Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

[Leo Chang]

Hi everyone,

I have the opportunity to buy a Performer PS-2 with JT-500 trem. It's in dead mint condition (I examined it in person), and the black cherry finish is flawless. Asking price is $350 CDN. The headstock says Performer, and truss rod cover says "PS-2" in script font.

24 frets, dot inlays, rosewood board, maple neck... don't know what the body is 'cause of the paint. Bolt-on heel. S-S-H pickup configuration (my favorite config)

It plays very nicely as it has been professionally setup.

My question is... since I already have a DK2S, a DK2LE, and a 750XL... is this a worthy addition to the stable? or is too far out of league in comparison? Thanks [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[JACKSONFREAK]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Well the PS-2 was one of the better of the performer series. They were all good (at least the japanese ones were)
The PS2 just seemed to have a really nice neck and a good smooth tone. I believe they were alder bodies. You can always swap out the JT500 for a real Floyd too without any mods. Nice guitars for the money if yo can find one that hasnt been abused like a red headed step child.
As long as its a Japanese made one I say go for it. You can tell the japanese made by the dots at the 12th fret. They should be closer together for japanese and almost to the edge of the finger board for Korean. The it and finish on the Japanese stuff is by far better and the pickups sound better too.
Gil

[Leo Chang]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Thanks [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I'll have to go back tomorrow to confirm about the dot spacing... but here is the serial if it'll help ID it as Korean or Japanese made: 1051694

[pinto79]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I'll have to go back tomorrow to confirm about the dot spacing... but here is the serial if it'll help ID it as Korean or Japanese made: 1051694

[/ QUOTE ]

If that's the one at Rufus's, its a good one. Needs some steel wool on the back of the neck and the trem arm replaced with an OFR one. I have one exactly the same and it Rocks. [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

If it's the one I'm thinking about, talk to Rich and see about getting the price down a bit $350's a bit steep, try for $275 or $300.

Keep us posted!

[Leo Chang]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

yeah, that's the one [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

I called earlier today and it has been sold already. Oh well...

[JACKSONFREAK]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Its Korean. Those started with 10 in the seriel he Japanese started with 9.

[Leo Chang]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

thanks, now I don't feel so bad for having lost the chance to buy it [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[RattnRoll]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

I just picked one of these up, at a local pawn shop. Only payed $200. Serial number starts with 96, and the dots are closer together, so it's one of the good ones.

The trem looks like a Schaller, but it's stamped Jackson on course. Were they made buy Schaller? If not, should I replace it, or are they good trems?

Thanks!

[thetroy]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

If the trem works properly than keep it. Who cares who/what/where/when/how it was made...

[Sober]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Deutch "Schaller" tremolo(whichever configuration it has)is considered to be one of the most reliable and can be compared nearly only to the Original Floyd Rose reliability. As for licensed jackson floyds(as they are not so good,especially on the imported Jacksons),one should follow Thetroy's post 8-)

[lerxstcat]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

If it stays in tune I'd keep the JT500. You can buy an OFR for $180 and put it on your $200 PS-2, and you'll still have a $200 PS-2.
Add Duncans or EMGs and it's STILL a $200 PS-2. You'd never get your money back if you sold it. If it plays and sounds nice for what it is, and stays in tune, keep it and enjoy it for what it is - a nice low-line import of its
time.

[RattnRoll]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Of course, if the trem works fine, then I'll just keep it on there. I was just curious as to what it was, and if it's indeed made by Schaller. I've used many Schaller trems over the years, and they're very good. After all, they make the real Floyds, anyway. If it's more like a TRS, then I might be better off replacing it, since they tend to wear out rather quickly under heavy use.(Not that they aren't servicable in there own right)

I think I might still stick a Dimarzio PAF Pro in there, though. I do know that I need to do some work on the frets, but that's to be expected, unless a guitar hasn't been played much.

It does have a great feeling neck, and the construction seems to be very good. I have no problem with replacing anything, to get what I need out of it, though. If I wanted to sell in in the future, I could always return it to stock, and use the new parts elsewhere. Or, even just hold on to them as spares. We gig alot, and I ALWAYS need plenty of parts/spares on hand.

I'll have to put it through it's paces, and see how it stands up live. We're opening for Mushroomhead at The Cove in Geneva next weekend, so maybe I'll play it then.

[agresivo]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Well, I broke a couple of screws on a JT500 while replacing strings. Just replace it when you break it :-) (Try not to tighten the screws too much)

[RattnRoll]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Well, I had to work with the trem posts, as there was a LOT of play in them. I just unscrewed them, wrapped a piece of tape around them, and screwed them back in. Worked like a charm. It still doesn't return to pitch, unless I pull back up on it, though. It comes back WAY flat, otherwise. I'll try sticking a couple of goobers of Chapstick on knife edges, for a temp fix, and work it out when I have more time.

All in all, I'm REALLY glad that I found this guitar!

[RattnRoll]

Re: Performer PS-2...worthy? not worthy?

Well, if anybody is interested, I got to put it to work last night. The frets are still a mess, but it suprisingly played very nicely!

Still not sure about the JT500, or the pickups. The stock humbucker seems a bit too harsh(must be the ceramic magnet?) It seems to be pretty damn hot, too. Alot more than the JB in one of my guitars. I actually quite like the tone, but it's just not for me. If anybody wants the humbucker, email me.

I'll drop a PAF Pro in there, and I should be good to go!

So, to answer the original question, I'd say YES. The PS- is a very worthy instrument!