Just bought a new PC-1

[Mesaboog]

Here's some photos guys. As mentioned...the color is hard to capture. In person, the red is a bright blood red. In the lighting that I took these photos under, they turned out kind of bronze looking. In the Red Rum's, the quilt is usually harder to photograph, turned out pretty good in these shots.


Click the thumbnail for large image:

[bonghits]

Very nice Scott!

[Robotechnology]

Very Nice Guitar! I never heard that Super 3's sound thin in PC1's (or any guitar for that matter) before. That VEGETARIAN lettering does kill it for me. Hopefully it's easy to remove. He's got a cool signature so it doesn't actually seem out of place. Enjoy it!

[Mesaboog]

Robotechnology,

I think on the Harmony Central reviews there were a few that said the Super 3 was thin and therefore was replaced and I think I have seen others on these boards say the same. I dunno... probably was a function of strings, amps, speakers etc. This guitar as is, is thicker sounding than any of my other guitars. (although it's got 12-52 strings on it!) Sounds great. Like I said earlier, I am keeping these sized strings on this guitar. First because it sounds so great, but also because it is helping me with my left hand strength. It's is amazing how even over the short time I have had this guitar, that when I play my others, they seem to play so effortless and the necks feel so "SMALL". the PC-1 neck is pretty beefy, but not uncomfortable...to me anyway.

As for the "vegetarian"....it is already gone. Permanent marker will come off the finish like butter. All you need to do is take a dry erase marker, draw over the permanent and wipe off with a cloth. Voila...permanent marker gone. Showroom finish intact.

I am keeping Phil's signature though. It is in a precarious spot that is likely to get rubbed off with my right arm, so discovered some stuff called "Cling Vinyl". It is a thin clear vinyl that clings to a smooth surface and protects the sig so it doesn't get rubbed off. You can't really tell it's even there.

The Cling Vinyl is pretty cool and would be great to put on the finish instead of a pick guard to avoid pick scratches (if you are at all anal about your guitar finish). It is held on by static cling...no glue and you can't even tell it's there. It's like the protective coating that comes on cell phones new to protect the lcd screen.

[Mesaboog]

Do you guys think Phil's signature on the front of this guitar adds any value? Or is the fact that I have docuemntation that this was played by him on tour more important. I am seriously considering removing his signature from the front, I have already removed the "vegetarian". I just don't want to do something stupid if it is likely hurt it's market value should I remove it. If the autograph does add value...what would you estimate the amount.

Silly that I am even asking this because I bought the guitar as a player not a displayer. Really don't intend to sell her. She's probably a keeper. But I have also learned never to say never.

[N1CK]

1st: sweet ax.
2nd: IMO having his signature does not add to the value of the guitar.

With as beautiful a top as your new guitar has I'd remove it all.

[rjohnstone]

Serioulsy... the guitars authenticity/history is documented.
The signature will only have value to a collector.
Loose the sig and play it till the frets fall off.

[Mesaboog]

Thanks guys. That's what I wanted to hear! I didn't want to be worrying about that signature and it does detract from that beautiful top. If it were on the back, I'd probably keep it.

[quiksilver]

Beautiful axe, great pics, and a cool backstory. Thanks for posting this.

I just got a PC1 myself, in Purple Daze. I haven't had time to play or photograph it yet, but I will tomorrow (day off) and can't wait!

[Mesaboog]

Welcome to the club quicksilver. Definitely post some pics soon. That Purple Daze is a great color!. Are you enjoying playing the axe so far?

[Bryan]

Serioulsy... the guitars authenticity/history is documented.
The signature will only have value to a collector.
Loose the sig and play it till the frets fall off.

Absolutely agree with this.

The fact that it was one of his personal ones is more valuable than his signature. I've seen his signature on lots of guitars, even Squires and whatever else.

It if was on the tremolo plate I would replace it and keep the sig. But right there on the body like that... if I was planning on displaying it only I'd say keep it. But if it's a player the sig can go.

[Postal]

Where did you get the "cling vynil"?

[Mesaboog]

Hey Postal,

I got that Cling Vinyl from a local craft store named Michaels. The company who makes it is called Grafix and the only problem is that I had to buy a package that has numerous colors to get the clear sheet that I referred to in my post. That's OK, the stuff is not expensive ($6.00 for the package) and you can use the other colors for other purposes (especially if you have kids, or a crafty wife/girlfriend). There is another vendor called Joannes around these parts that also sells the stuff. Do a Google search and I am sure you will find options in your area.

[Recto-man]

lose the signature and everything. i love phil, he and clarky made me want to be a rockstar, but it is yours now. so is the PC-1 that good of a guitar ? does it compare to the SL2H ? i am going to the store today to check one out cause of all your enamored talk. i never played one cause i couldn't get past spending all that money for a bolt on neck. am i stupid ?

[Mesaboog]

Hey Recto-man - haha...all this talk has you GASing for a PC-1.

To answer your question is the PC-1 THAT good of a guitar, I've got to say yes. It's as good as anything I've played and I have played quite a few. It really depends on what you are after. There is no question that the quality is there. Equal to a SL2H (IMHO). The SL2H is a great instrument, but to me seemed most suited to metal. The neck is thinner and perfect for speed playing/shredding. The necks are awesome. If this is what you are after, then the SL2h is for you. I loved my SL2H and was very reluctant to sell it.

The PC-1 is probably Jackson's most versatile guitar. It has a thicker and wider neck. Seems to work better for more of a melodic expressive player like me. The neck just feels more comfortable to me...not that the SL2H is uncomfortable. It has 3 pick-ups... a Dimarzio Super 3 and HS2 along with the Jackson Sustainer pup. For me, I think the thick neck, the thick tone, and the sustainer are the most important features that make this guitar so great. I also like unfinished maple necks and the quilt maple tops on these are very nice. Thicker than the SL2H maple "veneer" I believe.

But on a possibly negative note, the guitar is heavy. So if you like lighter guitars, then it might not be for you. If you like the Les Paul type weight and have a strong back, then you will not have a problem with it. Me, I like the substantial feel of a heavier guitar for certain stuff...but I also love my real lightweight Ernie Ball Music Man Axis. Variety is the spice of life.

It's good that you are going to go try them both out. Let your own hands and ears be the judge of what's best for you. Go to Harmony Centrals gear reviews to see how many players review these guitars and you be the judge of strengths/weaknesses vs what's important to you.

my 2 cents...