Jackson USA Soloist vs Suhr Modern

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ZEN Amps

ZEN Amps

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Been doing lots of buying, selling and trading lately just to shake things up a bit - ended up with that killer PRS mentioned in my other thread. I'm not a 'modern' guitar kinda guy but have to admit now that I've gotten a taste it's kinda addictive. I've set it up as my drop C# axe, and now my attention has turned to find a 80's rock axe with a Floyd.

I've been offered a USA Soloist SL2H and Suhr Modern by some local guys for the same price. I'm after your thoughts about either or both - good, bad and ugly. For good reason I won't be offended if you talk down to me as you would to a guy that only knows Les Pauls and thinks it all went to shit after 1960.
 
If ya a shred guy with metal dna go for Jackson... If ya a jazz blues shred guy go for Suhr modern.... I own two as well... I like Jackson and own quite a number like 6 from then till now... And in all honesty Jackson can be a hit or miss at times.... Jackson is more inclined to old school metal shred fest to be specific and suhr has more of the contemporary style but I didn't really like it due to their narrower cutaway... Built on the suhr is top notch !! Their after sales support is also top top notch !!
 
Hit or miss with Jackson for sure, but if ya get a good one they are awesome . I’ve had several USA and a couple custom shops. Never bonded with Suhr , tried a bunch of them. If they are local maybe you can go for a test ride ?
 
To be on safer side just test it personally on what ya get ... But remember Jackson for more chug fest and Shred fest... But suhr is all more for blues jazz etc.. suhr tone can be more flavourful I guess... Yet in contrary I prefer my Suhr classic than the modern I have got...
 
I have a nice 2012 USA sl2. Built like a tank. Neck is pretty wide. Much more so then on Jackson imports.
The Jackson is Def a big boys guitar. I also have some PRS cores and they are much different in feel (also great).

I think the USA is much more then a shred guitar (and it's not really a one for me as I have smallish hands.
REALLY good thrash rhythm guitar. Look how much early thrash in Jackson soloists. Anthrax, Megadeth, suicidal tendencies, etc.

Mine has the stock Duncans.

I always tell me wife, if I ever have to go to war with my guitar, the Jackson USA Soloist is the one. Fucking battle axe (build quality).
I have not played a Suhr tho.
 
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I've had a USA Jackson SL2H and currently own a Suhr Modern. It has been awhile since I owned the Jackson, but I realized somewhat early on that I didn't jive with it for whatever reason. I sold it and bought a PRS CU 24 and never looked back.

The Suhr on the other hand instantly clicked with me. USA Jacksons can be great, but I didn't feel it was on par with the Suhr. Style of play doesn't matter, shred, metal, blue, etc., they can both do whatever you want although people will perceive the Jackson as more of a metal guitar. For reference, I play mostly hard rock and metal and love the Suhr for those styles.
 
So many overpriced guitars.

You can build your own modern hot hotroded guitar for a 3rd of what these companies charge.


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I gig with my Sl-1 and play everything form Night Ranger to autograph to Stevie Ray Vaughn on it. tap the JB and put in a duncan 1/4 pounder in the neck and it's become a very versatile guitar. I never look at guitars as 'they fit a genre" unless it's something like pointy BC Rich, something extreme. if you play well on it and it sounds good then it's good for whatever you're doing.
 
For these two, I’d do go with aesthetics, whichever you think “does it” for you when you see it and hold it. Both are killer, build quality is going to be great (unless they were abused) and you can play the same stuff on either.

For me, I’d go for the Suhr Modern because I just love the offset body style vs the more squared off symmetric Jackson body.
 
Fordman65 said:
Never understood bringing up totally irrelevant guitar brand in threads like this. Nobody cares if you think Jacko and Suhr are overpriced. OP wants an opinion on the two brands listed. That's it.

I vote Suhr. Some of the best guitars out there IMO.
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I never understood why someone would get their panties in a wad over an honest suggestion.
 
Fordman65 said:
Never understood bringing up totally irrelevant guitar brand in threads like this. Nobody cares if you think Jacko and Suhr are overpriced. OP wants an opinion on the two brands listed. That's it.

I vote Suhr. Some of the best guitars out there IMO.
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Nobody cares what you think that I think...
 
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Easy fellas, no need to fight over little old me.

Jackson is interstate so will be a leap of faith, the Suhrs I'm somewhat familiar with - but we're talking minutes of play time only.

I'm leaning towards the Suhr, will check back in and horrify the gallery with my choice (y)
 
They are pretty different; Suhr being a bolt on vs neck through on the SL2H. That said, I’ve owned 2 Jackson USA soloists and played a buddy’s Suhr Modern as well. Both are killer but as great as the Suhr looked and felt to play, it didn’t sound very good. Both Jackson’s sounded great…the 1990 version Eerie Dess haunts me as one I should have kept. Neck profiles very different too. If you can play them first you’ll figure out in short order which speaks to you. Good luck.
 
I've had a few of both and prefer the Suhr simply for the neck. I like my necks a little thicker than most here, and mine has the Slim C shape rather than the Modern Elliptical. Jacksons are great guitars however.

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