They're trying to get too far ahead of the game with the more expensive guitars. Get a good reputation producing good quality budget guitars and then try to break into the upper market. Fender prices on a budget brand won't work. They may have better specs. than the original, sound better, even play better but that won't cut it with customers. Those are not entry level prices. Regarding knobs and their colour. I can't imagine they're producing different colours for every guitar so it might just be graphic content which, by the way was what I was hoping for when confronted with "12 new models!" at this hour of the day before my first coffee.
Yeah this does feel a bit like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases.
Yeah this feels like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases
Getting too pricey for me.. I would go to another brand like Schecter... that 500 to 700 sector is very competitive .. and sorry but jet hasn't got the longevity and prestige status.. should of gone with different colours and Getting the pickups and knobs right. P.s I own A jet 450, a fazley Relic, Schecter super shredder FR, PRS Ce , Sire S7. Sire L7, and a Cort G300 Raw.. the Cort is the most underrated guitar by far. And that is cheaper and better spec than the new JET elite. Anyway great video as usual 👌
I imagine I'm not alone in saying that pretty much none of these for me, and this is looking like an attempt at moving upmarket - and these certainly are specced to be good enough to compete, but they will have to do a heck of a lot of brand perception shifting here. But the thing is, the more premium you go the less competition there is. So I understand why they have done this, but it feels like a break up from their OG fan base and we're being told "It's not you, it's me". Good luck to Jet though I hope that they do really really well and go strength to strength. And we can all tell our grandkids the stories of when we bought out JS-400 for under £200 :)
Ha! Yeah, It would be great for Jet if the brand reaches that status in 40 years - It won't be good for me thogh I won't have any "all original" Jets 😂🙈 Mines have all been modded/ruined 😂 But you're right about perception shifting, It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases tho
I do like some of the new series. I think the new JS-400 HT model are great because they’re kept in the normal budget price range. I’m sure they will be popular. The JS-380 are really nice too, but they’re getting close to Squier Classic Vibe price range. So what will people pick out of those two?? I really think they should have made a maple fretboard choice for both the 380 and 480. Just like they have a rosewood model in both the 300 and 400 🤷♂️ would it have been that much more difficult to make - I simply don’t get that decision. The Elite series are not for me, they’re simply too expensive.
Will be interesting to see how well these ones perform. Most of the specs not to my taste, but Jet have already got me hooked with thier existing models. Casting the net further out should appeal to potential new buyers 🤷♂️ But yeah... MORE MAPLE PLEASE! 😜🙏
Thank you for your RUclips videos - they are great and informative. Your review of the new releases is interesting. I have a JS1000 and the only upgrade to the JS45 version I can see is the tremelo. In Australia the JS45 is about $400 more than the JS1000. That’s a lot of money for a tremelo instead of the fixed bridge. I also bought the JT600 in large part because of your video and I am very happy with it - especially the neck pickup. I do get a bit of static from the very white pickguard though.
Thank ya kindly mate! I'm glad the vids have been useful and you're happy with your JT600 😃👍 The JS1000 and JS45 do look quite similar, but the biggest differences for me would be the 12" vs 9.5" Radius, Rosewood Vs Roasted maple fretboards, and the quartersawn neck. I'm guessing the pickups might be different too and like you say, the trem VS hardtail. Ideally I'd have the JS1000 Neck specs on the JS45 body. But with the regular Jet headstock shape 😜
Well there's also the "Roasted Poplar" bodies over "Basswood" but... the jury is out for me on roasted poplar. I've never tried it or even heard of it as being a thing. I'm not a believer in tonewood anyway, BUT... If the idea is to make the bodies more consistently lighter - then I'm sold! But I'm just making things up now - no idea if that's the case 😂
@@stevecassidyguitar Lighter would be good, yes. It's possible that this would make the tuning more stable, if the wood is less sensitive to ambient humidity...
@@jaunianise4172 Could be - that's what they say about roasted maple necks too, but I think it might be BS 😜 I've got roasted necks on Fender, Charvel, Squier, Jet, Fazley, they've all still gave me some seasonal fret sprout. But I don't really case I just love the look and feel of roasted maple 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar You live in GB too! It's like living directly underwater! 🐸 Here in France I have a difference between maple and roasted maple, I can see that it moves less when it's roasted.
That's it mate 👍 To be fair they still have plent of options with Roasted maple. They were getting complaints there wasn't enough Rosewood and I think they just went a bit OTT with it 😂👍
769 euros is $840 US. For that money you can get a better brand with more pride in ownership and resale value. Jet makes premium budget guitars in the sub $400 market. Above that and I can’t imagine buying one when so many options exist. My opinion only, of course.
Not only your opinion mate - It sounds like mine too 😜 It will be interesting to see how well these do. I'd love to check one out though to see what they're all about 👍
I'm waiting for them to put out a 7 string with a traditional strat style and colors, similar to Alex Gregory's stuff. A surf green or fiesta red 7 string with a pale maple neck + fretboard or rosewood board would be fantastic! It must also have a trem, original, 2 point or floyd rose. Please Jet, make it happen.
@@stevecassidyguitarI've already bought it. Everything is great for its price, except loud noise from single coil PUs in my environment (in front of PC). I'm thinking about replace with noiseless PUs. Close to Fender tone, any recommend?
It was a very exciting announcement (the new line) for all us hardcore Jet Heads 😎. And the amount of sheer comments on this video in only a few hours will testify to that. Honestly, I can’t really fault it. We are always gonna be biased towards what we like but I think they’ve added so much more to the range it’s unreal. Such a huge choice now. And it will be interesting to see how the new more expensive models and ranges do. Can’t fault them for trying, that’s for sure. Personally speaking I was really looking forward to the ‘Elite’ range, and man does that Fireburst look killer 🤤. But the headstock is not for me either, at least not yet (Kinda reminds me of the Fazley one) and the neck radius would not be my first choice. So what did I go for ? …………. Drum Roll …….. 🥁……another Js600 😃 Yep,haha. Think I was telling you before mate, I love my Js600 (Trans Red) so I had to get another (Tasty Tobacco Burst Finish). Don’t think they are updating that line until maybe next year btw. I may even do an unboxing video when it arrives. Never done an unboxing video 🤷♂️There’s a serious lack of Jet videos imo - you wanna see my reaction when I get a notification that you’ve just dropped one 🤭 Another great video mate, keep ‘em coming 🤘🎸
I do enjoy these reaction videos so more would be cool, some nice new guitars from JET but it's a pity they haven't done any with maple fret boards which I prefer, the prices are OK but these seem to be nearing the cost of some Fenders !!, enjoyable video 👍🎸😁
Cheers mate! I should do more of these types of vids - really easy to put together, minimal editing, and they actually do quite well on the views too 😃👍 But to be fair the image quality is dire and the audio is slightly out of sync 😂🙈
The HSS (Highly Secretive Society) would like you to SSH about the pickup configuration.😅 All guitar companies want to make quality. It keeps their best employees interested. They won't sell much north of 350 pounds, but they aspire to.
It's funny, I've been eyeing up that red fender player II strat that's just come out and now Jet has that js-380. However, it still has a 6 screw trem and I'm not keen on the gold hardware. Still might pick one up once they're available to buy. I've wanted a fiesta red-ish strat with a rosewood fretboard for a while now and they're starting to become more popular in the market.
You're right definitely starting to see more of them now 👍 You could get a decent Chrome wilkinson 2pt trem and a set of locking tuners all in for about £60. Then there's the tech fee's if you can't do it yourself. (I can't 😂)
honestly jet look good as always. I dont see the point of the elite series though as its close to a used charvel and we all know these are bonkers...with that being said, what im looking for is a black strat (preferably matte) with an ebony fingerboard but i cannot find ANY unless custom made..
Yeah this feels a bit like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases. The Jet J6 600 has a "mixed Ebony" fretboard - I'm guessing that's some kind of "Techwood?" 🤷♂️. Here's another option for you... Grab a Squier Debut off of Amazon for £130 in Matte Black, an "Allparts" Fender licensed Ebony Fretboard neck (MIJ) for around £200 and upgrade the other parts as you see fit over time. Tuners/Trem/Wiring/Pickups 😃 The thinner Squier body should also come with the added benefit of being more light weight. Make sure to put a trem in with a heavy duty "shorty" block to help with potential neck dive, especially if you add locking tuners (more weight to the headstock)
@@stevecassidyguitar as always top tier knowledge. and here i am looking everywhere for something that doesnt cost a fortune! Thanks alot Steve! appreciate your help
Compared to a fender player series (which is roughly the same price if not more than the new high end Jet guitars) you are getting so much more for your money! Better woods, locking tuners, roasted maple/ Indian rosewood etc. Even the gold hardware is a nice plus for those who desire it. I think big brands like fender need to step up their game and start offering quality and value compared to their brand name and heritage.
I know some people will argue for fenders pickups and the ability to customise due to abundance of spare parts etc But for the majority of musicians who don’t have the means to afford instruments worth £1000+ it’s nice to have a brand offer so much for so little.
Agreed - That's what a Brands whole purpose is - to see the brand and think quality, reliability etc... Fender have been a bit too hit and miss the past few years. I don't think thier QC has improved too much since covid 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar I agree massively, the Jet JS300 was a belter of a mod platform, I know because I modded one myself and it’s a beast! And yes, the QC of fender has taken a hit in recent years, and as a huge strat fan I have found myself turning to other brands and their S type alternatives quite often as of recent years. Brands like Jet, Yamaha, Harley Benton and even Reverend Guitars all offer huge value for a solid price point (sub £1000).
Damn, I just bought my JS400 this spring and changed tremolo, locking tuners and alnico pickups. And they made 480, that have it all from the box… I like purple one.
Ah... Bummer. Well hopefully you enjoyed the process 😃🤞 I still prefer the JS400 for the roasted maple fretboard (just in case I didn't mention that 8 times 😜)
I've heard some budget chinese guitar that sounds great with alnico V that came with them (from my experience, scorpion and kaysen guitars and both cost less than $300) so i'm comfident with Jet's decision. Though i hope the js 450 got the same gold hardware and new pickup upgrades. So close to being a real suhr guitar
To get the Gold hardware on a Js 450, they might have to call it a JS4580 - It's all starting to get a bit "Ibanez" there tho 😜 Maybe just JS450G makes more sense 😂👍
They've never made good choices with the pickguards and plastics (IMO) 😂🙈. Luckily those parts are not too expensive to replace. (Unless you get a custom pickguard made 😬)
I think they should stick to sub £350 guitars. Harley Benton in the main have stayed below £350 but push the boundaries. I think people have a cut off on budget brand prices. Resale is poor and we are all conditioned to like major brands. They really need to look at the logo too, it’s cheap and childish looking. Gear for music changed theirs and Stagg logo is unrecognisable it so subtle
Yeah mate - I think that's the sweet spot. At least for another couple of years. They could keep churning out the stuff their known for until they're more widely known, then try to go up a weight class. This does feel a bit like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases tho. The logo doesn't bother me too much - but I think you're right, it's gonna be a barrier for a lot of people
3 piece body nickel frets generic humbuckers and pickups for £600-£700 they are deluded, I love the look of their js700 but for the money I could get a harley benton fusion roasted with a real fr1000 and stainless frets and still have money to get sweets on the way home, love what you do
It's been installed by a tech at Agrajag guitars. They've did a fantastic job. I'll need to recheck the nut when I get back from Germany. But didn't notice anything out of the ordinary
They need to just employ you to spec these our Steve, come on Jet I know you're reading this. Whilst you're there, sell aftermarket pick guards 👍 That Olympic white 380 is winking at me, but I don't need any more guitars especially not Strats!
@@stevecassidyguitar if it was a maple board with a fatty CBS headstock, I would find it very hard to resist. I think I'm safe, for now at least 😂😂 famous last words eh?
I think they've miscalculated on the specs/pricing. The 480 and Elite range pricing would certainly be having me look at the more established brand names. I have 3 Jet guitars, JS-400, JT-350, JS-700 and have no plans to sell them so resale value makes no difference to me as they were very well priced. Once you start going over £400 for me personally I factor in how much I would lose if I were to sell a guitar on later. It's confusing that the 380 and 480 series are such a jump in price considering that both the 300 and 400 S guitars are both available for under £200 some of which have rosewood fretboards included in that price. For example it's possible to upgrade a JS-400 with locking tuners, new bridge, and some equivalent alnico pickups for around £100 .... so what is the additional £100 getting you on a 480? I definitely wouldn't be considering the JS-40 at that price, that's Fender Player series territory ... and they've replaced pau ferro with rosewood on the latest releases. I get the feeling there will be some pricing reductions on these new models eventually as they'll be slow movers, especially the Elite. Maybe I'm wrong and I hope Jet continues to get brand awareness and they punch way above their pricing on all the models I've tried so far. Also the logo needs to change, I was recently in a shop with a few in stock and had a good chat about the guitars. They said other customers had overlooked them because the logo is a bit juvenile and cheapens the overall look. I've removed the logo from my 3, if anybody asks me what the guitar is I'll be honest and tell them it's a Jet that I prefer to play over my Gibsons. The logo (not just in my opinion) is not doing the Jet brand any favours. I quite like the Jet name and think it's much better than other brands in a similar price range, the logo needs to go though.
We'll have to wait and see how the new models pan out. I'm still keen to check them out - they might be incredible and well worth it 🤷♂️ But also keen to see how they sell and if the pricing sticks. I'm already sold on Jet with the existing models, and can see the value in some of the higher ranges, like the JT600 for example. But It's not me they need to convince 😉
My Jet JT350 with a Pup change is my workhorse guitar at a BARGAIN price that shames guitars twice the price!. They should stay in that lane and plough it.
Do the frets on the maple fretboard come covered in lacquer like the MIM Player strats? Mine was such a pain to remove,it's put me right off buying Fender again,that aswell as several other issues I've had with it👍🏻
Nah mate they don't. The earlier runs of Jets did have gloss on the back of the neck and fretboards, but they listened to players and changed it for a thin satin urethane - Feels brilliant! 😎👍 If you're buying used, make sure the Jet logo on the headstock isn't a Multicoloured/Hologram-esque finish, the gloss neck ones had that logo. There was a transitional period where they had that logo and satin necks, but if you go with the white/peal-esque Jet logo you'll get satin everytime. I had a major issue with a Fender baritone neck in 2021, it had way too much gloss over all of it. The crowns of the frets were barely poking through pools of gloss around them and couldn't fit tuner posts through the holes due to the build up of too much gloss too.
@stevecassidyguitar Nice, I'm pretty sure I will go for a jet now,knowing that now, I've seen the rosewood boards in person but not the maple versions,so Im glad to hear your experience of them,thanks,good videos. 👍🏻
Hi Steve I e-mailed Jet about a year ago regarding string guages they told me all Jet guitars ship with 9-42 gauge strings,whether that's changed since who knows?
Good info mate - Cheers 👍 But here's how I know it's 10-46... First, we can't rely on Jet customer service. I asked them if the S & T tpe necks were compatible interchangeable due to the neck heels (square/round). They said they'd check with the factory and get back to me. Got back to me and said YES - they are! 😃 So I bought a used Jet JT I'd been looking at on eBay... Arrived, not compatible with the strat neck. As expected round vs square heel - Silly Jet! (I was raging tho! 😂) Then... There's the Fazley Phynicas - Same guitars as the Jets, same factory same specs, built by the same team, just with different branding on the headstock... Bax music had the specs listed for the Phynicas as coming with 10-46. Jet had no info on string guage on their specs. Then... there's just such a massive difference in feel/tension. As soon as I get a Jet in my hands, I change the strings to 9-42 straight away. Night & difference in feel. Then... These new Elite models coming with D'addario 10-46 just confirms it for me. So when you emailed Jet before, nothing has changed - they just gave you the wrong info. 🙈 Not your fault tho mate 😃👍
Vintage plastics thing has to stop. The only interesting Elite for me is the quilted top one JS-45. No stainless steel frets is a bit strange when it seems every other "budget" brand has them.
Hear, Hear! 😎👊. Yeah the lack of SS frets at these prices might put a lot of people off. I've just had SS frets installed on my JS400 - Get it back this week - I hope I like em 😬 Never experienced SS frets on a 9.5" radius fretboard before
Oh hell yeah! I finally picked up a new guitar btw - Sire S7 and couldn't be more stoked, but I'm looking at getting a cheaper guitar to leave at my parents and I love Jet. The purple strat looks great. The P-Bass matches the colour of my S7 so I'm tempted by that too! if they do a mustang or musicman style bass it's over for me lmao
@stevecassidyguitar They are never in the store .They are only sold online.I have online seen some basses in the shops a.nd some of those are pushing over a grand.
@@stevecassidyguitar The humbucker sounds like a chunky tele bridge pickup, I'm not joking. The EQ curve of the tone is kind of weird but interesting, rolled all the way off it's not super dark but more like a traditional mid heavy humbucker sound. This is reaffirming my love of brightly voiced humbuckers, though of course the other pickups are amazing, and the split bridge is great for super plinky strat bridge sounds. it's weirdly well balanced too! i do prefer the bridge to be a little louder generally so i can use it for leads/solos
@@stevecassidyguitar i like me some trashy trebley tones from time to time for sure and surfy plink. the humbucker is great for trashy trebley sounds though, i love bright HBers. Sire and Jet are the only affordable brands i can think of doing them
Rosewood Yes at last, but not with a 9.5" radius for me, and those aged parts look vile ! and the prices of the higher models is way OTT ! Compared to a HB Fusion, these new ones are overpriced, Jet are in danger of pricing themselves out of the mid range market, which is a shame. If/when they are available talk with your friends at Kenny's music and borrow some, but i can't see you buying one.
I suppose the Stygian could be more up your street with the 12" and Rosewood, but it's maybe a bit too metal for ya? 🤷♂️ Also -Yes - Pricey. It's definitely hard for anyone to keep up with Harley Benton as they don't have the distribution costs, trying to keep up has to mean way less profit. But yeah... I'll see if I can get one from either Kenny's or Jet - Would like to try the Baritone that I forgot to mention in the vid 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar I have all the "Metal" style guitars that i need, and now that i am retired i don't have the income to splash out on another one just to spend 99% of it's life still in the box. Re Jet vs Thomann, cutting out the midleman makes a big difference plus HB can order way more than Jet will ever sell. Why not ask Kenny's to sponsor you, that way you will have access to all the ones they stock, variety is the spice of life.
@@Barbarapape Good points well made Barbara 👍 I'd probably rather have guitars from Kennys (without sponsor/pay) but I'd take it from whoever can it it to me quickest 😜 I'm finding that getting in on things early really helps to grow the channel
@@stevecassidyguitar We need more reviewers from the UK that are open and honest to receive samples of the latest gear just before it hits the shops. I find the ones from the USA too anonying to watch, and are clearly only there for the freebies. Good luck with finding anyone to loan you the samples for review.
Generally the people buying brands like Jet are only doing so as they can't afford a Fender or for the novelty of owning a budget guitar that's pretty good
There doesent seem to be many maple fretboard models apart from the Tele that I am considering buying, I would love a Tele with an ebony fretboard, this seems to be non existant in the guitar world! I was thinking of getting a Gordon Smith Tele commissioned to my own specs, it would cost me an arm and a leg though!
They great thing about Tele's and Strats is they all have the potential to be partscasters 😃 You can get an All parts (Fender Licenced) Tele Neck with an Ebony fretboard for around £200 - I think they might be unfinished tho 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar Thats good to know, I might buy one as I have a Fender USA Telecaster that I would love to put an ebony fretboard neck on as it has a rosewood one and Im not keen on them.
Damn! It has the old type truss rod adjuster on the bottom of the neck block and I hate those things! I will have a look at Warmoth to see if they have any, their prices are sky-high though so I think buying a new guitar from Gordon Smith might be more financially viable
@stevecassidyguitar just snagged a vt62 hb strat from Ebay for 70 quid,once I've finished messing around with that I'm going to look for one. Budget guitars are amazing at the moment and I'm definitely not good enough to justify anything expensive......
The gold is a no no for me. Looks lovely but when it tarnishes it's awful. I see the prices are 300+ now. They will have to of done a good job on the pick-ups or its big no for me. Price jump of 130+. I'd rather buy a an old model and a set of vanson locking tuners and a set of tonerider pups. Also, would be nice to have just your bog standard maple instead of roasted. I prefer the look of normal maple especially on a white strat. I've decided am going to buy a player 2 strat. Buy a set of locking tuners and a graph tech tusq nut and string tree. Take it to a luthier and get it set up to perfection.
I'm with ya on the worn gold hardware - not my favourite 😬. Rememeber, we're getting that Roasted Poplar body too tho 😜 The Jury's out on that one for me tho. I've never tried it, or even heard of it. I'm not a believer in tonewood anyway. BUT... If the idea is to make the bodies more consistently lighter - then I'm sold! But I'm just making things up now - no idea if that's the case 😂
Oooh! That's a hard one to answer 😬 Here's the truth... I've not had an issue with any Jets yet in terms of (the important stuff) fret work, or nut cuts - Theyve all been spot on. I've had around 12. But... I've also did a lot of vids on them and have had comments with people not having the same experience. So Maybe I just got lucky.... 12 times 😂 The issues I HAVE had with the Jets are... on the earlier runs, the tuners were not great quality (So I just changed em), I had to return 2 JS400's that had laquer cracks in the neck pocket (No biggie, but I got a perfect one 3rd time and it's my No1 Guitar now). And on the newer Jet JS 300/400 The tuners seem better, but they have now changed supplier with the saddles that have a wee issue with having a hump in the center instead of a string guide/channel. So now I'd recommend changing the saddles unless they're stamped "MVB" - those are fine. For the Harley Benton's - My personal experience is once you go above £250, you've got a much better chance of getting a "good un" but once again, comments sections are rife with people having bad experiences. Another observation is I see a lot more Harley Benton B Stocks than I've seen Jet B Stocks. Hope that helps mate 😬🤷♂️
@@stevecassidyguitar well that's a great feedback, thanks. I'm asking because HB guitars are very easy to order and return for free in France, Jet guitars maybe not so much. I just have one HB, a fusion 3 hardtail, it needed a professional setup. I know how to fix truss rod, intonation, action, but not set the nut height or level the frets, I need a guitar tech for more "destructive" actions. And this fusion was unable to drop D without a full setup, just buzzing everywhere ! Again thanks for reviewing this brand, they sure have a beautiful line up, I will try one and see (maybe the 1000 line).
@@scrypt0 Sounds like we're on the same skill level Re Guitar Maintenance. I'm bothering my local tech all the time for Pickup swaps, new nuts etc 😂 It's always a bit embarrasing when a Brand manages to make a poor job of a hard tail 🙈 If you have access to BAX music, I think they're in the netherlands. They stock Jet, and also have a returns policy 👍
Yeah I also thought that was an interesting choice. I think the reasoning behind it maybe so you can differentiate them from other series? 🤷♂️ But I could see a lot of players changing out the gold. Very few people complain about or don't like chrome/nickle hardware, but gold is a bit more devisive I think 🤔
@@stevecassidyguitar yeah, the issues with gold hardware: 1. it's not "classic". Fender didn't use gold hardware on their Strats in the 50s, the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, etc etc. (Except for an occasional model) 2. gold hardware doesn't age well 3. it doesn't match with as many colors 4. it looks tacky on Fender-style guitars IMO
Disappointed in Jet. First the price increase. To me to me they were making really good affordable guitars hopefully they will continue to make them.Not a fan of the color choices. The colors they had in the JS-300 and JS-400 were good.Bring the yellow and seafoam green in the JS-480 series please.The gold hardware. Are you kidding me. Of all the guitar players I know not one owens a guitar with gold hardware . I'm not a fan of gold hardware.Basswood to roasted poplar not a fan of either. Also I have been wanting a HH strat and while Jet has one don't like the sparkling colors or the new one in black only. Was really looking forward to getting a JS-480 in yellow but not now. I want the yellow JS-400 are they going to continue making the JS-400? I have looked but can't find one here in the US. Thanks for the update on Jet guitars. Really appreciate it.🎸🤘🏻
I'm pretty sure they will continue to make the existing series guitars that have built their reputation, I'm looking forward to those in different colours, and maybe a thinline Tele, and an offset with a trem too please Jet 😜🙏 I'm not sure what the reason for the Gold hardware is either, It might just be to differentiate it from the existing range and maybe make it appear a bit more premium? 🤷♂️ But yeah, I agree i think it's a weird choice as people do have strong opinions about gold hardware, but no-one really complains about chrome or nickel 🤷♂️ Edit: Also the jury is out for me on roasted poplar. I've never tried it, I'm not a believer in tonewood anyway. BUT... If the idea is to make the bodies more consistently lighter - then I'm sold! But I'm just making things up now - no idea if that's the case 😂
It's almost expected with some of these new nrands at these prices now eh? I've just had my JS 400 refretted with SS frets. Get it back this week - I hope I like it 😬🤞 It will be the only guitar I've ever played with SS frets on a 9.5" radius
I am a big fan of stainless steel frets. I refretted my acoustic with them myself but it was a big job. Didn't fancy doing that again with an electric guitar so went with Eart. If Harley Bentons didn't have such flat fretboards I might have gone with them instead. Very happy with the Eart but would love one of these jets with SS frets.
Quite disappointed with the new models. 1. Lack of maple fretboard options 2. First 2 elite models with 6-point trems(?!) ffs 3. Expensive comparing their existing models Good content Steve!
It's hard for me to see the prices as justifiable, as most of the specs on the new models don't really appeal to me. If it was all the stuff I liked - maybe I'd feel differently 🤷♂️ But I think these will cater to a different crowd than the people (like us) who already like the existing ranges. So good for Jet for expanding the range. But what I'd really like to see is a Jet Thinline Tele (with the JT350 contours) an offset like the JJ350 but with a trem of some sort, and Maybe a thinline strat too 😜 and thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏
Where should a company go than up ? Expand never end with "new colors" of the same models ? They have 300 and 400 covered, new models are just additions for different players and the ones who expect a bit more. Also, 850 and 1000 series were there almost from the start and those sell for 600-ish. Why not go for 750 with a even better guitar...
Good points well made Mr Loompi 😎👍 I agree, even though the new models are not for me (They've already got me with the existing models) So yeah It's smart to cast the net futher 👍
Got to be hss of course!! Rosewood looks good actually, taking my interest away from the fender player 2 series, cheer up lad maybe get roasted maple another time 😅❤🤟👌😬
Pretty much started that way mate - Making pretty awesome S & T types for super cheap. Good specs, and very well executed. A bit like Harley Benton except (most of) the Jet necks feel exactly like Fenders, not quite as highly specced as Bentons for the price. But Jet have been my favourite brand for a couple of years now. Fender Killers (imo)
Yeah - with Harley Benton not having any distribution costs and they can make so many units, it's almost impossible for other brands to keep up or make any profit. Seems like that might be the choice, Keep up or Profit 🤷♂️
I prefer to go the other way - Buy cheap and upgrade. It's the poor man's custom shop 😜 I don't think there's any guitars at any price I would keep stock. Just got my JS400 refretted with SS frets (Should get it back in a day or 2) I don't know if any other guitars exist with a 9.5" radius fretboard, C shaped roasted maple neck with Stainless steel frets
@@stevecassidyguitar Get a Gibson 335, or a USA-built Epiphone Casino, aside from a bone nut, its all done. Its the only guitar where that was all i needed to do. It was already done!
@@marccarter1350 Ah maybe that's how I don't get it - I've never been a fan of Gibson guitars personally 😬 Could never get on with the necks, I prefer Maple fretboards and single coils and Gibsons can be a bit weighty for my feeble stature 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar Yeah, we seem to Disagree on Guitar brands, never been a Fender player. I like Rosewood Fretboards, much perfer the neck on the Gibson, they feel right. Like smaller frets that Gibson use. Hate the massive Jumbo Frets that some Fenders come with, man forget Maple fret boards lol! Each to there own i guess.
It’s HSS, for me it’s a naw, £700 ish on the high end with zero resale value due to no brand recognition. These guys have to start somewhere but again it’s a naw. 🤷🏼♂️
HSS is the correct answer ✅😁👍 Top o the class mate! But yeah will be interesting to see how these sell. Would also love to try one out just see what they're all about
if y just faff about and strum some wood duck tunes, sure ,buy a jet ,its a chinese copy of a real guitar, hang it on th wall , but remember if y want to play hard ,its made of crap steel and slapped together by somebody that never played a note..jet is junk...bought one for 1200 bux after 5 weeks it was firewood..do not waste y money.
They're trying to get too far ahead of the game with the more expensive guitars. Get a good reputation producing good quality budget guitars and then try to break into the upper market. Fender prices on a budget brand won't work. They may have better specs. than the original, sound better, even play better but that won't cut it with customers. Those are not entry level prices. Regarding knobs and their colour. I can't imagine they're producing different colours for every guitar so it might just be graphic content which, by the way was what I was hoping for when confronted with "12 new models!" at this hour of the day before my first coffee.
Yeah this does feel a bit like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases.
Everyone wants to go upscale. Jet is a contender because low price - fancy schmancy I can get everywhere else....
Yeah this feels like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases
Getting too pricey for me.. I would go to another brand like Schecter... that 500 to 700 sector is very competitive .. and sorry but jet hasn't got the longevity and prestige status.. should of gone with different colours and Getting the pickups and knobs right. P.s I own A jet 450, a fazley Relic, Schecter super shredder FR, PRS Ce , Sire S7. Sire L7, and a Cort G300 Raw.. the Cort is the most underrated guitar by far. And that is cheaper and better spec than the new JET elite. Anyway great video as usual 👌
Thank ya kindly mate! 🙏
Agreed - the competition is fierce in these price ranges.
HSS 👍🏻
Correct! ✅😁👍
Probably an error since the other guitars that are HSS are spelled correctly.
@@superxorn Ah good point! 😎👍 Quite a lot of errors (or ommissions) on the website 😬
I imagine I'm not alone in saying that pretty much none of these for me, and this is looking like an attempt at moving upmarket - and these certainly are specced to be good enough to compete, but they will have to do a heck of a lot of brand perception shifting here. But the thing is, the more premium you go the less competition there is. So I understand why they have done this, but it feels like a break up from their OG fan base and we're being told "It's not you, it's me". Good luck to Jet though I hope that they do really really well and go strength to strength. And we can all tell our grandkids the stories of when we bought out JS-400 for under £200 :)
Ha! Yeah, It would be great for Jet if the brand reaches that status in 40 years - It won't be good for me thogh I won't have any "all original" Jets 😂🙈 Mines have all been modded/ruined 😂
But you're right about perception shifting, It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases tho
I love the contoured heel/neck joint. I’d definitely want to try and buy from a shop for the more expensive models. Great video.
Thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏
Trying first is a smart move sir 😎👍
The headstock shape is better than a Fender one which you can also use to dig the garden 😄
If one is so inclined 😂👍
Steve Stygian means very dark foreboding! Oxford English Dictionary 👍
Thank ya mate! Can't argue with the dictionary 😂👌
I've tried and failed
Look like lovely guitars...tempted!
I've got the JS480 in now. Thought I wouldn't like it, but I've been playing it a lot 👍
I like the carbon pickguard on the tele, some of the other colour matching though.....🧐🤷♂️
I like the Carbom guard too - Just not black/Grey carbon on Gold 😂🙈
SSH is humbucker in the neck which is the path to madness. It's also for logging in to remote servers.
My mind can barely picture that config - it hurts! 🥴😂
I do like some of the new series. I think the new JS-400 HT model are great because they’re kept in the normal budget price range. I’m sure they will be popular.
The JS-380 are really nice too, but they’re getting close to Squier Classic Vibe price range. So what will people pick out of those two??
I really think they should have made a maple fretboard choice for both the 380 and 480. Just like they have a rosewood model in both the 300 and 400 🤷♂️ would it have been that much more difficult to make - I simply don’t get that decision.
The Elite series are not for me, they’re simply too expensive.
Will be interesting to see how well these ones perform. Most of the specs not to my taste, but Jet have already got me hooked with thier existing models. Casting the net further out should appeal to potential new buyers 🤷♂️ But yeah... MORE MAPLE PLEASE! 😜🙏
Thank you for your RUclips videos - they are great and informative. Your review of the new releases is interesting. I have a JS1000 and the only upgrade to the JS45 version I can see is the tremelo. In Australia the JS45 is about $400 more than the JS1000. That’s a lot of money for a tremelo instead of the fixed bridge. I also bought the JT600 in large part because of your video and I am very happy with it - especially the neck pickup. I do get a bit of static from the very white pickguard though.
Thank ya kindly mate! I'm glad the vids have been useful and you're happy with your JT600 😃👍
The JS1000 and JS45 do look quite similar, but the biggest differences for me would be the 12" vs 9.5" Radius, Rosewood Vs Roasted maple fretboards, and the quartersawn neck. I'm guessing the pickups might be different too and like you say, the trem VS hardtail.
Ideally I'd have the JS1000 Neck specs on the JS45 body. But with the regular Jet headstock shape 😜
Checked out 3 last weekend. The workmanship was flawless. The necks and fret ends were perfect. Super impressive guitars for about $500.
Really!?! That's great to hear! 😃 Was it the new ones you tried? 🤔 which models? I didn't think they were in stores yet
There are price differences in the series that are hard to justify. Like 380 vs 400 : 150€ difference for gold hardware and alnico noname pickups...
Well there's also the "Roasted Poplar" bodies over "Basswood" but... the jury is out for me on roasted poplar. I've never tried it or even heard of it as being a thing. I'm not a believer in tonewood anyway, BUT... If the idea is to make the bodies more consistently lighter - then I'm sold! But I'm just making things up now - no idea if that's the case 😂
@@stevecassidyguitar Lighter would be good, yes. It's possible that this would make the tuning more stable, if the wood is less sensitive to ambient humidity...
@@jaunianise4172 Could be - that's what they say about roasted maple necks too, but I think it might be BS 😜 I've got roasted necks on Fender, Charvel, Squier, Jet, Fazley, they've all still gave me some seasonal fret sprout. But I don't really case I just love the look and feel of roasted maple 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar You live in GB too! It's like living directly underwater! 🐸
Here in France I have a difference between maple and roasted maple, I can see that it moves less when it's roasted.
Those high end ones definitely have a suhr vibe about them
Agreed - Especially that Firebust one, That's a stunner! 😎👌
Agree with you about wanting maple fretboard options. Ah well, I guess they have to go with what sells.
That's it mate 👍 To be fair they still have plent of options with Roasted maple. They were getting complaints there wasn't enough Rosewood and I think they just went a bit OTT with it 😂👍
769 euros is $840 US. For that money you can get a better brand with more pride in ownership and resale value. Jet makes premium budget guitars in the sub $400 market. Above that and I can’t imagine buying one when so many options exist. My opinion only, of course.
Not only your opinion mate - It sounds like mine too 😜
It will be interesting to see how well these do. I'd love to check one out though to see what they're all about 👍
I'm waiting for them to put out a 7 string with a traditional strat style and colors, similar to Alex Gregory's stuff. A surf green or fiesta red 7 string with a pale maple neck + fretboard or rosewood board would be fantastic! It must also have a trem, original, 2 point or floyd rose. Please Jet, make it happen.
I'd never even heard of him until now - But that actually does sound like a very cool guitar - Nice one mate 😃👍
I like the black 380, matches perfectly with my current Fender😎🤙
Nice one mate - I hope you get them in the US soon. You can be first to check em out 😁👍
@@stevecassidyguitar They are GAS producing for sure.
I'm going to buy one. After watching this vid, JS-400 will be bought.
😂👍 Soz!
Although - You won't be dissapointed, the JS400's are awesome 😎👌 (imo)
@@stevecassidyguitarI've already bought it. Everything is great for its price, except loud noise from single coil PUs in my environment (in front of PC). I'm thinking about replace with noiseless PUs. Close to Fender tone, any recommend?
ok I'll start with shielding, the lowest cost
JT-30 Gold - yep, pickguard looks like it should be on an F1 car more than a T style guitar.
Ha! Glad I'm not the only one that thinks it's a bit off 😜👍
It was a very exciting announcement (the new line) for all us hardcore Jet Heads 😎. And the amount of sheer comments on this video in only a few hours will testify to that. Honestly, I can’t really fault it. We are always gonna be biased towards what we like but I think they’ve added so much more to the range it’s unreal. Such a huge choice now. And it will be interesting to see how the new more expensive models and ranges do. Can’t fault them for trying, that’s for sure. Personally speaking I was really looking forward to the ‘Elite’ range, and man does that Fireburst look killer 🤤. But the headstock is not for me either, at least not yet (Kinda reminds me of the Fazley one) and the neck radius would not be my first choice. So what did I go for ? …………. Drum Roll …….. 🥁……another Js600 😃
Yep,haha. Think I was telling you before mate, I love my Js600 (Trans Red) so I had to get another (Tasty Tobacco Burst Finish). Don’t think they are updating that line until maybe next year btw. I may even do an unboxing video when it arrives. Never done an unboxing video 🤷♂️There’s a serious lack of Jet videos imo - you wanna see my reaction when I get a notification that you’ve just dropped one 🤭 Another great video mate, keep ‘em coming 🤘🎸
Brilliant mate! Congrats on your 2nd JS600! 😃👍 I'll keep an eye out for the unboxing! Cheers mate 😃🙏
I do enjoy these reaction videos so more would be cool, some nice new guitars from JET but it's a pity they haven't done any with maple fret boards which I prefer, the prices are OK but these seem to be nearing the cost of some Fenders !!, enjoyable video 👍🎸😁
Cheers mate! I should do more of these types of vids - really easy to put together, minimal editing, and they actually do quite well on the views too 😃👍 But to be fair the image quality is dire and the audio is slightly out of sync 😂🙈
The HSS (Highly Secretive Society) would like you to SSH about the pickup configuration.😅 All guitar companies want to make quality. It keeps their best employees interested. They won't sell much north of 350 pounds, but they aspire to.
Ha! Nice one mate 😁👌
It's funny, I've been eyeing up that red fender player II strat that's just come out and now Jet has that js-380. However, it still has a 6 screw trem and I'm not keen on the gold hardware. Still might pick one up once they're available to buy.
I've wanted a fiesta red-ish strat with a rosewood fretboard for a while now and they're starting to become more popular in the market.
You're right definitely starting to see more of them now 👍
You could get a decent Chrome wilkinson 2pt trem and a set of locking tuners all in for about £60. Then there's the tech fee's if you can't do it yourself. (I can't 😂)
So my JS-300 is accidently become a JS-380, but that was months ago...🤫
😂 Congrats! 👍
honestly jet look good as always. I dont see the point of the elite series though as its close to a used charvel and we all know these are bonkers...with that being said, what im looking for is a black strat (preferably matte) with an ebony fingerboard but i cannot find ANY unless custom made..
Yeah this feels a bit like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases.
The Jet J6 600 has a "mixed Ebony" fretboard - I'm guessing that's some kind of "Techwood?" 🤷♂️.
Here's another option for you... Grab a Squier Debut off of Amazon for £130 in Matte Black, an "Allparts" Fender licensed Ebony Fretboard neck (MIJ) for around £200 and upgrade the other parts as you see fit over time. Tuners/Trem/Wiring/Pickups 😃 The thinner Squier body should also come with the added benefit of being more light weight. Make sure to put a trem in with a heavy duty "shorty" block to help with potential neck dive, especially if you add locking tuners (more weight to the headstock)
@@stevecassidyguitar as always top tier knowledge. and here i am looking everywhere for something that doesnt cost a fortune! Thanks alot Steve! appreciate your help
@@panosv7258 No worries - I hope it works out. It did in my mind... in theory 😂👍 You might have to do a wee bit more research 😜
Compared to a fender player series (which is roughly the same price if not more than the new high end Jet guitars) you are getting so much more for your money!
Better woods, locking tuners, roasted maple/ Indian rosewood etc.
Even the gold hardware is a nice plus for those who desire it. I think big brands like fender need to step up their game and start offering quality and value compared to their brand name and heritage.
I know some people will argue for fenders pickups and the ability to customise due to abundance of spare parts etc
But for the majority of musicians who don’t have the means to afford instruments worth £1000+ it’s nice to have a brand offer so much for so little.
Agreed - That's what a Brands whole purpose is - to see the brand and think quality, reliability etc... Fender have been a bit too hit and miss the past few years. I don't think thier QC has improved too much since covid 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar I agree massively, the Jet JS300 was a belter of a mod platform, I know because I modded one myself and it’s a beast! And yes, the QC of fender has taken a hit in recent years, and as a huge strat fan I have found myself turning to other brands and their S type alternatives quite often as of recent years. Brands like Jet, Yamaha, Harley Benton and even Reverend Guitars all offer huge value for a solid price point (sub £1000).
Damn, I just bought my JS400 this spring and changed tremolo, locking tuners and alnico pickups. And they made 480, that have it all from the box… I like purple one.
Ah... Bummer. Well hopefully you enjoyed the process 😃🤞
I still prefer the JS400 for the roasted maple fretboard (just in case I didn't mention that 8 times 😜)
That JS-380 OW Gold looks soo good 🔥 thats definitely the next jet ill be picking up when its available on gear4music
Nice one mate! 😃👍
I've heard some budget chinese guitar that sounds great with alnico V that came with them (from my experience, scorpion and kaysen guitars and both cost less than $300) so i'm comfident with Jet's decision.
Though i hope the js 450 got the same gold hardware and new pickup upgrades. So close to being a real suhr guitar
To get the Gold hardware on a Js 450, they might have to call it a JS4580 - It's all starting to get a bit "Ibanez" there tho 😜 Maybe just JS450G makes more sense 😂👍
Conclusion, Jet went sour by changing the trem and pick-up caps...... 🍋
They've never made good choices with the pickguards and plastics (IMO) 😂🙈. Luckily those parts are not too expensive to replace. (Unless you get a custom pickguard made 😬)
I think they should stick to sub £350 guitars. Harley Benton in the main have stayed below £350 but push the boundaries. I think people have a cut off on budget brand prices. Resale is poor and we are all conditioned to like major brands.
They really need to look at the logo too, it’s cheap and childish looking. Gear for music changed theirs and Stagg logo is unrecognisable it so subtle
Yeah mate - I think that's the sweet spot. At least for another couple of years. They could keep churning out the stuff their known for until they're more widely known, then try to go up a weight class. This does feel a bit like a market test. It's very difficult for a new(ish) brand to go upscale. I think Sire have managed to do this quite well in terms of timing and gradual increases tho. The logo doesn't bother me too much - but I think you're right, it's gonna be a barrier for a lot of people
Stygian means "relating to the River Styx in Greek mythology", or maybe the Styx snooker clubs in Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes.
It's got to be the Snooker clubs - Surely/Shirley? 😂👍
Maple.... Arrrggghhhhhhh!!!!
😂👍 That was my reaction to the lack of maple 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar Personally, I'm very happy to see more rosewood necks.
3 piece body nickel frets generic humbuckers and pickups for £600-£700 they are deluded, I love the look of their js700 but for the money I could get a harley benton fusion roasted with a real fr1000 and stainless frets and still have money to get sweets on the way home, love what you do
Ha! Love the sweets banter! 😂👍 Cheers mate 😃🙏
HSS
Correct! ✅😁👍
Some nice looking stuff mate. If you do get the 480 and do a neck swap I’d take the rosewood neck off your hands for my js300 😉
Good to know! 😁👍 Remember the neck joints will be different though, the 4 screw layout on the 480 will be for the sculpted heel 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar god damn it 😂
HSS. Strat would look weird with single in bridge and humbucker in neck
Ha! You're right! My brain is struggling to even picture it 😂👍
Agreed Mr C 480 range needs further attention and yes HSS… keep up the good work… 👍
HSS is the correct answer! Top o the class mate! 😃👍
Thank god for you! I hate IG or FB....👍🏼🎸🤘🏼🎸
HA! Me too mate, I onlt started IG a few months ago - I can't get into it. and FB I've never like but gotta admit it's good for buying/selling gear
Steve, how did u get on with the nut on your js400 mod? Did it fit OK, the graphtec one I mean. I've heard there a funny size o the jet? Thanks
It's been installed by a tech at Agrajag guitars. They've did a fantastic job. I'll need to recheck the nut when I get back from Germany. But didn't notice anything out of the ordinary
You missed one! The 400 series now has a hardtail hot rod - rosewood board, one humbucker, one volume, no tone, 219 euro. That's my pocket money gone.
I missed 2! 😂🙈 Also forgot the Offset Baritone 🙈 Soz 😬
They need to just employ you to spec these our Steve, come on Jet I know you're reading this. Whilst you're there, sell aftermarket pick guards 👍
That Olympic white 380 is winking at me, but I don't need any more guitars especially not Strats!
Ha! that would be nice 😂👍
Are you sure you don't just need one more strat? Just a wee one? A wee white one? 👹
@@stevecassidyguitar if it was a maple board with a fatty CBS headstock, I would find it very hard to resist. I think I'm safe, for now at least 😂😂 famous last words eh?
I think they've miscalculated on the specs/pricing. The 480 and Elite range pricing would certainly be having me look at the more established brand names. I have 3 Jet guitars, JS-400, JT-350, JS-700 and have no plans to sell them so resale value makes no difference to me as they were very well priced. Once you start going over £400 for me personally I factor in how much I would lose if I were to sell a guitar on later. It's confusing that the 380 and 480 series are such a jump in price considering that both the 300 and 400 S guitars are both available for under £200 some of which have rosewood fretboards included in that price. For example it's possible to upgrade a JS-400 with locking tuners, new bridge, and some equivalent alnico pickups for around £100 .... so what is the additional £100 getting you on a 480? I definitely wouldn't be considering the JS-40 at that price, that's Fender Player series territory ... and they've replaced pau ferro with rosewood on the latest releases.
I get the feeling there will be some pricing reductions on these new models eventually as they'll be slow movers, especially the Elite. Maybe I'm wrong and I hope Jet continues to get brand awareness and they punch way above their pricing on all the models I've tried so far.
Also the logo needs to change, I was recently in a shop with a few in stock and had a good chat about the guitars. They said other customers had overlooked them because the logo is a bit juvenile and cheapens the overall look. I've removed the logo from my 3, if anybody asks me what the guitar is I'll be honest and tell them it's a Jet that I prefer to play over my Gibsons. The logo (not just in my opinion) is not doing the Jet brand any favours. I quite like the Jet name and think it's much better than other brands in a similar price range, the logo needs to go though.
Arent 480 like 319-ish £ ?
@@MrLoompi around £400 based on EUR pricing I’ve seen
@@michaelpowierski 389€ RRP on JET website ( street price should be even a little lower). That would be around 320 £.
We'll have to wait and see how the new models pan out. I'm still keen to check them out - they might be incredible and well worth it 🤷♂️ But also keen to see how they sell and if the pricing sticks.
I'm already sold on Jet with the existing models, and can see the value in some of the higher ranges, like the JT600 for example. But It's not me they need to convince 😉
£349 based off the EURO RRP on website and todays conversion rate.
The RRP of the existing models is pretty much what they sell for atm too 👍
You're quite hung up on this scratchplate/colour matching thing eh, mate? Shades of Laurence Llewellen-Bowen 🤣🤣🤣
It's a problem 😂 I'm seeking therapy 😂👍
Fantastic ❤😊
Thank ya mate! 😃🙏
Hi Steve, I've always said "HSS" but if it's going to cause a bit confusion maybe we should just say "BIG, LITTLE, LITTLE" (or maybe not).
I think that could catch on mate! 😂👍
My Jet JT350 with a Pup change is my workhorse guitar at a BARGAIN price that shames guitars twice the price!.
They should stay in that lane and plough it.
I hear ya mate - I've just got my JS 400 back from the Tech with ne Stainless Steel frets installed - Hope I love em! 😬🤞
Do the frets on the maple fretboard come covered in lacquer like the MIM Player strats? Mine was such a pain to remove,it's put me right off buying Fender again,that aswell as several other issues I've had with it👍🏻
Nah mate they don't. The earlier runs of Jets did have gloss on the back of the neck and fretboards, but they listened to players and changed it for a thin satin urethane - Feels brilliant! 😎👍
If you're buying used, make sure the Jet logo on the headstock isn't a Multicoloured/Hologram-esque finish, the gloss neck ones had that logo. There was a transitional period where they had that logo and satin necks, but if you go with the white/peal-esque Jet logo you'll get satin everytime.
I had a major issue with a Fender baritone neck in 2021, it had way too much gloss over all of it. The crowns of the frets were barely poking through pools of gloss around them and couldn't fit tuner posts through the holes due to the build up of too much gloss too.
@stevecassidyguitar Nice, I'm pretty sure I will go for a jet now,knowing that now, I've seen the rosewood boards in person but not the maple versions,so Im glad to hear your experience of them,thanks,good videos. 👍🏻
@@SBsoton Thank you mate 🙏
Hi Steve I e-mailed Jet about a year ago regarding string guages they told me all Jet guitars ship with 9-42 gauge strings,whether that's changed since who knows?
Good info mate - Cheers 👍 But here's how I know it's 10-46...
First, we can't rely on Jet customer service. I asked them if the S & T tpe necks were compatible interchangeable due to the neck heels (square/round). They said they'd check with the factory and get back to me. Got back to me and said YES - they are! 😃
So I bought a used Jet JT I'd been looking at on eBay... Arrived, not compatible with the strat neck. As expected round vs square heel - Silly Jet! (I was raging tho! 😂)
Then... There's the Fazley Phynicas - Same guitars as the Jets, same factory same specs, built by the same team, just with different branding on the headstock... Bax music had the specs listed for the Phynicas as coming with 10-46. Jet had no info on string guage on their specs.
Then... there's just such a massive difference in feel/tension. As soon as I get a Jet in my hands, I change the strings to 9-42 straight away. Night & difference in feel.
Then... These new Elite models coming with D'addario 10-46 just confirms it for me.
So when you emailed Jet before, nothing has changed - they just gave you the wrong info. 🙈 Not your fault tho mate 😃👍
Vintage plastics thing has to stop. The only interesting Elite for me is the quilted top one JS-45. No stainless steel frets is a bit strange when it seems every other "budget" brand has them.
Hear, Hear! 😎👊. Yeah the lack of SS frets at these prices might put a lot of people off. I've just had SS frets installed on my JS400 - Get it back this week - I hope I like em 😬 Never experienced SS frets on a 9.5" radius fretboard before
Glad to see I'm not the only one who can't stand the entire "vintage plastics " thing on guitars.
@@klextacy It's an epidemic! 😂 When will it stop!? 🤯
😜
Oh hell yeah! I finally picked up a new guitar btw - Sire S7 and couldn't be more stoked, but I'm looking at getting a cheaper guitar to leave at my parents and I love Jet. The purple strat looks great. The P-Bass matches the colour of my S7 so I'm tempted by that too! if they do a mustang or musicman style bass it's over for me lmao
HNGD! Congrats on the Sire 🥳 I've only ever heard great things about those 😃👍
@stevecassidyguitar
They are never in the store .They are only sold online.I have online seen some basses in the shops
a.nd some of those are pushing over a grand.
@@stevecassidyguitar The humbucker sounds like a chunky tele bridge pickup, I'm not joking. The EQ curve of the tone is kind of weird but interesting, rolled all the way off it's not super dark but more like a traditional mid heavy humbucker sound.
This is reaffirming my love of brightly voiced humbuckers, though of course the other pickups are amazing, and the split bridge is great for super plinky strat bridge sounds. it's weirdly well balanced too! i do prefer the bridge to be a little louder generally so i can use it for leads/solos
@@SisterRose Nice! I'm all about the "Super Plinky" 😁👍
@@stevecassidyguitar i like me some trashy trebley tones from time to time for sure and surfy plink. the humbucker is great for trashy trebley sounds though, i love bright HBers. Sire and Jet are the only affordable brands i can think of doing them
I was just hoping that they would offer a JS-400 styled model with a heel adjustment on the neck, wven if its at a JS-450 price.
Yeah... That's pretty much the main thing I'd love to see too
Rosewood Yes at last, but not with a 9.5" radius for me, and those aged parts look vile ! and the prices of the
higher models is way OTT !
Compared to a HB Fusion, these new ones are overpriced, Jet are in danger of pricing themselves out of the
mid range market, which is a shame.
If/when they are available talk with your friends at Kenny's music and borrow some, but i can't see you buying one.
I suppose the Stygian could be more up your street with the 12" and Rosewood, but it's maybe a bit too metal for ya? 🤷♂️ Also -Yes - Pricey. It's definitely hard for anyone to keep up with Harley Benton as they don't have the distribution costs, trying to keep up has to mean way less profit.
But yeah... I'll see if I can get one from either Kenny's or Jet - Would like to try the Baritone that I forgot to mention in the vid 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar I have all the "Metal" style guitars that i need, and now that i am retired
i don't have the income to splash out on another one just to spend 99% of it's life still in the box.
Re Jet vs Thomann, cutting out the midleman makes a big difference plus HB can order way more
than Jet will ever sell.
Why not ask Kenny's to sponsor you, that way you will have access to all the ones they stock,
variety is the spice of life.
@@Barbarapape Good points well made Barbara 👍
I'd probably rather have guitars from Kennys (without sponsor/pay) but I'd take it from whoever can it it to me quickest 😜 I'm finding that getting in on things early really helps to grow the channel
@@stevecassidyguitar We need more reviewers from the UK that are open and honest to receive
samples of the latest gear just before it hits the shops.
I find the ones from the USA too anonying to watch, and are clearly only there for the freebies.
Good luck with finding anyone to loan you the samples for review.
Those prices are insane
Yeah there's a lot of competition in those price brackets, even from the more established brands
Generally the people buying brands like Jet are only doing so as they can't afford a Fender or for the novelty of owning a budget guitar that's pretty good
There doesent seem to be many maple fretboard models apart from the Tele that I am considering buying, I would love a Tele with an ebony fretboard, this seems to be non existant in the guitar world! I was thinking of getting a Gordon Smith Tele commissioned to my own specs, it would cost me an arm and a leg though!
They great thing about Tele's and Strats is they all have the potential to be partscasters 😃 You can get an All parts (Fender Licenced) Tele Neck with an Ebony fretboard for around £200 - I think they might be unfinished tho 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar Thats good to know, I might buy one as I have a Fender USA Telecaster that I would love to put an ebony fretboard neck on as it has a rosewood one and Im not keen on them.
Damn! It has the old type truss rod adjuster on the bottom of the neck block and I hate those things! I will have a look at Warmoth to see if they have any, their prices are sky-high though so I think buying a new guitar from Gordon Smith might be more financially viable
I prefer maple too. You're not alone!
No biggie swapping those nicotin stained plastics....😁
Agreed, It's not a big deal - I just can't get my head round their cosmetic choices 🤷♂️
Do you know when these guitars are going to be available
I'm seeing some models in stock in the UK right now 😃👍
those glasses bro cmon
It's a long story 😂🙈
I've actually did a video on it just to address these comments, but it wont be out for a couple of weeks yet 😬
Good budget apparently, never played one either
Yeah mate - If you're near anywhere that stocks them, definitely worth checking out 👍
@stevecassidyguitar just snagged a vt62 hb strat from Ebay for 70 quid,once I've finished messing around with that I'm going to look for one. Budget guitars are amazing at the moment and I'm definitely not good enough to justify anything expensive......
@@chrisstephens6194 Nice score mate! Congrats 😃👍
@stevecassidyguitar definitely want to try their jazzmaster version
The gold is a no no for me. Looks lovely but when it tarnishes it's awful. I see the prices are 300+ now. They will have to of done a good job on the pick-ups or its big no for me. Price jump of 130+. I'd rather buy a an old model and a set of vanson locking tuners and a set of tonerider pups. Also, would be nice to have just your bog standard maple instead of roasted. I prefer the look of normal maple especially on a white strat. I've decided am going to buy a player 2 strat. Buy a set of locking tuners and a graph tech tusq nut and string tree. Take it to a luthier and get it set up to perfection.
I'm with ya on the worn gold hardware - not my favourite 😬.
Rememeber, we're getting that Roasted Poplar body too tho 😜
The Jury's out on that one for me tho. I've never tried it, or even heard of it.
I'm not a believer in tonewood anyway. BUT... If the idea is to make the bodies more consistently lighter - then I'm sold! But I'm just making things up now - no idea if that's the case 😂
Thanks for this overview. What do you think of jet guitars quality control vs HB ?
Oooh! That's a hard one to answer 😬
Here's the truth...
I've not had an issue with any Jets yet in terms of (the important stuff) fret work, or nut cuts - Theyve all been spot on. I've had around 12. But... I've also did a lot of vids on them and have had comments with people not having the same experience. So Maybe I just got lucky.... 12 times 😂
The issues I HAVE had with the Jets are... on the earlier runs, the tuners were not great quality (So I just changed em), I had to return 2 JS400's that had laquer cracks in the neck pocket (No biggie, but I got a perfect one 3rd time and it's my No1 Guitar now). And on the newer Jet JS 300/400 The tuners seem better, but they have now changed supplier with the saddles that have a wee issue with having a hump in the center instead of a string guide/channel. So now I'd recommend changing the saddles unless they're stamped "MVB" - those are fine.
For the Harley Benton's - My personal experience is once you go above £250, you've got a much better chance of getting a "good un" but once again, comments sections are rife with people having bad experiences. Another observation is I see a lot more Harley Benton B Stocks than I've seen Jet B Stocks.
Hope that helps mate 😬🤷♂️
@@stevecassidyguitar well that's a great feedback, thanks. I'm asking because HB guitars are very easy to order and return for free in France, Jet guitars maybe not so much. I just have one HB, a fusion 3 hardtail, it needed a professional setup. I know how to fix truss rod, intonation, action, but not set the nut height or level the frets, I need a guitar tech for more "destructive" actions. And this fusion was unable to drop D without a full setup, just buzzing everywhere ! Again thanks for reviewing this brand, they sure have a beautiful line up, I will try one and see (maybe the 1000 line).
@@scrypt0 Sounds like we're on the same skill level Re Guitar Maintenance. I'm bothering my local tech all the time for Pickup swaps, new nuts etc 😂
It's always a bit embarrasing when a Brand manages to make a poor job of a hard tail 🙈
If you have access to BAX music, I think they're in the netherlands. They stock Jet, and also have a returns policy 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Will check Bax, thanks !
I like the alnico pickups and locking tuners. Don't like the gold hardware.
Yeah I also thought that was an interesting choice. I think the reasoning behind it maybe so you can differentiate them from other series? 🤷♂️ But I could see a lot of players changing out the gold. Very few people complain about or don't like chrome/nickle hardware, but gold is a bit more devisive I think 🤔
@@stevecassidyguitar yeah, the issues with gold hardware:
1. it's not "classic". Fender didn't use gold hardware on their Strats in the 50s, the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, etc etc. (Except for an occasional model)
2. gold hardware doesn't age well
3. it doesn't match with as many colors
4. it looks tacky on Fender-style guitars IMO
@@peskypesky Agree on all points sir 👍
Steve, how much would a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster, cost in the UK now?
Around £360 on average. Some places £329 others £399
@@stevecassidyguitar
Double UK prices, for Aussie dollars! 😭🤔🤪
@@willistaylor4077 Yeeesh! 😬
Disappointed in Jet. First the price increase. To me to me they were making really good affordable guitars hopefully they will continue to make them.Not a fan of the color choices. The colors they had in the JS-300 and JS-400 were good.Bring the yellow and seafoam green in the JS-480 series please.The gold hardware. Are you kidding me. Of all the guitar players I know not one owens a guitar with gold hardware . I'm not a fan of gold hardware.Basswood to roasted poplar not a fan of either. Also I have been wanting a HH strat and while Jet has one don't like the sparkling colors or the new one in black only. Was really looking forward to getting a JS-480 in yellow but not now. I want the yellow JS-400 are they going to continue making the JS-400? I have looked but can't find one here in the US. Thanks for the update on Jet guitars. Really appreciate it.🎸🤘🏻
I'm pretty sure they will continue to make the existing series guitars that have built their reputation, I'm looking forward to those in different colours, and maybe a thinline Tele, and an offset with a trem too please Jet 😜🙏
I'm not sure what the reason for the Gold hardware is either, It might just be to differentiate it from the existing range and maybe make it appear a bit more premium? 🤷♂️ But yeah, I agree i think it's a weird choice as people do have strong opinions about gold hardware, but no-one really complains about chrome or nickel 🤷♂️
Edit: Also the jury is out for me on roasted poplar. I've never tried it, I'm not a believer in tonewood anyway. BUT... If the idea is to make the bodies more consistently lighter - then I'm sold! But I'm just making things up now - no idea if that's the case 😂
They need to start offering stainless steel frets
It's almost expected with some of these new nrands at these prices now eh? I've just had my JS 400 refretted with SS frets. Get it back this week - I hope I like it 😬🤞 It will be the only guitar I've ever played with SS frets on a 9.5" radius
I am a big fan of stainless steel frets. I refretted my acoustic with them myself but it was a big job. Didn't fancy doing that again with an electric guitar so went with Eart. If Harley Bentons didn't have such flat fretboards I might have gone with them instead. Very happy with the Eart but would love one of these jets with SS frets.
Quite disappointed with the new models.
1. Lack of maple fretboard options
2. First 2 elite models with 6-point trems(?!) ffs
3. Expensive comparing their existing models
Good content Steve!
It's hard for me to see the prices as justifiable, as most of the specs on the new models don't really appeal to me. If it was all the stuff I liked - maybe I'd feel differently 🤷♂️ But I think these will cater to a different crowd than the people (like us) who already like the existing ranges. So good for Jet for expanding the range. But what I'd really like to see is a Jet Thinline Tele (with the JT350 contours) an offset like the JJ350 but with a trem of some sort, and Maybe a thinline strat too 😜
and thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏
noice 🤔
Anything tickle your fancy? 😁
Where should a company go than up ? Expand never end with "new colors" of the same models ? They have 300 and 400 covered, new models are just additions for different players and the ones who expect a bit more. Also, 850 and 1000 series were there almost from the start and those sell for 600-ish. Why not go for 750 with a even better guitar...
Good points well made Mr Loompi 😎👍 I agree, even though the new models are not for me (They've already got me with the existing models) So yeah It's smart to cast the net futher 👍
Got to be hss of course!! Rosewood looks good actually, taking my interest away from the fender player 2 series, cheer up lad maybe get roasted maple another time 😅❤🤟👌😬
HSS Correct! ✔️😁👌
Was up all last night greetin' aboot the roasted maple 😭
@@stevecassidyguitar 🤣🤣 get jet lee telt more roasted maple finger boards pleash 🙏😆🙏
Are Jet a low entry guitar? Never played one.
They kinda were a 'budget punching above their weight' brand, but prices are not so 'budget' with a lot of them now.
Pretty much started that way mate - Making pretty awesome S & T types for super cheap. Good specs, and very well executed. A bit like Harley Benton except (most of) the Jet necks feel exactly like Fenders, not quite as highly specced as Bentons for the price. But Jet have been my favourite brand for a couple of years now. Fender Killers (imo)
Yeah that's it mate - Although the original models are still on the roster too. I hope they keep them - Thay're pretty much all winners 😃👍
SSH is just for networking imo
That ones went over my head - soz 😬🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar You’re probably better off that way mate!
SMH elites twice the price of HB st-modern and fusions
Yeah - with Harley Benton not having any distribution costs and they can make so many units, it's almost impossible for other brands to keep up or make any profit. Seems like that might be the choice, Keep up or Profit 🤷♂️
HSS
Correct sir! 😎👌✅ Top of the class for you too 😃👍
Try saying "Jet, Jet, Jet, Jet," ten times faster! 😊😅
Soz If i was going too fast - I get excited too easily 😂🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar 😜😊🤣🎶🎶
scottish accent is the best accent
@@hustlinc3540 I can never understand why people sometimes say that 😂🙈 but I'm.glad ya like it mate 😃 Cheerrs! 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar when you fall in love with Still game then it's all downhill from there heheheh. Love it!
@@hustlinc3540 Still Game is the best! 😂👌
@@stevecassidyguitar it slike Fools and horses but for adults hehehhe. Masterpiece
or save yoiur pennies, stop buying cheapo guitars, buy one great high performance guitar that you love, keep forever!
I prefer to go the other way - Buy cheap and upgrade. It's the poor man's custom shop 😜
I don't think there's any guitars at any price I would keep stock.
Just got my JS400 refretted with SS frets (Should get it back in a day or 2) I don't know if any other guitars exist with a 9.5" radius fretboard, C shaped roasted maple neck with Stainless steel frets
@@stevecassidyguitar Get a Gibson 335, or a USA-built Epiphone Casino, aside from a bone nut, its all done. Its the only guitar where that was all i needed to do. It was already done!
@@marccarter1350 Ah maybe that's how I don't get it - I've never been a fan of Gibson guitars personally 😬 Could never get on with the necks, I prefer Maple fretboards and single coils and Gibsons can be a bit weighty for my feeble stature 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar Yeah, we seem to Disagree on Guitar brands, never been a Fender player. I like Rosewood Fretboards, much perfer the neck on the Gibson, they feel right. Like smaller frets that Gibson use. Hate the massive Jumbo Frets that some Fenders come with, man forget Maple fret boards lol! Each to there own i guess.
@@marccarter1350 NO! YOU'RE WRONG!! 🧐
😜
Nah - it's great there's something for everyone - It would be boring if we all liked the same stuff 😃
It’s HSS, for me it’s a naw, £700 ish on the high end with zero resale value due to no brand recognition. These guys have to start somewhere but again it’s a naw. 🤷🏼♂️
HSS is the correct answer ✅😁👍 Top o the class mate!
But yeah will be interesting to see how these sell. Would also love to try one out just see what they're all about
@@stevecassidyguitar 😂tell ye what, what about picking wan up for a video cause you’ve no Strat style vid for ages 😂🥴🥴 then send it back of course.
@@steviemac8075 I know! I've got about another 8 weeks worth of strat vids to come too! Soz 🙈
if y just faff about and strum some wood duck tunes, sure ,buy a jet ,its a chinese copy of a real guitar, hang it on th wall , but remember if y want to play hard ,its made of crap steel and slapped together by somebody that never played a note..jet is junk...bought one for 1200 bux after 5 weeks it was firewood..do not waste y money.
HSS
Correct! ✅😁👍