$900 Guitar Selection

[D-Rock]

I'm a sucker for the $600-$1200 range of guitars. Never owned anything more expensive.
Been wanting a new shape and I've narrowed it down to these three which are all approx. $900

I have grins and gripes with each because they do have their own plus' & minus'. I'm also mainly a fixed bridge hardtail guy.

Any insight or perspective to share on them? (I'm neither Yoda or from Renaissance times so I refuse to ask "What say you?")




Jackson Demmel Fury

+ EMGs, shape, inlays, classic headstock, string thru.
- Laurel fretboard, painted neck, another white guitar...

Sterling Luke LK100

+ Shape, RW fretboard, built in boost, roasted neck, locking tuners, color?
- Saddles, trem, V neck shape, Sterling brand pickups, color?

Epi Tiger Prophecy V

+ Shape, Fishman's, ebony fretboard, color, inlays, TOM bridge.
- Volume placement, no case, familiar neck, another Epi...

 

[demondestroyer]

Luke or epi, probably luke!!

 

[Juggernaut]

Jackson

 

[Jdub]

I recently got an Epi 355. one of those 59 Custom shop inspired models with good parts etc. . I am extremely impressed, even compared much more expensive similar guitars. So based on that. I would say Epi but I dont know the specs on that V.. Otherwise, the Jackson. The EB guitars play great but they dont sound so hot imo... plus you have the warble factor of the term.. I f you dont need or want a term, it sucks to have one in the way from my experience.

 

[D-Rock]

I recently got an Epi 355. one of those 59 Custom shop inspired models with good parts etc. . I am extremely impressed, even compared much more expensive similar guitars. So based on that. I would say Epi but I dont know the specs on that V.. Otherwise, the Jackson. The EB guitars play great but they dont sound so hot imo... plus you have the warble factor of the term.. I f you dont need or want a term, it sucks to have one in the way from my experience.

I originally wanted an orange or yellow LP Custom Widow but saw one in person and thought the nickel hardware and white nut killed the guitar. Would also need EMGs installed.
I think you steered me clear of the Luke. I think the trem would be annoying.
The Jackson is leading but still apprehensive about the getting an ugly chocolate milk color fretboard or one with silly swooping grain patterns.

 

[shar-vell Dan]

I have a Sterling LUKE, Great guitar w/ lots of feature for the price.

 

[rsm]

I really like the Jackson X series; I have three Rhoads and two Warriors. The Rhoads have Duncan blackouts.

 

[BenoA]

Ibanez Genesis RG550

 

[Music&Chaos]

For $900 I am getting something used and made in USA or Japan.

 

[7704A]

apprehensive about the getting an ugly chocolate milk color fretboard or one with silly swooping grain patterns.

Dye it black if needed? Sounds like an easy thing to do.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

I've been trying to not buy that same like!

 

[D-Rock]

Dye it black if needed? Sounds like an easy thing to do.

Yeah I've gone down that path before not sure I wanna go down it again. I was thinking of asking the store to order 2 and I'll buy 1 of them. Or buy 2 and then return 1 of them upon pickup at the store.

 

[D-Rock]

I've been trying to not buy that same like!

The Luke is cool and I still kinda want it. Lol.

 

[D-Rock]

I have a Sterling LUKE, Great guitar w/ lots of feature for the price.

Did you swap out the saddles? The purple sparkle one comes with bent stamped steel like Fender Strats. Yuck,

 

[Geo]

https://franklinguitarworks.com/

 

[RaceU4her]

Ugh, block inlays ruining another what would be a perfect guitar with that V, I’d still rock it though

 

[phillybhatesme]

What are you current Gs? I've been interested in both E shapes and purple sparkles lately, so the Jackson and the Sterling are both getting my attention.

 

[D-Rock]

What are you current Gs? I've been interested in both E shapes and purple sparkles lately, so the Jackson and the Sterling are both getting my attention.

Multiple LP shapes, couple SGs & a Strat. 0

 

[chumbucket]

I haven't played any of these but have been very surprised by the quality of some of the new Epiphones.

 

[phillybhatesme]

Multiple LP shapes, couple SGs & a Strat. 0

Just noticed the Fishmans on the epi. Need something with Fishmans too, so I can't help you at all.
Buy all three.