Quality of Jackson Stars?

HeavyMetal4Ever · #1 07-24-2007, 11:59 AM

Just wondering if anyone out there has played/owned a Jackson Stars guitar?

Also wondering how they compare quality and pricewise against other Jacksons i.e the Pro series, MG series, and the USA Select series.

I'm planning on buying a new guitar soon, so I'm keen to suss out all the options. I'm thinking about a high quality (US?) Jackson, a 2nd hand MIJ S Prestige or a new J-Custom.

What do YOU think?

As always, any info is most appreciated.

Rock on!

EDIT* Sorry folks, i've put this in the wrong spot. Can an admin move it for me? Thanks *EDIT

Petie · #2 07-26-2007, 08:57 PM

I interviewed Metal Mike from Halford recently and he'd just been to Japan, where he visited the Japanese Jackson offices. He said that due to some kind of trademark issue, Jackson is called Jackson Star in Japan. So it's not a 'series,' as such, it's just the brand name in Japan.

HeavyMetal4Ever · #3 07-27-2007, 10:24 AM

So they share the same specs as the MG and Pro series?

I looked at a few pictures and they seem to offer different options than the ones on the MG's and the Pro's, but I could be wrong.

Rock on!

RG_FANMAN · #4 07-31-2007, 10:06 PM

how do you get J-Custom's (stupid question probably)?

Randy G · #5 08-01-2007, 03:29 AM

The way I read it, these are not "official" Jackson products, even though they ARE made by the same factory that makes the imported (to the USA and anywhere else but the Japans) Jacksons. Considering how weak the dollar is, I'm thinking the price wouldn't be that great anymore.

Scott Smith · #6 08-01-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy G

The way I read it, these are not "official" Jackson products, even though they ARE made by the same factory that makes the imported (to the USA and anywhere else but the Japans) Jacksons. Considering how weak the dollar is, I'm thinking the price wouldn't be that great anymore.

Wrong. These are Jacksons. Some other company holds the name Jackson in Japan so they had to put Stars behind it. But make no mistake about it, they are Jacksons...

The quality is on line with the USA made ones. Maybe a little behind but not much. They are made for the Japan market, not the US. A friend of mine bought one when in Japan. It got damaged here in the US so he sent it to Jackson to repair, problem with the tip of the headstock. When they refinished it, they took off the Jackson Stars logo and replaced it with a regular Jackson logo. Boy was he pissed...

Same thing with Grover Jackson. For the Japanese market only. But the Stars line is further up the food chain than Grover Jackson...

Randy G · #7 08-01-2007, 05:21 PM

Thanks for clarifying the name thing. But if they are almost USA quality, than why aren't the Jackson imports the same quality then? If an import Jackson and a Jackson Star are made on the same production line, what causes a change in quality?

I cannot find anything on the Japanese Grover Jackson models, other than a headstock pic.

Scott Smith · #8 08-01-2007, 09:05 PM

Randy,
First of all, your posting on the wrong website. Maybe try www.jcfonline.com. You will find more info there...

Second, the difference in quality is like the difference in quality between a RG550 and a Jem. Both made in the same factory, but differ quality wise. More time and better parts go into the Stars then the Jackson Imports. But don't get me wrong, alot of the MIJ Jacksons are solid instruments...

I'll help you out. Here are pics of my Grover Jackson once owned by a "famous" friend of mine. He gave it to me...

Petie · #9 08-01-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Smith

I'll help you out. Here are pics of my Grover Jackson once owned by a "famous" friend of mine. He gave it to me...

C'mon, you can't say that and then not tell us who gave it to you!

Scott Smith · #10 08-01-2007, 11:29 PM

Petie,
It's no secret. It was owned by James Root of Slipknot/Stone Sour. He used it on Slipknots first TV appearance on Conan O'Brien back in 99/2000 when they played "Wait and Bleed". I don't know if that performance is still on youtube but if it is, check it out. You'll see this Grover Jackson...

Axayacatl · #11 08-01-2007, 11:30 PM

easy: SLIPKNOT's jim.
where do I claim my cookie?

Scott Smith · #12 08-01-2007, 11:42 PM

Axayacatl,
Your a minute too late. 2 minutes earlier and you would have won said Grover Jackson...

Kidding. You wouldn't have won it. But I would have been impressed...

Petie · #13 08-01-2007, 11:50 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=baewDJHf1lA

Axayacatl · #14 08-02-2007, 12:00 AM

thanks scott...

Do I get the neck pickup as a consolation prize?

Scott Smith · #15 08-02-2007, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axayacatl

thanks scott...

Do I get the neck pickup as a consolation prize?

HAHA! I think the neck pickup went into a garbage can in Madrid, Spain...

Kidding. I have no clue where the neck pickup went. Probably in his Tech's box somewhere...