Buy This NOT That | Jackson American Series Soloist vs. ESP E-II M-II

Haven’t even watched the video yet but it’s the ESP no question

Totally agree. My biggest issue with Jacksons are the Floyd Rose. They always seem to be one step down from similarly priced guitars. Their X series which can go for almost $900 come with Floyd Rose Specials while others in that price range come with FR1000s.

The Jackson MJ stuff is a good alternative- they have gotoh floyds, which are the actual best in my humble opinion, even over the original.

It's a small thing, but for 2.5K I'd want it to say ESP on the headstock. Actually, I won't get either of those as I just got an Ibanez RG565-vk with the superior edge trem. The Ibanez V8 bridge pickup sounds great. MIJ for half the price.

i'm so in love with the design of the Soloists. it's literally how i want the vast majority of superstrats to look like.

Both guitars are 12" radius at the first fret, Jackson 43mm and ESP 42mm. They put the 1000/1500 series on the Jackson because there are 2 versions of the R3 nut (43mm).  The OFR version has a 10" radius and the 1000/1500 series version has a 12" radius. The Korean 1000/1500 series are shipped with the bridge and nut together. Since they have a large quantity in the shop for their lower product line, it makes sense to use them on the American series to cut unnecessary costs and to avoid mismatching the nut radius with the 12"-16" compound radius neck. ESP uses Gotoh locking nuts, not FR brand, which are OEM. They fit the pre-made shelf cutouts on the necks imported from ESP China (Jixi) where EII and Edwards necks are made. You'll notice that these Gotoh nuts are also 42mm. Unlike the offerings from Floyd Rose, Gotoh locking nuts have a 12" radius. Neither the 1000 series or Original series from FR offer a 42mm nut (R2) with a 12" radius, both versions have a 10" radius. Gotoh OEM hardware is readily available for low cost bulk orders in the Japanese domestic market, so ESP can order the Original Floyd Rose units without having to use the included nut which doesn't fit their necks anyway. If it says ESP on the headstock, the neck was crafted in Japan at one of the 3 custom shops. These guitars will use the OFR locking nut instead of Gotoh, with the nut slots being properly cut/shimmed by the custom shop to fit the 12" radius neck (additional cost). If Jackson did this as well, the cost would be above $2500 because American labor costs much more.

I do not hate you for your decision because it’s the correct one!! Thank you so much for making this video and in helping me to make up my mind.

M-II all the way except for that shitty E-II logo

ESP is great but Jackson is more comfortable for me, and more modifiable.

I have never owned an American Jackson. I played a used one last week and my decision was made. It is amazing to play. I love ESPs too, but I prefer the Jackson look, pickups, tremolo, 5 way toggle, and neck. I traded 2 baritone guitars and had Guitar Center price match ProStarAudio and got the price down to 1k. I haven't received it yet, but I'm very excited to try it out. Thanks for the video! Take care, Sam.

Jackson USA -> FloydRose 1500, coming with Foam Case. E-II -> Original FloydRose, coming with Hardshell Case. Ibanez Prestige -> Either Original Edge or Lo-pro Edge (if RG 5xxx series, also got Stainless Steel frets) coming with Hardshell Case. Jackson need to step up themselves.

would you say a E-II M-II in mint condition including the hard case for $1550 is a great deal? My son is gigging guitarist, and today while shopping for other gear we spotted one, and he played it for an hour. It sounded great, clean and dirty, through an orange 120 pro. The shop manager is a friend and he said he got it in a bundle deal from a landlord, tenant bailed after not paying rent for a year, court gave possessions to landlord, landlord sold all music equipment to shop or one price. He has 4 guitars of various budgets, but this is the first time he said a guitar played better than his 1995 Yamaha Pacifica. He needs to upgrade, but it has to be worthy. He is 15 years old., and it is booked for the rest of the year.

You always choose the one I choose 🤜🏽🔥🤛🏻

I picked up an SN-1000FR for just under 750 after shipping, having picked it over the Jackson SL3. I'm not sure where the extra 1800 goes in the Jackson.

Great video dude. subbed. For me, I agree with you. I hate tone knobs and prefer volume only. I play Jackson. Thinking about an ESP but I want pickups mounted direct to body. As a personal feel, I won't consider a guitar with painted neck. My ideal guitar would be OFR, ONE HUMBUCKER mounted to body with volume only and ebony fretboard...any suggestions?

Great video! Good to know is that the E2 has a maple veneer.

I've warmed up to the Jackson, maybe it should be a bit cheaper, but I'm in a place now where I really consider it, although I hope a used USA or Japan (with MOP inlays) Soloist comes for sale. If I'm getting another ESP, it has to say ESP on the headstock, but not just that, Custom shop, then I'm guaranteed that it's either made in Japan or USA (if I go that route) Although I love my ESP Standard Eclipse II from 2004, Japan doesn't have a law about putting on a sticker on a guitar that says ''Made in Japan'' to things that are not entirely made in Japan. I'd be surprised if the old Standard series were not made in china (at ESPs own factory, which opened in the 90s) and then shipped to Japan for final assembly and touches. As an ESP rep said about the E-IIs (previously ESP Standard line) at the 2017 namm show ''Fit and finished in Japan'' and the E-IIs still carries traits from the previous Standard line, weird inlay filler, doesn't even have full figured caps, just a veneer on a plain cap.

Since fender bought Jackson in the early 2000,s its like they don't care about the brand, overpriced terrible qc issues it's like they are getting their revenge for Jackson been so successful in the 80,s and out selling them

the neck on my E-II M-II is not a thin profile at all, im shockingly in love with it but its drmatically different than jacksons, Ive got a Loomis Kelly and Its really nice but its like a Charvel neck close to wizard profile.

I'm a Jackson fanboy but in this specific case I would go with the ESP as well. i own a Jackson MJ SL2 soloist (made in Japan) and it is around the same price. i believe the MJ series does more justice on this comparison due to its super skinny neck and the Gotho Floyd Rose which is not an original but does the trick pretty well.