I have owned lots of guitars and some of the best shredders on the planet including a JEM and several Jacksons (PRS, San Dimas Charvel, Gibson Original Firebird, SG, Strat, Hamer Californian, Robin Medley, etc....)

You have to get a good guitar with good parts. I have found some decent cheaper Korean models (I have a fairly good Hamer Vector import).

I had a Jackson SL1 that had the cheaper trem and pick ups and I did not like it. However their USA models kick some serious ass. And their custom shops are nothing less than spectacular.

But every manufacturer has their bloopers.

And I have yet to find an import that is as good as its American made counterpart.

Did you mean SL3? The SL1 is a USA made Jackson (S/S/H)

Sorry mistype - SL3

Generally, I believe that most guitar manufacturers really need to improve their quality control.

Hands up anyone that's played two different guitars of the same model and found that one was noticeably better than the other?

I've found this with just about every brand of guitar i've played to a greater or lesser degree, especially with the lower end models. This is why I have a problem with buying a guitar without playing it first.

No matter how much you pay, what brand you choose, or which model you like, remember that each guitar is an individual instrument.

Rock on!

Well said. I have a Custom Shop Jackson that is one of those guitars that you find once maybe twice in a lifetime. Chimes like a bell, unbelievable sustain and the notes just bloom and swell and get louder as you vibrato them.

I bet they could build another 100 of the same and maybe one or maybe none would have the same characteristics. Just like different Les Pauls - once in a while you find a really good one.

Its so weird. Same woods, same parts and they turn out different and nobody knows why. I guess its also pretty cool but can be frustrating when buying.

All I can say is that licensed Jackson Floyds are complete and absolute horse crap. I got rid of mine because it was horribly stiff and never returned anywhere close to neutral after pull ups. And the screw on bar was completely wobbly in its hole. Man it makes me mad even thinking about it!

If you like the guitar just slide an OFR in there and be done with it.