Alternatives to Jackson CS?

[Leo Chang]

Hi Guys,

I know there have been similar threads in the past, and I did a search, but can't find them... would be good to find out new info anyway, 'cause the market may have changed.

I am considering making my first Jackson CS order, it'll be something like this:

- Rhoads body shape, neck-through
- 27 frets, with slanted fretboard
- either ebony or maple fretboard, fully scalloped
- EMG humbucker and single coil
- not sure about body color / graphics / inlays yet


I would like to have it made by Jackson CS, but in case it proves too prohibitive cost-wise, would like to look at other custom shops too.

So.... if you were to order a custom along these lines... which luthier / custom shop would you entrust your project to?


Thanks


- Leo.

[eakinj]

http://www.ranguitars.com/

you're looking at 4k minimum


I got a quote on what was basically a PC1 with a reverse headstock and it was around 4k. so.. I have heard a lot of good things about them, a couple people on here have some of their stuff

[Venomboy]

If you want an RR, ask Jackson to do it.

If you ask someone else for an RR you are asking them for a copyright infringement. Ran makes beautiful stuff but they are bigger designer stealers than ESP.

All these copycat companies are stealing ideas that others work hard for.

[RacerX]

I remember when you could get a Ran for like $ 1200 - 1400!

[Leo Chang]

Cool, I'll look at Ran Guitars, thanks. I was thinking about them, but couldn't remember the name.

Venomboy: Haven't considered that.... hmm....



- Leo.

[Mazrim]

What you're asking for is more or less a Caparison Orbit.

That would save you some money.

[Leo Chang]

What you're asking for is more or less a Caparison Orbit.

That would save you some money.

It is pretty close, feature-wise... but I don't like their headstock + the rounded wings.

I actually kinda like the Horus, but the Orbit doesn't do much for me aesthetically. Thanks for the heads up though


- Leo.

[AK47]

If you want an RR, ask Jackson to do it.

If you ask someone else for an RR you are asking them for a copyright infringement. Ran makes beautiful stuff but they are bigger designer stealers than ESP.

All these copycat companies are stealing ideas that others work hard for.

If Jackson keeps telling you "No" on every idea or thing you want on your CS order I have no problem going to someone that is willing to make the guitar I want.

[Venomboy]

I think Jackson goes too far with telling everyone no for almost every guitar. But I am very much against copyright violation and stealing designs. Designing a guitar (including all the neck joints, angles, etc) is not easy. It's not just drawing a shape. Ran is profiting from someone else's work. They KNOW they are doing this. Like I said, pretty guitars, shitty ethics. Jackson needs to loosen up. What's next...I'm sorry, Randy Rhoads had a toggle switch...you get a Home Depot Lutron light switch.

[Flatpicker]

I think Jackson goes too far with telling everyone no for almost every guitar. But I am very much against copyright violation and stealing designs. Designing a guitar (including all the neck joints, angles, etc) is not easy. It's not just drawing a shape. Ran is profiting from someone else's work. They KNOW they are doing this. Like I said, pretty guitars, shitty ethics. Jackson needs to loosen up. What's next...I'm sorry, Randy Rhoads had a toggle switch...you get a Home Depot Lutron light switch.

I don't think I agree.
If you follow that line of logic to it's end, then nobody except Fender or Gibson would be making guitars. This has been brought up in court and dealt with before, as as long as they stay away from headstock shapes, it's ok.

If Jackson won't make it and someone else will, then go for it.

[eakinj]

I remember when you could get a Ran for like $ 1200 - 1400!

They quoted me 4k for what i ask for. But it was custom shop so who knows... I haven't checked the prices on their production stuff

[eakinj]

I think Jackson goes too far with telling everyone no for almost every guitar. But I am very much against copyright violation and stealing designs. Designing a guitar (including all the neck joints, angles, etc) is not easy. It's not just drawing a shape. Ran is profiting from someone else's work. They KNOW they are doing this. Like I said, pretty guitars, shitty ethics. Jackson needs to loosen up. What's next...I'm sorry, Randy Rhoads had a toggle switch...you get a Home Depot Lutron light switch.

You mean like the Dave M Y2KV which is Gibson rip off, or the Kelly which is a Gibson rip off? Or the Soloist, Dinky, which are both Fender rip offs? Or the Warrior which is a BC Rich rip off?

Not trying to start a fight but really Jackson has been profiting off others work for quite some time now. Also not meaning this as a slap in Jacksons face but really... If you want to get to the nuts and bolts there it is.

[toejam]

You mean like the Dave M Y2KV which is Gibson rip off, or the Kelly which is a Gibson rip off? Or the Soloist, Dinky, which are both Fender rip offs? Or the Warrior which is a BC Rich rip off?

Not trying to start a fight but really Jackson has been profiting off others work for quite some time now. Also not meaning this as a slap in Jacksons face but really... If you want to get to the nuts and bolts there it is.

Not to mention the Jackson headstock was a reworked Gibson Explorer headstock.

[Venomboy]

I do agree that Jackson has ripped off designs in the past. I don't think anyone would disagree.

Fender and Gibson could have gone after guitar companies for stealing their designs a long time ago, but they didn't. If they *really* had a problem with it, they could have stopped it. So they let it happen.

I think the Kelly and Warrior are different enough. Jackson wasn't trying to make a direct replica. They made it the shapes their own.

Ran isn't offering anything new. They have been contacted buy other companies and been told they are stealing designs yet they continue to do it.

My friend Rodney designed some of Moser's shapes. I have helped Neal Moser create trademark drawings of his shapes. There's a lot of love that goes into designing. Neal does have trademarks on many of his shapes because they are so distinctive. He has stopped others from using his shapes. BC Rich tried to sue him for building Biches and Seagulls and in the end they couldn't win. He designed them and owned the trademark.

Until you've had your work stolen or plagiarised or made your living in a creative field where you depend on unique design for your paycheck, you probably will never understand what I'm getting at. Jackson created the RR and set a price on it. You want it, pay the price. If Jackson is okay with RR copies than I am too. My guess is they are not okay with it.

[pro-fusion]

If Ran quotes you $4k for it, you might as well go with Jackson, since it's going to end up costing around the same, I suppose.

The falling value of the dollar probably has a lot to do with Rans being so expensive now.