Jackson is EXPENSIVE…Try These Alternatives and SAVE

[@backtothe80s97]

Again, I watched videos and I come back to this video, I laugh this is so true!! If it wasn’t for this guy I would have got this guitar. I bought a Ibanez RG550 made in Japan!!! You get what you pay for only $1,000!! That’s actually cheap and neck is thin and man idk what to say!

[@nikaxeguitar]

Dang man!! Thanks so much

[@RobSinner]

For 700€ I got a RR3 Made In Japan with Hardcase included...

[@samaldini]

Ibanez necks are dreams. I have a RG 7 strings made in Indonesia and honestly sounds more comfortable than my 6 strings american Washburn from when Grover Jackson was there.

[@BBGuitars]

The Japanese made guitars will always hold higher resale value too.

[@nikaxeguitar]

That is a really good point. Didn’t think about that. Thanks dude!

[@tattoodan4277]

The best guitars I own are Japanese made Jackson RR5 two Ibanez Roadstars an Epiphone Elite/Elitist SG ‘61 reissue I actually sold one of my Gibson LPs to get another 20-40 year old Japanese guitar because in my experience Japanese guitars from the early 1980’s through till the mid 2000’s can be found sometimes in near mint condition for next to nothing if your willing to wait it out one thing that all my Japanese guitars have in common even tho there’s around 40 years difference between some of them is that they’re all super well made hold tuning as if they are made of solid steel with perfect neck and headstock string alignment we’re gotten used for less money than a cheap entry level Jackson JS or Epiphone special 2 is brand new some of them have cool features like a lot of Ibanez Roadstars came with push push pots to split their HB pickups or the Jackson RR5 has a rosewood fingerboard that’s so smooth and even feeling that you would think it’s got an ebony board if you didn’t see the colour of the wood and the list goes on….. don’t get me wrong I have a “good wood era” 1994 Gibson Les Paul Studio with ebony board and an old headstock repair and it’s the best feeling fingerboard I’ve ever played on and I love the tone and the big neck makes some styles of playing far more comfortable than thinner or flatter necks and it’s my main D standard guitar but it’s one of the good ones and it’s still not as much of a joy to play as my Roadstars or RR5 ….. I’m not a gear snob as far as brand name or popular option or country of origin I only care about how it feels to play how resonant is it what’s it sound like etc.

[@johnhareiel5118]

Japanese made guitars are good as US made. What resale value you referring to? VS US made or your regular run of the mill Jackson?

[@davidportnoy3237]

USA made Ibanez will hold a way higher resale value than Japanese. What are you talking about?

[@anemonaloco]

@@davidportnoy3237 Americans won't waste their time making an Ibanez.

[@danhoyland142]

Yup, my roommate in college for two years had a Ibanez 550 with an edge locking trem. He played it hard and I never seen him tune it once.

[@BOATIE141]

Those Ibanez Edge have some of the best stability over all the trems, well at least not above Vega or Sophia trems

[@flashbackshape]

Ibanez prestige’s are the definition of “you get what you pay for.” Awesome specs and craftsmanship. Can’t go wrong there.

[@WadeSafechuckAndTheWNB]

Cannot go wrong with the Japanese ibanez’s, in my experience. I’ve got 3 and love em to death.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yessir! I agree 100%

[@Admiral_Bongo]

Cannot go wrong with Japanese Jacksons. The old ones from the 90s and 00s. Superb instruments. The cheap models had shitty Floyds, but otherwise were great. The high-end ones were only sold in Japan, but man, those could give the American Jacksons a run for their money.

[@todoguitar]

I agree, I have my prestige RG3020, 20 years old and it’s one of my crown jewel 💎

[@Everythingwentblack69]

I paid 1500 for the Jackson RR red maul crackle with reverse headstock and not ashamed of it one bit, probably the best sounding guitar I’ve had. Definitely would sound bend then that Harley benton

[@nikaxeguitar]

That’s awesome man. I’m glad you had an awesome experience! But idk, Benton’s sound pretty good!

[@anemonaloco]

@@nikaxeguitar i don't know that Benton, but Ibanez is definitely not a substitute for Jackson. for start Ibanez and Jackson have different ratio on the neck. Jackson Mojo comes with a very nice neck profile that I'm not sure Ibanez can provide. I own both Ibanez and jackson guitars. i bought this Premium Ibanez back in 2012 just to give it a try coz it was recommended by the sales guy at the local store. guess what. turned out to be the worst mistake I've ever made. with an USA-made Jackson, you get that very unique thin neck profile with extra-jumbo frets that no other guitar on the market has, Alder body with quartersawn maple neck-through. you get the Seymour Duncan pick ups that are killer for metal and basically any style of music. I'm aware that a cheap Jackson guitar won't live up to the brand name but if you go with a higher tier you'll notice the difference. the only guitar better than a USA-made Jackson is a custom USA-made Jackson.

[@patrickh.1658]

Reaper Ramirez I got the same Jackson RR24 as well but mine is Winterstorm. I lucked out and bought it during beginning of covid for only 1k now it's like 1250 wow......also same with my EVH 5150 iii 50w 6L6 head I got for 1k now it's 1350 wow.

[@Everythingwentblack69]

@@NubsWithGuns I want an American made Jackson but don’t have 5 grand for one

[@jamiefookes1579]

Not to mention you might need to do a fair amount of fret work on that Harley Benton

[@StuartBridson]

And this right here is EXACTLY why I love Harley Benton and the waves they're making in the guitar world. They offer premium features at affordable prices when you look at the Pro range. It's embarrassing how so many people will be two, three, four, etc... times as much for wood and metal because of the name on the headstock. I have three Harley Bentons - a DC Jr, a Fusion III (hot rod Strat style) and Fusion-T (hot rod Tele style) and the Fusions are stunning from head to toe, inside and out.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Hey Stu! Thanks for dropping by. You love your fusion III?

[@StuartBridson]

@@nikaxeguitar Absolutely! Hardtail, dual humbuckers which I swapped for a JB/59 set, locking tuners, stainless steel frets which were perfect right out the box and my absolute favourite thing is the roasted maple neck 🤤 satin finish, perfect profile. Just a wonderful instrument and basically everything I need in a guitar plus it's sparkly pink. 😂

[@razztastic]

I love Harley Benton as much as the next guy, and despite the quality they offer for their price point they're still not competing with top of the line brands like Schecter, ESP, Jackson or Ibanez. Also, dumbing intricate instruments like guitars down to just "wood and metal" shows how little you actually know. So you should probably hold off on making long winded comments about them. That's like me saying a cheap french horn is just as good as an expensive name brand french horn and how it's embarrassing how people will pay four times as much for a twisty piece of brass.

[@StuartBridson]

@@razztastic Or, hear me out, stfu because I don't care what you have to say 🙃 guitars are wood and metal, you can dress it up all you want to sound like a smartarse ponce but they are wood with metal and maybe a bit of plastic. That's it.

[@mathias6423]

@@razztastic w0rd

[@tahnaefoki2407]

i still love jackson, picked up my JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA brand new for $485 AUD and its amazing, frets are nice, neck feels good, pickups are ok, gonna swap them out eventually and it holds tuning amazingly, better than what i thought it would, i haven't had to retune it for weeks and i use the term quite a bit

[@nikaxeguitar]

This is good insight Tahnae. Glad you have a good working JS!

[@liamlaus]

Some very good points my friend, I'm a big Jackson fan but spending nearly 900 for stock specs doesn't make sense to me. I'm very lucky that right before the pandemic I acquired the Aqua Shok Soloist and it's one of my favourite guitars, for 1k it has tb-6 with a wh-1000 and one of the best necks I've ever seen on a guitar. I understand the global issue they are facing however.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Great points my man! Thanks for stopping by. I’d love to see that Aqua

[@Admiral_Bongo]

$900 could get you something like a used RR.D-120 or a RRJ2E in mint condition. And they came with Schallers (the ones with replaceable knife edges, not that you'd need to replace them, unless the guitar had been a literal workhorse for 30 years), pretty much the best Floyd-style trems.

[@seymurasad1991]

The best decent substitutes in my opinion :) Checked! Jackson Soloist -> Kramer SM-1, Gibson Les Paul -> D'Angelico Deluxe Atlantic. These guitars really rock!!!

[@KnapfordMaster98]

I've considered Jacksons a few times. But LTD seems like better value for money, still not cheap but killer instruments. I have my eye on the 87 series, from what I've played they're just insane instruments. Duncan pickups, Floyd Rose 1000, crazy comfy necks.

[@kkarx]

I was totally impressed by 87 demos. One of the best sounding metal guitars I have ever heard.

[@Vkiller711]

I got a ltd sn1000 and its awesome. Should definitely get the 87

[@Rstar63]

I like my Rhoads USA with a real Floyd not the special like the lower models have

[@gabrielstern4992]

Old school Jackson's the mij models but any new jackson is junk same with most guitars nowadays that's why I wouid rather copy and profile the design of the old school guitars I like and Make my own I am in eddie van Halen mode if you are not going to make what I like I will make it myself swap necks around on diferent bodies ect ect until I get what I want we need that again so these guitar companies are forced to build better again.

[@bennyblanco1280]

Yes, but the smarter option is to keep an eye out on the used market for a quality import. I got a choice Japanese Custom RR after looking for close to a year online and paid less than $899 🤟🏽

[@nikaxeguitar]

Used. That’s the way to go

[@BRANFED]

yea... Used is best..added benefit of not freaking out every time you get a scratch on it.. . well, thats one of the reasons i like used

[@Admiral_Bongo]

True. Old Japanese Jacksons are amazing.

[@keffen]

Harley benton >>> squier epiphone & jackson JS

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yessirrrrr

[@luv4oz]

I look at Jackson’s website and it has an almost $1500 guitar (including taxes and shipping) with a Floyd rose special, too. I recently got an rg450 and it’s amazing. The trem is great, and it’s made in Indonesia which isn’t the best, but better than a guitar made and qc’d from China. I’ll also add that I don’t hate Jackson, in fact, they’re great. It’s just value they could do better on. One more example is Kramer. An 800 dollar Kramer has Seymour Duncans and a Floyd rose 1000.

[@impossivel2006]

Target is 900€ Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Burst - 459€ (with EMG's / Graph Tech TUSQ nut / Grover locking machine heads) Fishman Fluence Matt Heafy Set 6 BK - 299€ Gator GPE-Elec-TSA - 125€ Total - 883€ Spend your money wisely.

[@impossivel2006]

@@lotechrevolt4513 Thank you

[@wesleysmith9068]

i'm a lifetime jackson fan. I get the current situation on earth, but yeah...the prices are too high for what you get. Strictly used models now

[@nikaxeguitar]

That’s a good perspective Wesley. I agree 100%

[@tankdarla637]

used is where its at!

[@karlsalocks]

Used to love Jackson. Recent years moved more towards the Suhr strat thing, and have an AZ prestige (and a Suhr classic and standard). Nonetheless, I recently looked up some Jackson models out of curiosity, and it's astounding how much USA Jackson's are going for new these days (or really any Jackson for that matter, with some Japanese models going for close to $3K). I bet the quality is not like it used to be decades ago, too (although that is just my guess). I don't know if this channel is geared towards the type of player who would play an Ibanez AZ prestige, but that is a damn good guitar for $2K brand new. Seriously my jaw hit the floor at how much they're selling Jasksons for new these days.

[@jonathanficco8384]

Crazy what US Jacksons are going for now. I switch to a Fender custom shop Strat and just ordered the AZ prestige. How does yours compare to the Suhr?

[@karlsalocks]

@@jonathanficco8384 Honestly I think that AZ Prestige is right there in terms of quality. In other words, we would REALLY be splitting hairs to say the Suhr is superior. To be noted I have a Suhr Classic, which is 100 percent in true Strat world (although it is HSS, and of course it is John Suhr's take on a Strat, which isn't too shabby considering he was the head of Fender custom shop in the 90s). The AZ I have is also HSS, but is probably closer to a Suhr standard in feel and tone. AZ has slightly higher output pickups/slightly more compressed. I would say the bridge pickup is close to a Duncan JB (and I may like the AZs Hyperion pickups better, honestly). The Suhr has an SSV in the bridge, which is a beautifully wide open sounding pickup. So satisfying hitting big open chords with it. I digress. They're both great, and I believe that 2K for the Ibanez is a very reasonable price these days.

[@jonathanficco8384]

I appreciate the feedback I’m looking forward to playing it.

[@karlsalocks]

@@jonathanficco8384 Ohh, lastly. Some people have experience "tuning stability" issues. I will say, for whatever reason, the more you play the guitar, the more it seems to "settle,' and the stability is excellent at that point. The stability of the AZ right now is just as solid as the Suhr

[@jonathanficco8384]

Awesome thanks for that info. I’ve had pretty good luck with two point trems.

[@Aved_the_Alien]

My first brand new guitar after picking up playing it up again after 10 years is a Jackson js 22. It was 180. I don't have any to compare it, too, and I know nothing about guitar brands. I appreciate you informing and knowledge

[@deanwilliams433]

I got a mint SL3X for $550 and at that price its a lot more reasonable. I agree that at the price point of $800-1000 you should have FR 1000 trem and stainless steel frets.

[@riccardogastaldi5642]

I think Jackson has extremely fast and confortable neck, that you cant find on Harley Benton Guitar. They could be expensive but not like fender or Gibson, Jackson remains a not-so-cheap Guitar but with quality

[@tacoconch7678]

If it's a fair comparison, you would compare U.S. made Jacksons with those U.S. made Fenders and Gibsons. Then you would see that they are not far off in price.

[@40fit38]

Straight to the point with solid info - digging your channel! 🤘

[@nikaxeguitar]

Dude I appreciate this so much!! Reach out on IG if you want some stickers man.

[@timbeatty8411]

I spent $159 for my js series and my grandson absolutely loves it. I've been playing guitar for 35 years it's totally worth $159.

[@munster442]

Awesome video! Thanks for bringing to our attention the cheaper higher quality guitar. Especially the Japanese made Ibanez.

[@nikaxeguitar]

You got it man!

[@blamingfish432]

dont forget the used market as an option! you can get MIJ 90s jackson's in the 600-900 dollar range that will outplay anything jackson has to offer these days

[@metallicaspiker16]

Jackson necks just feel right to me. Plus, all of my metal guitar idols play them (Marty Friedman, Jeff Loomis, Brandon Ellis). Even if I’m overpaying for stock specs, I don’t care because I like tinkering with things. Both of my Jackson Kellys have been upgraded with a Seymour Duncan PATB-2 in the bridge and Sustainiac in the neck, 32 mm Stone Tone sustain block, Schaller Sure Claw spring tensioner and FU-Tone noiseless springs. The red KEX has Super Jumbo stainless steel frets. They’re great modding platforms.

[@darrendavies3502]

I'm happy I bought my made in Mexico Pro Dinky 3 years ago. I've been more than happy with the overall fit, finish and quality of the guitar. The overall QC is excellent. I agree that the prices of the majority of Jackson guitars has gone up considerably and quality has dropped. My next guitar would probably be a used one rather than new, and I'd probably go for the RG550 or a charvel

[@nikaxeguitar]

I agree. Used is the way to go!

[@thereisnopandemic]

My Dinky is made in Japan

[@mikemitchell7529]

Great vid, agree with your point on the Floyd Rose Specials. In terms of that crackle finish, apparently only one of the factories (and it's the one in China) can make it. So hence why you've got X and even Pro series guitars now being made in China.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Hey Mike. Thats good to know. I had no idea the Chinese factory was the one that made crackles. Appreciate the heads up!

[@areen5004]

@@nikaxeguitarI own a x series Kelly from China and I gotta tell you the neck feels amazing. I swapped out the pickups for some emg 81-85 and I got some titanium blocks coming in soon and if It really gives me a rog open imma just swap out the bridge

[@nikaxeguitar]

@@areen5004 that sounds good!

[@areen5004]

@@nikaxeguitar yeah but for there price they should really put atleast a 1000 series in there, completely agree with ur points definitely for bang for ur buck from options from Ibanez

[@larsheuker]

Been saying this in alot but, buying straight from Fujigen. The famous factory that makes ibanez prestige, fenders in the 90s. Countless more contracts from brands. I think for 599 you can buy a brand new Fujigen off the USA website.. obviously all Fujigens are made in Fujigen Japan

[@nikaxeguitar]

This is good advice. Thanks dude!

[@Jooonzi]

I did some math on the new Jackson American Series Soloist VS a similar model from Solar. Both models cost roughly the same amount to manufacture (the Solar costs $9 less). To match the retail price, Jackson adds an additional $1,800 to the cost, while Solar is only adding $500. For the price of this Jackson, you could buy two Solars that cost the same amount to manufacture, and has better specs. That's just downright insane (For reference, the Solar model I used in this example is the SB1.6AFRFM)

[@nikaxeguitar]

Exactly dude

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

I'm curious. Would you mind explaining how you got those numbers or where that information came from? I haven't heard anyone mention anything like that.

[@Jooonzi]

@@JunkfoodZombieGuns I did the math based on the costs of all the parts (including the wood) against how much the retail price is

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

@@Jooonzi You are forgetting one very important detail then. A guitar's price isn't just the added cost of parts. It's also the labor. Workers in Indonesia make a much smaller wage than American workers. That cost of labor has an effect on the price. I'm not saying that the Jackson's aren't a bit much for what you're getting, but you simply cannot expect an American made product to cost the same as a similar Indonesian product.

[@glroman91]

​@@JunkfoodZombieGuns Both guitars made in Indonesia.

[@papamartin6028]

Just search a lot of Jacksons these days, turns out reeally kinda expensive for new ones. Great video, helps a lot, thanks!😄

[@Acidblack027]

Tbh get what you like . I like stainless on some guitars but not all. They are very bright. I’ve had less issues with my Floyd special than the Floyd 1000 I used to have. That said it’s super easy to replace though. Ended up with a Jackson Rrx24 and am replacing the trem with and original Floyd

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yeah cant go wrong with that original floyd man

[@AaronDuhsaka]

But the headstocks of Jackson Guitars 😭❤️❤️

[@nikaxeguitar]

You’re right on that!!

[@randymiles904]

If you like pointy or metal leaning guitars, I recommend dean, Ltd, schecter, and now solar. All well made guitars from Korea or Indonesia. Harley Benton is a fantastic option too. I've never played any of their production models, but there are several I'd like to try. I did get one of Harley Bentons kit guitars recently. It turned out much better than I expected. $110 for the kit, and I was able to make a nice looking, giggable instrument! I wish they had been around when I was a kid starting out. 😆 I'm rambling, so I'll say the two brands that have surprised me the most, are Harley Benton, and solar. I couldn't believe what I got for $699 from solar. I got the basic, string through v in trans red burst, and it came PERFECTLY set up and finished. I didn't have to adjust ANYTHING, and it plays and sounds like a guitar costing 3 times as much. Bravo Ola! Nice video man. People need to hear about more cost effective alternatives. There are many nowadays. 🤘

[@nikaxeguitar]

Hey Randy. Thanks so much for stopping by. I love to hear that solar was impressive for you!

[@randymiles904]

@@nikaxeguitar yes sir. Apparently some people had issues with solars qc in the beginning. So I try to mention them when I can. They really do deserve recognition. I do setups for people to make a little side cash, and Im pretty picky. Solar really surprised me. It's like when you get a perfectly built and set up schecter or Ltd, but better😆 ok I'll stop now. Lol I hope you keep putting out interesting content. I enjoyed this video very much. The guitar market is so strange, and different from when I first started playing. The trends are interesting to watch and talk about. Thank you for your comment.

[@krabuh]

to get any decent LTD model it is like 2 thousand Canada :(

[@randymiles904]

@@krabuh you can get used Ltd ec1000 deluxe for around $500 u.s. really nice guitars. I mostly buy used gear, now that I work on guitars. You can find some great deals, on the used market.

[@scrimpmster]

I'm not sure if a guitar shop would do this, but I'd be happy going into a store, telling them what I'm looking for, then to sit a a room, blindfolded and have the salesperson had me guitars to play. In my mind I'd just make my choice based on the sound and feel rather than the aesthetic or brand of the guitar.

[@fuze59]

Subb'd and thankyou KZbin algo for bringing me here! Shopping for a new git stick. The info on the RG550 was really informative!

[@nikaxeguitar]

Absolutely man. Thanks so much for coming by!

[@TheFrayman]

There's nothing like a vintage Jackson USA! I'm taking before Fender screwed them up.

[@nikkiverzosa4584]

Hello, what floydrose bridge will fit in the slx if ever i change the FRspecial?

[@rogelioybarra4068]

Im looking to get a mini dinky small guitar but I was wondering … should I stick with a Jackson or like a Ibanez

[@nikaxeguitar]

Ummm without seeing exactly what you’re looking at, Ibanez is a better deal right now overall. Especially if it come with an Edge over a FR Special

[@darkestfugue]

i have two HB fusion 3s, i got lucky with my first because the tops can vary and my bengal burst is the nicest example i have ever seen, it shits all over that purple one in the pic you put up, the floyd 1000 is also fine, im not a big floyd whammy nutcase but for what i use it for it stays in tune, also the ss frets, the flamed roasted maple neck grover tuners and gorgeous looking vaneer you just cant beat it for the price, my other fusion is the black pete thorn knock off model with the covered pickups, i grab that guitar more because for gigs its lighter and the neck shape suits my hand more, the only thing that has been a minor issue for me, these guitars sound fine but have very low output pickups, i use all the sounds for gigs but if you are splitting the coils and using clean tones you are really going to have a massive volume drop, be prepared to have some kind volume boost for when you need it

[@bluwng]

Classic Vibes are made in China and they are better quality than MIM Fenders. HB Fusions are made in China.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Double check the HB Fusions. Indonesia.

[@bluwng]

@@nikaxeguitar all of them? At that price range compared to the Jackson’s, how much of a difference does it make? 100%, 50%, 20%, 2%, nothing is as cut and dried as you think. The answer is it is negligible and you ignored my example of CV, there are many more examples. Your error is you equate quality to an entire country, that line of reasoning is non sequitur, it’s like saying, I had a rotten apple therefore all apples are rotten.

[@MrMadtv123]

I love Jacksons but im not paying 750 upwards for Jackson brand everything and a floyd special. Sure its easy to swap out and replace but why should i have to? Especially for that price * edit * hey axe have you seen Mitchell guitars? You might have done a video and i haven't even seen it my bad but ive heard great things about them

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yo! I have heard of them but haven’t done a video. I’ll have to look into them a little further

[@startechcode]

I am a Jackson fan and I just subscribed to your channel and selected all videos.

[@tisoypol2323]

I'm having second thoughts now, subscribed!

[@SergioCzerweny]

In my perspective (live in south America), the brand is turning into big hype, even more than in the previous Fender era. This, as owner(mid 90's USA RR1), makes me very happy (meh, mb proud 🤷🏻), to see how the brand gets the well deserved recognition(Not shure if for what they built or what they are building right now). Just thinking about the reasons of this prices, may be due to the low production / availability, obviously the best construction / quality of pre Fender or actual pro series (think about rare whiskey very low or none promotion, very low availability & high prices). Don't know if Fender's marketing planning was this (low availability) to create hype or just happened... 🤔. The price is an obvious consequence 🤷🏻. Anyway, other than exceptional instruments, they are turning into big hype collectibles. Just my thoughts (with my vision from a distant market), which wanted to share & discuss.

[@todoguitar]

I agree. I got SL3 and I return it. if you are paying over 2K US-made Gitar, you’re expecting some details to be there just for sake of keeping that made in USA name as it used to be. I feel like nowadays Gibson is the only brand that keeps made in USA name up to his standards. I shared my frustration with my friends in my channel about the Jackson situation. 🤘

[@POLLOTROM]

I have a Jackson Rhoads JS32T (no floyd) I paid $220 on sale at guitar center made in china and is very good .

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

Harley Benton has a 2x12 cab with Celestion Vintage 30s for less than $300.00 including shipping. Plywood construction. No particle board.

[@brpadington]

I bought a couple Jackson guitars a few years back. Glad I did as the prices are much higher now. I paid 900 for a King V Pro and it had EMGs and an official Floyd.

[@alluringskull2133]

This guitar still exists

[@jayteesgear]

Dude you NAILED it! Somehow my phone showed me a Dinky Rev in that Glamy Yellow color and im on this glam Ratt and Dokken kick right now so im like YESSS! But the trem sucks balls and the body wood is POPLAR! 😵‍💫‼️… thats like the lowest on the totem pole- Now I made a video on one recently at a music store and the poplar didnt sound bad- the fretwork wasnt bad either- but Ibanez has the Jem Jr at the SAME Price with Mahogany body! Thats nuts! N e ways. I still want the Glammy DK but i’ll get one used for like $300. That Floyd special has to GO

[@nikaxeguitar]

Thanks my dude!! Yeah a little mind blowing huh?

[@Zombie_13x33]

jacsksons prices went up 100 bucks on all the js models. thats crazy. happy i got mine last year. thanks for showing me the harly benton . that looks cool

[@nikaxeguitar]

Of course man. Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate it.

[@Admiral_Bongo]

Buy a used upper-end JDM Jackson (aka "Jackson Stars" and "Grover Jackson") made at Chushin Gakki. They're literally the same quality as USA Pro Series, but half as expensive. Regarding the X Series: the QC is good nowadays, and while I'm pissed off that they come with FR Special (they could save on pickups instead, ffs, most players swap them anyway), it can easily be swapped for Schaller Lockmeister/OFR/Gotoh 1996T.

[@baxthered]

Try the JS22 Dinky. You may need some replacement parts, but for not too much, you can get a pretty nice axe. Only thing: the Dinky name sounds pretty unfortunate

[@dimebagtribute]

My SL3 Pro made in Indonesia had several things to setup and I switch the tremolo and tuner with Gotoh ones, but except for that it's an awesome guitar! I was even quite impressed by the build quality from an Indonesian factory😮 This guitar play and sound phenomenal, and I don't feel I overpaid for it... Of course I would have been happier if it was a MIJ but the actual instrument is perfectly playable for any professionnal guitarist...

[@reylegacy619]

I have a SL2, agree with all your comments, I would prefer that ibanez 550 mij than the dinky but I hate the bolt on construction, Ibanez doesn't offer the neck through construction at least in that price range

[@bradcarr2444]

I got a Jackson Dinky JS11 yea it's a budget guitar but was playable out of the box no issues ever with it.I like the thin neck on it comfortable 12inch flat neck radius.Stays in tune well also it's my first Jackson but not my last.I also have a Glarry Burning Fire I love the neck on that guitar I play it more than my Jackson both guitars are gloss black

[@valuedcustomer5022]

I got a neck-thru Indonesian soloist when they put an EMG 81/85 in. The tuners were crap, so i had sperzels put on it. The black plastic not gave me crap and I had it replaced with a bone nut, so that added to the price of the guitar I agree with you on the Jackson and I was just looking at that very same HB guitar. HB pickups have to be as good as the Jackson pickups. And that RG, will probably retain its value. I am just not a fan of center pickups though.

[@ghyslainouellet8841]

That ash dinky is made in Korea and is top notch quality on this model

[@nikaxeguitar]

Ahhh good catch man. Thanks

[@ghyslainouellet8841]

@@nikaxeguitar Anytime np

[@davidpate2237]

Great video very informative. What do you think of the new kramers

[@thereisnopandemic]

Jackson expensive? My Gibson is coughing water out

[@nikaxeguitar]

Bahahaha true true

[@backtothe80s97]

We need More videos like this. Thank you so much because of your video I am avoiding Jackson!

[@nikaxeguitar]

You got it man! Thanks for stopping by!

[@backtothe80s97]

@@nikaxeguitar buying the RG550!

[@BRANFED]

not a fan of jackson tuners.. my 2001 dk-2 put some gfs sperzel copies ,that are much better..better ratio and precision. 1979 ttop humbucker , iron gear smoke stack II & pig iron.. and i prefer the jt 580lp.. even though my dk-2, all hardware is black. switched everything over in 2014.. most pre 2005 dinkies would have chrome hardware. best guitar ive ever owned by a wide margin. bought in 2007 for 275.. after years of tweaking and probably spending about as much as i paid in parts, she is close to perfect.

[@scottjackson4743]

Tuners are so easily replaced

[@scottjackson4743]

You obviously know your guitars

[@BRANFED]

@@scottjackson4743 well, i know my guitars and what i like .i also know guitars ive had some experience with and only those guitar models.. Gibson SG and LP,Jackson dinky's and some later 80's kramers such as the focus 1000 and striker 200,600. not one that says he likes or dislikes something without having experience in that guitar or amp like for instance. the worst tremelo ever created imo, that has the FR name on it is the Floyd Rose II.. my god, terrible one . Makes even my fender FR licensed trem look spectacular by a very wide margin. The FR II came stock on the kramer st 600 btw. i remember that string breaker quite well and its been 30 years.

[@BLeeFAFO]

I understand where some younger Jacksom/Charvel fans are kinda used to getting a few models with pretty meh specs for whatever they go for nowadays, But as a guy who was a kid in the 80's that eventually was able to snag some Charvels & Jacksons from that era there are some very distinctive differences in variety of models, build quality, specs etc for the asking price back then. Once Fender acquired Charvel/Jackson in 2002 the production standards and QC for the price degraded greatly. Even the Japanese made stuff from the early to mid 90's is much better quality for the price when they pop up on the used market. As a long (and I do mean long, since the mid 80's) time fan and player of a lot of their guitars, The only Jacksons I would even consider paying retail for would be the PC-1 Phil Collen sig which is hella expensive, Or the $500 Adrian Smith SDX import model. The SDX's though built in Indonesia are great players IMO, And are inexpensive enough to upgrade hardware & pickups if need be. Nowadays I'm much more an ESP/LTD guy as the LTD range is great, But there are great moderately priced guitars by many brands that are awesome as well. As some said, Ibanez, Harley Benton, Schecter etc...

[@BLeeFAFO]

@@lotechrevolt4513 A man after my own heart. ESP/Ltd & Solar are right up my alley lately Cheers 👌

[@randymiles-j1w]

It doesn’t matter as much where a guitar is made, as much as who makes it. Epiphone is made in China and they make really fine instruments. Then take ESP. Made in Japan. They pretty much destroy any American brand. I grew up thinking that Gibson and fender were the gold standard, but after playing for 30 years, I now know that’s just not the case. Harley Benton, Epiphone, Ltd, schecter, solar, and Dean make fantastic import guitars. I highly recommend them.

[@Alexei-ex8gq]

Great explanation! I sold my 900$ Jackson DKFMG with flame maple from Indonesia, honestly it is worst made and sounding guitar i had! HB is great guitars for price

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yeah man totally agree!

[@Heavenreck]

Might be to do with how Fender is managing quality control but I have a Chinese made gretsch that is flawless and better made than my American Gibson in fit finish and quality of craftsmanship. These days where a guitar is made doesn't matter so much as who makes your guitar. Ibanez cannot argue with your points they are simply amazing at any price point.

[@abegonzo2171]

By myself, got an american king v pro, purchased it second hand. It's definitevely a beast, best axe ever.

[@rickycompton2610]

Great video I like Jackson too but for the Money the Ibanez RG 550 made in Japan is a killer deal it sucks that it didn’t come with a gig bag or case but I bought the Yellow one some of the best Fretwork on any guitar I own

[@alexb6566]

I really wanted the new Jackson mj series with the yellow pickups. But could not justify the £1500 + price. Ordered the RG 550 yesterday in yellow for £899 and can't wait for it to arrive

[@nicetoseethesun]

Nice! Wish you best of luck!!!

[@nikaxeguitar]

Hey I appreciate that Henry! Thanks so much.

[@paigesalas8142]

Ibanez is cool but i dont like the necks cause there too thin and too wide but great if you have crazy long fingers like vai or paul gilbert. i think the american made jackson soloist has the fastest neck ive ever played and has awesome quality control. However only complaint i have is the floyd rose 1500 series instead of the original floyd but the original floyds dont stay in tune well with heavier gauge strings. So if someone was to put thicker string gauges on this guitar i cant say how well the 1500 handles the thicker gauge strings but its much easier to restring and setup overall with gotah double locking tuners on the headstock. also the neck and the pickups are overall the most important thing to me for guitar tone as well as wood types. but in my opinion the neck on this guitar hits the sweet spot for shredding. But with the 3 pickups theres a huge variety of tone you can get from this guitar. Maybe at 15-1800 this guitar is a steal imo. jackson makes great guitars overall. I have a 90’s japanese dinky that still holds up well. In my opinion for shredding this is the best guitar neck ive ever played

[@fredm661]

Just with this video I'm subbing, hope past and future content is as good

[@nikaxeguitar]

Thanks for stopping by Fred! You’re support really does mean alot.

[@Ultra-Collector]

That yellow RG used to be $299 used in great condition in 2010. Im kicking myself for not buying one.😞🖤

[@themes5956]

bought a very similar harley benton and I love it

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yessir!!

[@blacktoothfox677]

Some good points raised --- some 2022 ranges from the big brands puzzle me... REAL good qualities at the very bottom end entry level, overpriced mid-range, where £800 guys you what £350 did 7 years ago, and yet, push on to the 1.2k - 1.5k level and you are sometimes looking at a 3 grand axe... I just say --- and I mean this; as time goes on I care less and less about a guitars origins geographically. Case by case basis!🍀 Bless ya, heavy metallic regards from the UK 🍀mate

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yo dude!! Thanks for stopping by my man. Great insight. It’s true, you can get some good entry levels.

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

Great info. Thanks

[@nikaxeguitar]

You got it man. Appreciate you stopping by.

[@SixString_J5]

1. Comparing a name brand guitar to a music store house brand is not a fair or even worthwhile comp. Harley benton is basically charging the price of the components, a razor thin margin, and probably the lowest priced labor and factory costs in modern guitar manufacturing. This is the product of going with the lowest bidder, you're going to more likely get a bad harley benton than a bad jackson. 2. The RG550 genesis is the most unbeatable guitar for the money on the market right now. I just ordered my second one and I'm pretty sure I'm all in if they announce another color I like for a third one.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Agreed with the RG550 my friend!

[@buffdaddy2032]

Rg550 is super high quality . Made in Japan , beautiful neck . Well worth what there asking .

[@chrisfry6054]

I have a Japanese 2005 RR3 pro Bolt on neck with licensed FR. Love this guitar but trying to find a direct FR replacement is proving to be difficult.

[@mwatson8366]

Lifelong Jackson fan but these prices are nuts. I bought my Pro series Dinky in 2007 for $700, now the same guitar would be nearly double that. Stick to the used market if you want Jacksons.

[@brandonharris9160]

The Chinese Jacksons are great QC wise and the American standard isn't always golden. Very good frets, finish etc. I have seen a lot of Chinese guitars that are up there with Korean LTD 600 quality regardless of price. China is good. The Indonesian Jacksons can be questionable. I had an RRX24 break in a hardshell case one time

[@tacoconch7678]

I bought a Jackson sl2h with the hard shell case new in 2004. That's a USA select series guitar. It cost me $1350. I understand that was 20 years ago, but if you account for inflation, it would cost $2250 today. They are currently going for $4500! Absolute INSANITY!!!

[@opvikes7599]

I have a few other brands but love my Jackson the best.

[@sopark434]

I bought a Donner DST 200 for under 200$ I realize it wont have the best quality parts on it but its pretty damn good.

[@soulinflammation3760]

Ok, i got a Jackson dxmg with a emg pickups for an about 700 but if you buy it direct iys price between 450-500 us , so im not sire what you are talking about, its cheaper than your alternative. Thanks.

[@_vez]

Deviant guitars. CNC made guitars by a luthier I randomly met and now call friend. Semi custom Guitars starting from $1200-1400 and they are fantastic.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Totally checking them out

[@TheBigman603]

Buy the older 90s early 2000s Japanese made ones. They are great

[@themostlost]

Regarding the X series substitution: what most people want at this price point is a neck-through. And this is so significant in soloing comfort that it might be absolutely worth this price difference which we can see here. And needless to say, the look of the guitar as well is definitely a win for Jackson cuz most of the Fusion models by Harley Benton featuring a Floyde Rose, for some reason, have a very strange colour choice. Most of them have utterly unfitting colors of electronics and body which makes them really non-metal in my opinion. Whereas Jackson offers a wider choice, much more beatiful inlay designs, and probably better craftsmanship. P.S. -> This is not hate towards Harley Benton or Fusion model in particular: I personally own one as well, but I was just genuinely surprised to see such a comparison in the vid. I, however, have a hardtail model stuffed with 2 EMG pickups which are probably much better than Roswell. So if you guys are interested, check out Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted SBK. It might even better fit you considering the price and if a Floyd Rose and a neck-through is not something you are desperately in need of.

[@ShnarfKat]

Best Jackson copy I ever owned.......a GTX in the 80s/90s. Pretty sure it had a Floyd rose....style at least

[@nikaxeguitar]

Really? Never seen one before!

[@lsu1992]

All of my Jacksons ( '02 SL3, '97 DK2FF, '87 Charvel Model 5) are pre-Fender and MIJ. Mojo: Are you kidding?😂

[@WFKTHETHIRD]

The best Jackson & Charvel value specs. along with price was the Mexican made series....Sadly they did raise the price on them a few years back....So even though the QC. is still solid the value for the money is not the same...Schecter did the same thing...

[@diodesDankessAndDives]

Great cost analysis 👍 solid video 📹

[@MarthaTrudy]

So interesting well done

[@nikaxeguitar]

Appreciate that!

[@stevedamien638]

If you want a Jackson get one from the 1980s. I still have my Aria Pro 2 from 1989. I never seen an action like this on any guitar. The comfort playing thst guitar!.

[@whoracle82]

Chris broderick’s latest jackson cost more than the x series while still having floyd rose special..That is just ridiculous

[@bucks85thvg60]

I had a 1990/91 Jackson Soloist USA (Californian Sunset) which I sold (foolishly) some years ago. I paid about £1800 new (I think that’s nearly £5k in 2023 terms). I was thinking of getting another. Am I likely to be disappointed? I’m in two minds anyway as which ever one I get won’t be ‘my’ Jackson, so am considering looking elsewhere.

[@RJManeri1]

Great video, i am going to buy one of these Harley Benton guitars.The price is right!!

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yessir!

[@RJManeri1]

@@nikaxeguitar would i have a better guitar if i bought an original floyd rose from Germany and had it installed? I had the Kramer sm-1 in 1987 in high school w an original floyd and it performed soo well.I dont like these knock offs.May get one with tremolo and one hard tail bridge.

[@nikaxeguitar]

@@RJManeri1 I personally love the build of OFR and consistency. I would say yes.

[@mobymobymobymoby]

anybody trying to save me money on YT is a gift. Thanks for the video bud.

[@KaldDodeGitarist]

I want to say on record that if you buy a Harley Benton brand new, and decide to sell it, you eat the import costs. You don't get to resell it with the price hiked because you paid $100-200 to have it imported.

[@weednose]

if only harley benton didnt have high shipping prices it would be cool if thomann sold stuff in the us

[@eoinjames4018]

Great stuff I think fender are really letting the Jackson brand slip down in an already over saturated rock metal guitar market as for Harley benton they let the cat out of the bag years ago offering stainless frets Grover tuners roasted necks and floyd 1000 trems on a guitar for less than half the price of these overpriced Jackson's.

[@Phantombeard]

This Jackson Dinky js22 is so great and I got it for super cheap

[@nikaxeguitar]

Nice!

[@davidportnoy3237]

I bought a 200 dollar Chinese made Jackson and put 1500 dollars worth of upgrades on it. After I built it, someone offered me 5k for it.

[@nikaxeguitar]

This is awesome!