SLATQH or SL2HT?

[Big Al]

I have been thinking about getting a non-Floyd Rose guitar so I have been keeping a watch for a used SL2HT. Somehow, I missed the SLATQH when they were available...what a beautiful guitar! I searched the forum and found one comment that the necks are thick, is this true? Also, are there other neck through, USA made Jacksons with string through the body?

BTW...I did see the SLATQH on ebay but the price is a little high for me.

[Model 88]

I have owned 5 USA soloists 2 SLATQH a SL1 SL2H and a SL2HT . The all necks felt quite similar , not thick at all IMO . The SL1 , 2 and SLATQHs were all 2003-2005 models and the SL2HT was a 2010 . If it were me I would hold out for a SLATQH , it just sounds so much better to my ears than the SL2HT did . All that mahogany and thick maple top make really stand out from a SLxHT .

[Dog Boy]

Yeah pretty standard neck thickness. Remember the Archtop usually has 22 frets (unless its a custom shop ordered with 24) and the SLS will have 24. Might have some bearing on your choice.

[Big Al]

I noticed they were 22 frets which I guess is not that big of a deal. Really like the natural quilt finish with gold hardware.

I went from looking for a SL2H-MAQ, then thinking about a non FR so looking for a SL2HT but the SLATQH just really appeals to me with the mahogany and arched maple top. I have two SL2H and three SL1. Three of the necks feel about the same, one is noticeably thinner and one is very slightly thicker than the others. I really only notice it being thicker after playing the Soloist with the thin neck. I have posted before that transitioning between different necks is no big deal for me as long as they are not baseball bats and I have heard very few people say any Jackson neck was thick. Then again, the SLATQH is new territory for me.

I have always been more interested in Floyd Rose guitars with graphics but damn, the SLATQH looks good to me!

[audiophile]

Lusting for a natural SLATQH? LOL

Some porn

[Big Al]

Crap...seven of them? Yours, I assume and do you still have them?

[audiophile]

Nope, not mine. Just another archtop addict with lots of pics saved over the years.Do have a blue one tho, easily a favorite.

[shreddermon]

Definitely hold out for an SLATQH. The mahogany/maple cap combo makes an absolutely huge difference in tone, most especially with a TOM bridge and ST design. I haven't owned the SL version, but I can tell you this first hand from my experience with my Kellys. The KE2T I owned was the standard alder body wings / maple NT design, and it sounded way thin and too hgih end heavy to my ears. Love the layout, though, so I've since ordered a couple of custom Kellys - though with mhogany necks and bodies + quilt tops. Tone problem immediately solved, a HUGE improvement. Good luck.

[Dog Boy]

Here's one I used to own

[Big Al]

Yep, the natural finish is the one for me. I guess you loose the faux binding when you don't have a stain color.

Is this going to be a hard guitar to find at a reasonable price?

[Model 88]

They do pop up on ebay just nowhere near as often as they used to . The one thing I did noticed is if one sells for good money there are more to follow . I would except to pay 1400-1700 nice clean used one . The one ebay now for 3000.00 is overpriced , mint or not .

[roodyrocker]

The SLATQH guitars are very nice. Most of my Jacksons are either Floyd or Kahler equipped, except for my string thru Rhoads' and 2 SLATQH's. I have one blue and one green SLATQH. I'd say hold out for a SLATQH if you can. keep in mind they made unfinished necks and later in production painted necks if that makes a difference to you.

[Big Al]

I am good to hold out and wait for a natural SLATQH, the searching is part of the fun. I have an Ibanez RGPR1 which is a natural flamed finish and I have always wanted to find a Jackson equivalent. It may not be the same but it I love the natural finish, arch top and the idea of having a non-Floyd Rose guitar.


I did recently notice that some had the unfinished neck which does appeal to me but I would take either one. I keep looking at the above picture of the seven natural finished SLATQH and noticed that the quilt is better (my opinion) than some of the others so I would not let the neck finish sway me on passing on one with great quilting.

So, I gather that the neck profile is the same as any other Soloist but would it be thick at the transition to the body?

[DMH80]

Good luck with the search. Love seeing the guitars on these threads.

[roodyrocker]

I am good to hold out and wait for a natural SLATQH, the searching is part of the fun. I have an Ibanez RGPR1 which is a natural flamed finish and I have always wanted to find a Jackson equivalent. It may not be the same but it I love the natural finish, arch top and the idea of having a non-Floyd Rose guitar.


I did recently notice that some had the unfinished neck which does appeal to me but I would take either one. I keep looking at the above picture of the seven natural finished SLATQH and noticed that the quilt is better (my opinion) than some of the others so I would not let the neck finish sway me on passing on one with great quilting.

So, I gather that the neck profile is the same as any other Soloist but would it be thick at the transition to the body?

Why would the transition to the body be thick? I haven't noticed this on my two SLATQH's. They are extremely comfortable to play. Both of mine happen to be unfinished necks but I don't think finished vs. unfinished is that big a deal. In fact, most of my guitars are finished, which I prefer as far as feel goes, but I can play either. A SLATQH is well worth the wait, keep searching and good luck