Jackson vs. ESP

[Metalman_666]

I'm definitely going to have a custom guitar made, by one of these two manufacturers... I still haven't been able to decide which is better so who better to ask than the dudes at the SD forum? I know Jackson has a reputation for making guitars with great playability (especially speedy necks) mainly shredder guitars which would be nice, but I've heard also that ESP makes great guitars. I also checked a custom quote for each company and the Jackson was cheaper. Here's what I want in the guitar:

- Mahogany or Alder body with flame Maple top, Rhoads shape (ESP can do it too)
- Floyd Rose Locking Trem system
- Maple or Mahogany neck with Ebony fretboard (one abalone inlay at 12th fret)
- 24 Stainless steel extra jumbo frets
- Jackson style pointed headstock (ESP makes it too)
- Locking nut, Sperzel locking tuners
- EMG 81/60 bridge/neck pickups
- 2 volume 1 master tone control
- 3 way toggle pickup selector switch

I think that's everything... Anyway for all that criteria, and a fast neck, do you think ESP or Jackson would be the better way to go? Oh and what sort of finish on the neck would make it the smoothest and fastest to play?

thanks

*edit* Judging by my name I think you can guess what type of music this would be used for

[rocksoldier]

Jackson all the way!

IMO esp have just copied jacksons design, and would probably not be any cheaper either.

Jacksons quality is top notch, and you get a REAL rhoads, not a copy.

And for the neck i would recomend a oil finish.

[TwilightOdyssey]

For every person that says "Jackson!" there will be another that says "ESP!"
I don't think you will have a satisfactory answer to this question.

That being said, I totally disagree with rocksoldier -- ESP!!!!!

[Hellion]

I'd recommend a natural neck. Kind of like a Fender. Preferences between Jackson and ESP are totally subjective. I prefer Jackson, but I've yet to play an ESP that I didn't think I could get something out of.

[NT02]

I say Jackson. You're asking for a Jackson guitar, it's cheaper, both companies have a great rep. Why pay more for ESP to make a guitar that Jackson is already making?

[ex-250]

normally id say ESP, but i heard theyre custom shop tends to be...sluggish. they get backed up with orders and stuff on occasion, so a jackson might get to you quicker.

[The New Guy]

Like the man says.." If your gonna be a bear, be a GRIZZLY!"...Jackson all the way.

[Metalman_666]

I say Jackson. You're asking for a Jackson guitar, it's cheaper, both companies have a great rep. Why pay more for ESP to make a guitar that Jackson is already making?

maybe ESP makes better quality?? I don't know that's why I'm asking!!

[TwilightOdyssey]

I have two ESP Signature Models (an M1 Tiger and a Kamikaze 4) and I think they're both amazing guitars. I've yet to play a Jackson that has a neck that can compete.

[JB_From_Hell]

Considering the price difference between Jackson or ESP's top of the line production stuff and the Custom Shop stuff, I think custom made is just a total waste of money. Over 3 grand for something that's only slightly different than the production model (which is approx half the cost)?! Unless you have an endorsement deal, and don't have to pay for it, I don't see the point of the custom guitar.

But, if you insist, you should check out Schecter & BC Rich as well. I believe both of their prices are lower, and they build top quality sh*t.

[Davey]

jackson. why?
1st USA made. while the japan ESP's arent bad. their worksmanship is on par with the jackies if you ask me, but you have Made in USA stamped on the jackson and THAT will guarantee you a bigger resale value

2nd why pay more for an import when you can have the same quality axe made cheaper in the states?

my insights: if you're going to get a slighty beefed up production model, you're stupid. for an all out custom axe, AWESOME! you cannot compare a custom axe to any of the production models as it's tailored to fit YOU (if you find that on a production axe, all the more power for you)
also, you're throwing away money with the locking tuners if you're going for a locking nut.

also, what color are you going for?

*waits for Zerb to chime in*

[rocksoldier]

the locking tuners make string changes faster....

[Metalman_666]

in response to Davey... probably a transparent blue green or red...

[7th Hell]

What you're asking for in a Custom Shop is essentially a production Jackson with a few mods... Why you'd buy anything else but a Jackson is beyond me!

[theodie]

I would go with a JACKSON!!!! If they can make it with a raw oiled neck that would be the way to go. I have played ESP (one of those high $ George Lynchs) and I am far more impressed with Jacksons quality.

[frigginalex]

I'd go with saving your money and buying a better amp set-up, especially if you're gigging. You can have the greatest guitar every built, but still sound like crap if you're playing through a mid-quality combo.

Not only that, but why get it custom-made? Jackson has RR models in that style and color, so why not get one of those and just switch the pickups?

[JeffB]

As for the neck, as others have said, an unfinished or oiled (i.e. not painted) neck will be faster than a painted one, that's always been a big beef of mine (painted necks). I'd also probably go with a mahogany body with the maple top. I love alder by itself, but I think it may get a little too bright or "thin" sounding with the maple top, an ebony fingerboard, an alder body, emgs, and a Floyd (though that may be just what you are looking for, everyone is different).

As for the brand, gosh I like both. I've never owned an ESP, but have played several and the high end stuff is really good, but I'm partial to Jackson when choosing between the two...very consistent in my experience regardless of price. And like someone said, they've been building those RR guitars for a long, long time.

At any rate, I envy you! Buying a custom guitar is a fun process (barring the wait )

[Guitarist]

I have two ESP Signature Models (an M1 Tiger and a Kamikaze 4) and I think they're both amazing guitars. I've yet to play a Jackson that has a neck that can compete.

Have you ever played a USA Soloist by any chance?

Anyway, I would totally rethink this one...

Basically, if you go with the quartersawn maple neck, the only thing custom you'd be getting (assuming you're going with Jackson) would be the inlay reduction, swapping the SEYMOUR DUNCANS (!!!) for EMGs, and the rewiring of the pots so you have 2 volume and 1 tone. Now is that worth the $1000 or so extra? Not to me. Maybe to you.

[Guitarist]

If your going to go Custom Shop, make it your own!!

[guitarshredder]

Jackson ATW!