Showdown: Solar V vs Jackson V

[@espltd978]

"Playing a V shaped guitar in 1995 told the world, I don't play grunge music" I was in high school back then. And I actually had 2 V's I bought at a pawnshop in 1994...pretty much for the EXACT same reason!! 😅😅😅

[@kentucky1519]

@@NubsWithGuns poser is a made up term just live how you want

[@razztastic]

@@NubsWithGuns The fuck are you even talking about?

[@minecraftjax9427]

​@@kentucky1519all words are made up terms with a meaning

[@npanic628]

What's wrong with grunge? I love my death metal, but Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, I mean, come on... Even STP and PJ, some of the best music ever made

[@baluchon2505]

@@npanic628 nothing, grunge is amazing, as well as many other genres in their own way

[@spacedye2001]

Your playing is getting better. My recording and mixing still suck. 🤣😂

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Keep at it! You'll get better!

[@Cycopace]

to be fair, you should compare a Jackson Pro Series V with the Solar. Both sharing similar specs....

[@mihneazoican2479]

The pro series Vs are definitely on par with the solars. Better neck joint than the performers (although still a bit clunky) and SD pickups. Also the frets are surprisingly well leveled for such a cheap guitar

[@ghosttownicon2761]

seconded

[@Kwert]

The Performer series was a budget series. Great guitars but not really equivalent to the Solar. If you can get your hands on a Japanese made RR5 or Rhoads Pro from the Professional series it would be a more apt comparison to the awesomeness of the Solar.

[@Rolli6669]

Or a King V....maybe something like a kv5fr but totally agree with your comment.

[@megaduck7965]

Mmm spot on , seems like me comparing my Rhoads to even my mates posher version of the same guitar hahah the specs just aren’t gonna compete

[@MaestroJericho]

I'd say Jackson Mexican Pro Series DKs/MIJ Pro Jackson > Solar/Indonesian Pro Jackson > X series and below Jackson

[@ivanrios2425]

The Jacksons seems better and from what I remember, the solars had deeper sounding woods like mahogany but the Jackson’s do have better options. Also with pickups since the solars were always a solar designed pickup. It sounds like something that just suites Ola’s playing without being really open.

[@Razrback]

@@ivanrios2425 really it's all in the player

[@RobGamesNZ]

Just off this video, the Jackson has a better sound. To me of course.

[@brotherdoom2406]

I came here to say the same thing. Cheers bro! 🍻

[@matiaserp]

Would be nice to add the EMGs to the Solar as well.

[@brotherdoom2406]

@@matiaserp I know what you mean, though I like the sound of the solar as it is as well. Idk how I feel about guitar companies really trying to make better pickups in the last ten years and then deciding to put EMGs in them. I’m not against it, I have EMGs in both of my guitars, but I notice guitar companies putting in the effort on pickups.

[@jaypoirier4216]

@@brotherdoom2406 agreed, its awesome how good pickups have gotten just in general in last 5 years.

[@nicwilson89]

I don't think I've ever had a guitar that I've ever left alone, especially pickups. I got one with an EMG 81 and 85 set out, ripped them out and gave them to a buddy, and put Duncans in it instead haha. Had it come with Duncans...might have gone the other way. Well, if I liked EMGs. Point is, that kinda thing is never an issue for me since...well, I'm gonna change it anyway. So long as it *feels* nice to play and I get on with it, how it sounds can easily be fixed. The EMGs often just sound like EMGs in an guitar you put them in, they're consistent. Which is an advantage they have. Some say a little sterile, but running EMGs on 18v is anthing but sterile whilst still consistent. Just means you can put them in a shitty guitar and it'll sound...as you'd expect from something with EMGs. Putting EMGs into the Solar too would have probably made them sound pretty much the same given the same person playing, mixing, etc, as you'd have here with Glen playing and doing the audio work. Wouldn't be any fun :D The Jackson didn't come with the EMGs, so if you compared the Jackson stock 90s pickups to the Solar it might just have been silly but thankfully he changed them decades ago

[@CharlieMayMusic]

Your playing's really improved man! It's been fun seeing you do more of the demos lately 😊

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty!

[@CharlieMayMusic]

@@SpectreSoundStudios No problem man!

[@BurningSunday]

So the Jackson that is used here is one of the lower cost lines that is why it has the bolt on and the input jack in the wrong place.. But the pro model costing $729 from sweetwater comes with the input jack in the correct spot as well as the neck thru construction That performer one you are using here is about a $300 guitar

[@kitten-whisperer]

Bolt on isn't a bad thing. I feel like guitarist think if it not neck thru or set its not good.

[@RPGOverload]

Spec-wise, yeah, that performer is closer to a JS32 Rhoads.

[@MaestroJericho]

@@kitten-whisperer It's the time though I think where the bolt isn't a refined bolt like current Ibanez and such.

[@jannevaatainen]

@@RPGOverload Performers weren't well specd but the craftmanship and the quality of woods was really good when compared to something like a Jackson JS. As far as I know, Performers were made in the same place than late 80's CHarvels, 90' Jackson Professional series and later Jackson Star (and those rival USA made Jacksons). Block the floyd, change the bridge pickup and you have a fantastic well made and good sounding Jackson!

[@butterfinger4393]

I wonder if a performer was designed to be played standing, would make sense why the input jack would be there, even my rr minion has the output jack on top.

[@piotrpiotrowski4681]

Shame that Jackson Performers had dots instead of sharkfin inlays... other than that, killer guitars.

[@_errnest_]

Some Jackson Stars had Sharkfin Inlays :)

[@piotrpiotrowski4681]

@@_errnest_ Yeah, but Jackson Stars and Jackson Performer are a different thing altogether. Check out the prices for Jackson Stars on the used market... they are almost as high as with Made in USA models right now, people are crazy.

[@_errnest_]

@@piotrpiotrowski4681 Yes, prices went crazy but I think I could find similar specs one in Stars line, or maybe I am wrong :) 4 yrs ago I bought KV Std for 1,5k PLN and now the same one is for 2,5-3k in Japan :(

[@aleksanderdjuran8010]

I see the cockblocker gate plugin you mentioned on discord, cant wait for a demo of that :D

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

It's coming pretty soon!

[@VagendaAdnegav]

@@SpectreSoundStudios I am so glad others noticed this! Can't wait!

[@hershellumiere]

@@SpectreSoundStudios Are we gonna get a thunder pussy fuzz distortion pedal eventually?

[@CrushingAxes]

Jacksons are great ! I never played a Solar, but they shure sound awesome. I really like the modern design on the Solars. Nice riffs dude !

[@karlcarlsburg9641]

Lol "shure" sound.. I see what you did there.

[@seancallum713]

Solars sound even better when you're given one for free.

[@razztastic]

@@seancallum713 Wow, dude. Did you really just passive aggressively suggest that Glen is biased because he got a free Solar? The sound guy whose ENTIRE FUCKING BRAND IS TO BE BRUTALLY HONEST AND UNBIASED?! Yeah. You sure are one sharp tool, but a tool all the same.

[@Karoug]

I bought a Solar E, sold it pretty quickly again, I'm never selling my Jacksons though. That neck is unparalleled in feel, for me at least.

[@deskducker]

Feel the same, except I hate the Jackson necks sold all of them and use Solar instead

[@leehodge2415]

i have a jackson rhoads performer from 96', they were made in japan, just when they got their license to build them, they were trying to impress. they were like $350 guitars even back then. they were great.

[@gwyn8372]

Love both respectively, but a Jackson kinda guy

[@fattohead]

Next, a 90's vs. modern days equalent Jackson comparision?!? Yassss please!

[@Nazghoul_89]

As someone who went on and on about the scientific method to administer fair tests/comparisons for tubes, how do you justify this comparison? I’m not sure how you can compare a low end, 30 year old, Jackson professional to a brand new solar guitar. A better comparison that would benefit us all would be to compare the solar to a modern jackson, from the newer pro series, with similar specs

[@thezerb]

Actually, a jackson Professional from that era would also be a valid comparison... those were MiJ, had better hardware and Pus (Duncan Designed and in some cases real duncans) more or less on par with teh Solar (bit cheaper Floyd, but arguably better Pickups), and cost about the same as the solar does today. And I dare say they would be very evenly matched across the board. And the Build quality is easily on par with many MiUSA guitars, both then and now. The solar is a great guitar, but even as a longtime Jackson player this was more or less a no brainer from the word go... ;)

[@Nazghoul_89]

@@thezerb unfortunately you’re incorrect. They are not equal, not even in price. Regardless of being made in Japan, that’s a low end Jackson. He even stated in the video that it was a lower end model from the era. You can get those lower end models for less than $500. Solars go for much more. The only Professional models that were comparable to USA Jacksons were the neckthrough pro labeled models. So once again, a better comparison between brands would be a modern day Jackson with similar specs. It makes no sense to compare a new Solar to a low end 30 year old guitar.

[@thezerb]

@@Nazghoul_89 Ehm, did you actually look at the guitar he´s playing and read my post correctly? You´re essentially agreeing with me, but prefacing it with me being incorrect :D He´s playing a performer, NOT a professional. The mId 90s high end pros you refer to are in fact legendary for being on par with the USA build quality of the timen which is why that part of the line (then called "Pro" or "Custom", depending on the exact feature set) were discontinued for 1995, they were stealing sales from the USA line. But they also cost 2k+ NiB, so it should be no surprise they would generally blow the Solar's build quality out of the water. Their hardware alone cost almost as much back in the day (aftermarket price, not OEM) as the Solar does new. All that would do is swing the pendulum just as hard in the other direction, because then you´re comparing a near CS grade small-batch instrument to a mass produced midrange guitar. That´s like comparing my 87 Soloist custom to a current SLX... But Jackson also produced guitars BETWEEN the 400$ and 2000$ price points... A Rhoads standard or to stay in the same era as the performer an RR-3 or 5 would very much be a more valid comparison. That line in that price range was and still is the core of the professional series, going at the time from the 5-600$ EX line up to the 1000$+XL line. And for the price point, those were also absolutely stellar at the time, because the Chushin Gakki plant put a similar amount of effort into the fit and finish of those as they did the previous high end and later Jackson Stars lines. The simply refused to build "bad" guitars. And this particular guitar is not Japanese, but korean, btw. the 1995 japanese performers (which was the only japanese year for performers) had the 12th fret dots closer together. And the short lived korean performers are legendary in all the wrong ways because the plant had some massive QC issues at times. ;)

[@Nazghoul_89]

@@thezerb it was late and sm0l screen lol

[@thezerb]

@@Nazghoul_89 No worries, bro, been there myself :)

[@AleArzMusic]

Actually, they moved the input jack to the longer horn since like 2002 or so

[@randymiles904]

I got my first solar v last week, and Ive never been more impressed with a guitar. It was perfect out of the box. I didn't even have to make any fine adjustments with intonation or anything. Incredibly well made, great sound, and I REALLY dig the coil tapping on a blood red v🤣 Ill definitely buy more solars in the future.

[@jchase8223]

Holy Cow! I saw that Armored Valkyrie in a toy store in Boston when I was 11 during a vacation with my parents. I pleaded with them to buy it for me. They didn't understand that it wasn't something you couldn't find at a regular toy store. I had had a major meltdown and pouted the rest of the trip. To this day(37 years later) she will still bring it up as the Armored Valkyrie incident. Now that I see it sitting there on your desk, I think I'll call her and remind her once again about how she screwed me.

[@Hzuuuu]

When you played that first riff, I just can't stop thinking how you no longer played the same stuff from back then that usually won't manage to capture the nuances of the guitars. Really great to see you play more versatile. I feel very inspired to practice after watching your growth.

[@Bataria]

Loved the clean stuff you played, sounds very nice! Cheers from Finland!

[@dennis1194]

Your guitar playing - especially the rhythm/picking really improved! Really nice, man!

[@Pannemat]

The awesome colour on that Jackson makes up for everything.

[@jyomama2493]

1990s jacksons performers and concepts are beastly.

[@buhimoth]

I have this exact Jackson, and a mate has a concept. Can confirm that they are ridiculous

[@RobSinner]

My RR3 had the same problem with the tremolo bar, I tried my Epiphone Richie Faulkner tremolo in the Jackson licensed bridge and it fitted perfectly, it wasn't loose at all, so you can easily fix it by changing the type of tremolo bar!

[@MykeOwns]

Your playing is great in this one, guess you've been using that quarantine time to practice. Awesome!

[@seimiheffernan958]

Holy shit man, your playing is really getting a whole lot better. Some solid chugs going on in this video.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty! I’ve been practicing quite a bit!

[@shaunwise1609]

Fair enough if your just comparing what you have to hand but would be good to see a comparison with a modern jackson if you can get hold of one. They've changed literally everything you didnt like

[@HeavyInstinct]

Unlike the solar The Jacksons still don't have stainless steel frets or locking tuners. You just get more for your money from Solar.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

I'd love to try a modern Jackson out...

[@Luciffrit]

Put a small spring into the whammy bar socket before putting the bar in.

[@wickedguitarist1]

That or a small o ring inserted in the receiver on the bar itself. That'll decrease thread depth as well. Like the spring idea. Only problem is if you remove the bar will the spring fall out? It'd suck to have to keep track of it. Rubber o ring stays put

[@Luciffrit]

@@wickedguitarist1 It's what Fender does with their Strats. Most people don't know and as soon as they remove the sticker they lose the spring. The O ring sounds pretty cool too.

[@Walmartshoez]

As a long time viewer of your show (6 years now) I can see that your guitar skills have drastically improved.

[@michaelabbamondi8892]

I honestly enjoy watching your improvement over the years on guitar, it's inspiring. Shows someone can have multiple jobs, work in the studio, and still find time to better themselves.

[@mogmason6920]

“I bought it because I wanted a guitar that shows that I don’t play Grunge” Well around the same time, I bought a vintage Fender Jaguar from a pawnshop to show that “I don’t wear Hairspray!”

[@SillyDeal1604]

Glenn looks like Quentin Tarantino with hairier and grumpier face.

[@scottoliphant931]

you have been playing lots in quarantine it seems like! getting way better!

[@gabm999]

@2:35 that's why you get a 90 degree jack for the Vs. helps with that.

[@Superjet113]

I would absolutely put my Jackson RR5 MIJ, up against any guitar for playability.

[@hawk6111]

Ok. I raise you my mij rr24

[@vetsapuu]

@@hawk6111 Ok, I'll raise you with my 91 and 93 pro.

[@hawk6111]

@@vetsapuu are they the neck through, ebony fretbord ones. If so, gimme gimme, especially if its a king v or rhoads

[@joedoherty1062]

Glen your playing has really improved recently

[@brian1749]

My big issue with Solar is they need a North American distributor. Who wants to pay an extra $100 plus in import charges. Other than that, they seem like great guitars. I've played a few of them at various NAMMs and was always very happy with the sound and playability.

[@GuillaumeLortie]

Hey Brian, even if you get it form a north american distributor, the import taxes will be there, it will be hidden in the price but they won’t be cheaper, plus you would have to add an extra commission for the dealer him self.

[@nicwilson89]

I'd imagine they also would like an NA distributor so it'll probably happen and then everything will be fiiiiinneeeee

[@brian1749]

@@GuillaumeLortie while import charges would still be there and passed on, a distributor would most likely be buying in bulk, which would generally lead to two things: 1. The distributor would typically pay less per guitar from the manufacturer. 2. They would be paying a bulk import rate and not per guitar. So, while you might end up paying a bit more than on the Solar website, it shouldn't be as much as the current cost of an individual buying a guitar and paying import fees.

[@Lollerkid]

You can always tighten the tremolo bar screw on the floyd backplate to not hang around that much and for the flutter effect. On the jackson it is actualy a shaller trem licensed by jackson - shaller used to did the baseplates of the floyds in Europe btw :)

[@GalanDun]

Had to do that with my King V.

[@Lollerkid]

@@GalanDun If it's still loose try adding a bit of cotton wool to fill it out a bit. But the best solution since then is ear protection tips made out of silicone rubber. Only problem is it sticks so tightly you have to remove the whole bar with the socket to get it out :)

[@GalanDun]

@@Lollerkid it's fine now, aside from being a licensed Floyd Rose. I'm planning on replacing it with an OFR now anyway

[@robvfx89]

I have a Japanese-made Jackson RRV pro series from 1998, they fixed the jack placement and its a thru neck. This one would have been a closer comparison I think. I dont feel the need to buy upgrades for it. I love it so much. Its super cool to see the modified performer though.

[@squigpeels.1021]

Totally agree. Those Japanese ones from the 90's are unreal.

[@FRANANGELICOONA]

I’m starting to need a new guitar with lace deathbuckers, hip shot bridge, 24 frets, locking tuners, etc. I love the compound radius of my jackson SL3. I’m also interested in the squiggly frets for intonation purposes.

[@givemeajackson]

maybe look at caparison guitars, or try to find a VGS if you want true temprament frets.

[@GuillaumeLortie]

hey Glenn your guitars skills are getting better. good job 👍🏻

[@joshuahb536]

Great playing in this video glen!!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty!!

[@Quusikko]

I bet people would be pretty blown away if you'd present them with the clean clip of the Jackson and said that it's a Rhoads with EMGs. :P Seriously, that sound with the boost is something else!

[@colincourtney2903]

In respect of the Floyd bar problems with the Jackson, all those can be sorted out fairly easily. Also with the Rhoads being a cheaper version, it's output jack is where it is. In others it's usually on the upper horn where you suggest.

[@hfrhkiuffbkiyfc]

That's where all mine are lol

[@Bert_Putini]

These Jackson performer series are REALLY good for the price, I have one myself and it's actually older than I am

[@brettmarlar4154]

The Solar also has the cut away around the 15th fret, which adds to the comfort when playing in the upper register.

[@palix5925]

I used to have a Rhodes V with the input in that spot (it was my first guitar, one of the lower end models). They usually put the input jack in the upper horn now.

[@craytonbuchanan]

Haven't had the option to try a a Solar guitar, but I love the way it sounds! Personally, I love Jackson Soloists because they are through-body AND (most importantly) I love the compound radius fretboard! Either option is great, and it really boils down to what is more comfortable for the individual player! This is a great time to be a guitar player! There are dozens of different options at reasonable prices that sound amazing! Players had an abundance of choice! Loved this video Glenn!!!

[@philippelafortune-leroux1620]

I already have a S1.6PP from Solar which is absolutely killer. The best instrument I ever owned. And recently, just bought the A1.6 Vinter with the Fluence Modern. Can't wait to receive it!

[@ryanmac8829]

That VF-1S Armored Valkyrie was the holy grail to me in the 80's.

[@GregoryMerritt-o1f]

Get well soon, Julia.

[@negereu1941]

You look very well Glenn. Keep up the good work. Cheers from Romania. Dracula says hello too

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty!!

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

8:10 , LOL Amazing haha Great video. It would be awesome to see the Ultimate V showdown. Add some other brands in there ESP, Gibson, etc etc

[@richardseverson5839]

I know the video is more for comparing the two. But for the jacksons bridge, if you put a small o-ring around the bar, and a spring inside. it will tighten up the bar as well as stop it from wiggling.

[@garygrinkevich6971]

"Tromolo" your Canook is showing Glen!!!

[@clintn6677]

I went from Jackson to Solar. Been playing Solar since they started. Just got a Jackson pro soloist and I'm loving it. So I'm down to 2 guitars a Solar A1.6d and a Jackson pro Soloist. Have a Mayones coming in March. Maybe trying a Balaguer next if not a balaguer then I will either get a Rhoads or Solar Vinter. So many good choices but Solar is a lot of guitar for the money

[@lostinlymbo13]

Strange, my Jackson V has the jack on the upper wing. Perfect for classical position. And the whammy bar can be tightened on the back to keep it in a specific position. I wonder how much variation there is with these models?

[@JesterDyne]

My favorite Guitar is still my 1995 Jackson Dinky Reverse Professional. It is also my first Guitar. And it also got the same Combo of EMG 81 + EMG H. The H gives you an amazing crisp Clean tone. Those thin necks of the Japanese 90's Jacksons are unmatched. I find Solars feel a little bit "bulky". The RR and KV hat their Jacks on the upper side yes, but only for the Professional series. The Performer Series and later the X Series got it on the Bottom or Front to cut costs.

[@sarniaguitarguy9405]

As beautiful as the modern Solar is, you might feel comfortable with the newer Jackson Rhoads RRX24 as well. I've been playing one for almost a year now. It's got a much more solid Floyd than the 1995 version did, also a through the body neck. The input has been moved to the longer upper bevel so it doesn't get in the way as much.

[@jeffkellogg76]

Glenn I have a Solar V1.6RD Artist LTD Edition Vee in Blood Red open pore finish that I bought for myself for Christmas last year. I also got a used Jackson RR 3 in Red splatter with black and silver mixed in. It surprisingly had a Dimebucker on the bridge, BONUS. I stole the Jackson for $270 , it came with a Jackson King Vee case. I paid a bit more for the Solar with shipping and import taxes but man, do I LOVE that guitar . It came with an Evertune bridge as that is the way Ola prefers his guitar, ie; the ARTIST designation. I am planning on getting another Solar with a Floyd Rose as I love my Floyds. You are so right about the Solar design being much more ergonomic and comfortable to play. The Dimebucker is an awesome pickup, but again I agree with you on the tone of the Solar being fat and nasty. Great channel, love watching. Your neighbor from across the Detroit River and faithful fan GonzotheGuitarGuy

[@milkymoomoomilk]

I know this vid is a month old but damn your playing has improved!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Thanks!!

[@CyberChrist]

Glad to see you playing more in academic position, believe me, your back will thank you on the long run ;) On a side note, love my LTD Arrow 401 ^^

[@TheWolvesCurse]

the jackson performer series compares to todays X-series in product placement. a better comparison would've been a pro series guitar, but i get it, this was the one you happened to own and have handy. i have a jackson rhoads that's made in japan. it's a pro series, which have the input jack on the proper position (in the upper wing, as you pointed out), but the licensed tremolo system is also not the greatest (though still better than some of the systems that are thrown on mid-priced guitars today).

[@LETITBURN999]

In 82 I bought the IBANEZ PRO LINE RR V PEARL WHITE W/ HOTRAIL pickups I so loved her😪

[@nickmcmillan5704]

Ok, did I just see a cockblocker noise gate PLUGIN?! Did I miss this or something from a previous video?

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

mabye.... stay tuned!

[@nicwilson89]

@@SpectreSoundStudios If I go punch any of my bassist friends and shout 'That's from Glen!' (I'll put a mask onto my fist, obviously), will you send me a pre-release copy?

[@hangmanspark]

Fuck yeah Glenn I see you tightening up those rhythm chops!

[@hyperstimmed]

So glad they relocated the jack on the newer Rhoads

[@bongwatersupreme6353]

1:30 damn glen that was some damn good riffage my guy

[@zacharymiraziz4585]

I've had a few guitars with terrible amounts of travel in the trem bar, making flutters and on the go dive bombs difficult. I've found that a little bit of plumbers tape around the connection point on the bar seems to fix it at least for a little while, until the tape wears out and you have to re-apply.

[@stevenaustin4591]

great vid dude, I got the Solar V 2.6c (no trem), love that guitar!

[@fredwide7605]

Is that a plugin version of the SMG Cockblocker Noise Gate i see in the background?

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

It might be

[@alijankhan3330]

"The fuck were you guys thinking?" Lol I love the honesty.

[@joeleone6276]

I've had my Jackson Performer since 1995 as well. I love the thing. I swapped out the pickups as well with EMGs as well (81/60). I hear your problems but I have had so much better luck with the older Jacksons than the newer ones. I have several 90's era Jacksons and prefer them honestly for the value.

[@Ed_Kaye]

I'm pretty happy with the Solar I got last year. It's a 7-string, neck-through single cut with an Evertune. I've been playing with the idea of swapping the pick-ups, but the stock ones are quite decent. I'm in a Solar group on FB though and there's a lot of QC complaints going on. The biggest issue seems to be with ebony boards splitting a few weeks after receipt. Of course, people tend to be more vocal about poor quality than good quality, so it's hard to tell if it's a big issue or not.

[@andrewstevenson3807]

I bought a single cut evertune solar in November, direct from Solar and I’m sorry to say it’s shit. The pick up selector doesn’t work properly, turn it to the bridge pick up and half the volume and all the tone disappears. The middle and neck positions work intermittently. The response from solar? Spray some wd40 on it. Yep. Brand new guitar. Thanks chaps.

[@CyberChrist]

If spraying WD40 is the only thing you have to do on your guitar, count yourself lucky :P

[@michaelk4896]

I'm no expert but I don't think WD40 would be the best idea. Maybe contact spray instead. Either way, that's pretty shocking.

[@CyberChrist]

@@michaelk4896 It's either WD40 or duct tape :P That said, WD40's supposed to move water... I've heard great things of Deox'It, but AFAIK we can't have it in the civilised world :P

[@SilentNightBodomNight]

WD40? They really suggested using an oil based lubricant on electronics? Wow.... they’re even more fucking incompetent than I thought lol. I’m on my 2nd one and it’s absolutely shit for the amount I paid. Definitely never looking at these again.

[@CyberChrist]

@@SilentNightBodomNight What's the big deal? I've seen a computer cooled by being dunked in oil. And from what I remember, WD40 is not supposed to be a lubricant, but a rust remover.

[@davel_ggw]

Both sound great, there is no objectively better or worse there. I feel like many people need to pay more attention to how a guitar fits them and how it feels to play, which again is mostly subjective, rather than just chasing hype, or what plays, or whatever. That said, my Solar A1.6 is one of my favorites in all regards.

[@williamharrison54]

The input jack is on the upper horn on the newer ones, atleast on my rrxt

[@fabianroth4460]

And my RRXT also has neck-through-body construction.

[@shnicx]

On these years, there are some upper quality series (like made in japan rr3s or sth) which jack input on the upper horn.

[@grimhollows5779]

Awesome video as always Glenn. Oh and if you want to eliminate that bar play on the Jackson just wrap some plumbers tape around the post end. It will help fill in that extra space so you can get the bar to stop swinging.

[@RPGOverload]

This feels more like a comparison of how much guitar you get for your dollar now versus in the past rather than a solid comparison. That performer Rhoads V is, spec-wise, most similar to the modern JS32 line, rather than a Jackson Pro series or LTD 1000 series, both of which better match up to the Solar price- and spec-wise.

[@connorwolbert9591]

Your down picking technique has gotten very good!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Thanks! I got some great instruction from Warren Huart last summer...

[@Terry3Gs]

And the sad part is the same jackson is now down to around a $300 guitar. Great video as always glen !!

[@leewright5616]

I bought a Jackson performer 4, not a V but an S type, new back in 2001 did the same mods EMG pickups and a tremol no. Still have that guitar and have since taken the tremol no off. Since I have 2 fixed bridge guitars to play on, it's nice to dick about with the whammy bar once in a while. The Floyd licensed bridge seemed a bit crap but I recently took it all out cleaned everything up and did a set up on it and its working a lot better. I also agree the EMG pickups sound great, I went with the 81 85 combo. It does still have the stock single coil in the middle but the volume drop makes it unusable. I should look out for an EMG single coil to put in there. Great show!

[@marcoabyss]

i love my jackson. the neck profile is perfect for my small hands.

[@Jw071]

I have one of those Jacksons, I dropped a SD custom in the bridge and a jazz in the neck, left the pre-amp in, and for the Floyd I packed a tiny bit of cotton soaked in Duck Wax into the socket to snug it up.

[@AlienorchestraNetoslo]

Let’s see which one’s cooler!

[@triledink]

My first electric guitar was a jackson rhoads guitar, but without a floyd. I have never played a solar, but I really want to try one. Though the input jack problem was fixed years ago on the jackson.

[@AceOfRock]

I understand youtubers sit down and play, but V shaped guitars aren’t really designed to sit down with are they? 😁 By the way, I have a Jackson roads coming my way these next few weeks. I’m thrilled!! 🤘🏻 Your video’s are always awesome and entertaining and brutally honest. Keep it up

[@denverrandy7143]

Always been a big fan of Jackson.And we all know Solars are some Bad mamma jammas...What I like about Solar that there's a face to go with the Brand.Definately love and respect Ola Englund as a person,family man and business man.Ive had a few Jackson's.But,I'm about to buy a new guitar and I'm going Solar.One reason,of course the product is an excellent product.But also,I support the people from the business (Solar) that the product comes from. Thank you Glenn for the great content as always.🤘

[@deathmetalmachine]

I got to say I love the stack of rev amp heads in the background also you can consider getting your Jackson upgraded those 90 Jacksons prefenders are amazing

[@ashamael]

I was surprised when you said the Jackson was a cheaper model because of how much better I thought it sounded than then Solar. Then my surprise faded when you said later that you replaced the pickups. Those EMGs sound rad!

[@nicwilson89]

The sheer build quality and nice touches here and there you get with the Solar is honestly one of the reasons I probably want one as my next guitar more than anything else aside the really silly things. Don't care what pickups it has, I have my own preferences, but I must say that the stock pickups used by the smaller companies like Solar and the rest these days are sooooo much better than what I'm used to getting with a guitar even like...10-15 years ago. Not bad at all, just have my preferred pickups (unless Solar fancy putting in Seymour Duncan Perpetual Burn and Jazz as a stock set ;) ) Getting an instrument that feels great, is built well, and designed around making someone's life easier when it comes to actually playing the instrument is what I feel is important. Everything else is to taste, really, and can be changed at will.

[@josephhutchins8]

Think it would be better to compare the solar with a newer slightly higher end Jackson something like the KVXMG would be a good comparison comes with EMG 81 and 85, neck thru construction and a Floyd Rose Special

[@pooyamoradi8009]

Exactly good point

[@wcdbzsam4840]

That Jackson is made in Japan and likely a higher quality instrument than a newer Jackson.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Feel free to send me one!

[@josephhutchins8]

@@SpectreSoundStudios I think I’d rather enjoy the video and just shut my mouth instead

[@StrumVogel]

Sir, that VF-1S figure is awesome. I have an RR1 they moved the input jack to the long fin. and the control knobs layout was too close to each other. It makes it difficult to switch pickups.

[@georgijsnovikovs]

I recently saw a hack for this type of floyd rose. You shove a pen spring into the hole and then screw in the bar on top of it. Makes it stay where you put it.

[@caseyslinger7663]

Woah hold the fuck up, I left for a month and Glenn's guitar chops improved a lot. Good job man

[@RJsCave]

Great comparison. the Jackson shows us where the solar came from and the solar looks like it's already going 100 MPH while the Jackson doesn't. not dissing Jackson, they're great but this comparison shows us A LOT.

[@jeremyswalley8625]

Absolutely love my 7 string Jackson Dinkies ! One has a 26.5 scale length! I’ve been using Ernie Ball Cobalt’s 10-62 !! Perfect for ultra low tunings !! Tuned to drop C with the 7 th string down to G .. Tuning is GCGCFAD

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

I hope you figured out that you can tighten up the FR and stop the bar from moving around in an annoying way.

[@theelmagoo]

Man.... flashbacks!!! You're dead on about imitation floyd's.... *COUGH* SCHALLER *COUGH* KAHLER *COUGH* ... Anytime I've bought a guitar with one.... immediately replace it with an original Floyd Rose and it just works (stays in tune, the bar isn't loose, etc...)! I've got a Jackson Dinky Rev. Professional series from the 90s and had to do the exact same things on it you discuss in this video. Except back then the tech I took it too added foam pads under the PUs to stop the vibration (mostly worked at the time except for the highest of gain). I ended up putting in Duncan Trembuckers (remember those!! :) back in the day and loved it.... now I've got the DiMarzio Crunch Lab and Liquifire in it and it sounds incredible. Anyways, thanks for that trip down memory lane :).

[@thought1212]

have you tried putting a real floyd bar into a licenced bridge Glen? i did that on my dean dime and its awesome.

[@StacXion]

My roommate sold me one of these Jacksons from 93 for $150 that he bought from a garage sale years ago, and it sounds epic. Would love to own a Solar as well, and I will eventually ✌️😊

[@BlackChromeJamTracks]

Your playing, holy fuck dude, big improvement!!!🤘🤘🤘