Question Sterling JP100D KOA vs others

[allenk732]

So I've decided I'm actually going to pick up a Sterling JP model instead of a JP6 to save some cash. I have a question for those who have played them. Is the newer KOA model much different than the other finished? I know the body wood is different but if I can pick up a used JP100D for $500 would it be worth it rather than spending $800 on a new KOA version?

Let me know what you think.

 

[SikkiNixx]

The koa model has a thin veneer on top of a mahogany body, where most of the JP line is basswood. Mahogany will be a little more full and warm sounding. Personally, save an extra $100 over the price of the koa and grab the real deal. You can find the older JP6 base model guitars for less than a $1000. The Sterlings are great, I've owned several... but it's much nicer having the real deal.

 

[BrickGlass]

If you go with the Sterling koa let us know because I'm very curious about that particular guitar. Very intrigued by the koa.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

As an added bonus to some of us, the SBMM Koa has a light satin finish on the maple neck (rosewood board) while the EBMM BFR models have a gloss finish on a mahogany neck (ebony board). The SBMM version is not quite as "bright" sounding as the EBMM.

We have couple SBMM in stock

 

[allenk732]

Pete - That may have sold me on it. I VERY much prefer a satin finish on a neck over a glossy finish. My hands sweat when I play sometimes and that can mean bad friction on a glossy neck.

 

[sedawkgrep]

Have you purchased it yet? I'm really on the fence myself about getting a used JP6 vs. a JP60 or JP100. The local GC has a Koa one and they look awesome.

Is it just a thin veneer, or is it truly a top? I can't seem to find a solid answer on that.

 

[SBMM]

There are two variations of our Koa top JP100D.

Guitar Center model is a JP100DNB-BKOA. Basswood body, Koa top. Does not come with a gig bag.

Independent Dealer model is JP100D-MKOA. Mahogany body, Koa top. Includes gig bag.

The Koa top is a 2mm veneer of bookmatched Hawaiian Koa.

 

[einarc]

I had it for 1 month. Although I liked it, I ended up returning in to GC because the frets weren't leveled. You will get an undeniable dead fret at the 22. I loved the clear rosewood finish of the fretboard, very light brown.

 

[Tollywood]

I saw a Sterling JP Koa in Guitar Center yesterday. It was really beautiful and it looked very well made.

 

[Exodus5]

My vote is a used JP6. I saw a few on Reverb and Ebay that you could get for that price. I have played the SBMM koa and JP100's and I'd prefer the JP100.

 

[BrickGlass]

I'm the opposite. I've played both and prefer the koa over the regular 100d. I do prefer the Mkoa with the mahogany body though.