Why is ESP more popular than Jackson?

[goodwood]

It's not just that. Look at the guitars that the kids and the semi-pro guys are buying. ESP just offers better options. Many of their intro and mid level imports offer features such as emgs and duncans, more neckthroughs and BINDING along with nice flame tops. Jackson has just begun to put better pickups and hardware on their imports (2006 IIRC). The quality of the pickups and hardware on Jackson imports in recent years has hurt the brand a lot IMHO.

I've owned one or two ltd's and they have offered more bang for the buck than the import Jacksons. Jeebus, it took them years to figure out there was a market for a 24 fret RR and even now we're hearing bad things about the paintwork and inlays. Is it that hard to give people what they want?

I couldn't agree more with the above post.
I still own my LTDs (4 of them) and they get played more than my USA Jackson. In fact...I have recently started to think that I could probably find someone who loves Jackson and also has a real ESP eclipse that I could trade my USA Jackson even with. I haven't pursued it but I've thought about it.
I think that there have been many valid points made throughout this thread but the thing that rings loudest to me is that I rarely hear of problems with ESP/LTDs and I am always hearing of finish flaws and problems with Jacksons...man I even hear stories of how Jackson Custom shop guitars come with the incorrect options on them when they were ordered properly.

[joshulator]

In case Jackson actually does read this board, I want to officially register my vote against the new smurf headstock. Classic is just fine by me.

Still, part of the reason my next guitar is likely an ESP is because I love the look of their reverse headstock. IMHO, a reverse headstock, in order to look good to my eye, needs to be somewhat inline with the neck, like ESP or Ibanez. The Jackson reverse headstock sticks up in the air too much. Just my opinion. I know there are plenty on this board who love the Jackson reverse headstock.

Another reason I like the ESP is because the controls are simplified. I love my Jackson SL1, but I never use the tone control and I never use the middle pickup. The ESP M-II standards don't carry the tone knob. Be that as it may, having the middle pickup and the tone control didn't stop me from buying the Jackson, so it's probably better to have it there for those who want it. I'm just saying that the simplicity of the ESP M-II standards appeals to me.

[toejam]

In case Jackson actually does read this board, I want to officially register my vote against the new smurf headstock. Classic is just fine by me.

It's not new. It's been in use for more than 10 years on certain guitars.

[Bengal]

Most likely Jackson. And Jackson got their pointy headstock design from reworking a Gibson Explorer headstock.

TJ,
That was my point. By ESP copying Washburn, they really were copying Jackson...

I didn't think about Jackson being a reworking of the Explorer headstock. But that looks right. They are all just basically redesigning the Strat headstock, IMHO...

[AfterForever]

Their new standard pointy headstock, yes, they did steal from Washburn. The old one was a Jackson replica.

argh yeah I forgot about that one.

Aw well, I could care less who stole what from who. I think both the jackson and modern ESP headstock look great.

[slash-ed]

Most likely Jackson. And Jackson got their pointy headstock design from reworking a Gibson Explorer headstock.

I always thought the headstock on Randy's first Jackson was inspired by the nose of the Concorde planes, thus the name? Or am I mixing up stories again... wouldn't be the first time

[dangerous_dave]

yeah i agree with what shobet said, bullet for my valentine are awful...

[toejam]

I always thought the headstock on Randy's first Jackson was inspired by the nose of the Concorde planes, thus the name? Or am I mixing up stories again... wouldn't be the first time

I thought Charvel had been using the pointy headstock before Jackson. Either way, they did get the design idea from the Gibson Explorer headstock. Randy's guitar was the first guitar to actually get the Jackson name.

[Bengal]

I don't mind Bullet For My Vallentine too much. I have their last CD. I saw them a couple of times last summer. At least they can play. I could do without the Emo vocals but at least they can play...

Now Gojira, those boys are METAL with a capitol M and they are pimping Jacksons all over the place...

[Carbophos]

I would point out one thing - for years Jackson did not care and still do not care for Europe and European bands. Someone mentioned Jackson has lost Alexi Laiho. The truth is they never had him. Alexi jsut loved Jackson guitars and had good relationship with local Jacskon distributor. But no-fucking-one in JCMI was ever aware of his existance untill ESP endorsed him.

[chrisolson]

I would point out one thing - for years Jackson did not care and still do not care for Europe and European bands. Someone mentioned Jackson has lost Alexi Laiho. The truth is they never had him. Alexi jsut loved Jackson guitars and had good relationship with local Jacskon distributor. But no-fucking-one in JCMI was ever aware of his existance untill ESP endorsed him.

I have a hard time recalling any Russian guitar companies going after American bands...

Just sayin'...

[Carbophos]

I have a hard time recalling any Russian guitar companies going after American bands...

Just sayin'...

You see, big showbiz is actually international thing. Of course, USA is the biggest market but... I guess being Japaneese ESP were seeing the bigger picture than J/C. When Grunge/Alternative boom was in US, metal still was pretty strong in Europe. Many of European bands that have started in mid-late 90's are now pretty big in States. I see Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Opeth, In Flames etc featured on regular basis in Guitar World now.

ESP was aware of what's is happening on the scene, while Jackson were really stuck in 80's for too long and I guess had bad AR dept.

[wilkinsi]

Pity they are shit!

Matt Tuck, defining image of British metal, fuck I feel old...
Sorry I keep getting an image of Friar Tuck from Robin Hood.

Thanks for reminding me, that's one of my neighbours. .... but only for 1 more month.

[Rsmacker]

Spot the difference!

[RobRR]

The top point is more rounded, the top angle looks to be a little "softer" and the inlay work is HIDEOUS!