One JP6 BFR vs. two standard JP6

[D.K.]

Hi guys and gals (congrats and all the best to all of You on this 8-th of March, btw)!

I have a question, that has surely already crossed some peoples' minds on this forum - just want Your opinions on this dilemma.

I have two JP6, and consider selling them both to buy a JP6. Both are old non-piezo models with the old custom PUs. So the first question is - is the BFR that much better than two JP6s (in rare sparkle colours, for that matter)?

To make the things more complicated I already have the 20-th silo - a BFR in its own right. I love the scooped arm cutaway more, than the standard arm cutaway of the silo. I also believe that a painted neck could be a problem. Would it still make sense for You to sell the JP6s when already having a 20-th silo?

AND, I love the stratty middle position sound on the JP6. Does the BFR sound as stratty in the split coil mode? (The point is, it's very hard to find a BFR in Germany just to try and play it...)

You see, many questions - would greatly appreciate Your opinions.

[D.K.]

Thanks a lot, Foggy

[pjc812]

Unless you're using two tunings, the BFR would probably be the way to go in my opinion. I too was skeptical of the painted neck but it really feels great.

I also like the body shape of the BFR better than the standard JP.

Now, if you want strat sounds, a non painted neck, no piezo and a BFR, try the LUKE! It's less expensive and DAMNED sexy.

[kneeoh]

In my opinion, the BFR and the standard JP are actually complementary to each other. I have both and they're great guitars but I don't think of one being better than the other cuz they are very different. The painted neck is not an issue for me. Likewise, the lack of arm scoop is a non-issue. The guitars sound completely different as one would expect with the difference in woods. Again, one is not better than the other, just different and complementary. If I were in your situation, I wouldn't sell the ones you have and save up for the BFR JP (it sounds distinctly different from the 20th btw).

[D.K.]

Thanks a lot so far!

Now, that is interesting. I realized that the BFR would sound A BIT different, but not completely different. Now, I know, it's very hard to actually describe a tone of a guitar, but KNEEOH, could You please shed some light onto what exactly sounds how different?

[kneeoh]

My BFR has a much brighter, more focused tone than my Black Sparkle (I consider the sparkle as my favorite of my JPs for numerous reasons but primarily because its tone is distinctly darker than the others). Besides the wood differences, the pup combination and the string gauge also play a factor. Interestingly, I prefer the tweaked Steve's Special JP bridge pup to the D-sonic on my standard JPs... it just sounds clearer to my ears. As BFR's have never been marketed with the SS, I have no idea how that would alter the tone though it would be interesting to find out.

When I think about it, each one of my JPs sound and feel slightly different from one another. Its great to have variety.

I know that's a somewhat vague description so I'm sorry if it doesn't help. Remember this is just my experience with my JP collection... I'm sure you'll get about a thousand differing opinions.

[D.K.]

I also prefer the old bridge PU to the D-sonic, then again, I've never heard how it sounds in a BFR.

GREAT thanks to You anyway!!!

[colinboy]

why dont you go to Thomann Cyberstore in your country as they have quite afew BFR JP,s in stock and try one of them to get afeel for them my friend.
then you can make your decision.

[73h Nils]

I faced this exact dilemna...It's too big of a trade-off. BRUTAL, in fact. Sparkles are really unique, now, too, so I'd say keep them.

[roburado]

Keep the sparkles. I have the different situation from kneeoh with the sound of my BFR as compared to my regular JP.

My BFR is warmer than my regular JP, which has none of the options (no piezo, no inlay, no matching headstock). I wish it had a brightness, clarity, and impact that I have with my 20th Anniversary Silo, but, of course, I wouldn't have the same, great violin tone that my BFR gives me.

I think the BFR JP and the regular JP are vastly different in the way they sound. I think that both sound great; they just sound different.

[D.K.]

Thanks a lot to all of You!

Yeah, the sparkles are hard to find nowadays, especially two mint condition sparkles...

And roburado, I somehow think there can be nothing better tonewise than the 20-th silo, so in a way it can compete against the BFR JP. At least I know that, alongside many other things, the stuff of "Systematic Sound" sounds just incredible on the 20-th.

[marduke]

2 regular JP's for me like to have different tunings, but a BFR will be coming my way to join my 2 JP6's.. a little later than expected.... crashed my car and the excess on the insurance is a killer..... *d'oh* so that takes the current funds away.... ohwell thats life and noone was hurt

[D.K.]

Marduke, it's a great thing no one was hurt. Sadly enough, I know how tragic car crashes can be...