’s not something new they’re doing
I've seen them go used for $1,900. DO NOT pay full price for this robbery!
You're paying for American wages and benefits. People in Korea and China are paid next to nothing for their labor. That's the difference. They can put an authentic floyd in an over-seas made guitar because they don't pay the workers fairly. They have to fit the price point of the guitar with who's building it.
I was looking at a jackson pro soloist sl3r mirror finish that is going for $2000 CAD before taxes IIRC. The one in this video is going for $3199 CAD. The former has a sd distortion bridge pickup. Since I already have a guitar coming in with a JB bridge pickup and since the mirror finish is $1000 CAD less, it's an easy choice...plus the mirror finish is distinctive.
Edit. I just googled jackson pro soloist sl3 and I found it being offered BRAND NEW at long & McQuade in satin orange for $1409 CAD before taxes. EASY pass on this series...
Not 1 word about the virtuoso they are great.
You mean the Dinky.
It's a Dinky with direct mounted pickups.
My warmoth would send that guitar packin...
No, it's not expensive. For this price it's cheap because it's really great.
All it matters is about midrange... And American models have it... You cut your ears from midrange.. So the price is logically up... But if you thing to hear that midrange you need to go in custom models it's value for money
Awsome vid 🤘
Great video bro.
With emg pick up
That is too expensive, hardware is good, sound is good, and i like that neck somehow, but it's too thin for me... I tried that Blue one.
They should have had a OFR and instead had regular tuners and some cheaper pickups (most people change pickups anyway!!!)
I hate jackson. Such horribly built and cheap guitars. Never liked any of them. And I'm tired of supporting them.
It's just like the new Fender American guitars, you're basically paying for the name and that the guitar is made in America. I would personally prefer to buy a custom guitar if I was paying that much.. its not much more for a Ran or something like that.
Still absolutely no issue with my 1500 and it doesn't have screw on arm bs.
ok why does everyone hate pickup rings
because they look s#!t...
Fender has gone GREED crazy... about the same as a Mexican Strat or a Charvel. Get several of those for that kind of money. Fender just laid off over 300 people...
Korean made parts, assembled in USA… so its made in USA..very interesting…
The origin of the parts is likely why it doesnt have the iconic "made in USA" branding on the front of the headstock USA Jacksons were known for. Theres rules on how much of the product is actually made here before you can use that wording I guess.
USA fenders are made with 15% foreign parts too. That’s just the way it is. Companies outsource to cut costs and maximize profits
@@BassWhoopinFishingTeam Right, and they don't say "made in the USA" either, they say "Corona California".
I know thats just the way it is, and I get it, I'm just lamenting the loss of a USA Jackson being able to have that on the headstock.
Oop just realized you werent replying to me, sorry
It's just the change in rules that limits how you can state the origin of a product. If the American Series Jackson was fitted with a German Floyd Rose and Schaller Tuners (for e.g.) you might end up with a similar situation. Similarly, body and fretboard woods might not all be USA sourced either. It's a bit like political correctness - it's understandable but has been taken too far. "Assembled in the USA" might've been a better description for the new range..
Excuse me, but I have no idea how fast the neck is. Terrible review.
Lol. I’ll get a speedometer for next time 😅
@@nikaxeguitar Seriously though, when I was a kid in the 80s I was jealous of anyone who could have a neck-through Jackson. Those beasts were amazing. I ended up getting an RG like everyone else and couldn’t have been happier. But those Jacksons felt incredible.
It does not feel good man I was disappointed. I rather play my affordable cheap jacksons
I'm sorry, but no guitar is worth $2,600. None. I would bet my right arm that I could find a half dozen guitars right now for under a thousand that play and sound and are as well constructed as these new Jacksons. That's not a dig at Jackson, they certainly they are not the only guitar manufacturer to think that guitar players are idiots who believe that a second mortgage on their house is the only way to get a respectable guitar (I'm looking at you, Gibson). But, again, absolutely no guitar is worth that much money.
The other made in USA models costs over 3 grand
am i the only one that does not like binding?
i mean i dont really mind but i will only accept white bindings im not saying there are other colour bindings but knowing humans we probably have those...
3:46 total bs, should come with hardshell case at this point
I have a Jackson guitar from Japan
Japanese guitars are better than USA guitars