Import neck differences.. Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez, ESP/LTD

[warlok]

OK. I have a bit of a collection of different import neckthru guitars and I'm looking to ad to it. I have a '90 Soloist PRO, '87 Model 6, and 2 Ibanez RGT42's. I love the neck on all of them. The Soloist PRO is the thinnest but not by much, the Model 6 and both RGT's (Wizard II necks) are very similar in feel and all are very comfortable to play. I'm looking to add a ESP/LTD M300FM to the collection. Don't have any local to try so I was wondering if anyone has had and could compare the M300FM's neck to any of the others??

[Rich#6]

I've had a m302 and a m200fm. the m300fm is the latest in that line. it's been a while too. They are kinda of a v shape back. different feel but comfy and still in that range of thickness. Unless you get one cheap I'm not sure if they are worth the money.

[warlok]

I wanted that M302 when you were selling it but didn't have the cash then. Love the black cherry flame maple. I was looking around $250-300 area. There's one on ebay I was thinking about that has the fretboard ebonized (looks pretty good) and newly refretted. Seems the biggest complaint I've heard is the frets but hopefully that is remedied on this one. And I can do some fret work if needed. You think $300-ish too much?

[Rich#6]

that's about right.

[warlok]

Screw it.. 3pc maple neckthrough, mahogany wings, EMG 81 set, black cherry maple top, ebonized board, refret, and I can try a FR special too. Worth a shot. Guy accepted my offer for $290 shipped. http://www.ebay.com/itm/221383130713...84.m1497.l2649

[shramiac]

I played a similar purple LTD approx 7-8 years ago at a shop when I was on holiday and actually hadn't played a guitar in months. It felt like the nicest neck I'd played (pro music store, so it was set up nice & I suffer sausage finger syndrome too!) and I only played my Jems at the time (pre Jackson ownership), so I reckon you'll enjoy it immensely!

[leftykingv2]

Screw it.. 3pc maple neckthrough, mahogany wings, EMG 81 set, black cherry maple top, ebonized board, refret, and I can try a FR special too. Worth a shot. Guy accepted my offer for $290 shipped. http://www.ebay.com/itm/221383130713...84.m1497.l2649

I don't see how you can lose. Less than 300$ bucks and all the features you've mentioned? I'd say that's a risk worth taking. If you hate it you can probably turn a profit on it since you got such a good deal. Looks like a win/win situation to me.

[warlok]

Very true. That's why I figured what the hell... I'm slowly grabbing one of each manufacturer's lower price, high feature nech throughs. I've been impressed with most I've tried out. Still planning on a Kramer (maybe a FX404 or other MusicYo, or SM-1 If I see one cheap enough), BC Rich (ASM Pro, etc), maybe some others.. Some of these are pretty amazing players with a little bit of help..

[warlok]

Got the m300fm today and did a quick BS setup before I remove everything for a good buffing. Holy crap this thing is pretty impressive for the little bit I messed with it. I have a few small issues to address (1 loose/lifting fret, 1 that may be "leveled" too low, and can't adjust bridge pup low enough) but the core of this thing is awesome. I'll do a NGD thread when I get a chance but just as an update to the neck comparison, it is almost the same thickness (back of neck to fretboard) as my Model 6 and my RGT's (Wizard II). Slightly thicker (maybe 1mm) because the shape is slightly more rounded, like a D with a very very slight V to it as opposed to the somewhat flatter backed D of the M6 and RGT's. But barely discernable and very very comfortable.

[warlok]

Haven't done a NGD thread because I'm still having to mess with the fretwork. Fixed the lifting frets (5 of them), leveled a few that were high, and gave them a good polish because they seemed rough when you vibrato or bend. All back together and the rough frets is still there. It's bad.. Like the top of the frets are sandpaper. Can't feel it with a fingernail but fretting a string, it's ridiculous. The whole neck too.. So hopefully if I have time today, I'll do a full level, crown, polish and that better fix it.. Whoever did the refret, doesn't have a clue what they're doing. I've never refretted a neck but can see how bad this is.. Hopefully better news later..

[leftykingv2]

Good luck bro! Fret work can be very tricky.