Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

[Dezine]

I'm about to order my first USA jackson, and have narrowed it down to either the RR1 or the SL2H, with a slight lean to the SL2H . Other than the shape, a couple of xtra frets on the SL2H and the neck pups (59 vs jazz). Is there really any tone difference between these 2 guitars on the bridge pickup? They seem very similar in material and components, I'm just looking for an opinion from someone that is familiar with both axes. Playing any of the US Jacksons is not an option here, and I will have to make a leap of faith and order one sight unseen and, unplayed. I'm not too crazy about that either but, if i want one, thats the deal.
Thanks.

[PallarAndersVisa]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

i think physically the SL2H should have a beefier sound, since theres more wood behind the bridge, so there might be more resonation throughout the whole body, but thats just phsyics talking. im sure there isnt a huge world of difference in sound

[Newc]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

Ultimately it boils down to whether you're a "Strat-man" or a "V-Man", because that's going to be the only aspect of either model you cannot physically change. Pickups and such can be changed all day, but if you're not comfy with a V at all, get the Soloist.

[St.James]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

Yup, what Newc said... I'm not a V man. I like the way they look, just not they way they feel.

Even though I don't play V's I came very close to buying one of these recently, RR LTD. This is one of the coolest RR's I've ever seen.

[jblicharz]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

Newc's got it right. Have you ever played a V? The body styles are totally different and the V might be odd for you. But, it's nothing you can't get use to. Stop by a store and check out the imports for comfort, then make a choice. I like them both and have no problem switching back and forth from strat to V style bodies, hoever it does take a few minutes to adjust.

[xenophobe]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

Will you be doing most of your playing standing, or sitting?

Sitting down, a Soloist is easier to play. Standing up, a Rhoads is a little easier to play. Sitting with a Rhoads is a mixed bag, some people can do it, others like me find having to keep your knees squeezing the lower wing a pain, and the neck always drops when you let it go.

[jk2171]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

+1 - I've owned both and while the neck on the RR1 I had was super sweet I ended up getting rid of it cause the Strat shape is just easier to play with.

[dannyr]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

Get the SL2H! You will love it.

[bonghits]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

I myself own quite a bit of USA Soloists and am very happy with all of them as far as workmanship, sound, and looks so I have to say go for a Soloist!

[wilkinsi]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

i've mostly played v-shaped guitars over the last decade. i made that decision for the wrong reason: the appearance.
the balance and comfort on a strat body makes a BIG difference. even if you have the same hardware, the tonal quality can be very subtle or even blatantly obvious. i suggest get the soloist.

[Dezine]

Re: Questions before I buy my first USA Jackson

Thanks for the info guys. Im pretty well aware of the different comfort level between the v and a soloist, like i mentioned earlier jacksons are a pretty scarce bread around here, even to find any of the RR's to play is tough. It seems like the SL2H has a lot of fans [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]. I'm also interested if anyone has actually done an A/B of both styles of these guitars to see if there is any difference other than just a general "this guitar is wood with a JB bridge pup".
Looks like im leanin even further to the SL2H.