Question Difference in Majesty Guitars

[beeper]

What are the differences in the Majesty Guitars? There are some available for $700-800 that look the same as the $2500 one except they are missing a switch (I think it is the piezo?) on the top of the guitar. What are the other differences?

My son loves these, but 2,500 is a bit steep for us. The cheaper one is definately affordable for him. My son is 14.

Another question. Right now he has an Ibanez RG 120. How much of a step up would he see with a guitar like this? (Either the cheaper one or the full version)? He seems to have some natural talent, and I want him properly encouraged.

Thank you very much!

 

[TripHazard]

The cheaper one is likely the Sterling by Music Man version, and will still be an excellent guitar. i'm no petruci expert but i think the JP guitar necks are more in Ibanez territory

 

[bhull]

The $700 Majesty is manufactured in Indonesia under the Sterling brand. Some of the features found on the Music Man branded product will not be found on the Sterling. The main ones that I see are set neck instead of neck through, no piezo, Sterling brand pickups instead of DiMarzios, Rosewood fretboard instead of Ebony. I don't see it in the available specs, but I assume the frets are not stainless. And of course, MM is made in good old U.S. of A.

I don't have much direct experience, but some of the conversations I've seen online say the Sterlings are a very good option for those who want the MM designs at a lower price point.

As for it being an upgrade, a quick search indicates to me the RG120 is a very entry level guitar. I don't have time to directly compare the specs, but its a safe bet the Sterling will be a noticeable move up the chain, and the MM Majesty is one of the absolute top end production guitars money can buy.

 

[beeper]

Thank you for your replies. Here is a followup question: is there any chance he would not like either of these guitars? We have a guitar center in our area, but it is a small one that does not have this in stock. So how hesitant should I be to buy a 800/2500 instrument without playing it first?

 

[Norrin Radd]

Guitar Center has a very liberal return policy. I wouldn't worry at all.

Plus, if I'd gotten a gift like that at 14, I'd have been happy for years! Either is a big step up quality wise from what he already has.

 

[Magic Jason]

I think that a Sterling would be a very nice instrument for a 14 y.o.! If you generously offer him a "real" Majesty now, what guitar will make him happy when he's 30?

If, one day, he becomes so good that his skills , musicality, techniques... become limited by the sterling instrument, I promise you'll be more than happy to spend the "full" $2500 Musicman Majesty on him.

 

[beeper]

Thank you. We got the music man. I haven't splurged on anything for a while.

 

[KevTN]

I am avalible for adoption! Lol. You have a luckly son...

 

[Cordarino]

Wow, the only guitar my father bought me was the first one, for like 100 bucks... The following ones where bought with my student savings and grandfather help

 

[bhull]

Thank you. We got the music man. I haven't splurged on anything for a while.

Nice. That's one lucky 14 year old!

 

[Magic Jason]

Welcome to the family, lucky boy!!!!

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Wow, he's lucky guy getting the real-deal US model!


For future reference, the SBMM version of the Majesty is currently made in China, not Indonesia.

 

[agt]

I hope your son deeply appreciates your gesture and I wish him much enjoyment and the many long hours woodshedding a guitar like that deserves!

 

[bhull]

For future reference, the SBMM version of the Majesty is currently made in China, not Indonesia.

I stand corrected. I knew it was made overseas, but was having a hard time locating info on exactly where. I did find an Indonesia reference, but China it is.