Big Doubt: 2010 JP6 BFR in good condition or brand new JP6 "standard"

[altairpolar]

Dear folks,

I'm in a big doubt, despite for many seem obvious whichever option.

I have the opportunity, for nearly the same money, to buy a very good condition used JP6 BFR from 2010, or buy a new, regular, JP6, both with piezo (a must for me).

My rational mind thinks "New is always better !!!"

But my heart feels ... "The feeling of the mast and the resonance of the BFR will not be found on your brand new guitar" ...

The 2010' BFR is the same as this one:

Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 BFR Black Sugar - Limited Edition! | Reverb


And the brand new one you know quite well.


What would you do?


Does the build quality, materials, resonance, ... justify to pay nearly the same for a 10 year-old instrument that for a brand new one?


I've been able to test the 2010 one and feels fantastic, but the new one also feels really good ....

What a doubt ha ha !!!


Please, help from the experts !!!!!

 

[GWDavis28]

I have an AL HH from that run, I think it was a great run, the choice of woods and all. If it were me, I'd jump on it, it doesn't seem to be a bad price. The ebony and the roasted finished necks are really nice, not to every ones liking, but I haven't heard too many people complain about them. In the end follow you heart, nothing wrong with a new one either. Looks pretty well taken care of and it's got the piezo too.

Glenn |B)

 

[johnnyboogie]

The pickups on both guitars are the same, so sonically-wise you are looking at the different wood options.

The BFR comes with lots of mahogany instead of the basswood and maple that the JP6 is made of.

Theoretically then the BFR will favor the low end whereas the JP6 the mid/high. It's up to you really.

EDIT: I thought you meant the BFR model released in 2008, now known as JP Figured Tops. I just saw the ad on Reverb. That's a special run but not the BFR model. It's BFR in the sense that they used wood reserved for artists and family members. The only difference then, in terms of wood, is the ebony fretboard vs. the rosewood fretboard on the brand-new one. If there is any difference it will be made apparent via playing them and figuring it out. If there is such a difference I bet it's going to be super subtle. Just go with the one you like the most.

 

[Bill S]

I am no expert, but if the 2010 is BFR is “as new”, I would go with that. I’ve picked up two secondhand EBMMs in recent months which are like new (my JP6 is a 2008 model) and have got both at a great price. But hay! You can’t go wrong with either!

 

[altairpolar]

More exactly, the ones considered are this ones:

Music Man JP6 BFR 6 Piezo | LENZOTTI Strumenti Musicali | Reverb

Manufactured in November, 2010.
It's strange, because the page tells it has the D Sonics. As never listened them nor the Liquifire/Chrunchlabs, still not sure which ones it has ... I think I need a screwdriver ....

and this one:

Music Man John Petrucci Blue | Fanatic Guitars | Reverb


I have the first one at home, and it's superb, but seeing the new one at nearly the same price I paid, and still can return the other one, it's really a big doubt!

 

[johnnyboogie]

They used the D-Sonic/Air Norton set before the first JP custom set was introduced (CrunchLab/LiquiFire). Definitely similar sounding sets.

Personally, I'd keep the Black Sugar BFR. The finished bird's eye neck is beautiful. So is the Black Sugar colour. It's entirely up to you really.

 

[dave1812]

One Thing to consider is that, unless I'm mistaken, the Black Sugar BFR Pre-Date Stainless Steel Frets.
So the new JP6 would have Stainless Steel and the 2010 BFR would have the regular Nickel Silver Frets.
Aswell as the older Trem Design with the Cutout near the Trem-Arm instead of the revision that had the Trem Post moved down, away from the High E String

 

[cbc83]

One Thing to consider is that, unless I'm mistaken, the Black Sugar BFR Pre-Date Stainless Steel Frets.
So the new JP6 would have Stainless Steel and the 2010 BFR would have the regular Nickel Silver Frets.
Aswell as the older Trem Design with the Cutout near the Trem-Arm instead of the revision that had the Trem Post moved down, away from the High E String

Exactly what I was thinking - I own a JP6 from 2005 and a 2012 JPXI. The JP6 has had to have a fret level once (the previous owner played it a lot), but the JPXI just stays silky smooth.

I'd go for stainless steel frets in this case, I just love the feel. At that price, you should have other options though, if you're interested in that (I paid the same for my JPXI).

 

[Jamie M]

I have recently purchased a 2010 ASS BFR. It is as new, not a mark on it so there was really nothing gained from buying an actual brand new instrument.

 

[Lax]

I prefer the BFR shape, and the neck of the 2010.
As an ex JP6 nickel frets user, I guess you should avoid strings like paradigm and eventually someday make it refretted

 

[GWDavis28]

Well if you didn't snag it someone else did.

Glenn |B)

 

[Etudica]

The new JP would have the newer improved piezo saddles and preamp on it. The older saddles still sound great (I have owned both), and you always have the option of upgrading to new style saddles on the older one, but it would also required upgrading the entire preamp at the same time and will cost you extra $. If one of your deciding factors is the piezo sound and longevity, I would personally go with new (or at least newer than around 2014... I can't remember the exact year the saddles and preamps changed).