Question Seven stringers.

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I'm really starting to get interested in buying my first 7 string. OBVIOUSLY, I'd like it to be a JP model but theres so many to choose from.

JP7
JP7 BFR
JPX7
JPXI7
JPXII7
JP13 7

I own and LOVE my JPX6. I dont think I'd want another JPX7 though as I'd feel I had the same guitar twice essentially. I'm aware that adding another string to the guitar does make it different but, As far as finish and options I'd be in the same boat.

I'm kinda leaning towards the JPXI7 just because I feel it would be the "darkest" sounding out of all the options plus the onyx is a fantastically gorgeous finish.

I wonder if the Majesty will be in a 7 string option as well. It may be worth waiting to see what that guitar is going to bring to the table.


For anyone who has started with their 6 string and then picked up a 7 string, how was the transition and learning curb? Is there a possibility I will find the 7 string too different a beast and just want to return it? Thanks in advance.

 

[Benji Peterson]

For me it's a fun tool to get into other material that isn't really possible with a six. Now that I have two I will be keeping them in different tunings for the purpose of more variation and inspiration. Learning curb is very manageable. Coming from a bass background it was like my first go around with a five string. Having learned that instrument and being comfortable with it putting a low B on a guitar was not much of a jump at all. Let's see, just because you can do more on a seven doesn't mean everything you can do on a six transfers over to the seven. For example, I can't do any Hendrix/SRV/John Mayer on my seven because using my left hand thumb for root notes on the low E string isn't possible anymore. I guess that makes my time on seven that much more separated feeling than when on a six.
Speaking specifically about the JP models I'd suggest you try a XI or XII to get a feel for the more extreme radius. My first two JPs were a JPXI 6 and a JPXII 7 and now that I have a JP6 and JPX7 I really prefer the 15" radius. Nothing wrong with the 20" but it does seem a little more fatiguing because of the spacing and width. You may love it though so I'd suggest getting your hands on a six with a 20" and then feeling what that's like on the same guitar with a seven string configuration.

 

[GreyDog]

Hi there! Since I had my JP7 for less than a month before I had the urge to cover some sudde expenses, My only contribution to this thread can be only regarding the learning curb.
For me, the biggest issue when adding the low B was trying to make both my hands remember that there is another string over the 6th..that has taken no more than a couple of weeks (because I don't have much time to play), and for the rest of the time it's only funny chugga-chugga!

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

Thanks for the awesome feedback you two! I think it's time I start saving for a 7.

 

[yan12]

Of all the 7 stringers out there, I think the JP series is about the most comfortable to play size wise. I am selling a PDN because I just found another holy grail rosewood necked JP7! I have owned the regular JP, the BFR, and the X and still like the original for neck radius. Plus the newest version of that trem is fantastic...not that the old one was bad but I really like this one a ton.

 

[Santuzzo]

I can't give you any advice on the EBMM JP models you mentioned as I have never played any of them.
But I just got a Sterling JP70 and it is a great guitar!

About your question on the 6 to 7 string transition: for me it was not really a very hard transition, when I got my first 7-string (Ibanez RG1527) 6 years ago or so, it took a few weeks getting used to it, but since then the 7 has become my main instrument!

 

[Jamie M]

I struggle with 6, no way i am going near a 7 lol