Another question about Sterling. This time the JP models.

[allenk732]

With the exception of electronics and the finish of the body are there any differences between the JP50, JP60, and JP100? Are the frets the same size and the neck the same width? Any other corners cut between the JP50 and JP60?

Just trying to get into a JP model on a budget. I really don't care about the looks but don't want to sacrifice any quality.

 

[canuck6string]

Which model(s) can you test drive before you buy?

I'm pretty sure you won't find an appreciable, definitive difference in quality between the models like you would if you compared the EBMMs to the SBMMs.

 

[allenk732]

Unfortuantely I can't test drive any of them. No one around here has any in stock but I found a good deal on a used JP50 online. He upgraded it with the Crunchlab/ Liquifire p'ups so the electronics are definitely good. As long as there's no difference in quality between the JP50 and JP60 or JP100 I'll probably pull the trigger.

 

[Guitarshreda]

The JP50/60 are pretty much the same instrument (wood/design/etc...). The JP 60 introduced knob that are more reminiscent of the EBMM JP volume/tone knobs. They are (I believe) one-piece plastic with grooves cut where the rubber grip would be on the JP6/7's. I believe the toggle switch is of better quality as well (also chromed tip/chromed ring). The JP100(D) has a slightly larger body style more like the BFR's (however unlike the BFR's -- the lower horn doesn't have a dramatic cut to it). You also loose the forearm scoop. The 100D's come loaded with the Liquifire/Crunchlab pickups, however not the JP toggle switch which has the center position with the 2 inner coils. In the 50, 60 and 100(D) models, the toggle is just Neck/Neck&Bridge/Bridge.

The one thing that I have found is that my JP50 has a different neck shape then the 100(D) models. The 50 is more of a C contour to the back of the neck where the 100(D)'s that I've played is more of a D profile. For me, the 50 is a more comfortable neck profile.

 

[allenk732]

Thank you! That is an awesome answer!

It sounds like the JP50 will be fine for me. Thank you again Guitarshreda!

 

[1neeto]

Go for it man. The SBMM guitars are amazing instruments for the price! Mine is definitely of better quality than my Mexican tele.

 

[allenk732]

It came in on Saturday. It needs a little work but it feels really good. Gonna have my local shop get it fixed up for me and it will likely be my main axe!

 

[1neeto]

It came in on Saturday. It needs a little work but it feels really good. Gonna have my local shop get it fixed up for me and it will likely be my main axe!

What's wrong with it? Setup issues? Sterlings are set up at Music Man, mine was perfect!

 

[SBMM]

So which model did you get?

 

[allenk732]

@1neeto - There was nothing major. I bought it used and the guy had switched out the stock Sterling p'ups with the JP Dimarzios and coil tapped them. The knob that switches the coils was a little messed up and the bridge needed some adjustments. Also put had him adjust the action a bit as I put .52-.10 strings on and had him set it up for D standard. My other 2 sterlings will stay in E standard.

@SBMM - I found a JP50 in black with the Dimarzios Crunchlab/ Liquifire pickups installed. It was also modded with a killswitch but I don't see using it really. It's in great shape now and I LOVE IT! It will be my "go to" axe until I save up enough for a left EBMM JP6.