dk2 or slsxmg

[blacktooth]

I've got a line a dk2 in great shape for $500, which I'm quite interested in, but I've also been eyeing up the slsxmg in natural flame, for roughly $650 plus freight. I own a Charvel 475 deluxe which I assume is comparable to the dk2, which is by far my favorite guitar i own, but there's something about neck-thru that I just love...

What would you do if staying within that price range? The dk2 is used with a case, the slsxmg is new, without a case. dk2 has Seymour Duncans which I'm very partial to, as opposed to EMG's.
The only thing about the DK2 that worries me is the tremolo, but I've got a spare Schaller Floyd around.
I know it comes down to personal preference, but I'm just wondering what seems like the better axe to you guys.

[jackhamer]

It's too bad the SLSXMG is neck-thru, i was just envisioning a DK2M neck on a Natural finished SLSXMG. Mmmmmmmm.

[warlok]

DK2 for $500 seems a bit steep. I like neckthrus so I'd go with the SLSXMG. Do you care for HSS or HH pickup config? You could trade or sell the EMG's for Duncans. And the FR Special is at least as good, or better than the JT580LP on the DK2.

[hunterkolb]

it just depends weather you like neck throughs or bolt ons. thats where your decision is made

[blacktooth]

yeah, it's a tough call. I've never played a Jackson neckthru. I used to have a dean that was neckthru, but I sold that. I know I'd prefer to have a soloist, I'm just a little aprehensive about the made in India thing vs. MIJ.

[blacktooth]

as far as two hums vs HSS, I almost prefer the HSS. I rarely use my neck pickup when I've got two humbuckers, but the neck pup on my charvel sounds really nice.

[jackhamer]

Which one is made in India? What wood are the body's made of?

[blacktooth]

the slsxmg is made in india with basswood body wings. maple through-neck. the dk2 is alder, with rock maple neck

[wilkinsi]

I vote DK2, but if possible, try them both out and make up your own mind.

[blacktooth]

thats my issue really, I can try the dk2 no problem, and I expect it's probably very similar to my 475 deluxe, but the slsxmg, I would have to order online and hope I love it.
In theory I would prefer the soloist, because of the through -neck construction, and could easily replace pickups if i needed to. i dont hate emg's, but i do prefer duncans.
On the other hand, I have started building a soloist/fusion kind of guitar, that I plan to have finished once the weather warms up here... so I could essentially have both really, just that my "soloist" would be lacking the jackson logo and be short scale, and I've used poplar with a 1/4" maple top as opposed to a veneer on basswood...
And it would be my first completed build, who knows... it could really suck! lol

[psykofly]

If you have 500$ to spend and want a neck through soloist type guitar, you should look for an old charvel model 5 or 6.
they are poplar, not basswood. And made in Japan, not india

[warlok]

I wasn't a fan of the 2 basswood guitars I had (a MF only JDR-Pro and something else I can't remember). But my brother in law's Ibanez RGT6EXFX feels and sounds great with the 81/85 combo. So I'd give it a shot again. There's been some good reviews about the X series guitars on here. I'm sure there are bad ones too but there will be with any manufacturer. Maybe take a look at the new Charvel soloists if you don't mind the abalone.. And I agree with looking for a Model 6 or 5 too. Great guitars. I personally think that $500 is way expensive for a DK2.

[warlok]

Then there's this to think about.. http://www.jcfonline.com/threads/127447-slsxmg

[blacktooth]

Really, those desolation guitars seem pretty near perfect, if it were not for the damn abalone. I might try one anyway.... it seems to look a bit less gaudy on the trans black, and the flat black. There doesn`t seem to be many reviews one them yet, i hope the QC is up to snuff

[blacktooth]

if I did go for the dinky, what would be a good price to offer? it looks to be in mint shape, has the cherry sunburst or whatever it's called on a flamed maple veneer.