3DR or Predator which one is better?

[Rich#6]

I have been gasing for one of these , which one is better. The predator seems to have a better trem and a neck humbucker(not necessarily better). Is the 3DR trem non-recessed? How about the necks? The only toothpaste logoed charvel neck I had I really loved but it was from a fusion. It seemed like the fretboard was not as wide as the earlier models which I liked.
How much would you guys pay for each?

[nhspike]

I REALLY dig the special switching action of the predator (in addition to the trem).
I'll pick up a 3DR for a good price some day as well, but for now, I have 3 Predators.
I try to keep the price down as close to 200 as I can.
Toothpaste necks all seem nice to me, and pretty much the same.

[Gartron]

The 3-DR has a recessed trem , the neck is about the same as any other model series Charvel, it also has the JT-6 trem which I'm not a huge fan of

However (and this is really stupid , but I can't help it!) it has the much cooler Charvel logo , I just don't get on with the toothpaste logo and I know I'm missing out on some sweet guitars ,that are no doubt much better than there model counterparts ,but I can't help it, I'm a logoist....don't judge me!

[Flatpicker]

3DR had a full size body. Non-Recessed Trem and 5 way switching as I recall.
The trem had a slight back rout, but not full.

I paid 300 for my 3DR about 3 years ago with chainsaw case. Never seen them go for less than 250 myself.

[nhspike]

I've purchased all 3 of my predators this year for less than 200 each, but... I'm a cheap bastard that doesn't mind waiting and watching.


Oh, and one of them came with Joe Barden pickups (each worth about 200) hehe

As to the big logos... I don't mind your bias or judge you a bit Gartron. More for me!!!

[Axewielder]

The Predator JT590 trem is the licensed trem to have. Didn't the 3DR have the JT6?

My Predator has a 22 fret neck, but I saw one on the bay with a 24 fret neck. Does anyone know what that is all about? Did they really switch to/from a 24 fret neck on those at some point?

EDIT: Mine was $250 mint off of craigslist, no case.

[Flatpicker]

The Predator JT590 trem is the licensed trem to have. Didn't the 3DR have the JT6?

My Predator has a 22 fret neck, but I saw one on the bay with a 24 fret neck. Does anyone know what that is all about? Did they really switch to/from a 24 fret neck on those at some point?

EDIT: Mine was $250 mint off of craigslist, no case.

3dr's had the JT6.
Still feels like pot metal to me.

[Spivonious]

Predator is totally better. JT590 is the best floating trem Jackson ever made. The 5-way switch gives you coil splits on the bridge humbucker, and the neck is one of the best necks I've played.

It's my number 1. I paid $270 for it with original case at shop over in Hanover, PA.

[Rich#6]

Thanks guys

I've purchased all 3 of my predators this year for less than 200 each, but... I'm a cheap bastard that doesn't mind waiting and watching.

Don't you know the 2 predators ONLY rule-I guess you will have to sell one.

3DR had a full size body

the couple that I have seen (everyone is calling them predatorsbut they have single coil, jt6 and old logo) look like dinky bodies.

[pete-o]

I can only say that having owned my 3DR since new in '88, its awesome and is the best or #2 maybe out of my seven different axes. Best neck, stays in tune all the time (even with JT6), I swapped out the Ultrasonics for EMG's right after I bought it and it kills. I just leave it hanging on my wall in the cellar and you can just grab it and go. Unlike my PRS and LP Classic, which are both great but dammit why the hell do I have to tune and retune and retune before I can just jam on them?????

[Carbuff]

Thanks guys
Don't you know the 2 predators ONLY rule-I guess you will have to sell one.
the couple that I have seen (everyone is calling them predatorsbut they have single coil, jt6 and old logo) look like dinky bodies.

Correct, the 3dr is a dinky body. The schaller trem and locking nut is much better than the jt6 and stringlock of the 3dr. Mine (3dr) has the kahler locknut similar to the floyd design but I think that's rare.

[Flatpicker]

I always thought it was full size.
I'll have to put it next to a strat to compare.

[nhspike]

The Predator JT590 trem is the licensed trem to have. Didn't the 3DR have the JT6?

My Predator has a 22 fret neck, but I saw one on the bay with a 24 fret neck. Does anyone know what that is all about? Did they really switch to/from a 24 fret neck on those at some point?

EDIT: Mine was $250 mint off of craigslist, no case.

Axe, I think those are some kinda fusion/neck thru.
Looks like a predator, but alas, they ain't.

[Axewielder]

Axe, I think those are some kinda fusion/neck thru.
Looks like a predator, but alas, they ain't.

Is that right? Damn that thing was a dead ringer for a predator, from the front anyway.

[UFORocks]

I really like my predator. It's technically a parts mut, but the body, neck and tuners are original.

Body and neck (with tuners) from ebay
Duncan PUPs: JB swap from my SL1 and a lil '59 in the neck.
Schaller floyd from Warmoth
RS Gutiar Works electronics

As is today the predator is one of my favorite guitars. It gets equal play time with my SL2, or rather my SL2 gets equal play time with it.

-Steve