Which JP Model to Buy - Help Needed

[bonga]

Hey Guys,

I've made up my mind to get a JP 7 string. The problem is I'm confused as to which model to get. I've zoned in on the original, JP12, JP13 and the new JP 15. (No Majesty as I don't like Neckthru guitars)

I like basswood/maple top as a body wood as it offers a good range of tones and isn't the heaviest wood combo there is. The original seems pretty much a perfect wood combo with the maple neck/rosewood board and the basswood body. The only thing putting me off about the JP12 and JP 13 is the mahogany neck. How does this sound with the basswood body? And any stability issues?

I like the JP 15, Music-Man has done a great job but I've never liked the mahogany body and maple neck combo.

The tones I like range from something like Jimmy Herring to Bonamassa to Periphery.

Thanks.

 

[canuck6string]

You'll need to test drive the models to determine if the tones are to your liking. As for quality, you'll get rave reviews for those guitars.

 

[MesaBeno]

My .02 is that the tonal differences will be minimal, at best. And even if they're not, to quantify in a way to be able to put into words would be extremely difficult. I think canuck6string has it right; you just gotta go out and try a few out.

Having said that, you seem pretty put off by the wood combos of everything but the original model...so I think you answered you own question!

 

[QuietSpike]

I have a JP12 and that things is rock solid as far as stability goes. My JP12 is more "jangly" than my BFR (maple neck and mahogany body... which sounds great to me). I could go on and on, but.... you are so concerned with the tonality of each instrument and there is one big factor in play here.....


i don't have your fingers! and that is where 80% of the tone comes from.

 

[MajtasticVoyage]

I can't speak highly enough about the JP13. Rock solid, monster tone, comfy neck.

 

[Stratty316]

The JP15 with its roasted maple neck was outstanding at NAMM!

 

[YandasMusic]

I agree with MesaBeno. The tone differences form the various woods will be minimal. The truth is you will end up setting your amp eq to whatever sounds best to your ear anyway. So any differences in wood will end up getting dialed out. Also keep in mind that there are different pickups in the older jp series. The JP13 and JP15 have the Illuminator pickups where as the older versions have the crunchlab / liqiufire combo. The JP13 & 15 have the gain boost and coil tap abilities as well.

They are all great though. I'm sure you would love any of them!

 

[Lou]

Neck radius is going to vary amongst your choices. I find the boost on the 13 a really great feature. Tone wise I think I prefer the original JP style. But they are very similar.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

I like the ergonomics of the original model with basswod body and the old custom-wound pickups, and most of my JPs fit that mold.

I do have a JP with basswood body, CrunchLab/Liquifire pickups, custom graphics, and a rosewood neck that is my #1 guitar with band Y9 because of the neck comfort.

I also have an alder/maple JP in one of the newer body styles & pickups which has become my #1 guitar for band #2 (if that makes sense?). We play in Eb and per my chat with Maddi at NAMM he recommended that guitar for that tuning.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I also believe that tonal differences are minimal. Ergonomy on the original JP, however is superior, in my opinion... the countoured arm rest is brilliant; and the fretboard is 15", way rounder and more comfortable than newer models, which have 17" (same of an Ibanez Jem) or 20" (almost 100% flat).

 

[QuietSpike]

I also believe that tonal differences are minimal. Ergonomy on the original JP, however is superior, in my opinion... the countoured arm rest is brilliant; and the fretboard is 15", way rounder and more comfortable than newer models, which have 17" (same of an Ibanez Jem) or 20" (almost 100% flat).

Hmmmmm.... I find the 20" radius of my 12 more comfortable than the 15" radius of my BFR....


But they're both awesome