JS30DK or DK2 ASM V for first guitar??

[jhendri2]

All,

Let me introduce myself first, my name is Jim, I recently retired from the Air Force (yeah I'm old), and want to learn to play guitar.

I've heard nothing but good things about Jackson Guitars so those are the ones I'm looking at. As the title says, I've found 2 in my price range that I like. Both are used and ~$150.

My main interest are hard rock, metal, and some blues.

So in your opinion which guitar would be the best for a noob, the JS30DK or DK2 ASM V?

Jim

PS - I know I hate these questions on my motorcycle message board, sooo be gentle

[Grandturk]

Nah - the questions we hate are "Dude, I've got this, like old Jackson - like from the 80's - how much is it worth?"



OK - for your question - I'm not sure about the "ASM V" designation, but in general Jackson DK2's are pretty good guitars. They've changed over the years, first with Duncan Designed pickups, and now have Seymour Duncan and they've gone from H-S-S to H-H (that's Humbucker & two single coils or 2 Humbuckers). So I would say go for the DK2. I would stay away from any import model not from Japan - just my opinion.

Now, as for "first guitar" - I would probably lean towards something with a fixed bridge or a vintage style tremolo for simplicity's sake, since it does take some mechanical know-how to set up a double locking tremolo (as on the DK2) and even changing strings, vs a more simple design - so keep that in mind.

[jhendri2]

Thanks for the info! The DK2 has "duncan designed" H-H. How can I tell what kind of bridge it has? How hard is it to set-up? Not that I need to worry about that at first...

Jim

[DalyTek]

My "first" was a JS30KE and was actually a pretty good guitar for the money. It was string thru, and very nice. I know there are certain members here who are not too fond of the JS-series, but that's exacly what they are: entry-level guitars.

That said, if they are both in the same price range, I'd lean towards the DK2 personally. I have no experience with them myself, but have heard nothing but good things about them. It does have a Jackson JT580 LP Licensed Floyd Rose double locking bridge system on it, and as Grandturk said, they require some technical know-how to replace strings and tune, but there are tons of guides online for that.

Either choice would be good, since they are both Jacksons! Welcome to the club!

[84sups]

Yeah I would definitely get the DK2. It is a better guitar hands down. Made in Japan, better pickups and build quality. Dont forget to post pics when you get her.

[wilkinsi]

"ASM" is a BC Rich term, meaning "Assassin". Boo!

[BRADSTANG]

dk2 definately.

[jhendri2]

Well...I took everyone's advice and got the DK2:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110460323445&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I may have paid too much, but I don't care...seems like a very nice guitar.

Jim

[Sinistas]

That doesn't look like a DK2 to me, I don't recall any with that style trem.

[jhendri2]

Here's what I found on this site about the ASM:

We've had a couple of threads about these. They are part of a special run, and the bodies are factory marked "ASM" in the neck pocket. The necks are stamped "DK-2T" if I remember correctly.

The trem is a fulcrum model, but you could easilly block it by hindering its travel in the rear trem route. You don't even need to use five springs to make it feel solid

Couldn't edit -- So basically, those are a variant on the DK-2, and should be good value.

So...I'm hoping Sunbane is right.

Jim

[m2pmd70]

Never seen one of those. Looks like MOP (mother of pearl) inlays, if so you could pbly ebay the neck for what you paid.

[Sinistas]

Apologies, I've never seen one of these. Kinda weird for a Jackson, but cool too!

[RobRR]

Theyve come up before... theyre not MOP, theyre regular MOTO inlays. Basically a DK2T but with a fulcrum trem. Not sure who actually had this run of guitars made, probably never will.

[jhendri2]

No need to apologize! You were just stating your opinion. I just hope it makes a good beginner guitar for me.

You guys are great! Thanks for all the feedback.

Jim

[jhendri2]

Theyve come up before... theyre not MOP, theyre regular MOTO inlays. Basically a DK2T but with a fulcrum trem. Not sure who actually had this run of guitars made, probably never will.

What is MOTO? And why do say "probably never will ". Is it not a good guitar?

Jim