Tried out a used Jackson DK1

[jdsony]

So I tried out a used Jackson DK1 last Friday and wow, nicest guitar I've ever played. Keep in mind I'm an Ibanez guy and right now I'm playing the lower end Korean made neck-thru (RGT42FM). It's not a bad guitar (other than the bridge) but it's not amazing which is part of the reason I'm playing the field.

I've been going into the shop and trying out guitars for the past couple of months and I've usually stuck with Ibanez though the only one that I've really liked over mine so far has been their top end neck-thru model (RG 320z). I was very close to getting a bolt-on Prestige a couple weeks ago but I decided against it because it just didn't blow me away. My friend plays a couple Jakckson Dinky's (MG & Pro) and they feel like decent guitars but I never felt they played better than mine, only different. This DK1 though is a different story. I knew it was good even before plugging it in because of the great tone and fast neck. Judging by the serial (8375) it's perhaps a custom? It looks older since there's a bit of surface rust on the bridge. It has EMG 81/85 which I'm not a big fan of and the paint job is the fairly standard boring black. The strap holders are missing and there's a bit of wear on the body but nothing big. There is a bit of fret buzz which likely could be cured. I think they are asking $1500 for it which seems a bit steep given the condition but reasonable given the playability.

Is this a reasonable price? I don't mind putting work into it but the price doesn't really suggest "project" to me. I've looked around a little and new USA Jacksons definitely sell for more than that but used ones seem to vary a whole lot.

[Larz]

Based on your condition description that seems a bit high to me, that's almost closing in on the brand new price for a basic black.

But as you can tell, they are great guitars.

[VitaminG]

that price is ridiculous for a fixer-upper. I wouldn't think it would be worth more than $800 with the issues you've mentioned. Some would argue less than that, but I live in a country where these things retail for $3500, so I can be a little generous with my estimates

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

$1500 would be a great price for brand new.

For used, it had better be so minty it makes your breath fresh AND a graphic, for that price.

$800 sounds like a great deal. Maybe $1000 if you really like it. It's harder with DK1's because they're not as common so, you might wait a while for another to come along, but it doesn't sound like you're too keen on the black anyway.

[wilkinsi]

Keep soiling it til you get it down to $800 Seriously, I'd wait for a better one.

[KBRR]

Yea i agree thats way to high, i picked up my MINT DK1 for 1000 canadian and it was black ghost flame which is more expensive than black.

[stevoc]

I agree with everyone else...too high. My brand new copperhead snake DK1 was just about $2k.

[RockinJim]

Way too high, I just bought a new trans red DK1 for 850, with a cosmetic blem on the headstock. Personally, I wouldn't pay over 1100 for any mint used DK1 in the current market. A black used DK1 less than mint top price is 1000. And for the poster above I recently had a standing offer for a new copper snake DK1 at 1,450 with free shipping. Prices are really soft out there right now.

[jdsony]

Ok thanks, that's kind of what I figured. I don't see many higher end guitars (other than Fender/Gibson) come up for sale on the used market which is why I was unsure. I'm sure if I wait I'll find someone selling privately for a much better price and I can always look when I travel out of town. Being in Canada prices are a bit higher (though mainly used prices) but seeing the prices other people pay I should probably buy from the US if I can't find anything.

Does it make sense to buy online? I use to think it did but now that I'm actually trying everything out I've realized how different every guitar feels. Maybe I should try some more USA Jacksons and see if I like more than just the one.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

I hate to plunk down cash for anything I haven't had a chance to try and play myself, but if you're looking for the best deal a local sale probably is going to have you waiting for a bargain for a long time.

[RockinJim]

I lowball and buy online, if I don't like or get tired of it I sell on ebay. No time or tolerance to go to guitar center, etc., and deal with the hacks in there.

[wilkinsi]

I just found a Tobacco Sunburst DK1 on ebay but they won't ship outside continental USA . Having said that, I do like the burnt cherry sunburst finish. Might try to score one of those instead.

[RockinJim]

I saw that one last night. Nice guitar. Not a huge fan of the bursts but that one looks pretty good. Can probably get him down to 1000 out the door.

[Mazrim]

Also bear in mind you're comparing budget Ibanez guitars to a top of the range USA guitar. Not that I'm suggesting you shouldn't consider buying a Jackson (you should) but if you're going to compare a DK1 with an Ibanez, try a high end RG, Jem or J custom.

[stevoc]

And for the poster above I recently had a standing offer for a new copper snake DK1 at 1,450 with free shipping. Prices are really soft out there right now.

Yeah, but mine was the first ever copperhead DK1 made, so there!

Ok, all kidding aside, I would have preferred the lower price, but I bought mine almost two years ago (when copperhead snake became a standard finish) and it really was the first copper DK1 made....not that it makes it any more special. If you can get it for 1450.00 I say go for it! Great guitar!