Jackson VS. Rico Jr.

[LEOKV2]

I was thinking around this issue... now that a 25% increase on price for custom made guitars (according to Matt from mattsmusic.com) has made owning a custom Jackson not a reality anymore, at least, not one to my specs (before the 25% increase I was looking to spend around 4500 bucks, now, it will be around $ 5625...), I was checking out these guitars (Rico JR. Vixen).

Now, I LOVE my KV-2, best guitar I've ever played so far, but then again even though I like the KV-2, there are stuff I'd like to change and thus, I need a customized KV. So, besides the body shape of the Rico Jr. Vixen (whcih you may or may not like, in my case, I think looks cool), I was wondering if any of you got any experience on these guitars, pros and cons, differences, and why won't you get one and why would you, etc.

Of course, this is a Jackson forum, so I expect biased answers, but let's try and keep a neutral position so I can get a clear picture.

Honest, so far I can't find a BIG difference between the two, other than looks, brand name, price. The rest it's almost in the same field. Any opinions?

[StukaJU87]

Get a Ran Guitar and pocket a nice chunk of change.

[RacerX]

+1

http://www.ranguitars.com/

[LEOKV2]

Not interested in Ran, let's just keep it Rico Jr. seems nobody got the idea of the post

[shreddermon]

Does this mean the 20 questions game will stop now?

[StukaJU87]

Does this mean the 20 questions game will stop now?

It will never end. It just goes on, and on, and on......:ROTF:

[Sinistas]

Not interested in Ran, let's just keep it Rico Jr. seems nobody got the idea of the post

Way to be a sport and thank people for a good alternative that'll save you a chunk of cash.

[StukaJU87]

He is determined to spend that 4500 smackers on something!! Wanna buy a nice Samick?

[RacerX]

Animal, vegetable or mineral?

[bonghits]

Checked out the Ran website. Some very cool looking customs. Anybody own one and would like to share their opinion(s) on sound, craftmanship, etc. Seems to me like a very good alternative to the rising Jackson Custom shop prices.

[Venomboy]

I played Rico Jrs at NAMM 2 years ago. Good fit and finish. Necks were a little thicker than most Jacksons but not super thick. Felt like a BCR with a thinner neck.

[LEOKV2]

Way to be a sport and thank people for a good alternative that'll save you a chunk of cash.

Oh boy. Ok. Thank you guys for pointing out Ran Guitars and I'm totally sure there are other options like KXK Guitars for example, or Moser, etc. Some may be less expensive, more expensive, compared to Jackson.

But, although I thank you VERY much for pointing out other guitar manufacturers, I'm particularly interested in comparing a Bernie Rico Jr. than the others. Actually, the title of the post was specific to Bernie Rico Jr.

I'm sorry, I mean, maybe I'm a bit specific to things, and yes, I ask a lot and I really appreciate your help and this forum has been of great help by the way, but I do so since this is probably my only way of aquiring knowledge on details, remember I live in Peru where we don't see nothing but cheap guitars and amps, I will have to travel to get my guitar, and worse yet, I will have to wire money for the advance on the custom made guitar too, before even knowing for sure about certain options or components, and, the fact that it takes around 3 years for me to save up around 4500 compared to most people in the USA, so It will probably be my ONLY custom, forever. And before you advice me to get a cheaper option, the thing is I'm really fixed about owning a Jackson custom made guitar, it's my dream so to speak, but given the price increase, I do need to check for a different option and I have been curious about Rico Jr. guitars before, and actually that'd be the other brand I'd go for, since I don't like BC Rich's designs, and these new Rico's seem nicer to me at least.

So, leaving that behind, my intention for this post was to get opinions/comparisons specific to Rico Jr VS Jackson guitars, quality, playability, etc etc etc, all the things that make a guitar better/worse or equal to another.

It's weird, lately I've found myself apologizing a lot in my posts, at least at some point I have to say something like "I'm sorry". I guess I ask too much sometimes.

[kelly user]

take your specs to other custom dealers...... have you thought about jackson stars, looks like its right up your alley........... not answering your question, but it think what they( they being us JCFers) are trying to imply is keep your mind and options open............. the right door will open soon enough.......... hell i live in the US and ive been saving up a $1000 for my gibson explorer for 2 years in the making, but i am damn close and i know what it feels like not to want to spend your money foolishly

the suggestions are you being offtopic and broad minded but someone saying " hey heres "this" check it out, maybe it might suit your needs"

[Sanctuary]

since I don't like BC Rich's designs, and these new Rico's seem nicer to me at least.

You're kidding, right?

[Guitardude86]

Gary Holf of Exodus looks awesome playing his Vixen custom.. I really like the looks of that one. Cool trem too.. And scalloped fingerboard
Jeff Waters of Annihilator has his Ran signature, you probably already know that.. One humbucker, no trem obviously..

What are you looking for in your new guitar? Do you want/need a Floyd?
If a custom Jackson is too expensive, you'll still have your KV-2 dude