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Topic: Jackson Steel, my thoughts on sound |
Johnny Cox
From:
Williamsom WVA, raised in Nashville TN, Lives in Hallettsville Texas
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Posted 31 May 2009 8:56 pm |
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For the past year I have been watching and listening to the various models of Jackson PSGs. The first I tried was the Shot Jackson Commemorative. This is the most different guitar I had seen in years. The mechanics are so different. The sound of the S.J. was and is wonderful. It reminds me of a Sho-Bud permanent. David built me one of these guitars and I loved it. Tim Sargent is currently the proud owner of that beauty. I have also played all the other models.
The Black Jack is an amazing single neck guitar that has a huge sound. This is not a typical start-up guitar, anyone could easily use a Black Jack as their only guitar if you only play E9th.
The Pro IV is a great sounding all pull guitar with a slightly different but very sweet sound. The Pro IV is a perfect guitar for those players that want a more traditional sound and want a loaded up guitar.
And the newest is the Madison 63. This guitar looks and sounds just like a 63 Sho-Bud permanent which I personally feel was the best sounding guitar Sho-Bud ever built. Some folks define the Sho-Bud sound by the Pro Series that started in the late 60's. Most of us old Sho-Bud players prefer the permanent and finger-tip sound. The new Madison has one big difference from the old, mechanics. The M 63 plays like a dream and stays in tune. No more sloppy pedals. Every guitar that David and Harry build have that Sho-Bud character but the mechanics are so much more precision than ever. Every model has a clear, clean, warm rich sound all their own. Each model is a little different giving players a wide variety of sounds to choose from. They Jackson Guitars work as good as they sound. The part I love most is they all look like steel guitars. Wood, wood and more beautiful wood. Can't wait to get my M63.
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967. |
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Tommy Shown
From:
Denham Springs, La.
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Posted 1 Jun 2009 5:51 am
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I heard you play the Jackson on their web page, Johnny. I was taken in awe by your precision on it.
You played it so well. It had such a beautiful tone, and sustain quality, that is seldom found on guitars today.
Tommy Shown |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 1 Jun 2009 6:16 am
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deleted
Last edited by Chris LeDrew on 25 Jun 2009 7:03 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Andy Zahnd
From:
Switzerland
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Posted 1 Jun 2009 7:08 am
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I have a question, Johnny: I know you build my MSA together... and you know what you're talking......
Are you feel the comfort to play on the Jackson like you play on the new MSA's??? I mean the Pedalfeel, the Kneelevers, the stringspace and even how you side behind the steel...???
I would love to go back to the old, good Sho Bud sound... but I won't give up all the comfort I have now.....
Thanks for any imput!
by the way..... the MSA you build for me is a keeper! Thanks you did it sooooooooooooo goooooooooooood!  |
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Jeff Bradshaw
From:
Leslieville, Alberta - Canada
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Posted 1 Jun 2009 10:17 am
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| I agree fully with all that has been said here. The Jacksons build a great guitar. I ordered a Pro IV and am sure looking forward to picking it up in St Louis this year. All the best. ..jeff |
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John Coffman
From:
Wharton,Texas USA
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Posted 2 Jun 2009 5:24 pm
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Hey Johnny I played the lite model at the Dallas Jam and was pleased with the action and the sound. This might be my next steel. But I have to many now so it will be awhile. Hope you enjoying your new career move. Cab over the wheels make if fun to drive. God bless and take care out there
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ShowPro SD10, Mullens RP, Bose S1 Pro, GK MB200, MB500, Bugera T50 Tube amp with SlidgeRig, TC HOF reverb effect. |
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Bobbe Seymour
From:
Hendersonville TN USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 4 Jun 2009 12:45 pm
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after having the Jackson party here at my store in January, hearing many great players compare these wonderful guitars, and I agree with Jonny Cox.
As a matter of fact, I have been playing my early 60's perm on several jobs, replacing my famous ole' P-P Emmons (for a while anyway)and am really loving it! So much in fact that I ordered a Jackson-Madison for myself. And why not? It's a wonderful guitar.
About Jackson guitars,,, As good as it gets.
Bobbe |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 4 Jun 2009 6:52 pm Jc
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Lets not forget that Johnny "Dumplin" Cox could make ANY guitar sound like it should...Dallas show 2 years ago.. He Played Acapella for about 6 minutes on an Old Sho-Bud with 3+4 I think...He gotta standin ovation (Imagine Forrest Gump said that!)
Johmmy your playing is so inspiring...Hurry home...Mick
PS...Bobbes no slouch either.. 
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ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Johnny Cox
From:
Williamsom WVA, raised in Nashville TN, Lives in Hallettsville Texas
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Posted 5 Jun 2009 8:52 am
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Andy, the Jackson is a completely different guitar from the MSA. It sounds different and plays different so I really would not compare the two. The MSA as you know is a wonderful instrument not because I put it together either. The Jackson guitars are more traditional pedal steels but I think you would like it also.
When it comes to comparing steel guitars one must be careful. Many of the modern PSGs are so alike that if you remove the label from the front you can't tell the difference in one from the other. In this case a brand to brand comparison is possible. But there are brands like Jackson, MSA, Sierra, Sho-Bud, Zum & P.P. Emmons that cannot be compared brand to brand because they are their own guitar with totally different designs and completely different sounds.
I believe that these particular instruments are benchmark guitars.
There are two groups of people in this list that have twice been leaders in innovation.
*Sho-Bud - Shot, David and Harry Jackson & Buddy Emmons
*Jackson, Harry, David & Dawn Jackson.
*MSA #1 - Reece Anderson, Tom Morrell, Danny Shields & Bud Carter.
*MSA #2 - Reece Anderson, Kyle & Sonny Bennett and a little input from ole Dumplin.
Not many have invented and re-invented as these folks have.
There are those that will agree and many that will not, it's my observation and opinion only.
I have been very fortunate in my career to have been involved with three guitar companies at the onset of their business. First with Bruce Zumsteg (ZumSteel). I started playing Zum in 1979 and was able to be a small part of the ground floor of Zum and played those guitars until 2003. Then MSA hired me and allowed me to put in my two cents worth on the Millennium, Legend and Studio Pro guitars. Now I play the Jackson guitar and am enjoying watching the development of these wonderful instruments. I always enjoy being in on the ground floor of a new guitar company even if I'm just another player. I get a kick out of seeing how long it takes everyone else to catch on. (LOL)
_________________
Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967. |
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JR Ross
From:
New Mexico, USA
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Posted 5 Jun 2009 9:01 am
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Johnny,
A few months ago you said you were giving up playing to go full time truck driving on the road to make a better living. Now you want a new guitar. Just cant stay away for long huh? |
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