Why Are DK2s So Cheap?

[CharvelRocker]

I see the old DK2s (the oens with all Duncan Designed Pickups) on ebay all the time going for $300-$400, most of them either new or like new. So whats the deal with this? No demand for these since the upgraded ones came out?

[wilkinsi]

i would expect so, but then i've seen dk2's advertised in the uk on ebay, and they're dangerously close to the RRP!

[tarddad]

the older dk2s are still great. if you want duncans in it you could save the 2 to 300 bucks by buyin the older and just installing duncans. i only replaced the bridge pickup and the jb only cost me 60 bucks. just an idea

[CharvelRocker]

I played one of the old oens today and really liked it (the one with the flames ) so now Im G.A.Sing for one badly, but he wanted $700 for it. Was just interested if there were any differences besides the pickups.

[delt]

Dk2's have awesome necks, but most of the other parts are pretty much mid-range quality... especially the "duncan designed" pickups.

[GryphonGuitar]

I've got a 2002 DK2, and I can tell You there's no difference in the actual guitar. What I did was get the DK2 and replace the pickups with Duncans, of my own choice, and I would tell You to do the same. Don't be afraid, they're definitely as good.

[texasfury]

When 2 new million guitars are sold in the US every year, this is what happens.

[cbope]

The main difference between the pre-2006 and current models is real Duncans and black hardware on the 2006-07 models. Pre-2006 came with Duncan Designed and chrome hardware, like my 2004 DK2.

In my opinion, the Duncan Designed pickups are not as bad as some people would like you to think. They are mass-produced clones of popular Duncan pickups built to a similar spec. For example, my DK2 had an HB-102 in the bridge, which is a clone of an SH-4 JB. It may not sound EXACTLY the same as a "real" JB in a ABX test, but it's pretty damn close in my opinion.

I actually just swapped out that HB-102 for a Duncan PATB-3 last night. Not because I didn't like the sound of the pickup, but because I wanted a bit different sound than a JB.

There is also a rumor that the baseplates of the 580LP trems starting later in 2006 are made from harder material. I'm not convinced of this and I don't have any data to support my theory, but I haven't seen any data to prove that the harder baseplates actually exist.

One common problem in most or all of the MIJ Jacksons is low quality pots. Both my vol and tone pots were horribly scratchy and would not clear up, even after repeated cleanings. I replaced them with CTS pots, problem solved.

DK2's are awesome axes, even when compared with much more expensive guitars.

[VoiceX3]

I got my DK2S a few years back as part of a blowout sale at under $300. I have since replaced only the Duncan Designed bridge pickup which sounded like balls with a $20 J90 and now it sounds and plays great. Unlike my other imports I have not had to change the pots on it. The middle pickup which I don't use all that often actually does sound pretty good....at least better than the bridge pickup sounded, so I left it in.

[Sunbane]

There is also a rumor that the baseplates of the 580LP trems starting later in 2006 are made from harder material. I'm not convinced of this and I don't have any data to support my theory, but I haven't seen any data to prove that the harder baseplates actually exist.

It is not a rumour. It has been in a press release from Jackson, and John Walker at Jackson (now with Fender) confirmed it long ago.

Yes, the Pro-series with black hardware that were started being built mid 2006 have upgraded trems, with a harder baseplate.

My personal opinion is that this is a great upgrade for those who can stand Lo-Pro type bridges. The old JT580LP was not very sturdy, and you could ruin the knife edges on the base plate just by adjusting the trem height while the guitar was tuned to pitch. This happened to mine.

[GryphonGuitar]

DK2's are awesome axes, even when compared with much more expensive guitars.

Here here.

[CharvelRocker]

Thanks for the responses! What do the prices run for the older DK2S?

[cbope]

It is not a rumour. It has been in a press release from Jackson, and John Walker at Jackson (now with Fender) confirmed it long ago.

Yes, the Pro-series with black hardware that were started being built mid 2006 have upgraded trems, with a harder baseplate.

My personal opinion is that this is a great upgrade for those who can stand Lo-Pro type bridges. The old JT580LP was not very sturdy, and you could ruin the knife edges on the base plate just by adjusting the trem height while the guitar was tuned to pitch. This happened to mine.

I stand corrected. However, I haven't had the same experience as you with the knife edges. I do have Schaller studs installed, but I don't believe that will matter. I've adjusted the height several times and the knife edges are fine and the bridge floats perfectly and returns to pitch every time. Of course I DO keep those knife edges lubricated and it would definitely be a problem if they are dry and the height is adjusted.

[slayer]

I remember MF selling DK2`s for like $299 new before Fender bought them and changed the pricing structure. I had a blue flametop one I got for $299. I sold it pretty quickly though, neck was too thin, pickups sucked and the Trem was too low pro for me. Now, the newer DK`s have improved a ton and I like the black hardware better, already has good pickups and the necks are a little thicker. I am very interested if a limited run DK2M with 1 Hum and regular headstock comes out. I would by the MF one, but I hate reversed headstocks!! Jack.

[Rock on]

i just got one for 340.

Heres a pic