NGD JPX BFR+ questions

[Cenobyte]

Hey guys,

So I picked up a very gently used 2012 JPX BFR today (apparently it was purchased in box as new old stock in Toronto mid last year)... have a couple questions I know someone will be able to answer.

First thing im wondering about is the 5 way switch, is it meant to switch super smoothly, with next to no clicks? It's difficult to find setting 2 and 4, I'm very used to solid clicks on a 5 way so it's unusual. Is there anything I can do without replacing the switch to get it notching better? I know people have had some issues with this switch in general due to the position, but I've never seen anything related to it being super slick.

Second, one of the rubber rings is missing, I was told the guy tried to remove it to switch out knobs and the rubber ripped. Hoping I can get a few extras sent to me from EBMM... technically I'd like to switch out to larger black metal knobs, but it looks like the peg they fit on to is slightly too big for a standard metal knob. Any options out there anyone can think of?

Other than this stuff it's a beautiful guitar, super fast neck, love the almost grape like sparkle... practice on Wednesday and I'll put it though its paces then

 

[Tollywood]

Congrats on the JPX. That color looks amazing with black hardware. Sorry, I don't have answers to your questions.

 

[edhalen]

I would contact Ernie Ball Customer Service. I'll bet they can answer all of your questions.

Music Man Customer Service

 

[Lou]

The JPX should click into all 5 positions easily. Customer service will hook you up on the missing rubber grips.

 

[Cenobyte]

Thanks guys, I called MM today, a new super switch, three rubber band things (and one extra knob, because why not) are on the way

The JPX should click into all 5 positions easily. Customer service will hook you up on the missing rubber grips.

 

[varjao]

I have a JPX and its really slick, for me its ok, i have another guitar with a hard switch, i end up using only positions 1 and 5 because I have to use some force to make the switch to move .

 

[varjao]

anyway the position is awful, 45 degrees, it should be more parallel to the bottom of the body, I love the neck position but im always hitting the switch when playing.

 

[dave1812]

It's built like all the JPs. The Controllayout is supposed to be in an Arc, so you can reach all the controls fast and easy while playing. John likes it that way

 

[Cenobyte]

I have a JPX and its really slick, for me its ok, i have another guitar with a hard switch, i end up using only positions 1 and 5 because I have to use some force to make the switch to move .

I know the guy I bought it off of was a shredder, which I am not, and generally shredders are bass/treble. I could see him jarring that switch back and forth quickly and wearing it out super fast in the process.

anyway the position is awful, 45 degrees, it should be more parallel to the bottom of the body, I love the neck position but im always hitting the switch when playing.

It's built like all the JPs. The Controllayout is supposed to be in an Arc, so you can reach all the controls fast and easy while playing. John likes it that way

I don't disagree about the position being inconvenient (and I know it's purposeful with a sweeping motion in mind, and the concept likely works way better with the usual 3 way), it's in a very awkward position, especially for strumming. However, I feel like the chances of strumming in the neck position are slim in my case, and if it's notched properly it should be safe from being knocked out of position the odd time I do. Regardless this guitar will generally be about picking/soloing and less about strumming (unless on the piezo of course, at which point it doesn't matter unless I'm blending I guess). May have been better had it been tilted down to a 90 degree angle a little lower down. But again not a big deal for me.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

anyway the position is awful, 45 degrees, it should be more parallel to the bottom of the body, I love the neck position but im always hitting the switch when playing.

it's in a very awkward position, especially for strumming.

I guess even John himself found it awkward, I've never seen him playing this guitar live. If it had an useable switch, it would be my favorite model: 15" radius, jumbo frets, chambered body, not battery-dependent like the newer models. That's why I had this idea some time ago.