Are you looking for the Best Guitar For Heavy Metal? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Guitar For Heavy Metal can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Glarry, Fender, Ibanez, Jackson, ESP, Schecter Guitar Research. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Guitar For Heavy Metal available.
The average cost is $965.69. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $179.99 to a high of $3700.00.
Based on the research we did, we think Jackson Pro Series Signature Jeff Loomis Soloist SL7 7-String Guitar, Ebony Fretboard, Satin Black is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Guitar For Heavy Metal (20 Sellers)
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$1399.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Used jackson pro series signature jeff loomis soloist sl7 guitar.
- I just bought it a few weeks ago and unfortunately i have to sell it to pay for an unexpected bill.
- I only played it a few times in my smoke free room so it is practically new.
$1149.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Unleash your creativity with the innovative jackson pro soloist sl2m mah.
- Fast and streamlined, this ergonomic instrument opens up new horizons of playability, resetting the bar of what s possible in guitar design.
- This is a pre-loved instrument in great condition.
$899.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Durability . Good sound quality . Well made . Weight
Features:
- Ergonomically comfortable to play on.
- Smooth-playing and incredible sustain.
- Select power trio of jackson pickups.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Get that classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank
- Powered by jackson high-output humbucking pickups
- Floyd rose licensed jackson double-locking tremolo provides excellent stability
$1299.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Durability . Good sound quality . Well made . Weight
Features:
- Excellent condition.
- No damage or nicks and dings.
- No fret ware to speak of.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Durable . Lightweight . Well made
Features:
- Getting rid of non essential gear/ guitars a don't use often
- The only thing i changed was the pickup, it had a seymour duncan blackout (ahb-1)
- 3 piece maple neck, extra thin u shaped, very fast neck
$999.00
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Visual appeal
Features:
- Plays great, sounds great
- Action is low, smooth, and fluid
- Any questions please ask
$1099.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Craftsmanship . Durability . Visual appeal
Features:
- Bridge is a gotoh 1996 tremolo.
- Tuners are gotoh locking sg-381.
- Killswitch is the tesi gold momentary with green/red lights.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- Mahogany body.
- Wizard iii profile jatoba on maple/walnut neck-thru construction.
- Ibanez quantum humbuckers with 5-way switching.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Schecter diamond plus high-output alnico humbuckers
- Double-cutaway solidbody
- Bolt-on maple neck
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Lightweight . Durable
Features:
- Blues angel music is proud to be an authorized ibanez dealer!
- The guitar you see is the actual guitar you will receive!
- Nyatoh body.
$3700.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lightweight . Durability . Attractive . Well made
Features:
- The hetfield snakebyte electric guitar from esp is ready to make a big impression
- It's crafted in japan to james's exact specifications for playability and durability, so you know you're getting a great guitar
- The neck has the thin u profile that james loves
$429.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Lightweight shredder from ibanez in working condition
- Low action with 10s
- Original tremolo arm, back plate, locking nut, and extra tension springs will be included
$1299.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Durability . Well made . Lightweight
Features:
- Solidbody electric guitar with ash body
- Floyd rose tremolo – baked white
- 2 humbucking pickups
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Attractive . Durable . Well made . Heavy
Features:
- High-performance design puts you in touch with your music
- For playability, you can’t beat the superstrat recipe
- Optimized electronics give you a staggering range of tone – with no noise
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Well made . Weight . Durable . Good sound quality
Features:
- There are absolutely zero issues with the guitar, it hasn't been played much so its almost the same as new off the shelf.
- Crazy wood grain, front and back!
- Just did a polish and string change so it's ready to go.
$1149.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Weight . Visual appeal
Features:
- 7-string electric guitar with mahogany body
- Floyd rose locking tremolo – gloss black
- 2 humbucking pickups
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Mint condition strummed few times original owner case kept
- No scratches dents dings
- Smoke free pet free environment
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Lightweight . Attractive . Well made . Durability
Features:
- 100% designed by fender
- Dual humbucking pickups
- Thin and lightweight body
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Poplar body with a gloss finish
- Laurel fingerboard with twenty-four jumbo frets
- Two duncan-designed humbucking pickups
1. Jackson Pro Series Signature Jeff Loomis Soloist Sl7 7-String Guitar, Ebony Fretboard, Satin Black
Product Details:
Whether with his solo efforts, his time with prog-metal band nevermore or swedish powerhouse arch enemy, or guest appearances on countless projects with the metal elite, jeff loomis is known as one of the most respected technical guitarists in the game. jackson proudly collaborated with loomis on an addition to his signature lineup in the form of the pro series signature jeff loomis soloist sl7. with an extended sonic palette that allows for extended expression all along the fretboard, this 7-string guitar features a 26.5" scale length, resonant basswood body with sandblasted ash top and through-body three-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement for rock-solid stability and enhanced sustain. designed for highly technical, lightspeed playing, the 12"-16" compound radius bound ebony fingerboard hosts 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays. for touring musicians, luminlay side dots provide fret guidance even on the darkest of stages, while a conveniently-placed heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel makes neck relief tweaks a breeze. a pair of active seymour duncan jeff loomis signature blackouts humbucking pickups creates a versatile voice with dynamic range, articulation and note attack. the neck pickup delivers smooth, glassy leads, while the bridge pickup sinks its teeth into more aggressive tones and sustain while maintaining its legato. three-way toggle switching allows you to explore different pickup combinations, while a single volume control allows you to dial up the intensity on a whim. dive and soar expressively with the floyd rose 1500 series double-locking tremolo system, recessed for pick hand comfort, laser-accurate intonation and ultra-stable tuning. keeping with his tradition of developing guitars with menacing metal style, the pro series signature jeff loomis soloist sl7 is cloaked in satin black with a matching jackson pointed 7-in-line headstock and black hardware.
Specifications:
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Body Shape | Soloist |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Double-Locking Tremolo |
| Configuration | HH |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style |
| Controls | Volume |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12"-16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Fret Size | Jumbo |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Headstock | Jackson Pointed 7-In-Line |
| Neck Finish | Satin Color Matched |
| Neck Material | 3-Piece Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Nut Material | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Locking |
| Nut Width | 1.875" (47.6 mm) |
| Orientation | Right-Hand |
| Position Inlays | Pearloid Sharkfin |
| Special Electronics | Active Electronics |
| Strings | Nickel Plated Steel (.009-.054 Gauges) |
| Tremolo Arm | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Locking |
| Truss Rod Nut | Heel-Mount Truss Rod Adjustment Wheel |
| Tuning Machines | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast Locking |
Reviews:
I had played one of these in a store and liked the feel. After having one for a few weeks, I like it even more. I'm slightly taller than the average guy. Hence my fingers are a bit longer than the average guy. Maybe it is just because the neck seems to get thinner as you get up to the higher notes, but it seems like the neck is a little wider than the rest of my guitars up around the 15th to 24th frets. ("rest of my guitars" include Les Paul, Strat, Ibanez RG550, EVH Wolfgang, and others for reference). Aside from how great the paint job LOOKS, it does not have a gloss coat on it. This is a good thing since the paint job extends up the back of the neck allowing your hand to slide quite freely on the back of the neck. The bridge humbucker is fantastic. It screams the notes clearly with ZERO noise or hum when not playing. I'm not that impressed with the neck humbucker, but that's comparing it to the neck hum on my Les Paul, Carvin, and PRS Custom. AND, for about 90% of the 80s hair band songs you are never using that pickup anyway. The Floyd Rose is great! I got tired of waiting for it to need minor tuning adjustments naturally, so I'm to the point of TRYING to make it go out of tune even slightly and it STILL stays locked in tune. Overall, this guitar is now my GO TO for anything 80s (the biggest chunk of my playing preference).Steve
Having tried playing MANY of these in my hands, it seems that the quality control out of the Jackson Indonesia factory is hit-or-miss. If you get a good unit without problems, it is a great guitar with a great sound for a great price! And the looks are so nice as well. The neck thru body construction is so smooth and sweet. However, you might get a dud that sounds horrible. Or it might have severe defects in the neck or locking nut. In my experience, about 50% are of poor quality.
I was keen to find a 6 string that had a fixed bridge that I could use for covers and so I can retune to alternate tunings easily without having to get the screwdrivers and spending a lot of time retuning like a Locking Tremolo guitar. Thankfully the guitar already had Seymour Duncan pick ups in which are essential to having a aggressive tone but as well allow good expression so this meant it would be a case of getting the guitar out the box and playing rather than buying separate pick ups having to fit them in and so on. As I wanted a guitar that wasn't black or brightly colored the desert sand finish on the guitar really stood out and attracted me. Most of the SLP2's have a great selection of finish's. As for the neck and wood finish it is very smoothly and allows you to get quick access from from end of the neck to the other. Behind each the tuners on the headstock, there is this interesting circular turning device to help lock in the strings. This may help keep it in tune more but I also just attribute it staying in tune due to the general quality of the guitar. I bend the strings a lot for my lead playing and I play very aggressively with thick picks and rhythmically so once I put some heavier strings on (my preference) and configured the bridge saddles with a very small L shaped Allen/hex key the guitar stayed in tune.Tom H.
2. Jackson Pro Series Sl2m Mah Soloist Magenta
Product Details:
You're not an average guitarist. so why settle for an average guitar? play with style and versatility thanks to the jackson pro sl2m mah soloist. this premium axe has been designed with flexibility in mind, going from snarling crunch to pristine high end with pick attack alone. explore an iconic sonic palate from two seymore duncan humbuckers. whether you're riffing up high or laying down chords, you'll always get a warm tone with plenty of prowess and punch. all on a neck that was built to be played at lightning speed. jackson are no ordinary brand. their legacy of unique design, solid build quality, and modern style has redefined the game for metal, rock, and blues guitarists. the pro sl2m mah soloist lets you become a part of the history.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Soloist |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Oiled |
| Radius | Compound |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Piranha tooth |
| Nut width | 1.68 in. (42.67 mm) Locking |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | SH-6N Distortion |
| Bridge | TB-6 Distortion |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed) |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I had played one of these in a store and liked the feel. After having one for a few weeks, I like it even more. I'm slightly taller than the average guy. Hence my fingers are a bit longer than the average guy. Maybe it is just because the neck seems to get thinner as you get up to the higher notes, but it seems like the neck is a little wider than the rest of my guitars up around the 15th to 24th frets. ("rest of my guitars" include Les Paul, Strat, Ibanez RG550, EVH Wolfgang, and others for reference). Aside from how great the paint job LOOKS, it does not have a gloss coat on it. This is a good thing since the paint job extends up the back of the neck allowing your hand to slide quite freely on the back of the neck. The bridge humbucker is fantastic. It screams the notes clearly with ZERO noise or hum when not playing. I'm not that impressed with the neck humbucker, but that's comparing it to the neck hum on my Les Paul, Carvin, and PRS Custom. AND, for about 90% of the 80s hair band songs you are never using that pickup anyway. The Floyd Rose is great! I got tired of waiting for it to need minor tuning adjustments naturally, so I'm to the point of TRYING to make it go out of tune even slightly and it STILL stays locked in tune. Overall, this guitar is now my GO TO for anything 80s (the biggest chunk of my playing preference).Steve
Having tried playing MANY of these in my hands, it seems that the quality control out of the Jackson Indonesia factory is hit-or-miss. If you get a good unit without problems, it is a great guitar with a great sound for a great price! And the looks are so nice as well. The neck thru body construction is so smooth and sweet. However, you might get a dud that sounds horrible. Or it might have severe defects in the neck or locking nut. In my experience, about 50% are of poor quality.
I was keen to find a 6 string that had a fixed bridge that I could use for covers and so I can retune to alternate tunings easily without having to get the screwdrivers and spending a lot of time retuning like a Locking Tremolo guitar. Thankfully the guitar already had Seymour Duncan pick ups in which are essential to having a aggressive tone but as well allow good expression so this meant it would be a case of getting the guitar out the box and playing rather than buying separate pick ups having to fit them in and so on. As I wanted a guitar that wasn't black or brightly colored the desert sand finish on the guitar really stood out and attracted me. Most of the SLP2's have a great selection of finish's. As for the neck and wood finish it is very smoothly and allows you to get quick access from from end of the neck to the other. Behind each the tuners on the headstock, there is this interesting circular turning device to help lock in the strings. This may help keep it in tune more but I also just attribute it staying in tune due to the general quality of the guitar. I bend the strings a lot for my lead playing and I play very aggressively with thick picks and rhythmically so once I put some heavier strings on (my preference) and configured the bridge saddles with a very small L shaped Allen/hex key the guitar stayed in tune.Tom H.
3. Jackson X Series Soloist Sl3x Dx Guitar Yellow Crackle
Product Details:
The jackson name has always been synonymous with state-of-the-art guitar technology, and the company continues to lead the way in crafting instruments that exceed the demands of today's most discerning players. melding modern materials and construction with molten metal style, the jackson x series soloist sl3x dx crackle features an explosive frost byte crackle and yellow crackle finishes. a sleekly contoured basswood body and pure jackson neck-through-body construction ensure ergonomic comfort during long sets, along with monstrous sustain and smooth playing all the way up to the 24th jumbo fret. graphite-reinforcement rods run through the maple neck, protecting it against environmental depredations, while the ultra-fast 12"-16" compound radius bound laurel fingerboard is built from the get-go for easy chording and riffing near the nut and rapid, fret-out-free leads as you move up the neck. the sl3x dx crackle comes loaded with a select power trio of jackson pickups; high-output mini rail humbucking pickups in the middle and neck positions are matched to a high-output humbucking bridge pickup for complementary harmonics and highly dynamic responsiveness. single volume and tone controls along with a five-way blade switch shape the formidable pickups' output, making their power yours to command. the recessed floyd rose special double-locking tremolo bridge system is fluidly easy to use, ensuring that your axe precisely returns to its original tuning after every dive-bomb. yet another bold step in the world of high-tech guitars, the sl3x dx crackle also bears jackson's traditional appointments–black hardware, dome-style control knobs, durable finish that easily shakes off sweat and other grime, pearloid sharkfin fingerboard inlays and the famous jackson pointed 6-in-line headstock.
Specifications:
| Country Of Origin | CN |
| Orientation | Right-Hand |
| Fingerboard Material | Laurel |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12"-16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Headstock | Jackson Pointed 6-In-Line |
| Headstock Binding | White |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Color Matched |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Nut Material | Floyd Rose Special Locking |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" (42.86 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Pearloid Sharkfin |
| Side Dots | Black |
| String Nut | Floyd Rose Special Locking |
| Truss Rod | Dual-Action Head Adjust |
| Truss Rod Nut | Truss Rod Adjustment at Nut |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Body Shape | Soloist |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Pickup Covers | Black |
| Strap Buttons | Standard |
| Strings | Nickel Plated Steel (.009-.042 Gauges) |
| Switch Tip | Black |
| Tremolo Arm | Floyd Rose Special Locking |
| Tuning Machines | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast |
| Bridge Pickup | Jackson High-Output Humbucking |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Middle Pickup | Jackson High-Output Mini Rail Humbucking |
| Neck Pickup | Jackson High-Output Mini Rail Humbucking |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS |
| Truss Rod Wrench | Yes |
Reviews:
Overall: I recently purchased $179 minion Jackson v which I tuned like a ukulele for a performance. As soon as I played it, I remembered how much I loved my Charvel Jackson from my college days. So I ordered the soloist 🙂 what a great guitar. It’s the only guitar I own that isn’t made in the United States. (Beside the minion)But it’s a keeper. Absolutely love the neck. All the little things too. Such as coming with strap locks. Matched paint and binding on the neck. All in all a great purchase.
I bought it for the neck thru construction and the finish which is quite stunning and very well done. The "Duncan Design" pick-ups are crappy, muddy and middy. Replaced them with "REAL" Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" and it sounds great now. The Floyd sits too low in the pocket (unlike my Charvel's do) poor engineering on Jackson's behalf. You can't get to the allen heads when you change strings because they sit so low in the pocket. You actually have to change one string at a time or insert the whammy bar and physically push it down to raise the rear of the Floyd so you can access the allen heads that hold the strings to the bridge. I have 17 guitars and this one is hands down the hardest guitar to change strings on I have ever owned. If Jackson would put better pick-ups in this model, and re-engineer how the Floyd Rose is mounted, it would be a lot more popular, but like most Jackson guitars priced under $1,500 they opt for the cheap electronics which in my opinion has been the case with every Jackson I have owned, you need to change the pick-ups and pots. The guitar itself is quite nicely made, balanced well and sounds awesome with real pick-ups in it.dtvamigo
This is a sweet guitar. The sustain is excellent, quite a difference from any bolt on neck guitar. I have a 1991 Ibanez 540SLTD, it is an excellent guitar. Been playing that for nearly 3 decades and its still my main guitar. This Jackson SL3X Soloist is just as playable. The neck is very comfortable from top to bottom. The Duncan designed pickups are very good too. Make no mistake, this is a shred guitar through and through. Can it do evreything else in between, like classic rock, jazz, country? Absolutely. You can dial in just about any sound needed. The pickups seem to have good output, but not insane, which i like. I also own a late model Ibanez RG350DX, with the infinity pickups. Those pickups, especially the bridge, are really loud, and overly distorted. I find that i have to roll the volume back to keep clarity. These pickups in the Jackson have good clarity. The neck and middle hot rails pickups are sweet. Artificial harmonics sing everywhere. The Floyd Rose special seems to stay in tune good as well. The fine tuners are a little gritty feeling, not anything wrong with em, but not silky smooth. They probably will get smoother as time and use allows them to break in. The hardware seems good. Solid tuning heads. Nice adjustment of knobs and pickup selector switch. The finish, neon orange, is flawless. Binding on neck and headstock is nicely done as well. The only issue i had with mine was fretbuzz on the first fret, 5th and 4th strings. Quick turn of the truss rod nut to add a little relief and reset the bridge height took care of that. This is a very fast neck to riff and shred with. Of course its great for slow playing, open chords etc… but, if Klingons are around, Warp Factor Five! Neck through Jackson Soloist, its a spaceship in disguise as an electric guitar. My Ibanez 540SLTD has an amazingly fast and thin neck, this Jackson is without a doubt on par with that, plus 2 more frets/ Jackson has better sustain and there is no sub 4 a thruneck.Freddy F
4. Jackson Js Series Rhoads Js32t Electric Guitar, Amaranth, Satin Black
Product Details:
Swift, deadly and affordable, jackson js series guitars take an epic leap forward, making it easier than ever to get classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank. the js series rhoads js32t has a poplar body and a bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint for rock-solid stability. hosting 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays, the 12”-16” compound radius fully bound amaranth fingerboard creates the ideal playing surface for fat riffs and easy chording near the black plastic nut while gradually flattening in the upper registers for lightning-quick solos and wide bends without fear of fretting out. a pair of jackson high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets cranks out clear tone with plenty of girth. the neck position delivers bright highs while the bridge adds plenty of crunchy distortion that can be shaped with a three-way toggle switch and single volume and tone controls. enjoy accurate string action and spacing and improved sustain, courtesy the jackson compound radius compensated tom-style bridge, which perfectly matches the fingerboard’s radius. this angular battle-tested axe is available in satin black or white with black bevels, and is finished off with a black pickguard and black hardware. see manufacturer's website for specs.
Specifications:
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Nato |
| Body finish | OIl |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Speed neck |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Graphite reinforced |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | Compound 12–16" |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Sharkfin |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | High output humbucker Ceramic |
| Bridge | High output humbucker Ceramic |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | String Thru Body |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
I bought this guitar because I wanted a new toy and because of the price – I figured I didn't have much to lose. I have three other guitars, two of them Jackson, that I play frequently, and I always wanted a guitar of this style. The natural finish is attractive and unusual. I like that. The pickups are ok, but the electronics leave a lot to be desired. The fingerboard craftsmanship is lacking attention, at least on the one I received. There are unfinished areas and one of the inlays is missing a small section. I don't know what strings they send over to China to put on this thing, but they are complete garbage. Putting some new strings on improved things a lot. This also suffers from some fret buzz. The guitar comes setup pretty well. The intonation seems to be spot on and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Action is set surprisingly well, considering the price of the guitar. However, as I mentioned above, this results in some fret buzz. I'll work with that a bit later. The neck has the same feel and playability as my higher-end Jacksons, so that's a plus. Overall, I don't think you could go wrong with this in the low price range. I'd recommend inspecting the guitar closely upon receipt to double check quality control. I wouldn't recommend this as a first guitar, unless an experienced guitarist is available to inspect. It's also not a guitar that's easy to sit and play, which is something to consider. If you get a good one and it's setup properly, this is an excellent guitar for ripping out some metal riffs or just having fun. Just don't take it too seriously.Matt
I received my guitar about three days ago, and overall I am very happy with my purchase. The guitar looks awesome – I love the wood finish with gold hardware, and have received many compliments on the instrument's overall appearance. It is incredibly light, weighing in at just about 7 pounds, making it the lightest guitar I have ever owned. I love the feel of Jackson necks, and this guitar is no exception. It has a fast action that makes speedy riffs a breeze to play. Access to the higher portion of the fret board is incredible, thanks to the V body shape. This is my first Flying V guitar, and I will definitely need to get used to handling the unique body shape as I play. Now for a couple cons that made me drop my rating from 5 to 4 stars: this guitar is top heavy. I have never owned a top-heavy guitar before, and it is super inconvenient to play standing up. You have to put in a constant effort to keep the guitar level as you play. I personally like to play with my guitar at a 45-degree upwards angle, which is much more difficult to do on this guitar then on any of my other well-balanced instruments. While the natural wood body looks awesome, it feels as if it would be easy to damage. But as long as you're careful you shouldn't run into any issues. I ordered this guitar online, and was not happy with the experience Guitar Center delivered. It said that the instrument was in stock and ready to ship, but after three days I still hadn't received a shipping confirmation in my email. I reached out to customer support and found out that the guitar was actually not in stock and I would have to wait three additional weeks before my guitar would ship. That was a bummer. All in all I would recommend this guitar, and am happy I added it to my collection!Darin
My fiance purchased this guitar for me as a early Christmas gift around october 2019. After the usual string change adjustments and tuning it sounded great and played great. Only real issue is neck dive but with this body shape you expect it and can be corrected by moving the strap button placement to the back plate or near by depending on your choice i left it and rest the top horn inside my leg like you see dimebag with his ml and many others with the v shape and non traditional shapes like the warriors king Vs and so on. I personally love the Rhoads shape and the natural finish. Other than some minor changes and upgrades knobs Tusq Nut Locking tuners and a Seymour Duncan bridge pickup upgrade and a good setup this guitar is my daily player out of the 6 i own its become my favorite im looking to buy another honestlychuck thomas
5. Jackson Pro Series Soloist Sl3m – Rainbow Crackle Guitar
Product Details:
You're not an average guitarist. so why settle for an average guitar? play with style and versatility thanks to the jackson pro sl3m soloist. this premium axe has been designed with flexibility in mind, going from powerful bite to glassy high end with pick attack alone. explore an iconic sonic palate from a triple threat of seymour duncan pickups. whether you're riffing up high or laying down chords, you'll always get expressive tones with plenty of crunch and clarity. all on a neck that was built to be played at lightning speed. jackson are no ordinary brand. their legacy of unique design, solid build quality, and modern style has redefined the game for metal, rock, and blues guitarists. the pro sl3m soloist lets you become a part of the history.
Specifications:
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Color Matched |
| Position Inlays | Black Piranha Tooth (Small Sharkfin) |
| Body Shape | Soloist |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Scale Length | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12" to 16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Fret Size | Jumbo |
| String Nut | Floyd Rose 1000 Series Locking |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" (42.86 mm) |
| Truss Rod | Dual-Action Head Adjust |
| Truss Rod Wrench | Yes |
| Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 |
| Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Single-Coil |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS |
| Tuning Machines | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast |
| Strings | Nickel Plated Steel (.009-.042 Gauges) |
Reviews:
Overall: I recently purchased $179 minion Jackson v which I tuned like a ukulele for a performance. As soon as I played it, I remembered how much I loved my Charvel Jackson from my college days. So I ordered the soloist 🙂 what a great guitar. It’s the only guitar I own that isn’t made in the United States. (Beside the minion)But it’s a keeper. Absolutely love the neck. All the little things too. Such as coming with strap locks. Matched paint and binding on the neck. All in all a great purchase.
I bought it for the neck thru construction and the finish which is quite stunning and very well done. The "Duncan Design" pick-ups are crappy, muddy and middy. Replaced them with "REAL" Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" and it sounds great now. The Floyd sits too low in the pocket (unlike my Charvel's do) poor engineering on Jackson's behalf. You can't get to the allen heads when you change strings because they sit so low in the pocket. You actually have to change one string at a time or insert the whammy bar and physically push it down to raise the rear of the Floyd so you can access the allen heads that hold the strings to the bridge. I have 17 guitars and this one is hands down the hardest guitar to change strings on I have ever owned. If Jackson would put better pick-ups in this model, and re-engineer how the Floyd Rose is mounted, it would be a lot more popular, but like most Jackson guitars priced under $1,500 they opt for the cheap electronics which in my opinion has been the case with every Jackson I have owned, you need to change the pick-ups and pots. The guitar itself is quite nicely made, balanced well and sounds awesome with real pick-ups in it.dtvamigo
This is a sweet guitar. The sustain is excellent, quite a difference from any bolt on neck guitar. I have a 1991 Ibanez 540SLTD, it is an excellent guitar. Been playing that for nearly 3 decades and its still my main guitar. This Jackson SL3X Soloist is just as playable. The neck is very comfortable from top to bottom. The Duncan designed pickups are very good too. Make no mistake, this is a shred guitar through and through. Can it do evreything else in between, like classic rock, jazz, country? Absolutely. You can dial in just about any sound needed. The pickups seem to have good output, but not insane, which i like. I also own a late model Ibanez RG350DX, with the infinity pickups. Those pickups, especially the bridge, are really loud, and overly distorted. I find that i have to roll the volume back to keep clarity. These pickups in the Jackson have good clarity. The neck and middle hot rails pickups are sweet. Artificial harmonics sing everywhere. The Floyd Rose special seems to stay in tune good as well. The fine tuners are a little gritty feeling, not anything wrong with em, but not silky smooth. They probably will get smoother as time and use allows them to break in. The hardware seems good. Solid tuning heads. Nice adjustment of knobs and pickup selector switch. The finish, neon orange, is flawless. Binding on neck and headstock is nicely done as well. The only issue i had with mine was fretbuzz on the first fret, 5th and 4th strings. Quick turn of the truss rod nut to add a little relief and reset the bridge height took care of that. This is a very fast neck to riff and shred with. Of course its great for slow playing, open chords etc… but, if Klingons are around, Warp Factor Five! Neck through Jackson Soloist, its a spaceship in disguise as an electric guitar. My Ibanez 540SLTD has an amazingly fast and thin neck, this Jackson is without a doubt on par with that, plus 2 more frets/ Jackson has better sustain and there is no sub 4 a thruneck.Freddy F
6. Esp Ltd M-Ht Black Metal – Black Satin Guitar
Product Details:
The ltd black metal series are guitars that are comparable in build quality to our ltd deluxe 1000 series instruments, but with a dark and menacing design theme of all-black finish, components, and hardware, a single premium-quality pickup, macassar ebony fingerboards with no inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers, and even a black metal ltd logo on the headstock. the m-ht black metal offers this design in a 6-string 25.5 scale hardtail version with an alder body and three-piece extra-thin u-shaped maple neck. its features include a hipshot bridge with string-thru body setup for sweet sustain and stability. for brutal tones and excellent dynamics, you get a single direct-mounted seymour duncan blackened black winter passive pickup, with a push-pull control for coil splitting.
Specifications:
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
| CONSTRUCTION | Neck-Thru |
| SCALE | 25.5" |
| NECK | 3Pc Maple |
| FINGERBOARD | Macassar Ebony |
| FINGERBOARD RADIUS | 350mm |
| FINISH | Black Satin |
| NUT WIDTH | 43mm |
| NUT TYPE | Molded |
| NECK CONTOUR | Extra Thin U |
| FRETS/TYPE | 24 XJ |
| HARDWARE COLOR | Black |
| STRAP BUTTON | Standard |
| TUNERS | LTD Locking |
| BRIDGE | Hipshot w/ String Thru |
| BRIDGE PU | Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter |
| ELECTRONICS | Passive |
| ELECTRONICS LAYOUT | Volume(Push/Pull) |
| CASE INCLUDED | N |
Reviews:
Overall: I was feeling totally Corona bummed out. Uninspired, depressed, just a big pile of blahhhh. I had been wanting an esp for a minute and popped on zZounds and ended up checking this ltd out. So stoked I did! Had to do a couple adjustments, trem spring tension adjustment (slight) and then tune up , with grover, radical (non locking tuners!! These just are rock solid tuners.. with this setup, after your strings are broken in of course– it will stay in tune Fer dayyyyzzz) so I plugged into my hot Rodded 6505+ with biased jj tubes,,, and this is just a beast of a guitar . Finish is flawless, cannot tell the difference between this and my buddies Japanese ESP. Knobs are rad and solid, push/pull pot on one–which adds a killer flavor. Then there's the emgs, just pure metal and I can get killer, rich, warm tones on the cleans too. Basically, I'm a changed man. I was jamming with my door open and a hot chicken walked by and smiled. Yep. Music is the universal language and I am happy. All kidding aside, this is a great guitar and has my full approval. I'm an esp fan big time now!! Thank you zZounds for trusting me again !! I have soo many rad guitars and amps from you guys!!
this is the best guitar I've ever had. I thought my best guitar had been Japanise Jackson with two hot rails and a humbucker in the bridge. The second one was LTD EC-1000 I bought in Music Store as well. But I must admit that my new ESP LTD Black Metal Satin is far better in my opinion than both my guitars with SD and EMG pickups. I think the name of the guitar "Black metal" is just a kind of a stereotype and may put someone off buying it if you are not a Black metal head. I do like various metal genres , however, I'm not a fan of death and black metal, but I had been 100 per cent sure that this guitar would satisfy my metal taste anyway. I It looks agressive and it is definitely prone to metal but not only for "Black" or "Death". If you like Steel Panther or Gus G, you would be pleased with this monstrous axe! The sound provided by SD Blackened winter pickup is just what you really need to get the best metal sound ever. String separation in every chord you play is both clean and powerful simultaneously. If you want to shred, you won't regret it as well. This metal masterpice will be my favourite guitar for years! And yes, I 've immediately taken to one H pickup and a Floyd rose-no more you need for creating a great sound. Thank you Music Store and ESP for letting me have such a great instrument!
Sound: The 'Blackened' Black Winter pickup is very bright. Not shrill, but definitely will cut through a mix. It's incredibly clear, and touch sensitive. Very high output, which is appropriate for a guitar called the Black Metal! Features: This guitar has an alder body, which is amazing for almost all tonal aims. The raised LTD logo on the headstock is an incredibly nice touch! The Grovers are smooth, and stable, and the OFR is also stable and reliable. Ease of Use: This is where this, and just about every other LTD I've purchased shines. The fretwork is immaculate. I have the action at .75mm, and it doesn't buzz, for those who aren't familiarwith action measurements, this is incredibly low. The pickup height was perfect right out of the box. The only thing I needed to adjust was the truss rod, it had a bit too much relief. But once that was done, it plays like butter and sounds brutal! Quality: This guitar has absolutely no quality control issues, and feels extremely well made. As stated above, it has all high end appointments, such as a Seymour Duncan pickup, OFR, and grover tuners. It functions amazingly. Value: Absolutely. I'm a Jackson fanboy 90% of the time, but I can say (and zZounds can verify) I've had to return multiple Jackson products and never a single LTD. The Jacksons cost more, and have less. Manufacturer Support: I haven't needed to deal with ESP, as I've never had an issue with their products. The Wow Factor: When you're playing this guitar, if feels metal. The guitar is so easy to play, and sounds so brutal. I can't recommend it enough if you like to play extreme genres of music. Overall: LTD never disappoints. This guitar is metal as it gets, and plays fantastically.Matheau
7. Esp Ltd Ec Black Metal Electric Guitar Black Satin
Product Details:
Esp's eclipse model, one of hard rock and metal's favourite guitar choices, gets some added darkness and extremity in this special ltd black metal edition! esp have long since proven their dominance of the modern metal world. more top name metal players use their guitars than any other brand. for this limited edition range, esp visit the cold extremities of scandinavia's black metal scene to provide stylistic inspiration. the results are beautiful and brutal.the ltd eclipse black metal is simple and devastatingly effective. this is made with mahogany and features set neck construction with an ebony fingerboard(no fingerboard inlays either, naturally). the finish and hardware are all black: this guitar is darker than a norwegian winter's night! the single pickup is an extremely powerful seymour duncan blackened black winter humbucker. this is a bright, extremely high output, overwound pickup which is chock full of aggression and sustain. this blackened' version of the pickup is actually not available to buy. it's highly heavy sounding and more than lives up to both it's name and the guitar's modus operandi.one pickup, a single volume and a hard tail bridge is all you need to make the hugest, sickest riffs known to man or beast.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Thin U |
| Neck wood | 3-piece Mahogany |
| Joint | Set-through |
| Scale length | 24.75 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 13.78 in. (350mm) |
| Fret size | Extra-jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Glow-in-the-dark side dots |
| Nut width | 1.65 in. (42 mm) Molded |
| Configuration | H |
| Bridge | Blackened Black Winter |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | TonePros locking tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning machines | LTD locking |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
Reviews:
Overall: Where to even start with this beautiful top quality instrument? Right out of the box, it's worth noting just how black it really is. It almost reminds me of the old grey monotone Les Paul just, black. The macassar ebony isn't true ebony but it's still pretty in its own way. My fretboard is dark enough though so don't worry about it not being traditional ebony. The neck shape is not a thin U shape. The EC1000 is a thin U. While the build quality certainly is the same as the EC1000, the Black Metal's neck is more of a D shape. Trust me, I don't hate it, it's actually a good different, nice and comfortable. The tuning I play in is A# F A# D# G C with 13-56 gauge strings and this guitar took that extremely well without much adjustment. The Black Winter Duncan is very hot. Handles high gain death metal very well. Sounds nice and wet, perfect pickup for this guitar. If even for a second you've contemplated getting a this guitar but didnt, just do it. I too was on the fence about it since it was teased like a year ago but I'm definitely glad I got it. The I only thing I'm still trying to get used to is not having the pickup ring to anchor onto when I'm picking. Other than that, buy it. Also, the clean tones are a bit cleaner than I had expected. Really let's you dig in to your tubes for some crunch when you want it.Max
Fell in love with this guitar 5 minutes in. Perhaps the most comfortable guitar I've ever played. Neck is slim and fast, action came pretty low on the guitar with almost zero feet buzz. Weighty enough but not super light. The Black Winter pickup is pretty brutal but also super clear at high gain. However, I replaced mine with a Dimarzio X2N and now I have a pseudo-Chuck Schuldiner guitar.El Mariachi
I just got my ESP/LTD Black Metal and I've been waiting for this guitar since NAMM 2018! I'd been wanting a simple guitar with non EMG pickups. This fits the bill one knob volume only, and a Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickup! Super sleek look and different than anything else I have in my collection. If you're thinking about this one GO FOR IT!
8. Esp Ltd Arrow Black Metal Black Satin Electric Guitar
Product Details:
Make it heavy. with an esp ltd arrow black metal guitar in your hands, you'll be able to create a sound which could come from the depths of the earth. built for nothing but the heaviest, most saturated music imaginable, it will have no trouble handling even the highest of gain settings. a single, yet extremely powerful, emg 81 pickup occupies the bridge position, ready to unleash its high output, crunchy, articulate tone whenever the strings vibrate. the sharpest sound. the sleek, slender, and incredibly menacing image of this guitar gives it plenty of character, and helps complement its powerful, imposing sound. with an ebony fretboard, you can be sure that your fingers will have all the comfort they need to shred for hours on end. a whammy bar and floyd rose locking system give you the ability to introduce vibrato to your notes, whether heavy and violent or soft and sinister. with glow-in-the-dark side dots guiding the way when you're playing on dark stages, you can be confident that this guitar will always be easy to play. if you're ready to unleash your inner metal demon, then this could be the perfect guitar for you.
Specifications:
| Body shape | V |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Thin U |
| Neck wood | 3-piece Maple |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 13.75 in. |
| Fret size | Extra-jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Glow-in-the-dark side dots |
| Nut width | 1.65 in. (42 mm) |
| Configuration | H |
| Bridge | EMG 81 |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Control layout | Master volume, EMG TKO Kill Switch |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | Floyd Rose 1000 |
| Tuning machines | Grover |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I had been hunting for a V for a few months and I stumbled on to the Black Metal Arrow. I have a Gary Holt LTD and I love how it plays and sounds. I did comparisons between the two and the Arrow is almost exact specs of the GH-600. There are a couple small differences but I love how the ESP plays and knew that I could buy this Arrow without playing it first I would be happy, and I was extremely happy. The single pickup is perfect for me I usually only use the bridge pickup anyhow. One thing I really like about this guitar is the angle of the body. The front has been beveled so that my arm lays perfectly on the body. Just like my other ESP this thing screams. You can rip a violent harmonic and dive down or pull back on the whammy and it just screams. The kill switch is pretty cool. Right now it is more just for fun, I don't think I will incorporate it into any songs or anything. This was a great investment.ChupaCabra
This guitar has it all! A sleek look, the simplicity of a single pickup/volume knob and tons of attitude to spare. This guitar is sweet! It plays so nicely with the macassar ebony fretboard, and the stainless steel frets make shredding and bending the stings a breeze. It’s definitely a showstopper as well. I get so many compliments on not just the looks, but the crushing tone it produces through the single EMG 81 pickup. If you’re a shredder and want to add some menacing Black Metal savagery to your arsenal, look no further than this guitar. You’ll be glad that you did! ????Riff Ross
I recently started getting into playing guitar. I didn't know know much about guitars between what they're made of or what's good or bad and american musical helped me a great deal! I had some cheap guitar when I started and when it was time for me to upgrade and get a guitar that makes people say WOW they were right by side to help me. I ended up getting this bad a** guitar and for an amazing price!!! I couldn't be happier with product and the service! I would HIGHLY recommend this website to anyone trying to get their dream guitar.
9. Ibanez Rgrt421 Electric Guitar (Weathered Black)
Product Details:
For years the rg series has been one of the most recognisable lines in the ibanez arsenal, delivering hard rockin' metal machines with precision, speed and power. the new ibanez rgrt421-wk is something pretty special from this highly regarded line. with a beautiful weathered black mahogany body, you not only get stunning looks but rich, tight, natural tone. the ergonomic body shape feels smooth, well balanced and poised for action. a 5 piece maple/walnut wizard iii neck features a jatoba fingerboard with white dot inlays. it's designed for speed and precision, perfect for today's metal players. with a rich history of crushing tones and sweeping solos to live up to, the rgrt421-wk is loaded with a duo of quantum pickups. in the traditional hh configuration, they combine to deliver an insane dynamic range and note definition. with unrivalled clarity and power, you can unleash crushing riffs and soaring solos, whatever you need, it can handle it! with its powerhouse specs and exotic aesthetics, the ibanez rgrt421-wk is one cool cat!
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Wizard III reverse headstock |
| Neck wood | Maple/walnut |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Yes |
| Radius | 15.75 in. |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.69 in. (43 mm) Not specified |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Quantum (H) |
| Bridge | Quantum (H) |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Special electronics | 5-way switch with coil splitting |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 5-way |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | 6-saddle string through body |
| Tailpiece | String thru body |
| Tuning machines | Not specified |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
Reviews:
Sound: The stock pickups sound great especially with high gain. Nice crunch and break up. Features: For me the reason that I bought this model is that it is the least expensive way to get a real Edge tremolo. I can do subtle things with the Edge that I can’t do on an Original Floyd Rose. The bar is easier to position and it stays where ever you put it. As long as the torsion bushings on the bar aren’t worn out, the pop in bar is neither too tight or too sloppy. Value: This guitar is worth every penny. Manufacturer Support: I did not use Ibanez customer service and I did order half a dozen sets of torsion bushings, but had to order them from different places. The Wow Factor: I love the color of this one, Desert Sun Yellow. Overall: In the last 2 months I’ve bought 5 different Ibanez guitars, both lower and higher price. I must say that this guitar is the most bang for the buck out of any of my 21 guitars that I own.Got more than 200 bucks off on mine as it was sold as a slight blemish. When the guitar arrived, I noticed it did have a hairline crack in the paint on the bass side at the neck pocket. That was the only flaw I could find and it probably would have happened anyway if I would have got a “new” one.This is the shreddiest guitar that I have. The only thing that I had to address is that the 6th fret was a little proud. Other than that the fret job was good. All the frets were shiny and smooth and no fret sprout.This is the guitar that is at the price point where if you spend more money, you aren’t going to get much better. And the fit and finish were top notch.Scott
Overall: This guitar was a total impulse buy and I’m so glad I bought it! It’s easily worth twice the price of it. Can’t get too many mid tier guitars that are neck thru with decent pickups and a 5-way switch that has a fast and slim neck at this price. I mostly play baritone 6 strings and 7 strings but I needed a 25.5” scale for drop C and this is perfect for it with 10-54 strings. I did upgrade the nut with a Graphtech tusq nut and Hipshot locking tuners with knurled tuner buttons and looks even more badass while staying in perfect tune! I have an Ibanez rgib6 Iron Label 28” baritone and this is up there with that as far as quality and playability. The stock pickups aren’t bad at all and definitely surprised me cuz that’s usually the first thing I’ll change in an inexpensive guitar. As you can see by the other reviews people say it’s a great guitar and they’re not lying so if you’re on the fence about getting it then go for it! You won’t be disappointed at all and if for some reason you are then zZounds has a return policy within like 30-45 days so you won’t be stuck with a guitar you don’t love.Josh
Overall: I have been playing the epiphone les paul std for two and half years now,and started looking at semi hollows around five months ago! I did some research looked at reviews and then bought the am93 ays almost four months ago,and just love it! The body is bigger and its lighter then the les paul ,it rests real nice on the lap no strap is neaded.Pickups and tunners excellent !! I would say the neck shape is a (c ) standard! Not thin like a jackson or wizard 3 neck! With the string action low feels and plays very nice!! Flawless machine ! No sharp frets,no freting out, all notes are clear, fret boards nice and dark no gaps around the block inlays ! All smooth sealed and even. Amazing finish. Thanks to everyone at zZounds ! With the payment plan i was able to get this! im very happy and very much enjoy it
10. Schecter Omen Extreme-6 Fr Electric Guitar (See Thru Black)
Product Details:
The schecter omen extreme 6 fr provides you with the perfect playing experience. featuring schecter diamond plus pickups, this model produces stunning tones, packed with clarity and sustain, that ensures it's flexible enough to accommodate a variety of styles, especially metal. it also comes designed with a floyd rose special bridge, which allows for incredible pitch bends. that's not all you get though. you are also guaranteed comfortable playing. thanks to the guitar's carefully sculpted construction, you are provided with hours of luxury due to its natural and supportive feel. the guitar's design takes this model to the level, as the see-thru black colour ensures you will stand out on stage. the extreme 6 is both a dream to look at and to play.
Specifications:
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
| Guitar Color Shown | See-Thru Black (STBLK) |
| Tuners | Schecter |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Inlays | Abalone & Pearloid Vector |
| Scale | 25.5" (648mm) |
| Neck Shape | Thin 'C' |
| Thickness | @ 1st Fret-.787" (20mm)/ @ 12th Fret-.866" (22mm) |
| Frets | 24 X-Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius | 14" (355mm) |
| Nut | Floyd Rose Special |
| Nut Width | 1.625" (41.3mm) |
| Truss Rod | 2-Way Adjustable Rod w/ 5/32" (4mm) Allen Nut |
| Guitar Colors | See-Thru Black (STBLK) |
| Hardware Color | Black Chrome |
| Top Contour | Arched Top |
| Dexterity | Right Handed |
| Construction | Bolt-on |
| Top Material | Quilted Maple |
| Binding | Creme Multi-ply |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Special |
| Controls | Volume/Volume/Tone(Push-Pull)/3-Way Switch |
| Bridge Pickup | Schecter Diamond Plus |
| Neck Pickup | Schecter Diamond Plus |
| Knobs | Metal Knurled w/ Set Screw |
| Strings | Ernie Ball Regular Slinky #2221 (.010-.046) |
Reviews:
First a much deserved word about Musicians Friend. Having made numerous purchases in the past year (5 guitars, two amplifiers & two sets of powered monitor speakers) hats off to Musicians Friend. They are professional, courteous and a pleasure to purchase from. They truly have treated me like a friend over the last decade and a half. My guitar arrived in pristine shape, no issues, of course. For me this is a beast of a guitar and cannot be beat, not even close, at this price range, nothing I've played compares. Love the sculptured maple top and head to toe creamy binding, simply beautiful. The setup was very good, slight string height adjustment, neck did not need adjustment and pickup height was good. Someone is paying attention with quality control. The neck is fast, silky smooth and easy to navigate, I can accomplish sweep picking with this guitar. Coil split is always nice with humbuckers adding to the available tone palate. Everything works and works well. Check it out if in the market for a very nice modestly priced guitar. Doubt you'd be disappointed.Stratocasterplusplayer
Totally stoked on this purchase. I was looking for something solid with an inexpensive price point and came across this Schecter. I've never owned a Schecter before so I was unfamiliar with them but they put some serious quality into this instrument. Feels good in my hands and plays really fast and it looks fantastic. I do recommend upgrading the pickupups but if you're just looking to play around the house with this, it's set up and ready to go. Highly recommendableSmooks
I understand why people call this a beginers guitar. Some the components are cheap and the guitar felt unfinishhed. I own 8 guitars. All of them are higher end Made in America guitars. This guitar caught my eye solely because of looks. I decided to purchase it as a project guitar. After receiving the guitar it needed to be properly set up. I straightened the neck, leveled and radiused the fret board, re-crownded the frets, filed the fret ends and rolled the edge on the neck binding. I proceded to replace the bridge with a Graph-Tech Resomax NV2, and the tuners with Schaller M6 ones. I replaced the tone capacitor with an Orange Drop NOS .027 UF. The pickups are versatile and offer a wide variety of sound. I now have a guitar that has a fast articulate neck and fret board, great tone and sustain all for $160.00 in parts and my labor. This is no longer a " beginers guitar" . The guitar has great bones and was easy to convert to a guitar that you would pay over $1000.00 dollars for. Good job Schecter!Hodigity
11. Ibanez High Performance Rga42hp Electric Guitar, Sea Foam Green Matte
Product Details:
Ibanez has remained the strongest name in metal guitars because of the outstanding playability and peerless performance of ibanez instruments. from carefully selected materials to pro-level hardware and high-profile electronics, every detail is deeply considered and designed. the ibanez high performance series delivers high-end performance and road warrior dependability. the rga42hp features a nyatoh body which creates a truly mesmerizing visual aura and a warm, yet expressive, tone. its contoured top not only looks sleek—it creates a softer, more comfortable edge where the player’s right forearm rests. a roasted maple neck has been heat-treated to increase the wood‘s stability and durability. it provides a well-balanced note attack and tone with rich sustain. a jatoba fretboard and jumbo frets offer effortless fingering up and down the full length of the fretboard. the fretboard features luminescent side dot position marks to make it easy for players to see fretboard position marks when performing on dark stages. dimarzio fusion edge pickups, the amazing product of a collaboration between dimarzio and ibane, provide great clarity and a very smooth response, satisfying the current demands of players in today’s progressive metal scene. the fixed bridge boasts a low profile design, allowing plenty of picking hand freedom while optimizing tuning stability.
Specifications:
| Handedness | Right-Handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Type | Wizard III/Roasted Maple neck |
| Top/back/body | Nyatoh body |
| Fretboard | Jatoba fretboard/Off-set white dot inlay |
| Fret | Jumbo frets |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Bridge | F106 bridge |
| String Space | 10.5mm (0.41") |
| Factory Tuning | 1E,2B,3G,4D,5A,6E |
| String Gauge | .010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046 |
| Hardware Color | Gold |
| Neck Scale | 648mm (25.5") |
| Neck Width at NUT | 43mm (1.69") |
| Neck Width at 24F | 58mm (2.28") |
| Neck Thickness at 1F | 19mm (0.75") |
| Neck Thickness at 12F | 21mm (0.83") |
| Neck Radius | 400mmR |
Reviews:
. Now let me set the scene… I am a guitar lover (I can even play a little too) and a quality professional so My expectations are somewhat higher than most looking at this product. An absolutely beautiful instrument, this is my second SA360 and although they are no longer. Made in Japan, be assured they have not lost any of the build quality or attention to detail. The guitar was really well set up, is great to play, feels good in the hand and sounds the bee’s knee’s. If you are looking to start out in guitar playing get yourself an Ibanez Gio to start as a first upgrade from that, then the SA series is where you want to be at.Timbo
Overall: For 100 bucks less than a Japanese made RG550 I'll say the quality of this Indonesian assembled guitar is sub-par albeit correctable. All hardware was loose. Blase switch wast rubbing against finish. Tone and volume pots were pushed down into contact with body. Gold playing on bridge pick-up shows nickel plating already. Action was set so low that it was unplayable. Some frets are razor sharp at the edge of the fretboard. Neck and fretboard are dry as a bone, and need to be sanded and sealed. The grain was raised when I unboxed. Which basically tells me that there was very little if any polyurethane applied to the neck or fretboard. As with all Indonesian guitars ai take this as an opportunity to fix these little things on my own, but you are better off getting an RG550 Genesis. The quality is far superior. Also the paint is awful, and the plating on all gold plated surfaces are sure to deteriorate quickly. One note: Sounds has nothing to do with these inadequacies or defects. Ibanez should just seize operations in Indonesia, as should all other guitar manufactures. Indonesian guitars are ok enough to correct, but even at the 800 dollar mark you should get a 100% gigable axe. This is not at that level.
I've owned this guitar for a year. I own more than a few Ibanez, with about half of them being Prestige and the others being 80's/90's Fujigen Ibby's, 2010's Iron Labels and Premium. I love this RGA and it's remarkably well spec'ed for most anything a diverse player will want. What it isn't: it isn't a prestige and it doesn't feel like it. That's not a bad thing; the roasted maple neck is amazing, feels comfortable, but the fingerboard does feel a little different (given the wood type). The only real negative I find is that the finish (the actual finish) feels like it's very delicate. I can see this finish cracking easily with an everyday bump. I hang my guitars and pull them just to record, so not a n issue for me, but it definitely feels very delicate. The only other reasonable complaint is that for the pricepoint, it should include at least a gig bag. This is basically a 1,000 dollar guitar.
12. Esp Snakebyte James Hetfield Signature Black Satin
Product Details:
The esp james hetfield snakebyte, black satin is part of the signature series by james hetfield of metallica. james hetfield has been an esp user since the 1980s, and has helped to design an axe that suits his playing needs perfectly. the distinctive and ergonomic snakebyte body is crafted from rich mahogany, which brings plenty of resonance with good bite. the neck is also made from mahogany, and is paired with an ebony fingerboard which delivers bright, snappy highs and plenty of sonic warmth at the lower end. powered by a pair of active emg james hetfield set humbuckers, players can achieve those iconic metallica tones that james hetfield is renowned for. to complete the metal package, the esp snakebyte guitar is finished in black satin and features matching black hardware with a snake inlay at the 12th fret. the esp james hetfield snakebyte, black satin comes with a hardshell case for added projection whilst on the go.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Z |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Thin U |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Mahogany |
| Joint | Set-in |
| Scale length | 24.75" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Gloss |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fret size | Extra-jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.653" (42mm) |
| Configuration | H |
| Neck | James Hetfield |
| Bridge | James Hetfield |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2 |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | TonePros locking tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning machines | Schaller locking |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Japan |
Reviews:
So first of the fit and finish of this guitar is great and the matching guitar case just adds to how awsome this guitar is. The feel and playability is amazing as well and this guitar is light not near as heavy as I thought it would be. The sound is amazing as well the JH custom EMG pickups make this guitar just rock! I would recommend this guitar to anyone that wants to play rock of metal. There is nothing I do not like about this guitar and being a fan of Metallica and James Hetfield this is a home run in my book!
Looks incredible and sounds heavy. Comfortable to play standing up or sitting down. Good, balanced weight too so it hangs/rests nicely when playing. Feels nice to play, neck isn't too chunky and the action is decent, although some may prefer it to be lower past the 12th fret. I'd recommend wearing a sweatband (like Hetfield) as the top edge of the body can catch your lower arm when playing. Comes with a big, sturdy, lockable, hard case too.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I'll tell you about why I both love this guitar and why I decided to buy from Sweetwater.First, I always played acoustic blues, but I love metal and Metallica. Hetfield rocks, and everything about this guitar's specs are fantastic. The pickups, the construction, the fittings, the finish and the balance are great. There seem to be some hollowed out parts of the body that add a bit of resonance, and frankly I was shocked by how light this weights compared to a Les Paul style I own.Transitioning to metal rhythm, whether it is all mental or has something to actually do with the guitar itself, things just started playing better immediately. I think it's because this is meant to shred, whereas the Les Paul style isn't bad, just different. Way better sound too.Now why Sweetwater? I come from a musical family, and you always try your guitars before you buy, so Internet ordering was a first for me. I did plenty of research on what I wanted to buy, as well as checking around to different vendors. Let's be honest, everyone checks Amazon. However, for guitars it seems like there are all sorts of Amazon sellers who are ripping customers off. You see generic product photos, and you have no idea what you're going to get. People who bought this guitar had reported scratches, open box versions sold as NIB.=Enter Sweetwater – you know you're getting an inspected guitar if you're putting down a decent amount of coin. I was able to see the exact photos of the guitar I was buying. It was great to know exactly what I was buying.Heavily recommend: if you know what strings you use, pay to have them install those strings and adjust the neck to the action you prefer. It was incredibly helpful.
13. Ibanez Rga42fm Rga Standard Electric Guitar Blue Lagoon Burst Flat
Product Details:
Rga42fm nothing breathes inspiration into your playing like the feel of a precision made instrument, capable of interpreting your every move with power and accuracy. enter the ibanez rga— a solid body specifically built to handle the heaviest, most physically demanding music you can conjure up. the rga's unique, sleekly sculpted top offers unrestricted playability for full-throttle power chording or heavy riffing without fear of digging into the body. product features wizard iii maple neck ibanez's thin, flat and fast wizard neck is strong and sturdy and offers unlimited playability and features a two-octave 24-fret fretboard for a wide tonal range. jatoba fretboard jatoba has a reddish brown color and produces a rich mid range with a crisp high end. jumbo frets jumbo frets contribute to smooth playability, especially for single-note playing. flamed maple top / meranti body the flamed maple top flaunts a beautiful wood grain. the meranti body provides a scooped mid-ranged sweet tone. quantum h-h pickups the quantum pickups provide accelerated bass response for exceptionally fast tracking of high-speed staccato riffing with crushing mid range and precise high-end articulation. f106 bridge the f106 bridge enriches sustain. string height adjustment can be done easily and independently.
Specifications:
| Weight | 16 lb |
Reviews:
Overall: I am now in my 2nd day of ownership and I decided to set this extremely light and sexy purple (blemished) have not found one …down long enuff to read reviews.and ya if I could find something about it I dont like… well havent!. What's there not to love at the reasonable price and the abilities this ax possesses. 5way and quantum is a nice pxkge.what. would one expect? At fraction of the price on those high dollar "others".. I feel pretty smart these days not emptying my wallet and can say. The wizard neck is so sweet jatoba fretboard is not only beautiful sustain harmonics….for days….VERY NICE..zZOUNDS AND IBANEZ….THANK YOU FOR. A GREAT DEAL ON A KEEPER….OH YEA AND WHY UPGRADE ANYTHING SEEMS TOVDEFEATCYHE PURPOSE AND UNNECESSARY IN MY OPINION. BUT IM A TIGHTWAD.been a member of the ibz family for awhile and they never stop making great products with reasonable pricing.Kenneth
This (and the blue with rosewood/hardtail) are my first Ibanezes. I mostly play strats and Les Pauls. As I understand it, these have been referred to as Super Strats, because of the double cutaway and the HH. The blue has a matching headstock and a five tone switch. The neck is the most comfortable I've played, the strings are evenly spaced and there's plenty of room for your fingers, even at the top. The satin finished body has the same feel as the neck and it weighs around 6 pounds. After I found the dragon eye (reverse matching headstock, maple fretboard and whammy) at the same price, I couldn't let go of the blue, so now I have two. I'm playing them through my Boss Katana, and it's a good match. Gotta say, it's a totally new guitar playing experience, and the only question is which one to pick up first. If you're thinking about an Ibanez, this would be the one (or two).Rich at the Beach
With the RGA series Ibanez finally got away from using junk basswood with its poor sustain and articulation. The mahogany/maple combination on the RGA is vastly superior in both categories. I have an RGA70M. It's a bit of a challenge to play but not moreso than other 7-strings and what's really impressive is the sweetness and sustain on clean settings with both active pickups engaged. Excellent workmanship and very pretty flamed transparent black finish.JJ
14. Jackson Pro Series Dk2 Ash Dinky Baked White
Product Details:
With premium features and outstanding vibe and performance, jacksons pro series dinky models provide the ultimate shred experience. a modern metal machine, the pro dk2 ash features an ash body with sculpted shredders cut heel for easier access to the upper frets and a bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint. a hand-rubbed satin finish on the back of the neck provides greater playing comfort, while a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel allows for quick and convenient neck relief tweaks. featuring 24 jumbo frets and offset pearloid dot inlays, the 12-16 compound radius ebony fingerboard is the ideal platform for heavy chording and fast, ripping solos. a pair of direct mount brawny seymour duncan humbucking pickupsjb (bridge) and 59 (neck)power this axe, delivering powerful punch while retaining clarity with enhanced note definition, a critical component for modern metal. this instrument is also equipped with single volume and tone controls plus five-way blade switching to tweak and refine tone, and a recessed floyd rose 1000 series double-locking tremolo bridge system for improved tuning stability. boasting jacksons distinctive style, the pro dk2 ash is available in a striking baked white finish with color matched pointed 6-in-line headstock. brooding black hardware, including sealed die-cast tuners and dunlop dual-locking strap buttons completes the package.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Ash |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Dinky |
| Neck wood | Maple with graphite reinforcement |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Dual-action |
| Neck finish | Hand-rubbed Urethane |
| Radius | Compound |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.687 in. (42.8 mm) |
| Configuration | HSS |
| Neck | Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 |
| Middle | Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 |
| Bridge | JB TB-4 |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 5-way |
| Coil tap or split | Coil split |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
It is close to being a 5/5 guitar for me. It plays very easily with the condition that the back of the neck feels a bit weird to me right now, I have only played it twice though so through playing this might very well go away. It's a maple neck and the back is non glossy which I like but the thin nitro coating they have sprayed it with feels a bit weird under the hand, it's not sticky in the slightest, it's just nothing like I am used to. Might just be me, and as always this should go away with playing. I like the colour and design of the guitar. I like the neck in general, I am not a metal player and thinner necks aint my thang but this neck is thin but also comfortable with it. The pickups are good, I have two Seymour Duncans in my only other *metal* guitar and I am not sure which set I prefer. This one has a JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. The 59 is well capable of Bluesy, rock and even Lead Tones. The bridge JB does Lead and can get clear clean tones especially if you roll some tone off on the guitar. I hear some people complain about the harshness or more like the bite of the JB but I think that's unfair. It's true this guitar does Blues, rock and metal well but for modern metal it is in the ballpark but not quite there. It's more suitied to 80's thrash metal than modern stuff and it does all rock well and you can do Blues with it in the neck position. So it's not an out and out metal guitar and so I like it better for that. It is versatile. I play Pink Floyd on it and it sings. Performs well with any type of rock and if you want Metallica early metal tones and onwards this does it really well. I am not much into modern metal anyway so I am not too bothered. I did Motorhead songs the other day and it kills it. The tuners are Jacksons sealed ones or whatever they are ,so not locking as far as I know but it stays in tune really well, maybe because of the floyd rose on it, which works really well. My first ever Floyd Rose guitar and it impresses me with how well it works and not as hard as you think when it comes to changing strings etc. Lastly the price is very good for what you get which is always a selling point for me.And what yiou get is a proper set of Seymour Duncans and a proper Floyd not the cheap ones you get in low budget offerings in a guitar that looks the part, the headstock alone is worth having it for! I got it for 600 quid. Complete no brainer.R O.
In short: for the price this beast is a solid 9/10, overall and realistically it's 6/10. If you are like me and want to get into 7s – this is the one to go with from all the others entry 7s 😉 Neck: I was adjusting it for 3 days, it's almost flat now and I can get really OK action with it, not low like Ibanez but it's just fine. The only problem is 7th string has to be much higher than the others because it's branching on lower frets. Frets are just OK and there is nothing wrong in terms of craftsmanship. I like this neck, it's somewhat fast and I have no problems getting higher up the neck, 26.5 also helps with that and now I'm damn sure 26.5 is something I always needed in my life, period. I rate this neck with 8/10. 9 would go for playability and action, 6 would go to the wood, craftsmanship, ugly fretboard that looks like it didn't get enough laquer or smth, looks VERY dry and unfinished. Tuners: meeeh, they are OK and holds tuning somewhat, I don't really need to adjust it very often which is great. But getting it tuned is like being in a sad and depresive circle of hell, especially with the 7th string. I rate tuners with 4/10 This would be my second phase upgrade. If they didn't hold the tune like they are (kinda OK), rate would be 2/10. Bridge/intonation: not great not terrible, if I decide to replace it, this would go in second phase with tuners too. I had no problems with intonation. In fact, I managed to get it perfectly intonated, you can really hit those high octaves on any string (15th or 17th) and it don't go out of sound, even on 6th and 7th string. I have to see if I could snap some tune-o-matic but I'm afraid I could lose resonation which is already low as f*. I'm ok with the bridge for now, 7/10. Pickups: they don't really "pick up" the 7th 😀 it is kinda muddy but for this price, they really surprised me. They can really pick up hammers and pull-offs nicely (this goes with the neck/frets also). Kinda high output if you ask me, much more than EMG HZH4 for example on my Schecter. These would be my first upgrade, probably Nazgul and Sentinent. I'd rate them 6/10, but for the price 9.5/10, as I said they kinda impressed me, expectations were much lower. Knobs and electronics: metal knobs are very good, and the switch is average, and so is jack, and I don't really have any complaints here. Wood (sound): low-quality wood, it really sucks with resonation and sustain, but again, this is 200-250 price range and it's not like you're gonna buy this guitar to play some Skynyrd or Knopfler 😀 As I got it out of the box I was not very pleased, I mean it's crafted well and looked nice, nothing like that, but as soon I started to play it (unplugged) I got this feeling like I have a wood plank in my lap. Of course, it is expected in this price range. As soon as I plugged it in and started playing I actually started to not care about that too much. So, for this price I am VERY satisfied, it really got me into 7s and I can finally play some older Periphery, Keith Merrow, Whitechapel, even some Vai and Satriani. You can shred very nicely and easy on this guitar, but you need some nerves to make a decent setup first few days since stock setup was disgusting. Strings? I replaced them immediately because the factory strings were a disaster… I put NYXL 10-59, but the bottom string is still not thick enough for drop A, its muddy but maybe it's just the pickups or personal opinion dunno, next time I'm gonna put Elixirs nano 10-56 but will replace that .56 with .062 or something like that. After only 3 days I decided to write an honest review, I cannot dislike this guitar because it really is a beast for this price. It's that good that I plan to invest another 300 dolars just for pickups and tuner. Also, this is my first Jackson ever, and I must express my respect to get something like this for the price of few good weekends outside. In summary: 6/10, for the price 9/10. Go ahead!
I had never played a 7-string guitar before but had been thinking about it for a while so I decided on this Dinky after seeing the price and reading the reviews. I didn't want to spend a ton of money since I didn't know if I would like the 7-string. After having it and playing it for a few days now, I must say that I'm quite impressed. Like so many of the other reviews say, it's set up pretty well right out of the box. I noticed that it is very lightweight compared to my Telecaster, which I really like. Some people mentioned some rough frets but I didn't notice that on mine; it feels really good. It took some getting used to the extra string but I'm really having fun exploring the new sounds I can get with an extended range. The pickups are decent for the price and I'm really happy with it. I may look at changing them out eventually but for now I'm happy with them. I agree with a lot of the other reviews that say that Jackson could easily charge twice as much for this guitar as they do. All in all, this guitar is excellent value for the price. If you're looking for an entry-level 7-string to noodle with and see if you will like it, you can't go wrong here.Madd Dogg
15. Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith Sdxm – Snow White
Product Details:
It's a real trooper. the jackson adrian smith sdx guitar represents everything the man himself embodies – supreme playing, awesome licks, and incredible musicianship. it has a wide ranging, dynamic sound, with a humbucker and two single coils forming the foundations of its sound. with these, you'll be able to write your own powerful riffs, be they blues inspired or straight up classic metal. it demands the best features. the guitar of such a legendary musician requires exceptional playability to be worthy of his name. luckily, the sleek maple neck and fingerboard live up to this, giving you the ability to improvise and play to your heart's content. whether you're bashing out some iron maiden or forging your own licks from scratch – this guitar ticks every box for the modern musician.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Neck shape | C |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | Compound |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width/material | 1.675" (42.5 mm) Locking |
| Configuration | HSS |
| Neck | Proprietary Single Coil |
| Middle | Proprietary Single Coil |
| Bridge | Proprietary Humbucker |
| Control layout | Master volume, Master tone |
| Pickup switch | 5-Way |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | Individual saddle |
| Tailpiece | Floating Vibrato |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 6 String |
| Performance Level | Intermediate |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
Overall: First the guitar is very nice for the price. The neck is fantastic feels unfinished (sealed) but is actually a satin sealer on neck and unsealed board, which should age nicely. The frets are finished nicely and it's just smooth to play. The size of the neck is somewhere between an Ibanez (wizard II & III) and a Fender Strat. I think it feels better than an LTD EC 1001, probably due to no paint and compound radius.The guitar is heavier than expected but still a light guitar, it's not a thin body as some strat style guitars are. The guard is simple black but fitted nicely. The pickups aren't bad at all, personally the single coils sound mid and bass heavy, while the humbucker is more mid to bright. All in all compared to a Fender, the guitar is darker sounding, it's not bad but something I noticed.The single coils are definitely weaker (quieter) than the humbucker and not as crisp as ones in a strat. The humbucker is hot but not extremely so, I actually like it better than the ones in a comparable strat (MIM or older AM special).There are flaws though or at least in mine. First minor sanding flaw with 17th marker, smeared on board some. There's a chip in the paint on the top side of the pocket, looks like a small line about a 1/4" long. I also have some feathered pieces on the guard, where it was cut from the sheet of plastic it was made from. These are all minor things and you really have to go over the guitar to notice. It is something I expect at this price on an import guitar, just small QC stuff.Now to the major problems. The action was way high at the bridge when I received it, just under a 1/2" from top of body to bottom of the tremelo. Looking to figure out how low I could go, I noticed the neck was sitting at an angle and there was a gap in the neck pock.I removed the neck to find a shim had been placed in it. Now if this guitar wasn't heel adjust I would have just sent it back and never known but since you have to remove the neck for adjustment, figured why not. After removing shim I was able to get the bridge down to 1/8" off the body, you'll never be able to fully deck it. I also had to adjust string tension at the head to keep the lockers from turning strings sharp, not a huge deal, that's what it's there for.The newer models also don't match the picture. there is no longer a bullet plug on the head stock (where rod usually is on a strat). There is also no longer a skunk stripe on the back of the neck either. I am assuming these are cost cutting measures.The QC is an issue on these guitars I imagine, that's the biggest flaw. They are on par with most any $500 guitar, except the neck. The neck is leaps and bounds above others in my opinion. I put the guitar on the same level as a MIM strat.In the end I think it's a keeper and a decent guitar. I'd just suggest really looking over it when buying and be ready to do a little work or pay a good tech to set it up, which is common in this price range. Don't let it having a shim scare you off, it's probably rare anyways. I figure it was done as a fast way to set it up with a low board action to give people the ability to have a push pull trem, I prefer dive only or just enough for flutter. Just remember at $500, they aren't spending hours to set up a guitar, they'd never get enough out the door. I listed manufacturer support at 2 1/2 stars as I haven't used it but even if they are great I shouldn't have to need them (if they did what they should in the first place) so half way seems fair.Waylon
I have been playing guitar for over 50 years and have enjoyed the work of Adrian Smith in Iron Maiden and especially the work he did on the Bruce Dickenson solo albums. I was in the market for a high quality bolt on guitar with a Floyd Rose and ebony fingerboard and this guitar comes with a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup which I used to have on one of my old Jacksons, I feel this is an great high gain pickup. This guitar has an excellent build quality that you would expect from a USA made Jackson. The guitar has a nice feel but the tone is so satisfying especially for high gain solos, the notes seem to have a fuller sound compared to some of my other high end guitars (Ibanez J. Custom, ESP E-II and Kiesel JB24), it's a very satisfying guitar to play. Please note that there are two similar models here, evidently this is the new model and the only difference in the description is that this is the snow white model and it's a few hundred dollars more than the other Adrian Smith San Dimas USA model. I had bought the other model first because I couldn't see any difference in the description but when I got it I needed to adjust the truss rod and that's when I found out that in order to adjust the truss rod on the cheaper model you have to remove the neck, I mean seriously? After I called Guitar Center and their tech confirmed that information I called Guitar Center and they gladly processed the return and got me the proper model in couple days no problem. Just be sure that you are getting the model that is snow white and look closely at the picture to see it has the spoke wheel adjustment for the truss rod but yeah the Adrian Smith San Dimas USA Snow White guitar sounds awesome!Mark G
This guitar is a very good value for it's cost. I really like the neck, as it's finish is really good for a guitar in this price range. Frets are smooth and the ends were done nicely, no snags on the fingers. The Floyd Rose Special holds tune nicely. I made some minor adjustments in string action and trem height to get really low action. The pick ups sound great coming through my Marshall DSL 20 Head and Cab.I really like the Fender style headstock with the black hardware. Overall it's an amazing guitar for the price. I am a musician of 35+ years and have owned many, many guitars over the years. I purchased this for my 15 year old son as it was an upgrade from his first guitar, a Squire HSS Strat. He loves the instrument. There are reviews where there's mention of the 1st E coming off the fretboard during play, I or my Son have had no issues with this. Maybe it's a technique thing.. Best of wishes to all you shredders!!Old Guy In The Midwest.
16. Ibanez Rg421ahm Rg Electric Guitar – Blue Moon Burst
Product Details:
Rg421ahm the rg is the most recognizable and distinctive guitar in the ibanez line. three decades of metal have forged this high-performance machine, honing it for both speed and strength. whether you favor a hardtail (fixed) bridge or our industry-leading locking tremolo system, the rg is a precision instrument. product features wizard iii maple neck ibanez's thin, flat and fast wizard neck is strong and sturdy and offers unlimited playability and features a two-octave 24-fret fretboard for a wide tonal range. maple fretboard the maple fretboard provide crisp, bright highs and strong upper mids. jumbo frets jumbo frets contribute to smooth playability, especially for single-note playing. ash body the ash body wood imbues this bass guitar with an exotic appearance and delivers a pleasant brightness and rich sustain. quantum h-h pickups the quantum pickups provide accelerated bass response for exceptionally fast tracking of high-speed staccato riffing with crushing mid range and precise high-end articulation. f106 bridge the f106 bridge enriches sustain. string height adjustment can be done easily and independently.
Specifications:
| Neck type | Wizard III maple neck |
| Top/back/body | Ash body |
| Fretboard | Rosewood fretboard Off-set white dot inlay |
| Fret | Jumbo frets |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Bridge | F106 bridge |
| String space | 10.5mm |
| Neck pickup | Quantum (H) neck pickup (Passive/Ceramic) |
| Bridge pickup | Quantum (H) bridge pickup (Passive/Ceramic) |
| Factory tuning | 1E,2B,3G,4D,5A,6E |
| Strings | D'Addario EXL110 |
| String gauge | .010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046 |
| Hardware color | Cosmo black |
| Scale | 648mm |
| a. Width | 43mm at NUT |
| b. Width | 58mm at 24F |
| c. Thickness | 19mm at 1F |
| d. Thickness | 21mm at 12F |
| Radius | 400mmR |
| Recommended case | M300C |
| Recommended bag | IGB540-BK |
Reviews:
After really enjoying playing an RG standard at GC, I decided I wanted a Japanese Ibanez. This guitar is gorgeous. You open up the case and it's a plush red velvet contrasting perfectly with the sexy nebula green burst. It is incredibly easy to play! Has a perfect balance slung over your shoulder or resting on your thigh. They didn't cut any corners with this instrument. Pros: – Black chrome hardware looks slick – Neck very thin and flat. Not just for shredding! Strips of walnut add a touch of elegance. Satin finish makes this a fast neck. Jumbo frets feel great. The birdseye fretboard is gorgeous. Locking tuners are robust. Stays in tune like a boss! – Very clear difference in pickup output from neck to bridge. Bridge gets nice and dirty when the volume is up – Pickups are a bit hotter than I expected, especially the tone zone in the bridge, but dialing down volume cleans them up very nicely (when you want them to be clean). I'm guessing the hot pickups are for shredders, who are a target Ibanez consumer. The parallel mode is a sweet addition allowing pickup to sound like a single rather than a humbucker – Pickups have dimarzio embossed on them, but it's subtle and not visible from a distance- branding isn't as obnoxious as on seymour duncans – Volume and tone knobs are knurled making them easy to turn with just a touch and resistance is light and smooth. Great gradual effect (doesn't just jump from 100% to 10% when you turn the knob only a tiny bit) – Action can be set super low and bridge is very comfortable to rest your palm. No sharp saddles as on some tune-o-matics – Amazing custom-molded guitar case that looks sexy and has a hard plastic outer shell. Form-fitted for this guitar – Guitar comes with a multi-tool with everything on it, even a short metal scale Cons: – The fret markers are just dots, not inlays – Doesn't come equipped with straplocks – Pickup selector feels cheap compared with the rest of the hardware, but has authoritative action otherwiseMegatron
This guitar is beautiful and its sound is fantastic,neck is awesome and fretboard is great,pickups are good…but it is Very Heavy,I'd say around 10 pounds and also the body is too chunky and therefore not comfortable to play.Maybe this guitar will be good fit for a large player. I returned it today and got me another Ibanez. Guitar center were very helpful,they are alright!Andy
Took this model and the Ibanez RG Prestige RG652AHMFX for test rides. I ended up keeping this one. The Prestige is a better instrument, but not nine bills better. They play very similarly. The DiMarzios in the Prestige sound better, sure-but you can add those to this one later if you'd like. Honestly, I'll probably just keep the Quantum pickups in it-they sound fine. Love the creative 5-way switching and the volume and tone work as they should. Tuning stability is spot on. Mine even came set up well. The wood is not the cosmetic grade that the more expensive models have, but I bought it to play in bars and small venues-not to look at it. The body is three pieces. That being said, it's more attractive than an affordable guitar has a right to be. The ash does make it brighter than your standard RG, but that's what I was looking for. I'd recommend it to anyone that's not a cork sniffer and needs a solid instrument they can use without fear of breathing on it.TG
17. Jackson Pro Series Chris Broderick Signature Soloist 7 – Gloss Black
Product Details:
With his dazzling thrash fretwork, former megadeth and current act of defiance and in flames guitarist chris broderick is heralded as an exacting and modern metal master. when broderick first came to jackson to design his own signature model, he had clear demands in mind for his take on the venerable soloist. finding a more-than-willing partner up for the challenge, broderick coined the longstanding high-performance guitar giant as the "company that could." the results of the collaboration are sophisticated riffing machines loaded with premium features to keep up with the most demanding styles of music. the jackson pro series signature chris broderick soloist 7 features a 25.5" scale length, resonant mahogany body with arched top and through-body maple neck with scarf joint and graphite reinforcement for rock-solid stability and enhanced sustain. its 12"-radius bound laurel fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets is ideal for all playing styles, comfortable for both low riffing and soaring leads. contemporary guitarists require tonal versatility and punchy clarity to keep pace with the rapid twists and turns of today's metal. direct mount dimarzio chris broderick signature humbucking bridge and neck pickups deliver powerful clear harmonics with accentuated pick attack and tight lows for versatile tone, from heavy chording to searing solos. the volume control conceals a push/pull switch for coil-splitting, unlocking even more tonal options while the tone control's push/pull switch enables the tone circuit. switch between pickup combinations with a three-way toggle, while a mini-toggle kill switch allows for the stuttering effects that have become integral in modern metal. other features include floyd rose special 7-string double-locking tremolo, jackson die-cast tuners and dunlop locking strap buttons.
Specifications:
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Radius | 12" |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Gloss |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Nut width/material | 1.687"/Locking |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | DiMarzio Humbucker |
| Bridge | DiMarzio Humbucker |
| Control layout | Master volume, Master tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-Way |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | Locking |
| Tuning machines | Sealed Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 7 String |
| Orientation | Right-Handed |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Reviews:
All in all, this is a great guitar. It buzzed a little when I first picked it up, but this is easily fixable. The neck feels great, I don't have to reach too much around it, the guitar aesthetics wise looks amazing. the special floyd rose doesn't give me any issues, and the locking nuts keep it in tune fairly well. It has some pretty cool features like the kill switch. It's an amazing guitar besides a couple problems I have for how much it costs. The pickups are a little soft, and if you're into death metal and things like that, these pickups aren't the best for it. They are good, but there are better out there. Second, I'm not a fan of how there aren't any inlays on it, but there are inlays on the side of the neck. If I had to rate this guitar out of 10, I would give it an 8/10. Pickups could've been better given the price. But it's a great guitar and if you have the money, I would invest in it. I would put it up there with Ibanez's higher end guitars.Josh
Such a lovely full sounding guitar, absolutely amazing for the price.Reviewed by guitarguitar custome
18. Epiphone Sg Custom Electric Guitar – Ebony
Product Details:
The epiphone sg custom from the new inspired by gibson collection recreates the legendary 1960s era sg with "lp-custom" style binding that became a hard rock and heavy metal classic. the sg debuted in 1961 to replace the les paul which had been temporarily discontinued because of low sales. the sg custom features an ebony fingerboard, lp custom style inlay, gold hardware, and alnico classic pro humbuckers with cts electronics. available in an ebony finish.
Specifications:
| Binding | Neck (White), Headstock (Split Diamond) |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Profile | SlimTaper |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12" |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech |
| Nut Width | 1.693" |
| Inlays | Pearloid Block |
| Joint | Glued in |
| Hardware Finish | Gold |
| Tuner Plating | Gold |
| Bridge | LockTone ABR Tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning Machines | Epiphone Deluxe with Ivory Plastic Button |
| Pickguard | Black |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
| Control Knobs | Black Top Hats with Insert Knob |
| Strap Buttons | 2 |
| Pickup Covers | Gold |
| Neck Pickup | Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers |
| Bridge Pickup | Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers |
| Controls | 2- Volume, 2- Tone CTS electronics |
| Pickup Selector | 3-way Epiphone toggle |
| Output Jack | 1/4" |
| Strings | .10, .13, .17, .26, .36, .46 |
| Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) | EISCEBGH1 |
Reviews:
Overall: This is my umpteenth Epiphone custom sg guitar ive bought since the last guitar i had which was the more lower end 61 standard i bought here used last year. The caps pots and Gibson USA burstbuckers are definitely a step up in the right direction and are true to the original reissue Sg standards back in the beginning of the Gibson sg. It sounds like a 2000 dollar Gibson reissue sg but at Epiphone import prices. I intend on keeping this guitar for a lifetime and is a good backup guitar to my similarly pricef esp ltd viper 1000 deluxe i bought a year ago from a competitor in the now disconnected tiger eye finish from zZounds. Lastly i also intend on getting a real Gibson sg custom 63 version used for a discounted price. One more thing i might buy a backup les Paul sg standard by Epiphone just in case this one gets stolen or lost. Thank you Epiphone custom for stepping up your game and making better sg custom shop guitars than in the past. The black Epiphone sg custom with gold hardware is no joke either and i might another one when i get done paying for this Les Paul sg standard first fron here.Isaac
I got this guitar in sparkling burgundy and the finish is beautiful. The workmanship on this guitar is great; it feels very high quality. The fretwork is also really good, with no fret ends sticking out to cut my hands. That being said, the pickups are not very good. I initially debated purchasing the guitar since it sounded very ice-picky and thin when I played it in the store. But I decided to take a chance, knowing the return policy that GC has. I brought it home and the first thing I did was go over it completely. The fretboard was very dry. Even my wife, who doesn't play guitar, looked at it and commented on that. So removed the strings and polished the frets and cleaned/conditioned the fretboard. Then I swapped out the Alnico Classic Pro pickups, which are rather bad, and put in a set of Probucker 2/3 pickups that I had sitting around. Better strings, polished frets, and some nicer alnico 2 pickups made a huge difference. It sounds full and thick and warm, and it plays like an angel. I highly recommend it, as long as you can swap out the pickups.Robert
I've had the guitar for almost a month now & decided to do the review after I had it for a while. Quality control on this guitar was not very good. There was a chip by the 22nd fret near the upper horn that was overlooked because it has the final coating sprayed over it. There is also a scratch on the headstock at the G string tuner, it looks like someone overtightened the nut & scrated the headstock with a nut driver. Plus there is some black paint that ran into the binding on the top part of the headstock. Also there is a nick/scratch on the pickguard right below the neck pickup. The guitar plays well, and it looks good except for the imperfections I expalined earlier. I took pictures of what I complained in case someone at AMS would like to see them. I'm not sure of the return policy for guitars or if this could be returned for another guitar of the same kind I have. In the end the playability has met expectations but the quality control was far below expectations. If a representative has any questions about my review or if they want to see the pics I took, please let me know.
19. Squier Bullet Mustang Hh Electric Guitar (Black)
Product Details:
Get the guitar that's designed for students with the squier bullet mustang hh, black & yamaha ga-15ii bundle. the squier mustang's short scale and light weight makes it a perfect companion for both students and beginners. chords are easy to performant and notes can be bent with ease. its set of humbuckers makes it ideal for all musical styles – even high-gain genres like rock and metal. its basswood body, maple neck, and laurel fingerboard provide you with a comfortable play, while the high-quality hardware keeps your performance stable. the yamaha ga-15ii features two channels to experiment with, while its 3-band eq lets you personalise your tone and discover new sounds. deliver classic fender tones with the squier affinity mustang and produce powerful soundscapes with the yamaha ga-15ii amp.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Poplar |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | C |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 24 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 12 in. |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.656 in. (42 mm) |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Standard humbucking |
| Bridge | Standard humbucking |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | 6-saddle |
| Tailpiece | String thru body |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
Reviews:
I picked up the Surf Green Ltd Ed. Bullet Mustang a few days ago off the rack. They had two. One had rusty strings and sharp frets but the one I picked was almost perfect. These Mustangs are great for smaller learners and older guitarists that may enjoy the lighter string tension due to the short scale. I love the sound of both humbuckers. The bridge one gives you a nice grungy Nirvana like tone while the neck is smoother but both love to be driven. I picked up the Imperial Blue Mustang HH a few weeks ago. They both use the same humbuckers, The only difference I believe is the wood type, Basswood vs Poplar. Both guitars are quite light with the Basswood Surf Green one being somewhat lighter.These Mustangs are ideal for modding but for now I've only changed the cheap pickguard on this Surf Green one, putting a Tortoise Shell on it. So far I'm loving both of them and my Fender P90 Mustang is getting quite lonely.Tingman
First of all, this is a ton of value for the price. I got it on sale which made it even a bigger steal. Now, this guitar needs a lot of setup out of the box. You should polish the frets since they are as coarse as beach sand. Otherwise, string bends will be impossible and will most likely damage the cheap supplied strings (which should be changed immediately as with most new guitars). Expect some fret buzz, so be ready to adjust the saddles and the truss rod (I like my action quite low so this was a minor tweak for me). The intonation was actually quite close to perfect, it only needed a bit of tweaking on the A string. The nut and string trees are the ones you typically get on Squiers, which are good enough but won't do wonders for your tuning and should be replaced unless you are patient enough to tune your guitar every so often. Be sure to change these first before changing the tuners/bridge if you have tuning problems, I haven't changed the tuners or bridge on mine and don't plan to – they just work. Finally, the pickups are surprisingly good for the price, not too mellow and you can get some nice tones from the bridge pickup. You might soon outgrow them, though, and might opt for better humbuckers or P90s. For all these reasons, this guitar is not the best as a first guitar or for beginners unless it gets a proper setup first or if you're really planning to learn how to setup or change electronics/other parts in a guitar. However, those are the same reasons (plus the low price and simple design) that make this a really fun modding platform, and if you don't feel like modding it, with the right amount of work it's still amazing. It's light as a feather and the neck is very fast; you can probably muscle through hours of playing with barely any effort at all. The stock tones are reasonable enough, and in my opinion it looks awesome. You can't get a better deal for the money once you're aware of the above.Carlos, M
I like this guitar because of the 24" scale length. Everything else was pretty bad out of the box. The strings were a 1/4" off the fretboard. The fretboard was super dry. There was fret sprout. The frets felt like sandpaper on bends. The E strings are too close to the edge of the fretboard. When you play you're constantly hitting the pickup selector switch. The finish on the neck is supposed to be satin but it looks unfinished to me and there are light and dark areas on the neck which look bad. It is the worst finish on a neck I've ever seen on a guitar and I'm going to have to put some kind of finish on it. Trying to load strings is tricky and not as easy as on most other guitars you have to bend the end of the strings to get them to load. So that is the bad. The good? The tuners are your typical Chinese tuners that come on all cheap guitars these days, and they are fine. The pickups sound good. The 24" scale is great and really fun to play bends on!Steve
20. Jackson X Series Soloist Slx Dx – Granite Crystal Guitar
Product Details:
Distinctive and affordable, jacksons x series soloist models are built for speed and comfort! the x series soloist slx dx is a venerable double cutaway workhorse that offers many fine features desired by today's shredders. the slx dx features a poplar body, through-body maple neck with graphite reinforcement and tilt-back scarf joint headstock. hosting 24 jumbo frets, its 12""-16"" fully bound compound radius laurel fingerboard curves more dramatically at the nut for easy chording and flattens out as it approaches the neck joint for low-action bends without fretting out. duncan designed alnico hb-103n neck and high-output ceramic hb-103b bridge humbucking pickups power this metal beast with an expansive voice loaded with crunchy, full-bodied tone ideal for brazen lead work or punchy rhythms runs. tone is fully customizable with three-way blade switching and single volume and tone controls, while a floyd rose special double-locking tremolo bridge system provides superior string stability and dynamic tremolo action. sleek and deadly with our signature pointed 6-in-line black headstock, the slx dx is available in a variety of stage-worthy finishes.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Basswood |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Speed neck |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Graphite reinforced |
| Neck finish | Gloss |
| Radius | Compound |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Sharkfin |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | HB-103 |
| Bridge | HB-103 |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | Floyd Rose special |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I had played one of these in a store and liked the feel. After having one for a few weeks, I like it even more. I'm slightly taller than the average guy. Hence my fingers are a bit longer than the average guy. Maybe it is just because the neck seems to get thinner as you get up to the higher notes, but it seems like the neck is a little wider than the rest of my guitars up around the 15th to 24th frets. ("rest of my guitars" include Les Paul, Strat, Ibanez RG550, EVH Wolfgang, and others for reference). Aside from how great the paint job LOOKS, it does not have a gloss coat on it. This is a good thing since the paint job extends up the back of the neck allowing your hand to slide quite freely on the back of the neck. The bridge humbucker is fantastic. It screams the notes clearly with ZERO noise or hum when not playing. I'm not that impressed with the neck humbucker, but that's comparing it to the neck hum on my Les Paul, Carvin, and PRS Custom. AND, for about 90% of the 80s hair band songs you are never using that pickup anyway. The Floyd Rose is great! I got tired of waiting for it to need minor tuning adjustments naturally, so I'm to the point of TRYING to make it go out of tune even slightly and it STILL stays locked in tune. Overall, this guitar is now my GO TO for anything 80s (the biggest chunk of my playing preference).Steve
Having tried playing MANY of these in my hands, it seems that the quality control out of the Jackson Indonesia factory is hit-or-miss. If you get a good unit without problems, it is a great guitar with a great sound for a great price! And the looks are so nice as well. The neck thru body construction is so smooth and sweet. However, you might get a dud that sounds horrible. Or it might have severe defects in the neck or locking nut. In my experience, about 50% are of poor quality.
I was keen to find a 6 string that had a fixed bridge that I could use for covers and so I can retune to alternate tunings easily without having to get the screwdrivers and spending a lot of time retuning like a Locking Tremolo guitar. Thankfully the guitar already had Seymour Duncan pick ups in which are essential to having a aggressive tone but as well allow good expression so this meant it would be a case of getting the guitar out the box and playing rather than buying separate pick ups having to fit them in and so on. As I wanted a guitar that wasn't black or brightly colored the desert sand finish on the guitar really stood out and attracted me. Most of the SLP2's have a great selection of finish's. As for the neck and wood finish it is very smoothly and allows you to get quick access from from end of the neck to the other. Behind each the tuners on the headstock, there is this interesting circular turning device to help lock in the strings. This may help keep it in tune more but I also just attribute it staying in tune due to the general quality of the guitar. I bend the strings a lot for my lead playing and I play very aggressively with thick picks and rhythmically so once I put some heavier strings on (my preference) and configured the bridge saddles with a very small L shaped Allen/hex key the guitar stayed in tune.Tom H.
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