Need Help Choosing "flying V" Type Of Guitar Options

[bluelineman]

I have always loved the look of the Flying V type of guitars (Flying V, Jackson King V, Jackson Rhoads, etc...). The other day I went to Guitar Center to play a few. I played a Jackson King V (bottom end model) & Rhoads V (bottom end model). Those were the closest to what I'm looking for that they had. I liked the Rhoads V better of those two, it wasn't nearly as bulky, especially when seated. Playing seated didn't bother me at all, I find the classical position comfortable. It was a little surprising that access to the 24th fret wasn't as easy as I anticipated. I was able to adjust my left hand & it seemed to work ok, just something to get used to. Not that I'm a frequent visitor to the 24th fret though. I should point out that my hands are probably slightly smaller than average.

I prefer 24 frets & either fixed bridge or string through (no tremolo). My price limit is @ $750. I might be able to bend on the price if I fall in love with something.

Here's what I'm considering... (in no particular order)

- Jackson RR24XT Rhoads X Series
http://www.jacksonguitars.com/products/sea...rtno=2916302503

- Jackson KVXT King V X Series
http://www.jacksonguitars.com/products/sea...rtno=2916402503

- Schecter Blackjack ATX V-1
http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Gu...ck-ATX-V-1.aspx

- ESP LTD V-300
http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/ltd-stan...luxe/v-300.html

If anybody can provide any insight I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know a thing about Schecter guitars at all. It's not exactly who I think of first when thinking of a metal guitar. But their specs look good for the price.

Thanks for any help!

[Slavenko Erazer]

I had a flying V few years ago (Dave Mustaine LTD signature V) , and it was not so easy to manage playing seated.
I have played a few JAckson Rhandy Rhoads Guitars (Pro Series), and must say that they're good axes for such amonut of money.
Must say that i would always choose RR guitar than regular V because of that playing seated problem....

[Nihilist1]

I would get the RR24XT. They make limited batches in different colours. There is a really kick-ass Blood Red one that I almost bought.

I would stray away from EMG-HZ pickups(The King-V has them), my Schecter Damien FR has them and I am not a fan at all.

[Todd Simpson]

These are all nice guitars. As mentioned, also try the Dave Mustaine V and perhaps the Tyrant V also from Dean Guitars. In short, try every V you can get your hands on before you buy one. If you buy a guitar without playing it first, you are begging for trouble. You may love the way it looks but hate the way it plays or even sounds. Once you narrow your list to two or three, go play each one Then make the call.

I have always loved the look of the Flying V type of guitars (Flying V, Jackson King V, Jackson Rhoads, etc...). The other day I went to Guitar Center to play a few. I played a Jackson King V (bottom end model) & Rhoads V (bottom end model). Those were the closest to what I'm looking for that they had. I liked the Rhoads V better of those two, it wasn't nearly as bulky, especially when seated. Playing seated didn't bother me at all, I find the classical position comfortable. It was a little surprising that access to the 24th fret wasn't as easy as I anticipated. I was able to adjust my left hand & it seemed to work ok, just something to get used to. Not that I'm a frequent visitor to the 24th fret though. I should point out that my hands are probably slightly smaller than average.

I prefer 24 frets & either fixed bridge or string through (no tremolo). My price limit is @ $750. I might be able to bend on the price if I fall in love with something.

Here's what I'm considering... (in no particular order)

- Jackson RR24XT Rhoads X Series
http://www.jacksonguitars.com/products/sea...rtno=2916302503

- Jackson KVXT King V X Series
http://www.jacksonguitars.com/products/sea...rtno=2916402503

- Schecter Blackjack ATX V-1
http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Gu...ck-ATX-V-1.aspx

- ESP LTD V-300
http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/ltd-stan...luxe/v-300.html

If anybody can provide any insight I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know a thing about Schecter guitars at all. It's not exactly who I think of first when thinking of a metal guitar. But their specs look good for the price.

Thanks for any help!

[bluelineman]

Thanks for the help guys! If anybody thinks of anything else please let me know.

[gerryg3000]

As Todd mentioned, Try Dean. They are harder to find (in jersey) but they play as good or better than most other guitars. Gerry

[Alex Feather]

Hello! Very cool guitar choice!
Original Flying V made out of Karina or Mahogany
So if you want to get the right sound you should go with the right wood
Jacksons that you chose made out of Basswood so I wouldn't consider them
Shecter and LTD made out of Mahogany which is good!
Try checking out Greco it's an old company that went out of business you can find them on ebay for cheap but don't let price to trick you! Most of the time they made the same or even better than Gibson
Here is a 1978 Greco flying v http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Greco-Flyi...d#ht_560wt_1189
Also there is another Japanese company called Tokai
They are really good as well http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tokai-FV95-Flying-...=item19c976df49

So if I were you I would Definitely consider those two companies!
Let me know if you have any questions!

[Azzaboi]

Rhandy Rhoads Guitars (Pro Series) I heard are really good, quite like them but never really got the chance to jam one.

[Alex Feather]

Rhandy Rhoads Guitars (Pro Series) I heard are really good, quite like them but never really got the chance to jam one.

They are good but very expensive! I am not a huge fan of Flying V but I would love to own one!

[bluelineman]

Hello! Very cool guitar choice!
Original Flying V made out of Karina or Mahogany
So if you want to get the right sound you should go with the right wood
Jacksons that you chose made out of Basswood so I wouldn't consider them
Shecter and LTD made out of Mahogany which is good!
Try checking out Greco it's an old company that went out of business you can find them on ebay for cheap but don't let price to trick you! Most of the time they made the same or even better than Gibson
Here is a 1978 Greco flying v http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Greco-Flyi...d#ht_560wt_1189
Also there is another Japanese company called Tokai
They are really good as well http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tokai-FV95-Flying-...=item19c976df49

So if I were you I would Definitely consider those two companies!
Let me know if you have any questions!

Good info. I noticed Dean VMNT is Mahogany too.

What's the difference between rosewood & ebony fretboard? My guitar (Ibanex RG 370 DX) is nice but has zero sustain. I'm guessing that might have more to do with the wood than the fretboard.

[Alex Feather]

Good info. I noticed Dean VMNT is Mahogany too.

What's the difference between rosewood & ebony fretboard? My guitar (Ibanex RG 370 DX) is nice but has zero sustain. I'm guessing that might have more to do with the wood than the fretboard.

Dean makes good guitars! I like them a lot!
The difference between rosewood and ebony
Rosewood is warmer ebony is brighter sounds a lot like maple (it's a bit softer than maple)
If your body is mahogany go with rosewood you will get the most out of it!
More sustain and more les paul type sound (it still will be sounding like flying v but you will have warm and nice low and mid to it)

[Socky42]

I can definitely recommend the Dean VMNT, I have a video of me using it on my YT.

I've gigged with it many times and its without a doubt, a well built, reliable guitar. Very comfortable in my hands, both sitting and standing. (Its more comfortable than any strat i've sat down with but thats just my preference )

This post has been edited by Socky42: Feb 26 2012, 03:49 PM

[Alex Feather]

I can definitely recommend the Dean VMNT, I have a video of me using it on my YT.

I've gigged with it many times and its without a doubt, a well built, reliable guitar. Very comfortable in my hands, both sitting and standing. (Its more comfortable than any strat i've sat down with but thats just my preference )

I use to own Dean 7 string EVO that was a very nice guitar well build and very nice sounding!

[bluelineman]

I'm leaning towards the Schecter. It's the traditional Flying V shape, not the sharp points of the Jackson, etc. I like the looks of the pointier ones better but after doing some reading online, people with them consistently complain of the edges being too sharp & cracking, chipping when you hit them on something. Also, the traditional Flying V shape is not nearly as big, so easier to manage when moving around while playing.

[Alex Feather]

I'm leaning towards the Schecter. It's the traditional Flying V shape, not the sharp points of the Jackson, etc. I like the looks of the pointier ones better but after doing some reading online, people with them consistently complain of the edges being too sharp & cracking, chipping when you hit them on something. Also, the traditional Flying V shape is not nearly as big, so easier to manage when moving around while playing.

I think you are making a good decision!