What new models would you like from Jackson ?

[Nagash02]

I would endorse the kellys if I had the cash ^^, I'd get myself one in EDS, one in Gold and one in Trans Red ftw

[loki: god of chaos]

i wish we saw more vs and kellys and shit in modern metal.. say does anyone even endorse the kelly anymore?

[loki: god of chaos]

very unfortunately jacksons popularity has kinda tanked with this dumbass inage of these crappy modern "metal" bands. ive heard our local musicians say jacksons are too "flashy and poseresque". but im not worried, this dumbass phase of "metal" will pass like hair metal in the 80s * no offense to the guys whjo like hair metal bands.

[loki: god of chaos]

Exactly. I don't understand the comment that 13 year olds are the only ones in the music stores...that's just not accurate. Stores are EXTREMELY important in the success of a product. Lets examine this. This month Guitar World did a whole piece on guitar "shredders". Do you know, I only saw one Jackson signature player (Morton)...Ibanez is represented...ESP is represented...Christ's sake..Shecter is represented. Do you know why these brands have players endorsing their guitars...because they sell...because the stores carry them, the kids walk in and buy the budget models...and over time, there's brand loyalty..so when that kid is a few years older, he goes back to GC or Sam Ash and buys a new Ibanez/ESP/Shecter...a higher end model. He's not buying a guitar from a brand he knows nothing about. And this is the dilemma that I'm speaking of.

And to think that it's perfectly acceptable that if you want to buy a Jackson (particularly a USA-made...and even Japanes models at this point as well), you have to take a shot in the dark and spend your hard earned money on something you never get to play ahead of time.
Worst...Jackson makes the JS Series and yet they're mysteriously missing from the chain stores. Isn't the point of having budget guitars to make them in numbers, market them, and put them in the stores. Yet...even the JS models don't get any advertising or store representation.

Fine...you guys wanna say there's always somebody criticizing FMIC and how they conduct business...I'm here to say..you bet I'm criticizing them. It's shitty marketing, and their brand..Jackson/Charvel is selling next to nothing, while the other "metal" guitar brands are making a killing. How ironic that the biggest guitar manufacturer in the world can't market....or perhaps, don't care to market one of their acquired brands. Maybe they don't see a future for Jackson/Charvel...which is evidenced by the lack of marketing, advertising, and in-store availability.

Really....lets think about this...would you buy a car that gets no reviews from the automative press, had no advertising at all, and most importantly, aren't available in the stores to test drive. That just doesn't make sense...and that's what's going on over at FMIC/Jackson Guitars. If anything, my frustration is because I am loyal to the brand...and because I do like being able to post messages in a forum...particularly a forum/thread like this one, which is discussing new models.
If FMIC continues to market (or lack of marketing) the Jackson/Charvel brand this way, I'm afraid we'll only have a forum for vintage Jackson/Charvels.

agreed 100% precent

[veniculum]

I don't understand why Jackson can't release an import version of the SL2H. Considering the new import SLATS I think they could definitely do it, the pricing could be about the same I would think, on one hand its an ebony fretboard, which is a price increase, but on the other theres not the cost of carving/radiusing the body.

It would take alot of work to recover though, considering that the primary metal market now (in my estimation) is $500-600 Neck through superstrats and LTD/Schecter have that game on fucking lock.

Exactly. I don't understand the comment that 13 year olds are the only ones in the music stores...that's just not accurate. Stores are EXTREMELY important in the success of a product. Lets examine this. This month Guitar World did a whole piece on guitar "shredders". Do you know, I only saw one Jackson signature player (Morton)...Ibanez is represented...ESP is represented...Christ's sake..Shecter is represented. Do you know why these brands have players endorsing their guitars...because they sell...(and visa versa)...because the stores carry them, the kids walk in and buy the budget models...and over time, there's brand loyalty..so when that kid is a few years older, he goes back to GC or Sam Ash and buys a new Ibanez/ESP/Shecter...a higher end model. He's not buying a guitar from a brand he knows nothing about. And this is the dilemma that I'm speaking of.

And to think that it's perfectly acceptable that if you want to buy a Jackson (particularly a USA-made...and even Japanes models at this point as well), you have to take a shot in the dark and spend your hard earned money on something you never get to play ahead of time...that's just silly thinking all around. Fuckin-A right I wanna play that thing before I buy it.
Worst...Jackson makes the JS Series and yet they're mysteriously missing from the chain stores. Isn't the point of having budget guitars to make them in numbers, market them, and put them in the stores. Yet...even the JS models don't get any advertising or store representation.

Fine...you guys wanna say there's always somebody criticizing FMIC and talking about how they should conduct business...I'm here to say..you bet I'm criticizing them. It's shitty marketing, and their brand..Jackson/Charvel is selling next to nothing, while the other "metal" guitar brands are making a killing. How ironic that the biggest guitar manufacturer in the world can't market....or perhaps, don't care to market one of their acquired brands. Maybe they don't see a future for Jackson/Charvel...which is evidenced by the lack of marketing, advertising, and in-store availability.

Really....lets think about this...would you buy a car that gets no reviews from the automative press, had no advertising at all, and most importantly, aren't available in the stores to test drive? That just doesn't make sense...and that's what's going on over at FMIC/Jackson Guitars. If anything, my frustration is because I am loyal to the brand...and because I do like being able to post messages in a forum...particularly a forum/thread like this one, which is discussing new models.
If FMIC continues to market (or lack of marketing) the Jackson/Charvel brand this way, I'm afraid we'll only have a forum for vintage Jackson/Charvels.

[Rogueleader]

I think you put too much stock in brick-and-mortar music stores. This isn't 1988. Have you noticed who goes into GC these days? It's 13-year-old kids and their bored parents. Now, maybe Jackson needs to cultivate these "customers of the future" somehow, but that's probably a topic for another thread.

Why is it that every thread beyond a couple pages inevitably turns into "I Could Market Jackson Better Than Those Guys At FMIC"?

If it was obvious, they and everyone else would be doing it. For example, we don't really know that ESP's "endorsement whore" approach really adds more to their bottom line than FMIC's handling Jackson does. Jackson's biggest flaw in attracting the "13-year-old GC Out of Tune Dipshit" market is the fact that their Japanese guitars are kind of bland next to ESP and Schecter. However, I'm sure the suggestion to move Jackson's overseas plants to China and Indonesia, so that they could be more cost-competitive and bling-laden, wouldn't be met very kindly around here.

I don't understand why Jackson can't release an import version of the SL2H. Considering the new import SLATS I think they could definitely do it, the pricing could be about the same I would think, on one hand its an ebony fretboard, which is a price increase, but on the other theres not the cost of carving/radiusing the body.

It would take alot of work to recover though, considering that the primary metal market now (in my estimation) is $500-600 Neck through superstrats and LTD/Schecter have that game on fucking lock.

[Grim]

Seconding the adding the Warrior to the 5 series and then upgrading the fretboards to bound ebony, as well as merging the JS with the X by upgrading the JS models to basswood.

The 5 series would then be only offered in limited finishes. The USA models would have all the graphics.

Or, a lower-cost USA series that steps down to bolt-ons with rosewood fretboards and dot inlays.

Do you understand the cost of bound ebony fretboards?

Binding... is tedious... and costly. To offer Ebony and binding on a five-series import is ridiculous.

Bolt-ons with rosewood fretboards and dot inlays? The Import line has 2/3 of those.

Can we get Ferrari Red allowed on all models along with Tobacco Burst? even that'd make me happy.

I'd be into more Mahogany models as well.

Maybe a rounded strat body shape, HSS configuration and non-recessed floyd?

[Grim]

I think you put too much stock in brick-and-mortar music stores. This isn't 1988. Have you noticed who goes into GC these days? It's 13-year-old kids and their bored parents. Now, maybe Jackson needs to cultivate these "customers of the future" somehow, but that's probably a topic for another thread.

Why is it that every thread beyond a couple pages inevitably turns into "I Could Market Jackson Better Than Those Guys At FMIC"?

If it was obvious, they and everyone else would be doing it. For example, we don't really know that ESP's "endorsement whore" approach really adds more to their bottom line than FMIC's handling Jackson does. Jackson's biggest flaw in attracting the "13-year-old GC Out of Tune Dipshit" market is the fact that their Japanese guitars are kind of bland next to ESP and Schecter. However, I'm sure the suggestion to move Jackson's overseas plants to China and Indonesia, so that they could be more cost-competitive and bling-laden, wouldn't be met very kindly around here.

+1, nicely done.


Personally, I quite like the import line of Jacksons. Good quality for the price - DK2M for example.

I don't have a store around here that stocks USA models, but I have a dealer. I can order Jacksons in but never see any in stock.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

I think you put too much stock in brick-and-mortar music stores. This isn't 1988. Have you noticed who goes into GC these days? It's 13-year-old kids and their bored parents. Now, maybe Jackson needs to cultivate these "customers of the future" somehow, but that's probably a topic for another thread.

Why is it that every thread beyond a couple pages inevitably turns into "I Could Market Jackson Better Than Those Guys At FMIC"?

If it was obvious, they and everyone else would be doing it. For example, we don't really know that ESP's "endorsement whore" approach really adds more to their bottom line than FMIC's handling Jackson does. Jackson's biggest flaw in attracting the "13-year-old GC Out of Tune Dipshit" market is the fact that their Japanese guitars are kind of bland next to ESP and Schecter. However, I'm sure the suggestion to move Jackson's overseas plants to China and Indonesia, so that they could be more cost-competitive and bling-laden, wouldn't be met very kindly around here.

Well said.

I have two stores within an hour or so drive of my house that each typically have 12 - 18 USA Charvels and Jacksons IN STOCK, ready to go, and you know what? They STILL have (and SELL!) 10x as many LP's and Strats.

[pro-fusion]

Think about that though...the reason people aren't buying Jacksons and they are buying Strats and LPs isn't because they don't want them...it's because the stores don't carry them. Open any guitar magazine these days...the whole shred thing is bigger than it's ever been. The most popular guitarists in those magazines are the metal guys...and sure...some of them play the more classic guitars...but then explain why brands like Shecter (including the higher end Shecters) are so prevalent in GC and Sam Ash. Those are certainly not in the same class as Fender and Gibson...and they move them like crazy. Same with Ibanez...they still have a presence in these stores...granted...they are primarily the cheaper models...but there are always a few Japanese Prestige models. And these sell as well.

So ok...the store owners don't want to put 3000 dollar USA-made Jacksons in the store....maybe that strategy holds some water....but what about the Japanese Jacksons...high quality $1000 range guitars. The only reason why these might not sell is because these stores have abandoned the brand...not because of a lack of interest.

I think you put too much stock in brick-and-mortar music stores. This isn't 1988. Have you noticed who goes into GC these days? It's 13-year-old kids and their bored parents. Now, maybe Jackson needs to cultivate these "customers of the future" somehow, but that's probably a topic for another thread.

Why is it that every thread beyond a couple pages inevitably turns into "I Could Market Jackson Better Than Those Guys At FMIC"?

If it was obvious, they and everyone else would be doing it. For example, we don't really know that ESP's "endorsement whore" approach really adds more to their bottom line than FMIC's handling Jackson does. Jackson's biggest flaw in attracting the "13-year-old GC Out of Tune Dipshit" market is the fact that their Japanese guitars are kind of bland next to ESP and Schecter. However, I'm sure the suggestion to move Jackson's overseas plants to China and Indonesia, so that they could be more cost-competitive and bling-laden, wouldn't be met very kindly around here.

[MetalHeadMat]

A few years back I talked with the Jackson guys at the NAMM booth. The reason you don't see many USA Jacksons hanging on GC's wall is the numbers GC wants. Jackson is unable to keep the same high quality and at the same time supply a massive quantity to GC. GC doesn't want a few guitars here and there, they put in bigger orders. Jackson elected not to compromise quality and stay with smaller numbers. At least thats what John Walker told me at the time. I'd love to see more Jackson/Charvels in local stores too but I'd rather the quality stay where its at rather than lower their standards and start shipping out junk.
Jackson/Charvel is the one brand that I've bought repeatedly over the internet and not been disappointed! If buying new, deal with our sponsoring dealers and you'll get a good Jackson. I've never run into any problems with them.

True, but most don't have money for shipping, border fees, etc.

We need more online Canadian guitar stores, eh?

[roodyrocker]

A few years back I talked with the Jackson guys at the NAMM booth. The reason you don't see many USA Jacksons hanging on GC's wall is the numbers GC wants. Jackson is unable to keep the same high quality and at the same time supply a massive quantity to GC. GC doesn't want a few guitars here and there, they put in bigger orders. Jackson elected not to compromise quality and stay with smaller numbers. At least thats what John Walker told me at the time. I'd love to see more Jackson/Charvels in local stores too but I'd rather the quality stay where its at rather than lower their standards and start shipping out junk.
Jackson/Charvel is the one brand that I've bought repeatedly over the internet and not been disappointed! If buying new, deal with our sponsoring dealers and you'll get a good Jackson. I've never run into any problems with them.

[veniculum]

Put yourself in the store owner's position. Whether we like it or not, the market for Gibson, Fender and PRS is much wider than for USA Jacksons. Everyone from blues guys to metal heads plays those guitars, whereas Jackson is a much more specialized thing. Charvel is an even more specialized niche than Jackson. It makes total sense for a store to have some expensive Gibsons on the wall behind the counter. They will certainly sell eventually. But how long, if ever, will it take for them to sell a PC1? They can't afford to have non-performing, expensive items in stock, especially in this economic climate.

GC seems to have mostly abandoned Jackson, even the imports. It used to be that all three of the local GCs would have a token black SL1 or SL2H on the wall, in addition to a couple of DK2s and a bunch of cheapo JS models. Now, you're lucky to see more than two or three Jacksons at all in the store. It could be industry politics, but it's also down to what sells for GC and what doesn't. In 1985, the general guitar-buying public was all hot over custom Jacksons. In 2010, not so much.

Think about that though...the reason people aren't buying Jacksons and they are buying Strats and LPs isn't because they don't want them...it's because the stores don't carry them. Open any guitar magazine these days...the whole shred thing is bigger than it's ever been. The most popular guitarists in those magazines are the metal guys...and sure...some of them play the more classic guitars...but then explain why brands like Shecter (including the higher end Shecters) are so prevalent in GC and Sam Ash. Those are certainly not in the same class as Fender and Gibson...and they move them like crazy. Same with Ibanez...they still have a presence in these stores...granted...they are primarily the cheaper models...but there are always a few Japanese Prestige models. And these sell as well.

So ok...the store owners don't want to put 3000 dollar USA-made Jacksons in the store....maybe that strategy holds some water....but what about the Japanese Jacksons...high quality $1000 range guitars. The only reason why these might not sell is because these stores have abandoned the brand...not because of a lack of interest.

[pro-fusion]

This may be the case....but it doesn't make it right. The big chains here in the Tri-State Area have tons of high end Gibbies/Fenders/PRSs...matter of fact, the Guitar Center in East Brunswick, NJ has a $42K 55 Strat (it's either 55 or 57...forgot)...as well as 3 other 20K+ Strats, and at least 2 or 3 20K+ LPs. Their 'behind the counter' walls are absolutely covered in 3K+ Les Paul Customs and ES models...Custom 24 10 tops, and Signature/Reissue Strats. Regardless of their position in the store, if you wish to play one, you can.

Put yourself in the store owner's position. Whether we like it or not, the market for Gibson, Fender and PRS is much wider than for USA Jacksons. Everyone from blues guys to metal heads plays those guitars, whereas Jackson is a much more specialized thing. Charvel is an even more specialized niche than Jackson. It makes total sense for a store to have some expensive Gibsons on the wall behind the counter. They will certainly sell eventually. But how long, if ever, will it take for them to sell a PC1? They can't afford to have non-performing, expensive items in stock, especially in this economic climate.

GC seems to have mostly abandoned Jackson, even the imports. It used to be that all three of the local GCs would have a token black SL1 or SL2H on the wall, in addition to a couple of DK2s and a bunch of cheapo JS models. Now, you're lucky to see more than two or three Jacksons at all in the store. It could be industry politics, but it's also down to what sells for GC and what doesn't. In 1985, the general guitar-buying public was all hot over custom Jacksons. In 2010, not so much.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

This may be the case....but it doesn't make it right.

Move. :dunno: