Which soloist guitar - Caparison v Jackson v Ibanez v Custom

[jonthomas83]

Guys, been having sleepless nights about what soloist guitar to get. I have very specific needs re:finish but I can decide on that once I get over the hurdle of what guitar maker to go with.

The Caparison TAT guitars have always intrigued me, I like them, but I've heard that their value drops hugely due to them not being a "big name". As opposed to a Jackson which would tend to hold its value better.

I love the shape on a Jackson Soloist and that would be cool too. Not sure which Ibanez models take my fancy, I'm not a huge fan to be honest, but this looks nice...
http://www.andertons.co.uk/solid-body-e ... ApwO8P8HAQ

Here's the jackson
http://www.projectmusic.net/jackson-usa ... 5110-p.asp

And here's the Caparison
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/electric_ ... Aogg8P8HAQ

The alternative would be to go for a custom made Sabre Ghost guitar, these are stunning, but again, I worry about their value once I've taken the plunge...
http://www.sabreguitars.co.uk/ghost-6

Any thoughts absolutely welcome!

 

[ProgFree]

If you are concerned with value drop then get a PRS. Otherwise I think that the Caparison is a superb instrument. The Ibanez is also a good guitar. The USA Jacksons are way overpriced. If you go custom yes then the value drop will be considerable. But why not buying the guitar carefully and get what you really want so that you don't think of selling it?

 

[JimmyBlind]

If you're worried about decrease in value, i'd stay away from the shop prices and focus on the used market. Most premium guitars are pretty well looked after & you'll save yourself hundreds.

You can get hold of a great quality Japanese Ibanez for half the price of the cheapest guitar on your list. The stores in the links are UK stores so definitely check Gumtree out before you make a purchase.

 

[jonthomas83]

Thanks guys, you're right with the second hand market stuff. I've been looking and there's money to be saved there, thank you.

Question about PRS, I've always wanted one but have always put them in a different bracket to Jackson and other soloist type guitars. Do they still have the huge metal sound and are they good for shredding (not that I can shred!)? I know Tremonti uses PRS, but I always considered PRS as a cross between a strat and Les Paul...perhaps that's a bad comparison and a little unfair, given PRS's maturity nowadays.

 

[glip22]

A used Jackson Custom Shop.

 

[2prog4u]

One thing to remember is that Caparison has non-recessed Floyd, so initially it feels a little different. New Tats have a different neck profile from older Tats...with a bit of a flat spot for your thumb between the 1st and 3rd frets. Older Tats are more like the older Jackson Professional Pro's and SL1's.

I grew up playing Jacksons, and the Tat just pushes all the right buttons for me. Love the clock inlays, love the feel of the neck (I have a 1996). Highly recommend...

 

[mooncobra]

Dude!!! get a Jackson Soloist, I just did a trade for one and it sounds great, and it plays EFFORTLESSLY!!! get one, you wont be sorry man!

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=176890

here is a link to my Soloist, it is a fantastic guitar.

 

[neilli]

As it would seem that you're in the UK, and looking at those prices, my first advice for you would be to look at buying from the US. I used to do that all the time - there's much more choice and even after shipping and import tax, you save a TON of cash. 2500 quid for a grey SL1 is MENTAL!!

After that, I've heard very mixed things about the Ibanez Premiums - the couple I've checked out in person haven't been on a par with the Prestige line.
I had a Caparison Applehorn and I have no idea if the neck profile was typical, but it was really strange. Kind of 'square'.

All that said, I'm a full on Jackson guy so my advice (given you're considering them anyway) is to see what used Soloists (or as you're looking at bolt-ons as well), Dinkys or Charvel customs are around. Either on eBay or at well known stores like Musiczoo, Wild West, Matt's Music etc.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

you and only you can make this decision. If you want me to make it for you go with a Jackson

 

[vultures]

The JEM77P is made in Indonesia fwiw. I'd keep my eyes peeled for an older Ibanez JEM77BFP, they hold their value, mainly because no one wants to sell them/hard to find.

http://www.ibanezrules.com/koch/jem77bfp.htm
http://www.ibanezrules.com/debono/image ... images.htm

 

[cardinal]

If your not a fan of the Ibanez, don't buy one.

I played one Caparison, and it was a nice enough guitar. But I think the fretwork on Jackson USA stuff is nicer.

I would not go with a small custom builder if you at all are concerned with resale.

 

[MichaelG]

See if you can find a TAT that you can try in-person. The Caparison neck profiles are unique and I have come to be a real fan of that 1 - 3 fret flattened area of the neck, as it makes it really easy to anchor your thumb against when soloing on those lower frets. The thinner finishes of the Caparison line also allow the guitar to breathe a bit more and this is really evident with the Dellinger that I have, which is also one of the biggest-sounding guitars I have.

I love a Jackson too (especially the Phil Collin models!) and honestly would be completely happy with either a Jackson or a Caparison.

The Ibanezes do nothing for me personally, but whatever.... they have their own loyal following.

Good luck... I really think if you can try either one of them in-person then the decision would basically make itself for you.

 

[Fuego]

I agree with the above, but don't like the "elf shoe" headstock. Silky looking really. Head stocks are more important to me. Ibanez nit even close to being in this league. Ime

 

[sinnersmoon]

I own a Jackson SL1 (JB in the bridge), ESP M-II (bolt-on with EMG 81) and played Caparison TAT (factory pickups).

TAT sounded the thickest of the three. It also had the thickest neck (I believe it was made in 2007) but not uncomfortably thick. It had that 'square' shape but not as much as Horus. The playability was really good. It sat very well against my belly. I wouldn't mind to own one. Used prices are around 1500EUR and you don't see them that often.

SL1 is a very versatile guitar. I changed the neck pickup for HotRails for better balance with the bridge pickup. The Classic stack just didn't do it for me for leads. The guitar has a softer sound, great for leads. The access to the upper frets is flawless and the neck is effortless. The most ergonomic of the three. Used price varies but you can find some under 1500EUR.

M-II is the brightest and punchiest of the bunch. Very clear and tight. It has the flattest neck of the three. The neck joint is not as smooth as neck-thru but it's much better than Dinky. The neck is not painted and I love its feel. Used price is usually under 1200EUR.

Overall each guitar sounds different enough to justify to own them all They are all quality instruments. The safest bet is probably Jackson.

 

[Knockout]

On the used market, Jackson is the best bang for a buck. SL1s can be had for as low as $1100, in excellent condition. With dings you can find one for $900, TATs will be in $1600-2200 range used. I have no idea about Ibanezes

 

[jonthomas83]

Well, ProgFreak kinda made me think about a PRS. I've always wanted one and honestly, they're more suited to my tastes than traditional soloist guitars. So I bit the bullet on a Custom 24 today...

I love it and can't wait for it to arrive. I've been watching video's for the past two days of guys shredding these things to pieces. Yes, they may not be as shreddable as the others mentioned on this thread but they offer something different too. Either way, I've not forgotten about Jackson's and Caparison's but in the mean time, my new PRS will get me the sound and style I want before I take the plunge on an even more traditional soloist style guitar.

Thanks everyone, for your input, really appreciate it. Funny how a left field suggestion can really make you think outside the box, that's why forums and communities like this work so well...thank you!

If you are concerned with value drop then get a PRS.