Talk to me about cheap Jackson Pro (soloist) guitars.

[void pig]

I'm looking at new guitars.. and the Jackson Pros look quite decent.

They are neck through Indonesian guitars with nice finishes and SD Distortion HH pickups and a FR. They list at around $1000, which means can get them for $850 or less.

So is this a good deal? Or maybe I should be looking at used ones for around $500 and get them plekked.

A maple neck through on a cheap-ish guitar should at least guarantee decent tone, with none of the problems with neck shifting or string alignment that bolt ons can have.

Anyone have experience with the neck through Pro Soloists from past few years?

 

[Inearthed]

The new, made in Indonesia pro series have been very hit or miss for me. If you’re purchasing new I would make sure you play the one you’re buying first or get it from a store with a good return policy. Some of these are good others will be dead sounding or have an assortment of small issues. Personally I would try to source a used MIJ professional or an older MIJ DK series guitar - they’re higher quality and a lot more bang for the buck. Good luck with your search whichever way you go

 

[skullfxr]

Honestly, go MIJ or USA (totally different prices) or get something else. I have seven professional MIJ Jackson Dinkys, and a USA Soloist. They are pretty much a sure bet once you upgrade the tremolo (I have a Schaller, Gotoh, or OFR in every single one).

Indonesian Jackson's have yet to impress me. TBH the MIM haven't either.

My MIJ's were all under $250used, but I snagged the best deals I could find, and they MIJ seem to be more expensive than they were a few years ago. Once I drop in the trem, set them up for preference and maybe a touch up on a fret here or there, they play and sound on the same level as all of my Ibanez Prestige's, tbh.

 

[napalmdeath]

Like stated above, they could be hit/miss.. I've had a few.. 3 to be exact. The only one I had issues with was a new one. Returned it. Bought 2 used, they were great. I have a MIM DK2 I bought new at a closeout, stupid deal, and it's been fantastic. I've had it for awhile now, and last week, I changed the JB to a Custom and now it's even better. Killer guitar.