Buy This NOT That | Jackson American Series Soloist vs. ESP E-II M-II
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- Опубликовано: 27 ноя 2022
- In this episode of Buy This NOT That we take a look at some high-end superstrats that are getting a lot of attention!! The Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 vs. the ESP E-II M-II. Which one will win??
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Haven’t even watched the video yet but it’s the ESP no question
Daaanngg!!! You are the man!
Maybe the American production Jacksons aren’t up to snuff, I haven’t played one of these yet. I own several ESP (not LTD or E-ii) and Jackson US Select guitars and the Jacksons are miles better.
@@ChatterDemonbought a 3k ESP EII. It sucked so damn bad. Returned it back and bought an American Jackson sl3 and it was MILES AHEAD
@@incitatus634 funny thing, since I posted this comment I bought an American series SL3 because I got a great deal on a new one. I’ve since sold both of my remaining ESP’s and replaced them with custom shop Jacksons. For me it’s a preference thing, the neck on Jacksons are way more comfortable for my hand.
In this case, for the price range, I thought the same, mostly because jackson cuts corners while charging way too much for their US models. Had it been the Japanese, give me the Jackson all day.... find them to play better, and if I'm really worried about the trem, I could swap on a Japanese Jackson and still be well under budget.
Totally agree. My biggest issue with Jacksons are the Floyd Rose. They always seem to be one step down from similarly priced guitars. Their X series which can go for almost $900 come with Floyd Rose Specials while others in that price range come with FR1000s.
yea the specials should be illegal on guitars above 600$
It's a small thing, but for 2.5K I'd want it to say ESP on the headstock.
Actually, I won't get either of those as I just got an Ibanez RG565-vk with the superior edge trem. The Ibanez V8 bridge pickup sounds great. MIJ for half the price.
I hear you. And good buy on that ibanez
I hate to admit it but I'm hung up on the e-ii thing sometimes too, stupid decision of theirs.
Both guitars are 12" radius at the first fret, Jackson 43mm and ESP 42mm.
They put the 1000/1500 series on the Jackson because there are 2 versions of the R3 nut (43mm). The OFR version has a 10" radius and the 1000/1500 series version has a 12" radius.
The Korean 1000/1500 series are shipped with the bridge and nut together. Since they have a large quantity in the shop for their lower product line, it makes sense to use them on the American series to cut unnecessary costs and to avoid mismatching the nut radius with the 12"-16" compound radius neck.
ESP uses Gotoh locking nuts, not FR brand, which are OEM. They fit the pre-made shelf cutouts on the necks imported from ESP China (Jixi) where EII and Edwards necks are made. You'll notice that these Gotoh nuts are also 42mm. Unlike the offerings from Floyd Rose, Gotoh locking nuts have a 12" radius.
Neither the 1000 series or Original series from FR offer a 42mm nut (R2) with a 12" radius, both versions have a 10" radius.
Gotoh OEM hardware is readily available for low cost bulk orders in the Japanese domestic market, so ESP can order the Original Floyd Rose units without having to use the included nut which doesn't fit their necks anyway.
If it says ESP on the headstock, the neck was crafted in Japan at one of the 3 custom shops. These guitars will use the OFR locking nut instead of Gotoh, with the nut slots being properly cut/shimmed by the custom shop to fit the 12" radius neck (additional cost). If Jackson did this as well, the cost would be above $2500 because American labor costs much more.
😂
That’s interesting, but there’s still no way I’m paying $2500 for a guitar with a Korean Floyd Rose.
The Jackson MJ stuff is a good alternative- they have gotoh floyds, which are the actual best in my humble opinion, even over the original.
Agreed!
i'm so in love with the design of the Soloists. it's literally how i want the vast majority of superstrats to look like.
I own a Dinky and a Soloist, and I recently bought an E-II. I really love Jacksons, but the E-II is on another level.
would you say a E-II M-II in mint condition including the hard case for $1550 is a great deal? My son is gigging guitarist, and today while shopping for other gear we spotted one, and he played it for an hour. It sounded great, clean and dirty, through an orange 120 pro. The shop manager is a friend and he said he got it in a bundle deal from a landlord, tenant bailed after not paying rent for a year, court gave possessions to landlord, landlord sold all music equipment to shop or one price. He has 4 guitars of various budgets, but this is the first time he said a guitar played better than his 1995 Yamaha Pacifica. He needs to upgrade, but it has to be worthy. He is 15 years old., and it is booked for the rest of the year.
That’s a fair deal for sure. Those are phenomenal guitars
ESP is great but Jackson is more comfortable for me, and more modifiable.
I’m torn between these two, I’m curious how the Jackson is more modifiable?
M-II all the way except for that shitty E-II logo
I picked up an SN-1000FR for just under 750 after shipping, having picked it over the Jackson SL3. I'm not sure where the extra 1800 goes in the Jackson.
Jackson USA -> FloydRose 1500, coming with Foam Case.
E-II -> Original FloydRose, coming with Hardshell Case.
Ibanez Prestige -> Either Original Edge or Lo-pro Edge (if RG 5xxx series, also got Stainless Steel frets) coming with Hardshell Case.
Jackson need to step up themselves.
Just to add to your comment, all E-II M-II that was introduced last year like the E-II M-II Neck Thru Snow White have stainless steel frets.
@@Echoes- Per Thomann website;
E-II Snow White is about EUR 2,300
While Ibanez RG5320 are at the range of EUR 1,700-1,900.
Still quite a big gap there.
I do not hate you for your decision because it’s the correct one!! Thank you so much for making this video and in helping me to make up my mind.
Great video! Good to know is that the E2 has a maple veneer.
I have never owned an American Jackson. I played a used one last week and my decision was made. It is amazing to play. I love ESPs too, but I prefer the Jackson look, pickups, tremolo, 5 way toggle, and neck. I traded 2 baritone guitars and had Guitar Center price match ProStarAudio and got the price down to 1k. I haven't received it yet, but I'm very excited to try it out. Thanks for the video! Take care, Sam.
You always choose the one I choose 🤜🏽🔥🤛🏻
MY MAN!! 🤜🏼 🤛🏻
Great video dude. subbed. For me, I agree with you. I hate tone knobs and prefer volume only. I play Jackson. Thinking about an ESP but I want pickups mounted direct to body. As a personal feel, I won't consider a guitar with painted neck. My ideal guitar would be OFR, ONE HUMBUCKER mounted to body with volume only and ebony fretboard...any suggestions?
great choice
After looking into it seems like the right choice
I've warmed up to the Jackson, maybe it should be a bit cheaper, but I'm in a place now where I really consider it, although I hope a used USA or Japan (with MOP inlays) Soloist comes for sale.
If I'm getting another ESP, it has to say ESP on the headstock, but not just that, Custom shop, then I'm guaranteed that it's either made in Japan or USA (if I go that route)
Although I love my ESP Standard Eclipse II from 2004, Japan doesn't have a law about putting on a sticker on a guitar that says ''Made in Japan'' to things that are not entirely made in Japan.
I'd be surprised if the old Standard series were not made in china (at ESPs own factory, which opened in the 90s) and then shipped to Japan for final assembly and touches.
As an ESP rep said about the E-IIs (previously ESP Standard line) at the 2017 namm show ''Fit and finished in Japan'' and the E-IIs still carries traits from the previous Standard line, weird inlay filler, doesn't even have full figured caps, just a veneer on a plain cap.
And if u get the ESP EII MII without the flamed top, just solid black its like 500$ cheaper and looks better imo
Agreed
Honestly the necks on the new SL3s need to be played to be believed. The lack of binding allows them to roll the fingerboard edges so the necks feel even nicer than the USA Soloists I’ve played in the past. The ESP U-shape neck never appealed to me quite as much. If you must have OFR it’s a drop in replacement and you’ll still have spent less than a used USA Soloist which are all like $3k and up now.
I agree with you, the rolled edges are money on the SL3s. They do indeed play fast as f&*k
You can get a soloist usa made for 2400$ i just bought one with the seymour duncan tb4 its the fastest neck ive ever played it feels great and the guitar sounds incredible the 1500 floyd is cake to setup too
I played the SL3 today and agreed. The neck is amazing. The price on the SL3 in the UK is currently the same as a USA Strat Pro. The 1500s are fine. So are the frets.
the neck on my E-II M-II is not a thin profile at all, im shockingly in love with it but its drmatically different than jacksons, Ive got a Loomis Kelly and Its really nice but its like a Charvel neck close to wizard profile.
I own both. Play both equally. Idk…. My esp had a hard tail and a piezo, my Jackson is Floyd hss. Different applications. Only guitars I have in the same tuning.
even a Schecter C1 Hellraiser has an original Floyd Rose trem and EMGs 81-89 set for only $1099
I didn’t know that. I’ll go check it out!
Nope: 1000 series.
My first 2004 Schecter Hellraiser has a german made floyd. I don't know about the ones made now though.
I have both and they're both amazing guitars. I too wish that the Jackson came with an OFR. I was lucky to find a brand new one for 2k. Otherwise I might not have jumped on it at 2500. But hey, it's still an incredible guitar and I can always dump an original Floyd in it later if I need too.
Dang!! Where did you find that deal??
@@nikaxeguitar believe it or not Reverb. Dude posted for $2,035.00 bucks and labeled it as mint. I immediately bought it. After the sale I messaged him and asked why he was selling it. He said the day it got delivered his car took a shit. He said he basically opened the case, shed a tear, and put it up for sale. Crazy.
@@patrickwills4235 That is freaking insane. And awesome for you! Enjoy it my friend. I still want to get my hands on one!
they have the same body size? the soloist seems smaller
@@nikaxeguitar I got a brand new slime green one in (uk) store today for £1700 (around $2100 total, tax included). It's a beast.
I'm a Jackson fanboy but in this specific case I would go with the ESP as well. i own a Jackson MJ SL2 soloist (made in Japan) and it is around the same price. i believe the MJ series does more justice on this comparison due to its super skinny neck and the Gotho Floyd Rose which is not an original but does the trick pretty well.
Since fender bought Jackson in the early 2000,s its like they don't care about the brand, overpriced terrible qc issues it's like they are getting their revenge for Jackson been so successful in the 80,s and out selling them
Price and feature wise I'd agree. The EII is top notch MIJ quality. You get a real Floyd , EMG's , flawless build quality, a real hard case not that cheesy Jackson soft case junk as well as my preferred dual Humbucker setup. Plus it is substantially cheaper. What makes it hard for me is how amazing the SL3 neck is. With the rolled edges, Jackson compound radius is superior as well imo. The 1500 series trem is really nice too with the pop in bar, although I'd prefer the OFR especially at Jackson's price point. It's a tough call, I do feel the Jackson is easily $500.00 overpriced especially with the cheesy soft case you get.
PERFECTLY SAID
The e2 is amazing
Freaking awesome dude
E-II are always amazing. i love my E-II M-II NT
Eii M2 but with Seymour Duncan or bare knuckle
about these 2 example ESP of course but if I have 2500 to spend for metal guitar I don't buy non of those
If I was to get the Jackson, I'd just spend the extra $100 and get the MIJ version. Not paying $2500+ for a guitar with a Korean floyd rose
Exactly!
I have the soloist MJ in white and that’s a hell of guitar.
1- the GOTHO 1996 T is way better than the FR1xxx serie and maybe even better than a OFR.
2- No middle pickup which made this guitar more playable for me
3- the MIJ SL2 is cheaper here in europe (2023€ vs 2399€ for the cheapest prices)
I also own a 2015 jackson USA Scott Ian with OFR and a 2021 Charvel USA Select San Dimas and i can say that the MJ serie has nothing to envy to the usa’s made guitars
The only thing that i can regret is the soft case which comes with the MJ series.
I have two MJ’s and I had to buy a hard case for both.
Yeah the floyd is made in Korea, but its not the "Korean" material made trems. These are made w/ the same metals and same specs as the German made Floyds. They're just cheaper labor costs for these Trems. I've talked to a production mgr at Floyd about the differences. He said, basically that, there are so many guitars coming out of Asia that are offering OFR's that it's about cheaper labor costs, but everything about the Trem's are the same. I have both and pretty much the same. That being said I'd still take the Gotoh 1996t over both anyday. But honestly, I'd buy two Ibanez genesis Rg's that come w/ the best trem of all time the original Edge and still have 500 bucks left over to upgrade the pups in both guitars..
@@ryant3600 yeah the trem on My RG565 is awesome. I’m totally agree with you.
My point is:
at this price it must have an OFR like the Adrian smith which is for me one of the only true Jackson made in USA (i’m not talking about the custom shop).
@@ryant3600 You said it best man. That Ibanez trem is MONEY
Why send your trem to germany when you almost make them ok in korea
I bought the ESP. not even close.
The 1500 is better than OFR because of the stainless steel screws that don't rust out. Both are Grade 8 other than that. The only Floyd Rose 1000 that sucks is the black chrome aka gray one because the finish fades. Other than that they are the same thing
Jackson looks cool but...the term does not do it . That's the problem with Jackson's. ESP better value
Seriously if you’ve used an oem vs original fr for a period of over 10 years use you will know it makes absolutely zero difference
First off, i wouldn't buy an esp from Japan for over 2 grand, or a Jackson from America for over 2 grand, when there's a Japanese soloist every bit as loaded for 1600..... that said I've played a good number of guitars and Jackson and schecter ultra thin c take the cake, while keeping some of their Japanese and Korean models at reasonable prices. I like esp and Ibanez, but while very similar to the schecter, I'm not going to spend 700-1000 more, when schecter are built as good, if not better, and some even more fully loaded for around 1500. Also, it helps, top of the line schecter pickups are better than pretty much everything not named bareknuckle.
I would go with the Jackson because of the pickups. Like the E-II too...both are great guitars IMO
Jackson headstock locking tuners?! Forgotten here, Jackson the way to go
My eii horizon has a Floyd rose 1000 stock. Don’t say made in Germany
ESP or LTD are great guitars.
How are you reviewing guitars without having your hands on the actual guitars. Shambles!
ESP all day. I wouldn’t buy either because I don’t like railroad spike frets, but the ESP wins and it isn’t close.
FR 1500 is pretty disappointing on such an expensive guitar. Would have preferred more neon type colors on the Jackson, the blue and green dont do anything for me. the ESP EII is pretty nice, except the pick up rings look cheap. the original FR is the sensible choice here.
personally I prefer the Prestiges in this price range, as the Lo Pro Edge is simply amazing, but thats just personal preference.
I can see this. And I agree with you
I don't see the appeal of the Lo Pro Edge vs OFR. I own both and think they are both great but wouldn't say the Edge is better
Jackson quality is not even close to esp. I had a jackson and had nothing but issues. I have 4 esp m2 guitars and they have been perfect in every way
Rather than paying 2.5k for the American series, I would buy an underrated Kramer SM-1 that really rocks, and has perfect sustain, although it costs 800-850) 3 times cheaper :))
Had my E-II horizon III Hard Tail for years now, on the road and in the studio. I wouldn't care if it said "big purple guitar" on the headstock - this is my go to the grave guitar. Norhing I have ever played does it like this. If you care that much that it does not say ESP on the headstock - then what in god's name are you concentrating on in your playing? Seriously. Before this guitar Holdsworth legato was a dream for me - and now I can incorporate that phrasing into any place I wish when I improvise (not as seamless as he did of course). I'm sorry, but if you buy golf clubs that only say Tiger Woods on them, and then expect to PLAY like him, you will be dissapointed.
This is a bit of a controversial opinion. But after playing Floyd rose for so many years, if you know how to maintain and properly set up a Floyd, there is no issue. I will stand by the fact that the Floyd special should not be on any guitar ever. But the 1000/1500 are great tremolos.
ESP without a doubt. Jackson guitars use to be great. They suck now... they're indo models are trash and there "Eii" line is way over priced. Too much inconsistency.
esp all they way lol
ESP EII series is assembled in Indonesia and finished up in Japan.
Totally false
@@cdsmetalhead99 He's not that far off. There was ALOT of controversy over this years ago on the ESP forums.
In 2013 ESP announced an additional line of guitars, the LTD Elite. These were intended to bridge the price gap between the LTD and ESP Standard models. The LTD Elite specs were/are LTD except the guitars are supposedly built in the same Japanese factory by the same Japanese luthiers. ESP owns another brand, Edwards. The Edwards line and the LTD Elites were built the same way -Chinese sourced parts assembled in Japan at ESP.
So in 2014, ESP discontinued both the LTD Elites and ESP standards and merged them together to make the Eii series. The LTD Elite Snapper ST1 was rebranded to the EII, same exact finishes and specs the following year just says EII on the headstock instead of LTD.
I would hope things have changed since then, but some of these Eiis are nearly $3k now. That's ALOT to spend on ambiguity. I'm sure they're damn good guitars, but that kind of shiftiness turns people off from the brand.
@@trevor4533 Well I got an E-II Arrow just a couple of months ago and I couldn't be happier with it. It's a flawless guitar as far as I'm concerned, some very minor imperfections in the binding and whatnot but you wouldn't notice unless you looked for it. On the other hand I got an LTD Black Metal before that and it was a piece of junk, returned it right away. Incorrectly installed FR1000, wouldn't return to pitch, unpainted trem cavity, and so on.
@@cdsmetalhead99 That's awesome! The arrows are sick guitars, enjoy it!
Thinking on it some more, I'm sure they're 100% made in Japan these days, but the initial EII launch was a fiasco lol.
I'd definitely buy a used one for the right price.
This isn’t a review, it’s a spec-sheet read through. No direct experience with either = why talk about them from a pretend position of knowledge?
never had any issues with 1500 floyd rose, 2010 mij charvel pro mod so cal, still works perfect. i have 6 jackson licensed jt580lp zero problems, my floyd rose pro lo profile is a pain in the ass but once you get it playing right its killer until string change time again also breaks strings once in a while, i had 2 german floyd rose originals one stock and one modded completely with all the fu tone swag and fr brass block even the claw was i think brass with titanium screws, the ofr was decent bu the push in arm coupler kept coming loose, you have to take the trem out on a rhoads to tighten it, total pain got rid of that, my other pimped out ofr in another rhoads professionaly and expensively built, total crap from the first day even made the tone seem thin brassy or tinny, actually all 3 words are accurate.
pick ups are a taste thing, EMGs , are not better you just prefer them, you didnt have either guitar, so wtf? complete bullshit shoot out
Offended Jackson fanboy
I think both guitars are overpriced, especially the Jackson. These Jacksons are trying to advertise like they are the Grover's of old. Trust me, they are NOT.. They're made by Fender and the Indo made Jacksons at over half the price are just as good if not better. As for the ESP.. I really like this model, I just wish they'd offer more colors. ESP does a great job w/ their flamed and quilted maple and this seems to be the only one I can find at this price and you can barely see the flamed maple. That's my biggest complaint on both, so I'll stick to my Ibanez Genesis when it comes to a fantastic guitar made in Japan at less than half the price.
I agree the fit and finish and QC will probably not be on par with EII but trying them would be the ultimate judge. That FR1500 is a fucking disgrace though. As for overpriced, the inflation has made pretty much every guitar way more expensive to a crazy point. The Genesis line is an incredible bargain these days. Still, owning an RG1570 and several ESPs I prefer them. I'd love a DY RG550 though
The EIIs have a maple veneer. The USA and Original series do have a maple top/cap.
@@nickvankempen It's listed as a maple top, not veneer, on the EIIs.
The floyd 1000 are exactly the same as the originals. Same material, the only difference is in the materials of the fine tuners, steel for the series 1000 and brass for the original. Harder to turn steel. So stop being uneducated and stupidly repeating what RUclipsrs say without even being able to stipulate the precision I just did on fine tuners.
And I would like to add that Shaller manufactures for Floyd Rose, the only difference is that Floyd Rose puts its mark on the product that Shaller manufactured, when you buy a Shaller lockmeister for 240 dollars, Floyd rose resells them to you 380 dollars. And for $140 you have a Gotoh that does exactly the same thing better. And because you’re Americans you think it’s better. Cultivate yourself and stop listening to anything.
I got a new LTD with a FR1000 that was already damaged and failing to return to pitch after a few hours of normal play. One of the posts was mounted at the wrong angle, leading the knife edge to pivot improperly. When I pulled out the bridge, the knife edges and posts were already visibly worn. The paint (and possibly more of the metal) had been scraped off leaving a copper surface visible. That should really not be happening on a brand new trem and indicates to me that the materials being used are weaker.
@@cdsmetalhead99 chevk your locking nut stability, screw + glue on wood
@@juliusmaximus753 it’s a new guitar. I’m not gonna waste time and money checking things that should be right from the factory, I’m returning it. Like I said, the posts and knives are already visibly damaged.
I have been having this debate hard and my brother shredder @nickscarfo83 helped me come to the conclusion m2 is the winner if I can’t go balls out on a custom Jackson
Even Jackson Custom Shop models aren’t worth the money. I played a custom shop Soloist made in 2021 at my local guitar shop and it had shoddy fretwork. If you’re gonna spend 4k+ on a shred stick, I’d get an ESP USA, ESP Custom Shop, or Caparison.
@@bucknasty69 I ended up grabbing an Ernie Ball Majesty
@@morbidmike Nice! How do you like it? I’ve heard nothing but good things about Ernie Ball guitars. I used to own a Sting Ray bass and I loved it.
@@bucknasty69 it’s unbelievable