Question: Are the USAs worth the extra $ over Imports?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Used USA's are right in the range of the higher end imports now, I'd go that route.

I've seen some sweet Soloists going for $900 - $1200 lately on Ebay, that is for damned sure.

Nice "player-worn" but not damaged or anything... Some of them claim "MINT UNPLAYED" but I never believe that shit, who buys a guitar and never plays it? Besides Nigel Tufnel, anyway.

[salmonella]

+1 for going used USA or Japanese Pro. Play before you buy if possible cos you could end up with an expensive plank. The only prob with buying USA is the fear of damaging it, and the sickness when you put a ding in the paint. lol (thats unless you have loads of money and then its all relative, just buy another one. )

[ToneZone]

I'll go with YES.

Because:
- Better wood (I can feel the difference)
- Better hardware
- Better resale-value (At least here in Norway it's a HUGE difference. It's difficult to sell a import, but you will manage to sell a USA and get a fair amount of money back)

[Chad]

On the whole, I say yes, but guitars still have to be judged one by one. Just because one is USA doesn't mean it's automatically "better". Just because one is an import doesn't mean it's automatically "worse". There are certain to be exceptional and subpar examples in both lines.

My first guitar ever was a MIK Washburn superstrat that I paid $250 for and outside of mediocre hardware it is still one of my favorite guitars. Resonates well, sustains well, plays well, etc. And I have quite a few expensive MIA and MIJ guitars from a range of brands.

[RockinJim]

I have been looking at the DKMG lately, any opinions on it? I was planning to buy a DK1 but then I saw a huge deal on a Lynch Snakes & Skulls Custom at GC for a measly $999 negotiated out the door. In great condition, and it was signed by GL! That was a steal ladies and gents! So now I'm thinking maybe a DKMG with 81/85 which I can get used <500.

[ekalb09]

From my experience, the USA models are worth their high coin just because of how they feel. It's something I haven't quite experienced with other guitars and to me that ease of playing justifies the cost.

[ibanezjacksonline6engl]

All down to your amp... eg if you played MIJ SL3, and MIA SL1 through a,say Marshall JVM, they are both going to sound pretty much the same. Only a marginal difference... I'd say get MIJ, because theyre cheaper.

[VitaminG]

so the relative worth of US vs import guitars is down to your amp? Interesting perspective

[Chad]

An amp has a major affect on your overall tone, but to say it's "all" in the amp is blowing it out of proportion. Combination of fingers, pickups, wood/construction of the guitar, amp, effects (if any), etc. along with mic, mixing board, post processing, etc. if you are running to FOH.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

so the relative worth of US vs import guitars is down to your amp? Interesting perspective

Hell yes... My plywood Kramer sounded every bit as awful through my solid-state Crate as my USA-made guitars did!




Rockin' Jim, truly, this question can only be answered by you. Worth is subjective... Cost is not.

They both cost a certain amount, but whether the difference is "worth it" really depends on a whole lot of outside stuff that is going to vary from person to person.

I will say this... It's worth it to me. I love the USA Jacksons and I'd rather have one of those than two or three Imports.

Still think a DK2M with an OFR would be a great and road-worthy workhorse, though.

[charvel750]

I guess I don't understand how the Import won't take abuse?

Have you played and used USA Jacksons? I dug up my old 1991 Warrior last night, amazing how nice that guitar is, I almost forgot about it. If you don't understand the difference then it doesn't matter, just get the import and save the money. But if you're a serious gigging musician who wants the best money can buy go USA. That's all, no big whoop.

[Larz]

There's something to be said for the killer access on a Soloist, not to mention the parts.

I mean, why aren't all guitars that way so you can hold your hand the same at the 20th fret as you do at the 12th and 1st?

[RockinJim]

Just to be clear, I already own an SL2H trans green w/reverse headstock, that thing is gorgeous and built like a tank. I'm curious about a DKMG with 81/85s. I've never owned an import Jackson.

[Sukkoi19]

Have you played and used USA Jacksons? I dug up my old 1991 Warrior last night, amazing how nice that guitar is, I almost forgot about it. If you don't understand the difference then it doesn't matter, just get the import and save the money. But if you're a serious gigging musician who wants the best money can buy go USA. That's all, no big whoop.

Yes. I didn't say they weren't higher end feeling I just questioned the statement that they would somehow take more abuse I.E. being dropped, banged against the floor by the wang bar etc. etc. I prefer Gibson Les Pauls to Epiphones but I don't think an Epiphone has higher failure rate than a Gibson...actually its probably the opposite knowing Gibson.

[Gibsonmac]

Fuck yes... the USA's are made better (although the Jap shit is still very good) you get better components, and the CS are even sicker... each "level" has a huge jump in workmanship and detail.