Metal guitar; Ibanez, Jackson or Schecter?

Smellyirishman

OK, in the market for a new guitar in the coming month or two so wanted to get some opinions on the various guitars I'm looking at. Budget is ~€6-800.

I started out looking at Ibanez because of the name and fancy the look (not the physical look, well, that too, but you know what I mean!) of some RGs but I've not done a whole lot of model specific research.

Then moved onto Jackson and think if I was to go with a Jackson then I'd pick up a DKMG.

Finally, I stumbled upon Schecter and they seem fantastic, both in build and price. If I was going with a Schecter it would be some form of Hellraiser, maybe a C-1.

I'm still not 100% sure if I absolutely must have a tremlo or not, it would definitely come in handy but I could live without it I suppose as I have been doing until now. The guitar is just for personal entertainment, no gigs or anything like that.

So, any opinions on any of the above 3 brands or any other suggestions? I'll be going into town in order get a feel for some RGs and the DKMG but don't think I can really try out a Schecter anywhere. This is my first "serious" guitar purchase so let me know if there is anything else I should be looking for/telling you.

DeadSkin

Finally, I stumbled upon Schecter and they seem fantastic, both in build and price. If I was going with a Schecter it would be some form of Hellraiser, maybe a C-1.

Had one for about a year, an excellent guitar. The only reason I sold it was to get myself an Edwards.
Bought it from here, just factor in customs. You'll find one for well within your budget.

Smellyirishman

I've seen a few nice ones in that store alright already, did a retroactive boards search on Schecter last night. What is your opinion on items (factory 2nds) such as; this? If it's purely cosmetic I wouldn't mind saving a few bob. I'm definitely leaning towards a Schecter atm, they look wonderful (physically and specs) and any I've feedback I've read has all been remarkably positive, yet they're almost unheard of (within reason).

Karl Hungus

I think for your budget, you could get an absolutely exceptional made in Japan Ibanez second hand, which would absolutely blow away anything else in that price range.

Doctor J

+1 for the Schecter. Amazing guitars for the money. The Schecters are probably closest to what you'd call a traditional sized neck, they're not wee skinny things. Plus, you won't have to swap out the pickups like you oftern have to do with lower range Ibanez and Jacksons, they usually come with real Duncans or EMGs.

DeadSkin

Smellyirishman wrote: »

What is your opinion on items (factory 2nds) such as; this? If it's purely cosmetic I wouldn't mind saving a few bob.

Before I bought off that dude, I waited a few weeks to see what else he would put up.
He had a few factory second Hellraisers at the time and a few of the blemishes were on the neck. I'd be more comfortable if the blemishes were on the body or headstock, at least you know then it won't interfere with playability.
Some of the photos of the blemishes are poor enough. Might be worth asking him for a few more pics.

Jonakin

The hardware on that schecter is supposed to be black but its in chrome though. I've bought from him before but he never answers my messages.
I'd get the Schecter though.

Demeyes

I own all 3 brands. They are all pretty decent as long as you buy smart with your money. I'd suggest you try and play all the brands at least before deciding. The necks on all 3 are pretty different.

Jackson - The DKMG is not a bad guitar but for that money I'd look into a used Soloist. SLSMG or SL3 depending on what options you want, if you get lucky you might be able to import a US soloist for the €800. Very good build quality and very nice guitars all round.

Ibanez - Again I'd look for a used model, and Japanese build is a good sign when your looking. There are loads of models to choose from. They have very thin necks but a lot of people swear by these guitars for metal.

Schecter - At the moment my main player is a Schecter. I got it for a good price and for the money they are excellent. Great hardware and components. Some people find the necks hard to get on with but I loved mine from the minute I picked it up. These are well worth looking at.

Smellyirishman

Thanks lads, the neck on the Schecter is definitely something that I'd like to give a try because I would like a thinner neck.

bombidol

Schecter all the way

Smellyirishman

Also, any opinions on the 81/89 EMG configuration in hellraisers as opposed to an 81/85?

feylya

The 89 is an 85 with a splittable coil.

Smellyirishman

Cool, thanks.

DeadSkin

Smellyirishman wrote: »

Thanks lads, the neck on the Schecter is definitely something that I'd like to give a try because I would like a thinner neck.

Smelly, I found the neck a bit more beefy on the Hellraiser, which I did like.

Voodu Child

Smellyirishman wrote: »

This is my first "serious" guitar purchase so let me know if there is anything else I should be looking for/telling you.

Your typical Ibanez RG will have a satin maple neck, whereas your typical schecter has a laquered neck (like a toffee apple :pac:).

Some people have a preference, some don't, so try to play a few different examples to make sure you'll like the feel. Even if you can't play a Schecter, try to play some guitars with painted/laquered necks, to get an idea of how the feel comapares.

Den_M

I own a Jackson DKMG and I bought Deadskin's Hellraiser a few months back. The Schecter beats it hands down. The necks are very different though, the DKMG neck is flat but wide whereas the Hellraiser neck is a little fatter but not as wide. I prefer the Hellraiser neck myself, feels more substantial. With the Hellraiser you really get a lot of guitar for the money.

Smellyirishman

Ah, nice to have a direct comparison. I'm leaning towards the Schecter if I go for something new but will keep an eye on the 2nd hand ebay market too to see if anything crops up. It'll be a while before I splash out though so hopefully I'll get hands on with most of the options before then. Thanks for all the opinions/advice offered so far lads, keep it coming if you've got any.

Malice

I own an Ibanez K7 and love it. I have played other Ibanezes, Schecters and Jacksons in the past (I can't remember what models) and I found the thinner Ibanez neck suited me. Each to their own though and as others have said already, if you can get your hands on them, nothing beats trying out the guitars yourself. After all, you'll be the one playing it, not any of us .

Den_M

malice_ wrote: »

if you can get your hands on them, nothing beats trying out the guitars yourself. After all, you'll be the one playing it, not any of us .

Definitely. Also, my DKMG has a Floyd Rose whereas the Hellraiser doesn't which makes comparison a little harder. One thing about the Hellraiser though, when you pick it up it really feels like work has gone into it, that it's quality. I also get that when playing my friends €2000 PRS but not with any other guitar in the Hellraisers price range.