JP13 apparently the Majesty prototype

[dannymusic]

specs, playability and sonically, it seems that the JP13 came out to test the waters electronically and play wise. I have been totally impressed with the 13. It really likes the Mesa Mark IV. The boost adds alot of flexibility. It appears as the "new look" factored into the success of the Majesty. So, if you want a more conventional Majesty, without the new age look, Best be looking at the 13. I believe that if you like playing one, you should like the other.

 

[vicsnake]

Yes, I guess you are right. I recently got a Majesty and had the opportunity to play a JP13 and they feel and sound somewhat similar. I believe that more than a prototype, it was meant to fund the Majesty project (it wasn't finished and maybe they needed a product to keep the sales going).

My theory on all JP models is as follows:
JP6 - the new model after Ibanez
BFR - John wanted a more luxurious instrument with more woods and finishes.
JPX - 10th anniversary experiment
JPXI - trying to fuse the BFR and the JPX into the ultimate BFR
JP12 - just a JPXI variation. To fund the Majesty.
JP13 - introducing the boost, the illuminator pickups and the 17" radius. To fund the Majesty.
Majesty - the next guitar for this decade.

 

[smd24fan]

Totally agree. They play a lot alike. In fact, I think the JP13 I just traded away played easier than my new Majesty. That's not a complaint, they both are effortless to play. Doing bends on the Majesty feel just a tad harder.

 

[Big Poppa]

hahahahahah not close the majesty was ground up new...we didnt need the 13 to fund it....

 

[QuietSpike]

Yes, I guess you are right. I recently got a Majesty and had the opportunity to play a JP13 and they feel and sound somewhat similar. I believe that more than a prototype, it was meant to fund the Majesty project (it wasn't finished and maybe they needed a product to keep the sales going).

My theory on all JP models is as follows:
JP6 - the new model after Ibanez
BFR - John wanted a more luxurious instrument with more woods and finishes.
JPX - 10th anniversary experiment
JPXI - trying to fuse the BFR and the JPX into the ultimate BFR
JP12 - just a JPXI variation. To fund the Majesty.
JP13 - introducing the boost, the illuminator pickups and the 17" radius. To fund the Majesty.
Majesty - the next guitar for this decade.

My theory--- John Petrucci is constantly evolving his tastes trying to refine the guitar to have the ultimate instrument/tool for his playing. Unlike some others who's guitars remain the same (like Vai for instance, who's guitar has remained virtually unchanged for going on 25 years). Some people get bothered by the constant changes/evolutions, but I really prefer it-- it allows me choose which model is best for me (like I did with my JP12 --flatter radius I prefer, pickups I prefer, and a QM top… which I prefer ).

As far as funding, I think EBMM has sold enough JP models in the last 14 years to buy a small country.

 

[vicsnake]

Some people get bothered by the constant changes/evolutions, but I really prefer it-- it allows me choose which model is best for me (like I did with my JP12 --flatter radius I prefer, pickups I prefer, and a QM top… which I prefer ).

I am not bothered at all by John always trying new things, I'm in favor of that. I just feel that the last few models were just slight variations//experiments/refinements while the JP6, BFR and now the Majesty were major overhauls to the line-up. I was ready yo buy a JP13-7 until I saw the leaked images of the Majesty and decided to wait for 6 months until I finally got it, and still I can understand the people who buy the latest model and feel kinda disappointed when the new one is released.

I remember asking John at a meet and greet about the stallion back in December 2011. Maybe funding was not the right word, more like building expectation until the Majesty was ready.

 

[decreebass]

Totally agree. They play a lot alike. In fact, I think the JP13 I just traded away played easier than my new Majesty. That's not a complaint, they both are effortless to play. Doing bends on the Majesty feel just a tad harder.

this might be due to the Maj having 10s and the JP13 having 9s (at least that's why my 13 plays slightly more effortlessly).

But yes - these were my first two EBMM guitars and I'll never willingly play another guitar lol. They're both incredible but very VERY similar in feel and tone but the ergonomics of the Maj just put the 13 to shame, even though the 13 is my second favorite guitar in the world. It's over a pound and a half heavier than my Maj!!

I think once I throw some 9s on the Maj I'll be in absolute guitar heaven.

 

[steevo]

My theory--- John Petrucci is constantly evolving his tastes trying to refine the guitar to have the ultimate instrument/tool for his playing. Unlike some others who's guitars remain the same (like Vai for instance, who's guitar has remained virtually unchanged for going on 25 years). Some people get bothered by the constant changes/evolutions, but I really prefer it-- it allows me choose which model is best for me (like I did with my JP12 --flatter radius I prefer, pickups I prefer, and a QM top… which I prefer ).

As far as funding, I think EBMM has sold enough JP models in the last 14 years to buy a small country.

To be fair steve vai, and joe satriani for that matter, uses a lot of different variations on the JEM theme. Look at the double and triple neck guitars, different pickup variations and colour schemes. I know they are based around the same guitar, as are a lot of the JP models but it obviously shows that Vai is happy with his instrument. Its a shame Ibanez don't show a bit more innovation and imagination, there colours are so bland overall and don't do the instruments justice.
Looking at fenders signature range the only model that's really altered over the years is the Eric Clapton model and even that is only pickups.
MM guitars seem to evolve over time, not just subtle things but genuine changes and improvements.

 

[Barry1977]

To be fair steve vai, and joe satriani for that matter, uses a lot of different variations on the JEM theme. Look at the double and triple neck guitars, different pickup variations and colour schemes. I know they are based around the same guitar, as are a lot of the JP models but it obviously shows that Vai is happy with his instrument. Its a shame Ibanez don't show a bit more innovation and imagination, there colours are so bland overall and don't do the instruments justice.
Looking at fenders signature range the only model that's really altered over the years is the Eric Clapton model and even that is only pickups.
MM guitars seem to evolve over time, not just subtle things but genuine changes and improvements.

I completely agree..MM as a company,continually evolve,and aren't scared of bringing out guitars that divide opinion
Which the Majesty definitely has!..I cannot wait to get mine!
Its a shame that a lot of guitar companies are stuck in the past,and living off past glories,rather than looking forward to the future
Although i do remember that horrendous creation,the Gibson Robot..That was awful!

 

[dannymusic]

I guess, maybe what I was also saying is, if the "new" concept of the Majesty creeps you, then get a JP13, same state of the art amazing guitar in slightly more conventional packaging. It's HOT.

 

[Kenji20022]

Hardly a Protoype. That was the full fledged 13, I'm sure John just took the features he liked best and applied them to the Majesty. Having played them both, they're both very different from each other. Having only similarities in Tone since all of the woods are exactly the same sans the Fretboard.

I was actually not in love with the design once I first saw it, it's something you have to have in your hands to appreciate. Considering the weight and the feel of the finish really blew me away, made me forget the shape and what I didn't like about it before. I honestly couldn't care less about fret access and it being a neck through, there was never a problem with the access on the bolt ons for myself, but it's probably the last feature I look to and consider it incredible. I'd get it even if it was a bolt on.

But yeah, they really hit the nail on the head with the Majesty. The guitar is great, and I can't wait to get one for myself.