JPX6 Vs. JP6

[Grifff]

I'm possibly looking to purchase a JP model Music Man guitar but I don't know the specifics of each model. The two I have been looking at are the JPX6 and the regular JP in mystic dream. Both models have the same pickups and hardware so is the only difference the chambered body/fretboard wood/matching headstock?

Has anyone played both and could include your opinions?

Are there any other guitars in the 2.5k price range that I should consider? I play almost all kinds of music, from prog metal to jazz and I need an extremely versitaile guitar. I guess it helps that I'm a big Petrucci fan

Here are links to the two guitars I am looking to compare:

JP6
Buy Music Man John Petrucci 6 Electric Guitar with Piezo Bridge | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

JPX6
Buy Music Man John Petrucci Signature JPX-6 Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

Thanks!

 

[brokenvail]

I'm possibly looking to purchase a JP model Music Man guitar but I don't know the specifics of each model. The two I have been looking at are the JPX6 and the regular JP in mystic dream. Both models have the same pickups and hardware so is the only difference the chambered body/fretboard wood/matching headstock?

Has anyone played both and could include your opinions?

Are there any other guitars in the 2.5k price range that I should consider? I play almost all kinds of music, from prog metal to jazz and I need an extremely versitaile guitar. I guess it helps that I'm a big Petrucci fan

Here are links to the two guitars I am looking to compare:

JP6
Buy Music Man John Petrucci 6 Electric Guitar with Piezo Bridge | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

JPX6
Buy Music Man John Petrucci Signature JPX-6 Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

Thanks!

It is a whole other guitar. The only think that is the same is prob the hardware and the pups. If you played both you can see the JPX's lineage. The JPX has a richer tone IMO and that 5 way switch addes more tones to your disposal. As fas as guitars in the price range you mentioned being more flexable/ as flexable the Reflex is probably the most flexable out there. That will be the case till the game changer comes out then nothing will beat it in the flexable department. Also worthy of being looked at for flexability is the Axis Super Sport, Axis Super Sport BFR, and HH AL.

 

[ScoobySteve]

The JPX has its roots in the JP6, but is a continued evolution in JP's demands and style. To me they're drastically different.

From the bottom horn arrangement, the asymmetrical body style, no forearm scoop, and of course the FINISHED neck. Tonally they're also very different. Chambered Alder, Mahog Tone Block + Maple cap on a Mahogony neck sounds totally different from Basswood + Maple. NOT BETTER, mind you, just different.

The tonal quality is different, but they cover the same bases with the CL/LF pups. It'll come down mostly to your ears and how the guitars FEEL in your hand. I've played both and owned a JP6, and they feel TOTALLY different in your hands.

Go with the sound that moves you and the comfort you prefer!

 

[jam3v]

THe other thing I didn't see mentioned is that the JPX has larger frets than the JP6 and other BFR's

My take on the tonal differences is that the standard JP6 is smooth where the JPX is more in face and has a bit more bite. Sorry to get so technical.

 

[whitestrat]

THe other thing I didn't see mentioned is that the JPX has larger frets than the JP6 and other BFR's

Actually, that's a key difference. It affects the way you play. Other than that, I can honestly say the tones are different, but not so different that you're comparing Les Pauls and Strats. The X is a bit tighter sounding, but yes, richer. It's also got less bass than the standard JP6. The forearm contour is another biggie. Despite what it may seem, the finished vs unfinished neck is a TINY difference, and not something that would be a deal breaker for me.

Between the 2, I personally prefer the JPX for feel and tones over the JP6.

 

[misterB]

Hey Grifff!
I was in your shoes a month ago! Went to Guitar Center and played a JPX and a JP6 (Turquiose pearl, but with the roasted maple neck/ebony fretboard). The JPX was surely warmer sounding, but to my ears and for me, the JP6 sound had more definition, and was a little 'crisper' sounding. Even though I LOVED the color of the JPX and only LIKED the color of the JP6 (it has since grown on me & I do love it now!!), I went with the sound that my ears liked a little more, and bought the JP6. But it's all about the player playing. You might prefer the JPX. Bottom line is that they're both incredible versatile guitars. Good luck!!

 

[Grifff]

Hey Grifff!
I was in your shoes a month ago! Went to Guitar Center and played a JPX and a JP6 (Turquiose pearl, but with the roasted maple neck/ebony fretboard). The JPX was surely warmer sounding, but to my ears and for me, the JP6 sound had more definition, and was a little 'crisper' sounding. Even though I LOVED the color of the JPX and only LIKED the color of the JP6 (it has since grown on me & I do love it now!!), I went with the sound that my ears liked a little more, and bought the JP6. But it's all about the player playing. You might prefer the JPX. Bottom line is that they're both incredible versatile guitars. Good luck!!

Which Guitar Center was it? The GC near me (Towson, Maryland) only has the JP6 and judging from the posters above (thank you for the help) I should play both and determine which one I like better.

 

[Lou]

I have a few JPs of different designations. I really love the original JPs the best followed by the JPX then the BFRs.

 

[dannymusic]

after owning JP6 (4) and JPX, I found that the body size and frets make it feel (play) quite a bit different; tones aside. The guitar positions a little different. I felt as if the original JP6 is slightly more ergonomic. The JPX is definitely more IN-YO-FACE. But I think the JP6 is faster. I've gone back to "prefering" the unfinished neck, but not that it's an issue. The color is PURE EVIL (JPX)

 

[misterB]

Which Guitar Center was it? The GC near me (Towson, Maryland) only has the JP6 and judging from the posters above (thank you for the help) I should play both and determine which one I like better.

Sorry for the delay Grifff. I went to the Cherry Hill store in NJ. Ask for Alex, he's THE MAN!!!!!! And they did still have the JPX (cuz I didn't buy that one. . . . . .YET!!)