Piezo on JP's - Keep or Leave?

[Codyyyn]

This is something that plagues my mind all the time. I have the JP7, in Mystic Dream, with the matching headstock, the JP inlays, and the piezo. I wanted the most expensive version of it. I'm so undecided on the piezo thing. I think they sound good...but I don't like the fact that unless you use a stereo cable, and 2 seperate amps, a 9 volt battery must be used to even be able to use the magnetic pickups...that I really don't like.

Wait, really?

That may tip the scales a bit for sure....

 

[favolos80]

This is something that plagues my mind all the time. I have the JP7, in Mystic Dream, with the matching headstock, the JP inlays, and the piezo. I wanted the most expensive version of it. I'm so undecided on the piezo thing. I think they sound good...but I don't like the fact that unless you use a stereo cable, and 2 seperate amps, a 9 volt battery must be used to even be able to use the magnetic pickups...that I really don't like.

if you connect a mono cable in the mag output you don't need battery,or not??

 

[Sweat]

The peizo on the JP is a must, all of my balls have peizos and could not live without the options it brings and the JP peizo is the best of all, forget the inlays and upgraded colrs but a peizo is a must.

 

[73h Nils]

if you connect a mono cable in the mag output you don't need battery,or not??

You're right, you don't need a battery, unless you're using the (duh) piezo (Mono output) for one amp.

Sacrifice other options for the piezo, such as the matching headstock...and, oh yeah, sell those other guitars.

Get it.

 

[Zaarin]

Indeed, get the piezo. I love it on my JP. Next JP will definitely have piezo as well.

 

[MikeVt]

There are a LOT of threads already on this topic. I, for one, appear to be in the minority. I have a JP with piezo (and another in transit), and while it truly does sound nice, I can get REALLY close to that sound with any of my multieffects pedals using an 'acoustic simulator' patch. Maybe my ears are just less sensitive, but for me it really minimizes the value of the the built in piezo. I didn't get one on my Luke, and I probably won't get it on any others in the future. I think your approach is good - if you can afford it, get it, otherwise don't sweat it.

One thing that does bother me about the JPs with piezo is the placement of the output jacks. They're too close to the strap button and when I'm sitting down noodling with the JP between my legs (ok..that came out wrong)...the jacks rest against my thigh. I would have preferred them placed a little lower. I'm not sure how they're placed with the non-piezo equipped JPs.

Mike

 

[pearlredburst]

id say, even with a 7 string to keep the piezo. That 7th string has GOT to open up chordal possibilities and the piezo would be sweet for that.

 

[darren]

I love the piezo.

It's the reason why i have a JP7... Parker wouldn't make me a 7-string Fly.

 

[morsecode]

The piezo is cool, but really it just gives you the acoustic guitar sound on your electric. If you're playing live and need one then it's invaluable. If you have lots of extra cash it's a cool option.

If money's an issue and you don't NEED it, save your dollars. Really, if cash is an issue I'd look for a good deal on a used Pet- they happen all the time.

I agree 100% with beej here. Money is clearly an issue as you've indicated. Just go for a basic Pet or even look for a used one. Piezo or not it is still a fantastic guitar and one that in my mind is has incredible value.

If you're looking for a 7 then I'm not certain a piezo is such a "must have" option as you're probably looking for more of an axe that you can shred with.

Maybe down the road you will want more, but the only real advice that I could give is to be patient. The opportunity to pick up one with a piezo will happen at some point. In the meantime, don't feel like you "have to" buy one with a piezo.

 

[emkey]

Well, it depends on what you really need from guitar...I decided to go for a non-piezo version, because I don't need to use that. For cleans I like the middle position of the toggle, seriously I think it's awesome. I know many people who think alike. But even though if I bought 7 string version I would pick it with piezo. It just has to be underlined that PIEZO IS FANTASTIC! That sound is genius. You should just think about what you need...if you play metal, you'll probably won't use piezo, if you play something else it may be very useful. Oh, and don't concern on cash only...if you decide to pay some extra bucks for piezo, you'll realize that it is worth even more

best,
Mike

 

[dannymusic]

one thing that has not been discussed is that you when you are playing mondo distortion, you can dial the piezo in (to taste) to clean up some definition when things get really muddy. The piezo accentuates the note attack and quickly sears into sustaining distortion. Piezos are not just for intros.
The money you spend up front will be seen at resale a piezo version will always go from 2-300$ more. Hardly anyone will NOT buy it because it has a piezo, but MANY will ignore it if it doesn't (pick me)

 

[darren]

Piezos also have monstrous bottom end that's super-clear. Layering my piezo with a heavy "recto" sound results in an absolutely huge wall of guitar.

 

[whitestrat]

The piezo is a must have...

 

[Pablo]

Though I know a lot of people love piezos, I personally don't like the sound at all. To me they sound sterile and cold and not at all "acoustic". Honestly, piezo equiped electrics remind me of all the keyboard players in the '80's that found a snazzy trumpet sound and decided they were Miles...

If I were you, I'd try out any guitar available with a piezo bridge, just to figure out if you like the sound.

I'd get a non-piezo JP7, that's for sure.

Cheers

Eske

 

[Ang3lus]

piezo owns
I use it alot with my JP6 in conjuction with the middle position to get an awesome blues strat
or the neck position for a more fat sound.

 

[mesavox]

When my guitar was forced to live with a new master (LOL) one of the first things I began to miss was the piezo. I was always layering it in my clean sound. Reverb on the acoustic side, reverb, chorus, and delay on the magnetic side... ahhh I can't wait until mid December when I get my new baby. LOL

Plus, piezos in a non acoustic reproduction frame of mind have not really been tapped into much, and there is the opportunity to find some really edgy and creative things with it.

I don't anticipate buying many guitars in the future that don't have piezos.

 

[Gitguru]

Save up for the piezo it's worth it, trust me

 

[dannymusic]

Piezos also have monstrous bottom end that's super-clear. Layering my piezo with a heavy "recto" sound results in an absolutely huge wall of guitar.

...I thought that's what I just said....

 

[73h Nils]

I use mine all the time on both the 6 and the 7. If (when ) I order my next 6, it will have one, too. I need them

 

[MatrixAndyR]

Being a high school student myself I understand the hard time your having getting cash. Since your already spending a long enough time saving up for the guitar, it seems to me to be in your interest to get the piezo option to go along with it. You'll probably eventually find a use for it, and if you don't have it... well you have to start your long wait of saving up for one, when you could've gotten them if you just waited a little while longer on your first purchase.