Question Q: Trading Gibson SG Modern for a Music Man?

[Kehemot]

Hello guys, I am new to the forum and also new to the Ernie Ball Music Man background.
The thing is that I bought a second-hand Gibson SG Modern Trans Black Fade 2019 version. I really like the guitar, however my guitar teacher showed me his JP6 and I absolutely fell in love with the guitar. The feel of the neck, the body contours, the sound and overall built quality make me feel the EBMM is just better built and more thought. Just better guitar.

Could you guys give me some tips for which Music Man I could do the trade (if so, mainly JP, Axis, Sabre models)? I just don't have any experience with the pricing of EBMMs and general knowledge what to expect in this case.

The SG was well taken care of. No scratches, no bumps. Previous guy had it set at experienced luthier in the Czech Republic. The pots were changed to push-push (previous were pull-push), sharp frets were taken care of (QC had a gap there), the Graph Tech nut was changed to a bone one. Reverb prices are about 2.050 - 2.300 bucks.
Thank you very much.

Cheers!

 

[racerx]

Welcome!

From a value perspective, just about any Music Man will be a positive for you. In reality it probably comes down to finding someone willing to do the trade. The more direct path is probably selling your SG on a site like Reverb/eBay or your local classifieds (Craigslist, Facebook, any other CZ equivalents). Then use the cash to buy whichever model you want.

As for which Music Man you should get - it comes down to preference. If you like the JP6, then most of the JPs or Majesties would probably fit your bill. A key point worth noting is the JP guitars have a 1-11/16" (43mm) nut width, whereas most models have a 1-5/8" (41mm) width. Its a trivial difference to many players, but a deal breaker for others. If it is a deal breaker for you, then I'd consider a JP, a Majesty, or a Sabre model (as they all share the 1-11/16" width and have a thin neck profile). Otherwise the sky is the limit - everything in the catalog is a world-class instrument and you can't really find a bad one.

If you can share your personal instrument preferences/desires, then the folks here can make more informed recommendations.

 

[uOpt]

Yes, as racerx says beware of the nut width. The JP has a 43mm nut, whereas almost all other MM guitars have a 41mm nut. Do not buy a non-JP blind without checking that you get along with the narrow nut.

 

[Kehemot]

Welcome!

From a value perspective, just about any Music Man will be a positive for you. In reality it probably comes down to finding someone willing to do the trade. The more direct path is probably selling your SG on a site like Reverb/eBay or your local classifieds (Craigslist, Facebook, any other CZ equivalents). Then use the cash to buy whichever model you want.

As for which Music Man you should get - it comes down to preference. If you like the JP6, then most of the JPs or Majesties would probably fit your bill. A key point worth noting is the JP guitars have a 1-11/16" (43mm) nut width, whereas most models have a 1-5/8" (41mm) width. Its a trivial difference to many players, but a deal breaker for others. If it is a deal breaker for you, then I'd consider a JP, a Majesty, or a Sabre model (as they all share the 1-11/16" width and have a thin neck profile). Otherwise the sky is the limit - everything in the catalog is a world-class instrument and you can't really find a bad one.

If you can share your personal instrument preferences/desires, then the folks here can make more informed recommendations.

Thanks for the reply. The thing is that the JP6's neck is so different to the asymetrical slim taper that the SG has. I think the nut width does not really matter to me. The neck profile is all that matters probably, since I owned an ESP LTD-MH1000 FR Deluxe and the neck profile was extremely thin (also the nut width was 42 mm). I own a Gibson SG 2013 model and the said Modern model. They have got quite thick neck and I think I gravitate towards something thin and comfortable (which EBMM truly fulfills).
When it comes to the preferences - I prefer anything JP or Luke model related. I mainly play rock, hard rock, metal, heavy metal tops. When it comes to necks, I prefer medium to thin profiles. Body - something lightweight (LP were overkill for me). Electronics - piezzo is not a must to, but I would like to try it. The dB boost or coil splits are nice too, but they are not a must to too. Looks matter. I would not like something sparkly as the purple or green Luke models, but I really like figured tops or just a single color models.

 

[Astrofreq]

You will be infinitely happier with a Music Man over a Gibson. I’ve never had a Gibson I kept, but I have several EB guitars I want to be buried with. Lol

Welcome!