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Scott · July 4th, 2009, 09:00 AM

Boy, you guys dug up an old thread!

So I guess I should offer an update of sorts. Yes, I knew the neck pickup was installed backwards, but as noted in a previous post I like the sound of the neck pickup alone(it's a very clean 2000 sound) so I've never bothered to flip it around, and have no intentions of doing so.
I've also for the time being decided not to change the pickups. I'm using this guitar with a new band I've been working with. I started carrying this guitar to jams just because it was in a gig bag(easier to transport) and there's no Bigsby(I miss it but I can live without it in this band). The pickups sound good through my Boogie(pretty much everything sounds good through a Boogie!) so for now the 2000s will stay in the guitar. If I do anything to the guitar it'll be better quality tuners. Not messing with the bridge...it's fine as is, and I've always liked the compensated one-piece unit(I had an old LP Special that had one of these...really dug it).

And Darin, I'm not looking to unload the Jet Firebird(or anything in my stable right now), but for the right price it can be yours!

But as far as the Special Jet is concerned, I'll say again what I said in an earlier post in this thread: For 3 bills, this has been an excellent guitar, and I still recommend this guitar. If you can find one, snap it up. As a matter of fact, I think Gasee just sold his red Special Jet after he stuck a Bigsby on it...Gasee, you out there? Curious about your decision to sell...

ronniegitar · July 5th, 2009, 08:05 AM

Scott-
I just bought the special jet from Gasee....I pick it up today. I was reading and watching to see what you were going to do with your pickup swap.

Scott · July 5th, 2009, 01:26 PM

Ahhh, I see...congrats Ronnie, I think you'll really like this guitar.

As I said earlier I don't plan on flipping the neck pickup over, but please let us know what your impressions are once you get yours from Gasee.

Gasee · July 13th, 2009, 09:10 PM

Hey Ronnie-- You still diggin the Special Jet? Very cool guitar.
Ken

ishtar · July 13th, 2009, 09:29 PM

Cool lookin' guitar, Scott. Wonder what's rattling inside there?

Scott · July 13th, 2009, 10:19 PM

Ya know ishtar, I had forgotten about whatever was rattling last fall! I still haven't had my tech go over the guitar yet. I'm using it on limited gigs...one band I'm working with I'm using this guitar instead of my Duo-Jet, but I had not remembered the rattle. I'll have to double check sometime here at home where it's less noisy than on a gig.

Thanks for the reminder.

Telefan · July 13th, 2009, 11:17 PM

Congrats!

Scott · July 14th, 2009, 09:11 AM

Ishtar,
I guess I'd forgotten about the rattle because it's not there anymore! I checked it last night after I went offline...took the guitar out, shook the bejeezus out of it several times, and heard nothing rattling! And I don't remember finding and solving any rattling issues over the last few months...but I am definitely not as young as I used to be so that is possible and I could've just forgot! Anyway, no more rattling!

I'm forgetting too much nowadays...

Dude, where's my car??

araT · July 14th, 2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

Dude, where's my car??

Where's your car dude?

Is there a TOM style bridge on it? those have been known to rattle sporadically

ronniegitar · July 14th, 2009, 09:44 AM

Gasee-

Yes I am....the Special Jet has been a really nice surprise. I am really pleased with the way it handles and more please with its tone. As Scott mentioned early on in this thread, the Special Jet is quite a great guitar for the price. As a matter of fact, (and I know someone here will probably disagree), it plays just as well as some of the Pro line guitars that cost 4 to 5 times as much.

Scott · July 14th, 2009, 11:04 AM

They are indeed as good as guitars costing a lot more Ronnie! I actually prefer the Special Jet to a Jet Firebird that I own and it cost almost six times what I paid for the SJ!
They have little things about 'em that need adjusting...whether it's a $300 Special Jet or an $1800 Jet Firebird. Every guitar I've ever bought new has needed some degree of adjustment, and these are no exception. But the SJ is an excellent guitar right outa the box.
Here's a somewhat(make that very) blurry photo of a recent show I played using the SJ through a Mesa Boogie Mark I...great sound!

Gasee · July 16th, 2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronniegitar

Gasee-

Yes I am....the Special Jet has been a really nice surprise. I am really pleased with the way it handles and more please with its tone. As Scott mentioned early on in this thread, the Special Jet is quite a great guitar for the price. As a matter of fact, (and I know someone here will probably disagree), it plays just as well as some of the Pro line guitars that cost 4 to 5 times as much.

Ron- I am so glad you are digging it. It is really is "Special"! And I have to agree with your a/b comparison. Ken

RepentOrPerish · July 16th, 2009, 08:09 PM

dont replace the 2k's.....they have a magic all their own.....plus, way less string pull....

Scott · July 17th, 2009, 09:49 AM

I agree...I see no reason to swap pickups in this guitar. They're slightly different than your average Dyna, but they have their own unique sound. Variety is good, and these pickups with a studded tailpiece(no Bigsby) is certainly a different sound and feel from a standard Duo-Jet.

Zuhzuhzombie!! · October 5th, 2009, 04:19 PM

What was the MSRP? I just bought a Special Jet for 270$, shipped. Just curious.

Scott · October 5th, 2009, 08:51 PM

I'm thinking they actually retailed for $700, and Musician's Friend/Guitar Center sold 'em for around $475-500.

I got mine new a little over a year ago for $375 on ebay, which I think was a great deal. You made off like a bandit. They're fine guitars; congratulations!

Sarah93003 · October 6th, 2009, 11:21 AM

Zuhzuhzombie, welcome to the forum!

Zuhzuhzombie!! · October 6th, 2009, 12:25 PM

Thank you sir. I will soon be the owner of my very own Gretsch.

dmaj135 · October 11th, 2010, 04:56 PM

i have one of these guitars and the pickups are setup same as Scotts. Sounds great as is.I am having tuning issues w mine. After two pro setups by two well known local techs,the problem still exists in that w 11's, after moderate pulling and bending,not like SRV tunes or making up for no bigsby on this git,it goes out too quickly. Im using DAdarrio 11's, tried Ernie Ball strings, even had the tuning machines switched out to Grover deluxes. Same issue. Neck straight as an arrow,bridge is on good shape(like new), and the nut was refiled by one of the techs( he was thinking w a wider slot, the strings wouldnt get hung up). Still goes out enough to want to put this git down and reach for another guitar. Im thinking the strings have too much play on them,unlike my Tele or ES175. I was considering having a B5 Bigsby installed,but not until I rectify this issue. So...any ideas? Id hate to sell it...was even thinking of ripping out the pups and buying a used 5120 to install them to. Thanks for any and all advice in advance.

JohnS · October 11th, 2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronniegitar

Scott
I may be mistaken, but I think the neck pickup on your special jet is installed upside down.....take a look at some photos from other special jets and see what I mean.

+1 The adjusting screws should be "inside" the pole pieces. 4 screws and a 180 degree and you are done. Might even find the rattle.