What's the best musicman model for heavy/thrash metal?

[bkrumme]

And a tough one (I think); would it be "safe" for me to sell my made in USA Jackson Soloist to buy a JP? Ups and downs?

Welcome to the forum!

If you're used to a Soloist, the closest you will get is a JP. So I think you're on the right track. I played a Soloist and for a long time. They're still very different guitars, but the JP is going to be the closest you will get to a Soloist.

The reason I say this is mainly the neck profile. The JP has a thin, flat neck much like the Soloist does. They're not identical. To me, the Soloist neck feels a bit thinner. The SL1 and SL2 are also neck-thru where all of the EBMM guitars are bolt-on. Just something to keep in mind you're particularly accustomed to the complete lack of heel on USA Jacksons.

You'd also be making the switch from Seymour Duncan to DiMarzio. To me, this is an upgrade, but that's just my opinion. I think the Crunch Lab and Liquifire pickups which come on the JP now are killer. And depending on whether you had an SL1 or SL2, you could be going from HSS to HH configuration. This may not be as big of a deal if you're going to be riding the bridge pup a lot, but if you're accustomed to a single in the neck, you'll notice some tonal difference.

One aspect of the JP which is a HUGE advantage is the versatility. If you get it with a piezo, you add a whole new dimension to the guitar. If you were to choose the BFR, you get another option with the push/pull tone pot. So while it's a great guitar for metal, it's also quite suitable for other styles.

My advice in this matter would be do play a JP. Find a shop nearby or within a reasonable distance who carries EBMM and try one out. Take your Soloist with you and make the comparison for yourself. The only person who can really decide is you.

If you're like me, you'll choose the JP.

[kleinmeiner]

Thank you for your replies, my friends!

@bkrumme
Thank you very,very much for your extensive reply. You are really helping me out.

One aspect of the JP which is a HUGE advantage is the versatility. If you get it with a piezo, you add a whole new dimension to the guitar. If you were to choose the BFR, you get another option with the push/pull tone pot. So while it's a great guitar for metal, it's also quite suitable for other styles.

This versatility is the main reason I want to switch to a musicman! Thanks again.

[Dante]

1 - the guitars

the jp6 will work. offerings with an ebony board alot better (stealth black, dargie 2, Koa top BFR and JPX). they're crisp and pretty in their attack. thin flat neck.

the morse y2d, unless you really need 24 frets. it comes with a tune-o-matic (awesome for that stiff hetfieldness) or a floyd rose. i have a hardtail with EMGs. it kicks butt. it's also a bit heavier, which, imho, has a positive effect on the tone and feel. the controls are also set in a place that makes expressive playing easier. the neck feels thinner than a normal neck but still a bit thicker than a petrucci.

the axis. well... it's the one axe i never thought of buying but there's absolutely no reason why it wouldn't work. maple neck, floyd rose. and go. also 22 frets, and the chunkiest of the three, neckwise.

2 the pickups

EMGs are the safe way out, but if you're going for the petrucci, try the crunchlab first. (beware of how old the guitar is, since the crunchlab is a new thing. before it, they had D-Sonics in the bridge position, which look the same but sound totally different). the crunchlab actually sounds alot like an EMG but is not as quiet BUT a hell of alot ballsier than an 81. the liquifire is also very cool.

if you need 24 frets or a thin neck, then the petrucci is probably the way out. if you want to unleash relentless riffing on a guitar that's bombproof stable, then the Y2D gets my vote.

[kleinmeiner]

@Dante
Wow!!!! Thanks a lot! I really,really appreciate it!

I think I'll print your answers and study them carefully.

[Dante]

hhahaha, sry, tend to write too much.

good luck man.

[jakedawgwhite88]

Don't forget about the Sterling jp50 stealth model and from what Pete said it is WELL worth it.

[ScoobySteve]

I totally forgot about the SM Y2D!!!!! Thanks for bringing it back up Dante.

While I do endorse the JP (being a former owner and absolutely loved it I think there are a few other guitars that can do you some serious justice.

A hardtail Axis (If you can come buy one) would be amazing. The axis pick ups are flat out amazing. With the hard tail, no tone pot and just string through bridge/volume control you got a rock machine.

The other one mentioned is the Y2D. The tune-o-matic bridge will help you get that shortened snort and tight response typical of a thrash style. The Y2D's bridge is pretty hot, but if its not enough for you, you could always swap it.

Oh did I also mention the Y2D is simply gorgeous?

[kleinmeiner]

@Dante
I meant it in a very good way! I need as many information I can get! Feel free to write much much more (please)!

@jakedawgwhite88
Interesting information. Thanks!

[kleinmeiner]

@ScoobySteve
Wow, thanks!

[Dante]

yeah, the y2d is a born winner. if i were you, which i'm not, and i didn't need 24 frets (kirk has 24 frets, but i like jamez more than kirk anyway) i'd get a y2d and if your dealer allows returns, put a crunchlab in the bridge(if that fails, there's always emg). there are actually several good matches to the CL, including the Liquifire and the Deactivator X(they're pretty close in output last time i checked). not sure which duncans match the CL. the reason to try the dimarzios first is simple: EMGs are not a direct retrofit. the holes in the pickguard are too small and the corners too round. the routing for the pup's legs on the body is also too small, meaning both PG and pups will require some carving. might as well try the dimarzios first.

honnestly, considering how you specifically mentioned thrash, it's either gonna be the Y2D or an ebony boarded JP. imho of course.

[Zippoman]

Does an ebony board really make that big of a difference? I always knew there was a difference but you make it seem like rosewood boards are not for thrash at all.

[ScoobySteve]

Does an ebony board really make that big of a difference? I always knew there was a difference but you make it seem like rosewood boards are not for thrash at all.

No, not really, but it looks so metal.

Stealth ftw!

[D.K.]

One of my BFRs has an ebony board, the other rosewood. Noticeable difference in feel, but close to none difference in tone because of the board.

For thrash, I would recommend the y2d or the standard Morse more than the standard or the BFR JP - the standard JP may be a bit too dark and warm, the BFR is even a much more reach and deep sounding instrument, which may be a bit too much at times. The Morses (I don't have the y2d, but played it a lot) are more flat and even in terms of tone, which can come in handy in ultra-speed riffing. Plus, the standard Morse has so many different tones it can suit most any genre there is.

[e.mate]

I am concerned about a metal sound, but I don't care of the guitar looks "metal". Actually I'd rather if it doesn't. I'm tired of those pointy ugly (to me) metal guitars.

I instantly thought, Deja Vu....but that's a progress

[koogie2k]

This is certainly in my territory.....my suggestion would be one of the following:

1. JP - simply listen to Dream Theater. You have clean, crunch, lead and all kinds of great tone. Metal it will handle without a problem. I play in a Black/Death Metal band and have my DDII JP-6 in dropped C.

2. Axis - this is a great and versatile axe. Will certainly handle all your metal goodness.

3. Y2D - Morse plays every genre of music known to man and has probably invented some while he was at it. This axe will handle metal and has to me more tonal options.

I am a simple kind of player and a bit on the off side. However, the JP is what I use and love it. Versatile, sits well on a strap, and stays in tune. Never let me down.

The question of Ebony or Rosewood. I like both and really don't see the or hear that much of a difference. I like the look of Ebony better....but...it is not the be all end all.

Most of the answers given earlier was great advice. My suggestion would be to try and play one before you buy one. The necks are quite a bit different on a JP than an Axis, Morse, Luke, etc. If possible, try before you buy.