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I've had some really nice electrics, mostly Gibsons, which of course run at a premium price. Now I'm looking for a new or used decent quality guitar that I can rig for turbo-afterburner high output metal. Ideally it should run under $400, maybe $500 tops if it's ready to shred, with a whammy, and a humbucker in the bridge. USA made would be nice, but maybe that's hoping for too much. Suggestions ?

i pretty much only look for jacksons cuz i love em so much.. so you might be able to find like a DK2, that seems to be what ur lookin for

I agree, if you want a ready-to-shred guitar for cheap a Jackson might not be too far off from what you are looking for.

Do the cheaper Jackson's have the 16quot; fretboard radius as well though?

um i wanna say 12 or 14???

The Jackson Performer series are pretty cheap, and have a floyd rose trem. I have a Jap made Kelly model and it plays really nice. I'm gunna change the pups in it though, the ones in it are terrible!

Thanks for the tip : I am seeing DK2s on eBay cheep, and they look awesome ! Come to the SD forums and you find folks who know their s*** !

The DXMG has a pretty much flat fingerboard...and is awesome...

The DK2/MG series is Compound (12#8221; to 14#8221;) Fingerboard RadiusI was just thinking...

You could get the DX10DFS or whatever it's called, it has 2 humbuckers, a floyd copy and the quot;firestormquot; boost circuit...and it's under 500 bucks. Here's the regular version at music123.

Go on Ebay, electric guitars, and sort highest to lowest, the word 'floyd' in items and descriptions. Once you find your price range, you'll see every 'metal guitar' out there.
The good part is that sometimes people have excellent guitars with poor resale value, so you can scoop up a $1000 custom axe for $425.

I have a USA Jackson in my signature for sale for a Killer price. It is a tad more than your budget but, not by much.


Originally Posted by GearjoneserThe good part is that sometimes people have excellent guitars with poor resale value, so you can scoop up a $1000 custom axe for $425.Like Carvins. Look for DC127C's or DC135C's. They're neck thru models with either HH or HSS pickup configurations and come with Schaller Floyds and Sperzel tuners. The only weak part is the pickups, but a good aftermarket set will make any one of those guitars romp.

Forget the DK2. Look for a Charvel 650xl, Model 6, 550xl or Model 5. They're neck through and every bit as high quality as the USA Jacksons of the early 90's. You can find a 650xl in excellent condition for about $400 if you're patient. Aside from a rosewood fretboard, I doubt you would know the difference between it and a USA Jackson Soloist.

Of course, if you don't mind player's condition, you could probably find a beat up USA Soloist or bolt on Dinky for $500 or less. But that's going to depend on how beat up you're willing to work with.

Charvels sound like a good bet cause they usually go for cheap, and are great guitars.

My first thought for that sort of cake would be with something like an Ibanez RG550.

Not made in the U.S. but the reputation of the high-end Ibanez' is proven.

Some folks have even found out that they actually like the stock pickups...

The RG550 is a great guitar. I could just never get used to the Wizard neck. But they are extremely well made and very versatile. If you like the ultra thin necks, definitely look into one of those as well as the Charvels I mentioned.

I had several glasses of wine and accidently got onto eBay late at night with my credit card hanging out. When I woke up this moring, I had an email saying that I had won a '98 Jackson DK2 from a power seller with a near perfect rating. It has EMGs, looks kinda cool in transparent blue, and set me back $225 plus shipping. Fortunately there werent any vintage '59 Gibsons on eBay that night, or I would have had to sell the house. Thanks for the help !


Originally Posted by theodieI have a USA Jackson in my signature for sale for a Killer price. It is a tad more than your budget but, not by much.

jeez dude you're really dieing to sell that! haha but about the performers hes right.. i got a kelly version.. pretty good, trans maroon finish, floyd, but a bolt-on... pretty good tho the guy said it was worth $700 so i thought i got a good deal till u said that... lol

$225 for a DK2 with EMGs is a nice score. I would have no reservations about that. Pics needed when it arrives.

Sweet, I think you'll like it a lot, if you ditch the middle pickup (I can't stand 'em).


Originally Posted by Benjy_26Like Carvins. Look for DC127C's or DC135C's. They're neck thru models with either HH or HSS pickup configurations and come with Schaller Floyds and Sperzel tuners. The only weak part is the pickups, but a good aftermarket set will make any one of those guitars romp.

1 on the Carvins.
You can find some great deals on them used.

Another thought is the Schecter C1-FR.