JPX vs JPXI vs JP6 general questions

[xtcblue]

Am an owner of a JP6 and am looking to get either a JPX or JPXI but can't try them before buying. Had a few questions:

1) Have read that some folks prefer a non-chambered body for metal. Therefore, is there really a substantial difference between the solid JPXI and chambered JPX under high-gain circumstances or are we splitting hairs?

2) Apart from the tonal differences between the basswood JP6 vs the alder JPX/XI is there a difference in 'quickness' of pick attack between the 3?

3) In terms of fret size, the heights of the frets from lowest to highest: JP6>JPXI>JPX. Is that correct?

Cheers!

 

[ScoobySteve]

As Ive only owned a standard JP and test driven a JPX I can't account for the XI.

What some people say about chambering affecting high gain is moderately true. It's not so much a bad thing but the resonance added by the chambering gives it a wider and full tone. It's very difficult to nail that tight; almost compressed nature of gain you hear in thrash or metal core type situations. It's the same as my 25th/Reflex. It's great even for moderately high gain but push the gain too much and the tone isn't as clearly defined.

For leads and solos it's great. The notes sing and articulate beautifully but when you start getting to high gain rhythm playing the limitations start to show.

It really. Boils down to what style of music you play. I know of several forum items and a couple acquaintances that play their JPX in a wide variety of genres. With the 5 way selector it is definitely the most versatile of the bunch. For metal and that Dream Theather esque tone the standard or Bfr or XI might be better. It's hard to say. You gotta consider your equipment as well.

Really stinks you can't try them as it would be the most sensible approach to this situation. Good luck!

 

[brokenvail]

I think the above is true. It is a bit hard to get that ultra tight tone from the JPX. With that said I love the JPX. The chambering and 5 way switch rock! The fret size are the same on all models. When they make a change to the JP line the do it across the whole line ie they all have SS frets and all have his sig pups. Also he changes gauges every once and a while and when he does so does the guitars being sold to us. You're real question should be can you live with the thinner profile/flatter neck on the JXI? If the answer to that is yes and you are still concerned about the Alder/Mahogany/Maple combo then the remedy for you is the JP12

 

[xtcblue]

I think the above is true. It is a bit hard to get that ultra tight tone from the JPX. With that said I love the JPX. The chambering and 5 way switch rock! The fret size are the same on all models. When they make a change to the JP line the do it across the whole line ie they all have SS frets and all have his sig pups. Also he changes gauges every once and a while and when he does so does the guitars being sold to us. You're real question should be can you live with the thinner profile/flatter neck on the JXI? If the answer to that is yes and you are still concerned about the Alder/Mahogany/Maple combo then the remedy for you is the JP12

Thanks for the reply

Well, I think the toss up is between the X and XI. The JP12 is something I am not considering yet because I guess its going to be another 3-4 months before we get proper reviews on how it compares with the other two.

Now, between the X and XI, I am sure I will be comfortable with the playability of either as there does not seem to be a huge difference. The reason I am leaning towards the JPX is because it seems like it will be more versatile than the JPXI especially for lower gain playing. HOWEVER, I would like the guitar to be great at higain as well so I want to make sure that that is not compromised much. I guess the conclusion is that the JPX doesn't do tight high gain as well as the JPXI, so that's a compromise.

(also I thought the frets were different on all guitars and was preferring the JPX there because it has the largest frets, though that doesn't matter much)

My question about the pick attack came from the fact that my basswood JP6 has a slower pick attack than some of my other alder guitars. Now this is very subjective and opinions might vary, but do you feel that the alder versions of the JP (X/XI) have a faster pick attack?

Cheers!!

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I love my JPX I've played on the JP6 and have to say it does sound a play better to my tastes anyway. I'm trying to buy a house this year so unfortunately my balls are up for sale. If interested let me know.

 

[brokenvail]

The JPX will sound just fine with High Gain just not as tight as the JPXI. IMO reviews are not needed on the JP 12 because it is not a night and day difference. It is almost 95+% the same with the only difference being basswood vs alder. I believe that the x xi and 12 will ll have a faster pick attack bit it is because of the maple top and ebony fretboard. The main reason why I suggested the 12 is because if you dig the basswood on the jp6 the 12 will be a richer fatter version of it.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Yeah +1 ^^^^

Please don't get me wrong, the JPX will do high gain fine, but there will be a difference. not huge,but big.

If you do consider the 12 or 11, the fingerboard radius is definitely something to consider. It is quite thin and flat.

 

[Adrian-XI]

FWIW, the JPX having the 5 way blade only gives it one more pickup combo than the 3 way JPXI.

 

[yellowv03]

I own all three. The JPX lacks tightness ever so slightly to the JPXI, but it's basically splitting hairs. With a tight sounding high gain rig the JPX can do anything you want no problem. That said when played clean and with the piexo the JPX does have a slight advantage with a little thicker more resonant tone. I do prefer the feel and tone of the JPX and JPXI to the standard JP, but the standard JP is still a great guitar and IMO has a more fluid lead tone with it's basswood body than the X and XI. The only one with a different fret size is the JPX. The XI and standard both have medium jumbos. Just the XI has SS. Now if your looking to buy new that will be a moot point as all new JP's will now have SS frets. As far as the switching goes i prefer the toggle to the 5 way. However the JPXI does not lack any switching options from the JPX as it has a push pull tone pot to get that other pickup position. The regular JP6 does lack that one position from the other two. IMO the biggest difference is that the JPXI has the flatter radius and slightly thinner neck. You really can notice it and I just love the feel. As for attack the ebony board, SS frets and non chambered body make the JPXI have the tightest pick attack. Then would be the JPX and JP6 respectively.

ETA. The JPX does have 1 other pickup position. I forgot it does enable blending both the neck and bridge as humbuckers. While the XI only does outer and inner coils.

 

[xtcblue]

Thanks for the responses people! Pretty comprehensive I must say and I think all my questions have been answered. I think JPXI might be the guitar I need. Thanks!!!

 

[Jom Tanakrit]

cool! i played 3 of them and ended up with jpxi too