outlawten5

I have started playing again after a 20 yr absence. I picked up a squier bullet strat and a Crate GTD65 at a local pawnshop and love the way it plays. Sounds, not so much. Guitar center has pre-wired pick guard set-ups. I think the choices are EMG, Seymour Duncan, and Dimarrzio. I play mostly metal and looking for opinions on these set-ups.

Question #2
Looking at upgrading guitars and I always liked Jacksons. Have about $600 to spend and want a neck thru Jackson. WHat is the difference between the SLX, SL2 and Dinkys? I realize these are just above the entry levels. Any pros or cons. Thanks everyone for your input.

T00DEEPBLUE

Depends on which models of pickups you have in mind. Just stating the brand is arbitrary. You'd be better off with a new amp given what you only have.

The SLX is a heavily watered-down version of an SL2. The SL2 seems like a very good guitar. Dinky's have a smaller body than a soloist and have bolt-on necks.

I would try to get a used Jackson SL3. You might have a hard time finding one though, as people tend to keep a hold them since they're desirable guitars and somewhat rare.

Edit: I thought you were talking about the SL2H, not the SL2. The SL2H is the USA made one, the SL2 is the new pro series.

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Mephaphil

Personally I think that if you have a poor guitar, which unfortunately the Bullet is, and you upgrade the electronics, the very core of the guitar that has a major impact on the tone of the guitar remains poor, which means the outcome won't be major at all.

Also, it's a false economy. You'd probably have been better off saving the money and getting a good guitar to begin with like a Mexican Strat. The amp needs upgrading too. Think about a Fender Mustang, Vavletronix or Vypyr.

It seems like you're looking at upgrading anyway. What music/bands/guitarists do you like?

In regards to Jackson, I'm no expert.

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outlawten5

old metallica, judas priest, megadeth, most 80's hair bands. I like the way the squier plays and it sounds decent on the neck and middle pup. I was hoping a good set of pups would clean up the sound a bit.
As far as Jacksons go I will look for a good used one.

BobDetroit

Answer 1: Don't spend a lot on the Squier, it's not worth it. If you like the neck and middle pickup on the Squier and want a more metal sound from the Bullet buy a used SD Hotrails from eBay. $50 or less.

Answer 2: If you like the Squier Bullet consider an American Strat used from Craig's List. I see nice ones for $600 all the time. Comparable quality Jacksons will run you nearly twice as much.

Answer 3: Buy a used Peavey tube Vypyr because it will destroy the Crate.

arc anjil

"A better amp will make a bad guitar sound better, but a better guitar will not make a bad amp sound better".

If the guitar will hold its tune and the neck is playable, go for a better amp first. At least it will sound a whole lot better while you save up for a better axe.

Axe Murderer

Get a better amp.

Huge Guy

Ha, you're like me, just started getting back into it after a decade or so of not playing.

I wouldn't bother upgrading the bullet, it's not worth it for such cheap guitar. Put the money towards your new rig.

Now that I think of it, the Bullet might not be the best for the type of music you like as it has single coil pick-ups opposed to humbuckers. I have a cheap single coil guitar (Lyon by Washburn) and I don't use it for metal as the sound is too thin/tinny.

outlawten5

BobDetroit, I was just looking at that same Peavey amp and they will give me a hundred for my Crate on a trade. Good deal for me as I only paid a hundred for the squier and the Crate. Gonna try that first and see how my guitar sounds through it.

Battery Chicken

Go second hand with everything you can, the more you save on one the more you have to spend on another. I bought my American Strat secondhand for the price of a new Mexican Strat.

outlawten5

Could anyone tell me the value of a 1997 Jackson Professional Dinky DX-1? Found one on craigslist and seems like a good deal. Thanks for all the replies I have received. They have been very helpful