Superstrat shopping

supermau · #1 06-19-2006, 12:20 AM

Anybody here have an opinion on how a new JEM7VWH stacks up against any of ESP's higher-end superstrats? ESP appears to have some great stuff but some of their signature series guitars are even higher priced than the JEM.

I've never played either brand but lately GAS has been building and JEM is on my mind.

Thanks,

BB

Shredder87 · #2 06-19-2006, 10:31 AM

I'm not sure about ESP's, I haven't played one, alothough I hear they are good. Are they better than JEMs? Debateable.

If it's a superstrat you're after there's tons of brands out there. Jacksons are amazing. Charvels are out of this world (like their prices, haha!). The old Kramers take some beating.

Best thing is to find an ESP or whatever it is you'd like, and sit down and play it.

mi2tom · #3 06-19-2006, 12:34 PM

I played an ESP the other day, it's a damn good guitar so Esp it is

the.godfather · #4 06-19-2006, 01:04 PM

I'd go ESP over a JEM everytime.
So my vote goes to ESP. Until you have played a proper USA M Series ESP, you cant really comment. They are fine fine instruments. And the customer shop stuff is just outof this world. ESP stuff if usually quite expensive though.

speedy mcfeely · #5 06-19-2006, 01:04 PM

Warmoth... Get the neck wood, and body wood you want, then hardware and electronics, paint it, and you have exactly what you want.

fettouhi · #6 06-19-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the.godfather

I'd go ESP over a JEM everytime.
So my vote goes to ESP. Until you have played a proper USA M Series ESP, you cant really comment. They are fine fine instruments. And the customer shop stuff is just outof this world. ESP stuff if usually quite expensive though.

The Horizon model rules

.

Regards

André

gitarguy · #7 06-19-2006, 01:54 PM

I have an ESP MII Custom and both an FP and BFP. I would say they are all real nice guitars. They are different animals and sound very different. I strongly recomend you try them both and decide for yourself. You can't go wrong with the quality of either but see which one fits your style best.

screamndemon69 · #8 06-20-2006, 11:17 AM

i like Jackson, Charvel and ESP if i was going to pick something other than a Jem.
i like the new MW600 ESP (LTD). i plan to add that one to my stable before too long. i don't have a Strat anymore and that model has the features i like and cool skulls to boot!

Epicus Furor · #9 06-20-2006, 02:36 PM

I used to have an ESP MKII and now have an 7vwh Jem. The biggest difference is the sound, the ESP's are much more suited to metal with the EMG's where as the Jems are better for solo intrumental type stuff, the Evo's aren't as good for metal rythym work. I think some time next year hopefully i'll get another ESP MKII Custom with fully scalloped neck, good times

supermau · #10 06-21-2006, 07:53 AM

Thanks for the info everybody.

Dino · #11 06-21-2006, 06:26 PM

ESP's are over hyped, although the narrow fretboard might be better for those with shorter appendages. Heh. 8^P I would never buy an LTD for sure. They are like the Squire version. JEM's have a much better feel to the neck and fretboard. I would put EMG's in a jem before buying an ESP. Just my opinion, I don't mean to offend anyone.

For that kind of money you should just go handmade. Like a Zachary guitar, if you can get the builder to sell you one. Those are incredible instruments, though he won't sell them to Idiots, or collectors.

**GilkyBear** · #12 06-22-2006, 01:50 PM

I just went and checked out the Zachary website and I must say, the guitars look like absolute crap and the guy who builds them sounds like a real tool. And please, "He won't sell them to..." give me a break, he'll sell them to a friggin giraffe if they offer him money.

Dino · #13 06-22-2006, 04:45 PM

No, he won't sell them to just anybody. I talked to him for months before he would even agree to take a deposit from me. I own two Zachs now and I have to warn you, if you like your guitars I would stay away from that site. After I got my first Zachary I wanted to throw all of mine in the dumpster. You are right to some degree, he goes against everything Guitar World Magazine has taught you, and seems a little crazy at first.

Remember, these are player guitars, not collector guitars. They are made to sound and play well, not just look shiny and pretty. I have always had a thing for Ibanez guitars and I love'm to death, but even I have to admit that most people who buy JEM's can't even play guitar or know the first thing about them. Same thing with PRS and others.