JP6 vs SBMM JP60/JP100

[sedawkgrep]

Does anyone have experience with the JP models comparing the USA ones vs. the SBMM/Indonesian ones?

A friend just bought a LK100d which is just wonderful for the price he paid. It really got me thinking about the JP60/JP100(d).

FWIW I have two EBMM axis super sports, and although I bought them used, I have an idea what I'm getting into with the USA models. I'm really just looking for opinions on how the JP models compare with one another.

 

[DanH8482]

I have had a Sterling JP100D, JP70, and an EBMM JP6. I started out with the Sterling because I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra money. However, the need for a piezo pickup and GAS in general made me get the JP6 eventually.

I found the Sterling to be a very good guitar, especially at the price, and if I hadn't really needed a piezo I might still have it. The body shape of the 100D is slightly larger than the JP6, like the difference between a JP6 and BFR, but the rest of the dimensions are basically the same. The electronics are the same (other than the piezo), so other than differences in wood, the same palate of tones were available. The biggest differences to me were the stainless steel frets on the JP6, the high level of finish detail, and the amazing quality and stability of the neck, when compared to both my Sterlings.

If I hadn't been in a position to be able to get the JP6 I do not doubt I would have been very happy with the 100D, I still play the Sterling 7 string and regularly switch between the two from one song to the next. The quality of tone from each are definitely comparable. But if the need (and money) came up, I'd probably upgrade that too for the overall quality and feel of the higher end instrument.
Hope that's helpful!

 

[ef_in_fla]

I have an EBMM JP6 and it is amazing quality. I bought an early Sterling AXIS model and didn't care for it at all. I suspect they have gotten better though, I read very good things about them.

 

[sedawkgrep]

Good feedback guys I appreciate it. I wish I could find a JP6 locally to see for myself.

How about the trem. Do you feel the Sterling version would hold up long term as well as the JP6?

 

[DanH8482]

I've only had each guitar for a year, less for the 100D, can't really say about long term. I do prefer the JP6 trem but had no complaints about the Sterling.

 

[straycat113]

Those Sterling models are incredibly well built guitars "especially for the price " but compared to the real thing, EBMM is one of the top companies in every department out there. I only played Fenders for about 20 years before getting my first EB model (an EVH sig) and today I own 10 Balls that are comprised of 6 models .Everything this company builds they don't skimp and use the best materials possible that goes for the EBMM and the Sterling lines.

 

[sedawkgrep]

Anyone else?

 

[savannah_sean]

i have a jp100-d and some jp6's. the sterling is a very good guitar, but for me the big difference is the way the neck feels. for me there is just nothing better than the unfinished birdseye neck on the jp6. i also think the jp6 bridge is a lot nicer than the sterling, although i cant speak to how the sterling would hold up long term because i just dont play it enough.

 

[sedawkgrep]

Thanks savannah! I have two EBMM ASS's (lol) and a Silo, so I know and love the unfinished necks too!

I have a JP100D MKOA on its way to me now. I'm hoping it's kinda like the PRS SE's insofar as it's a very good indicator of what the higher-end line is like. If I love the 100 I will probably move it and get a JP6. But I couldn't get into a JP6 for the $600 I spent on the like-new JP100D MKOA.