Need your help with these two guitars

[Laars]

Hi Guys,
I've been playing Jacksons since 1985. I have 2 Soloist and 1 DK1 all 3 USA guitars, and 1 RR5 made in Japan in 2005. The RR5 plays better than the RR1 (they weren't called that in 1985) that I owned back then, which is why I sold it in 1986.

I have a chance to pick up one of these two guitars. Both Pro Series. The orange one is made in Japan back in 2003, and the Green one is made in Indonesia in 2014.

Orange one is a DK2 with a jackson floyd, and no case for $700. He changed out the Duncan designed pickups to EMGs. The Green one is a Soloist, with the neck not painted (I prefer Soloist with the necks painted) with a jackson case for $800.

Which one is the better guitar and deal. I'm leaning towards the Orange one made in Japan. Workmanship is awesome. I haven't seen the Indonesian one up close. Both look brand new.

Made in Japan 2003 DK2



Made in Indonesia 2014

[john.w.lawson]

The soloist is the better market deal and they're not terrible guitars. I do have to say, I've never liked the DK2 but I'm just going buy everyday prices. Both could be had for less and I wouldn't pay the amount either are list for, but that's just my opinion. Good luck with which ever you choose.

[Laars]

So you really think the made in Indonesia are built as well as the ones from Japan? I noticed Jackson has re-released the MIJ ones, for $2700.00. I only ask because I've never played an Indonesian one.

[john.w.lawson]

So you really think the made in Indonesia are built as well as the ones from Japan? I noticed Jackson has re-released the MIJ ones, for $2700.00. I only ask because I've never played an Indonesian one.

I'm speaking to market value. I did a search of prices on both and there are many DK2's for under 700. actually a few for 3and 4 something with changed pickups and even floyd bridges. I wouldn't say a DK2 is as good as Dinky professional XL, before they started putting 580's on them.
One, if you buy it and god forbid you have to sell it. Can you get your money back out of it. I don't think you could easily sell a natural finish DK2 for 700+ dollars, I do think you could sell the Pro SL-2 for closer to 800. Value is in the eye of the seller and buyer. I "myself" don't really consider a DK2's to be of the classic MIJ build Q as earlier.

[Razor]

John is right. Both guitars are way overpriced. DK2 would be 400 bucks tops, and realistically they're only pulling 300 or so. Most of the Indonesian Soloists I see are around the 500 buck mark. Shop around. You can do better price wise. My preference would be the DK2 because of being MIJ. Plus, I'm a sucker for an amber flame top.

[Razor]

Indonesian Soloist for $450.00

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2235784793240826/

[Razor]

SL3X Soloist $375.00

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1669943503405332/

[john.w.lawson]

SL3X Soloist $375.00

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...9943503405332/

I thought he said the soloist was Pro as in ebony boarded. I wouldn't pay anything over 3 for any X series guitar "myself" and being as he has had what I would consider great guitars, I think he'd be highly disappointed with the DK2 and any X series guitar. Just my opinion.

[Razor]

I thought he said the soloist was Pro as in ebony boarded. I wouldn't pay anything over 3 for any X series guitar "myself" and being as he has had what I would consider great guitars, I think he'd be highly disappointed with the DK2 and any X series guitar. Just my opinion.

What he pictured and described is a 2014 made in Indonesia Soloist. Yeah, if it was an early Professional series Soloist with the MOP sharkies and emblem then it would be a no brainer to buy IMHO. It's a shame Jackson is throwing around the "Professional" series name again as it really confuses people.

I've had a couple of DX10D's and DK2's and liked them all. They didn't stay with me, but I sold one to my best friend last year so I still have visitation rights.

I agree with you in with what he has in his current stable he's setting himself up for a disappointment.

[Laars]

Ok, if one doesn't buy a USA Jackson, what model is next in line. It used to be the Made in Japan Pro series? Then they moved the Pro series . I'm looking for a backup to my USA models for stage use. I prefer Soloist and I need something with a floyd rose on it.

I own a RR5 made in Japan, and it was built better than the USA Rhoads I had in 1985. I'm looking for that kind of quality. I found this one. Also a 2014 Pro series with case for $600. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on this one. Is the PRO series not the Best NON USA Jackson makes?

[ed]

At the moment it still probably is the Japan series if you are looking at guitars that are manufactured currently. However i have no experience of the build quality on those.Also the price is a bit high on those IMO for the specs.

If you can find early nineties PRO series jacksons then those are by far the best quality you could find but the pricing can be pretty high these days on those.

I would probably get that SL2Q or whatever that red model is for that price it isnt that bad some people dislike those smal sharkteeth inlays but i dont mind them really. Also its weird that they put full sharkies in cheapest chinese models and those small ones on more expensive models.

The problem with the DK2 is the trem i have only had bad experiences with JT-580s maybe i have had bad luck or something.

[john.w.lawson]

Ok, if one doesn't buy a USA Jackson, what model is next in line. It used to be the Made in Japan Pro series? Then they moved the Pro series . I'm looking for a backup to my USA models for stage use. I prefer Soloist and I need something with a floyd rose on it.

I own a RR5 made in Japan, and it was built better than the USA Rhoads I had in 1985. I'm looking for that kind of quality. I found this one. Also a 2014 Pro series with case for $600. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on this one. Is the PRO series not the Best NON USA Jackson makes?

Those are not bad indo Pro sl2 with ebony. I bought mine for 600 without a case and it wasn't as pretty, it was the burl finish. Then again I stalked every site/ forum and found a 1990 professional PRO fusion for 550.( that was the deal of deals is this time of prices)

[john.w.lawson]

Is it ebony? The Korean models started out at around 2thousand plus and went down shortly after they came out (the concept series )

If it's the ebony pro series then I'd probably buy it. I'm not talking about the 90's PRO series, you're not likely to find one of those, I'd say the MG or Korean are right under the USA, but the ebony Pro series of the 2000's are not bad and pretty cheap!

[Laars]

Is it ebony? The Korean models started out at around 2thousand plus and went down shortly after they came out (the concept series )

If it's the ebony pro series then I'd probably buy it. I'm not talking about the 90's PRO series, you're not likely to find one of those, I'd say the MG or Korean are right under the USA, but the ebony Pro series of the 2000's are not bad and pretty cheap!

Yes, Ebony fret board. If the neck was finished, I'd have a hard time telling the difference between a USA one and this one. Alder sides, Maple neck, quilted maple top. Duncan JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck.

[john.w.lawson]

Yes, Ebony fret board. If the neck was finished, I'd have a hard time telling the difference between a USA one and this one. Alder sides, Maple neck, quilted maple top. Duncan JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck.

I'd buy it then.

Just to add. They stay in tune really well and the necks are really stable and where I live that matters. They sound good too. All and all you can't really go wrong on it. and it's pruuty