A question of quality

[Sidk]

Hi all, I'm looking to buy either a SLSMG or a SL2HT and money is going to get tight for a while. How much better quality is the SL2HT over the SLSMG? From what I've been reading the pickups and hardware are not that great of quality on the SLSMG.

Thanks for info you can provide

[THETRIUMPHOFSTEEL]

Re: A question of quality

Pickups on the SLSMG are EMG HZ , which are passive pickups, and most people will agree that theyre not that good. But so what, pickups and hardware can all be upgraded, and the SLSMG is a well built guitar.
I dont really think its a question of quality between these two, you need to consider price, weight difference, and preference for headstock type and inlays.

[JACKSONFREAK]

Re: A question of quality

Not to mention the body wood tones also. The SLSMG is mohagony with a mohagony neck thru and the SL2HT is alder with a maple neck thru. so the tone will be differant from each. The neck on the SLSMG is also a bit thinner than the SL2HT. So a comfort issue or neck prefferance should also be considered. The Stealth body (SLSMG is a neck thru stealth) Is one of the most comfortable bodies ive ever played not to mention the neck being one of the best ive played. But again neck is a personal thing and not every body likes a thin neck like that. The pups can be easily swapped out. The hardware shouldnt matter cus both are a string thru body so there isnt much differance. I believe they both have tone pros bridges on them and both have gotoh tuners so i dont see a differance there at all. So its all about comfort and wood tones really. I just wish Jackson would do the SLSMG with a trem.. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Gil

[Carbophos]

Re: A question of quality

SLSMG has cheaper tuners, common for a majority of import guitars. SL2H overall is much higher class guitar in every aspect, but they can't be compared directly.

[pro-fusion]

Re: A question of quality

The overall build quality is likely to be better on an SL2H. Quite a few of the SLSMGs that I've tried have had poorly finished frets. That can be fixed, but you shouldn't have to do that on a $900 guitar.

Apart from that, they sound a lot different--can't really compare them easily. If money's not the issue, I'd definitely go with the SL2H. If it is, I'd probably search out a used SL2H.

[Bengal65]

Re: A question of quality

I prefer the hardware on the American made guitars. They use a heavier gauge metal and the plating is of higher quality. If you can afford it, I'd go with the SL2H. You won't have any regrets as far as quality goes.

[Sidk]

Re: A question of quality

Thanks for the info. I may be able to afford the USA model, I need to see the price. I read one guy's post(not here) that said the SLSMG was a smoking guitar after he replace every piece of hardware. Hmmmmm, that would cost all most as much as the USA model if it was done professionally, correct?

I understand we are not suppose to speak of prices here but could I post a price that I am willing to pay here, just to see if I'm paying too much or I need to come up with more cash?

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: A question of quality

I'd personally go for a used SL2H

You can get one in great condition for just the same amount or 100, 200 or 300 dollars more than a new SLSMG.

[Sidk]

Re: A question of quality

I don't want a trem or would go for the SL2H and I have yet to see a SL2HT used. Could you point me to where I could find one in pristine condition? I checked Matt's site and he does not have any.

[noodlesatf]

Re: A question of quality

[ QUOTE ]
he replace every piece of hardware. Hmmmmm, that would cost all most as much as the USA model if it was done professionally, correct?

[/ QUOTE ]

Replacing the hardware is really simple, though. Tuners and a tune-o-matic bridge are cake to install, and if you're comfortable with a soldering iron, installing pickups really isn't all that challenging.

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: A question of quality

[ QUOTE ]
I don't want a trem or would go for the SL2H and I have yet to see a SL2HT used. Could you point me to where I could find one in pristine condition? I checked Matt's site and he does not have any.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pristine, nope. But as anything patience is key. If you need an axe fast, go for the SLSMG, but if you have time just sit on your money and wait for the good deal to fly by.

[pro-fusion]

Re: A question of quality

[ QUOTE ]
I don't want a trem or would go for the SL2H and I have yet to see a SL2HT used. Could you point me to where I could find one in pristine condition? I checked Matt's site and he does not have any.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're probably only going to find them on eBay, and there's no guarantee that they'd be in pristine condition. It's true that the T models don't come up on eBay very often, since they are a recent addition to the line. In that situation, you might think about getting an SLSMG--just be aware that you might have to try out several before you find one with good fret quality to match that on an SL2, which would mean trudging down to Guitar Center (or several Guitar Centers, more likely) to be able to try them out.

Of course, there are zillions of SLSMGs on eBay--some new or NOS--that are going for less than what you'd pay at Guitar Center.

[Sidk]

Re: A question of quality

I think pro-fusion has convinced me to just buy MIA. I want a guitar that inspires me, not one I have to work on to make it right.

Do you suppost I can pick up the SL2HT for under $1500?

[Jacksonfan]

Re: A question of quality

Talk to Scott. He's a great guy to deal with, and he has a few SL2HT's in stock.
http://www.vwallguitars.com/Jackson_..._Soloists.html

http://vwallguitars.com/Jackson_SL2HT_Chlorine.html

[vwall]

Re: A question of quality

Thanks very much for the referral, bro!
I do have a few in stock and ready to ship!
Please let me know if I can help!
Thanks!