JP6 2002 - A good year?

[johnnyD]

Greetings!

I have for a long time wanted to obtain an EB MM JP6 with Piezos, and came over an "Mystic Dream" version from 2002 that is within my price-range.

According to the seller, this is one of the few loaded with two "Air Nortons" since it is from 2002.

As I am not to familiar with the history of the JP6, I just wanted to check if that is a good thing? Or should I rather try to get one newer?

As far as it is in good condition, is there any major differences between the different models?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Vadauco]

The first ones, up to 2004, had custom made DiMarzio pickups. The neck was based of Air Norton, while the bridge was based on Evolution:

• About original jp6 pickups

A comprehensive chart of JP model variations history can be seen here:

• Music Man JP comparison chart

Beyond that, the old model have ordinary nickel frets (not stainless steel); the piezo saddles had a different circuit; and the bridge design was different, with less room for the high-E saddle to move. On paper, these are the differences.

However...

I already had three JP6 guitars in the past: 2004, 2013, and 2014. To my hands, the 2004 had a rounder and thicker neck... the 2013 and 2014 were more Ibanez-like, thinner neck and flatter in the back. I cannot confirm whether this is true for all guitars though, it's just my experience.

Between the 2002 and a newer one, I'd choose the one in better shape, regardless of the year.

 

[Sweat]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Very good info and answer, I like the earlier ones better myself.

 

[73h Nils]

I have a 2003 and a 2005 JP7 and they feel just as good as the 2010+ models I’ve also owned. Just ensure the piezo is functional if you want that feature because it can be pricey to fix.

 

[Mixolydian82]

The first ones, up to 2004, had custom made DiMarzio pickups. The neck was based of Air Norton, while the bridge was based on Evolution:

• About original jp6 pickups

A comprehensive chart of JP model variations history can be seen here:

• Music Man JP comparison chart

Beyond that, the old model have ordinary nickel frets (not stainless steel); the piezo saddles had a different circuit; and the bridge design was different, with less room for the high-E saddle to move. On paper, these are the differences.

However...

I already had three JP6 guitars in the past: 2004, 2013, and 2014. To my hands, the 2004 had a rounder and thicker neck... the 2013 and 2014 were more Ibanez-like, thinner neck and flatter in the back. I cannot confirm whether this is true for all guitars though, it's just my experience.

Between the 2002 and a newer one, I'd choose the one in better shape, regardless of the year.

Fantastic chart.

 

[BUC]

I have a very early one that doesn't even have the piezo or matching headstock paint. It's the far left one in this picture. It's a great sounding guitar and I've used it many times in the studio. It was the first JP I ever saw in person...other than when I saw John himself play his very first prototypes at the very first SFAM show at Celebrity Theater in Phoenix.