Ordered on December 5, 2017, awaiting restock, arrival early March 2018. Honestly, used to a standard 6-string Stratocaster, I am surprised by the neck/body balance. The guitar on the knees, the neck is much heavier. It is also pleasantly shaped, I find that movements and fluidity remain easy despite the width. The frets do not scrape the fingers on the edge of the neck. The whole is rather successful, and for 203, it is definitely more accomplished than a Dean or an Ltd of the same category. I had hesitated... The Js22-7 may have only one flaw, which at this price is not really one: the pickups. They are not bad, but too versatile, they lack a bit of precision on the A string (in drop A). We compensate by playing a bit with the EQ but I think I will switch to EMG or a Sentient/Nazgul set. The price of the guitar will be doubled but at least it might delay the impulsive purchase of a Schecter Blackjack by a few years... Otherwise, we have good sustain thanks to the through strings, and the sound is overall punchy, with good harmonics, guitar arrived set up (a detail, but it saves time or sending it to the luthier). The frets need to be (re)polished, the fretboard would deserve a new varnish for the most demanding. A slight sanding of the back of the neck has already made it as smooth and comfortable as a Strat or an Ibanez.
For those hesitating for a first 7-string, STOP THE QUESTIONS, PLACE THE ORDER!!!
Edit:
MECHANICS
After several months, it is important to emphasize that the mechanics are quite precise and hold the tuning well. I thought the keys would become less hard to move over time, but no. No need to replace them with locking tuners absolutely.
The bridge is VERY pleasant, it does not "scratch" the hand.
PICKUPS
Decision made to replace the pickups. After MANY trials, tests, etc... They are not made for djent, nor even prog. "too muddy" say our British comrades. "Too muddy" describes the idea well finally. They sound "thick" and lack precision and dynamics.... (Show more)
Certified
Posted on 31/03/2018
By Samuel B.
Guitar received earlier than expected compared to the announced delivery time. So, a good point. Received in a neat and well-protected packaging, no visual problems to report. The guitar is rather well finished for this price range, some paint bubbles but again considering the price nothing serious. Well, upon plugging in, big problem with the switch and ground!! On the bridge pickup it doesn't work or rather very little (low sound) and a big buzz is heard! Middle position works but also buzzes. I didn't want to send the guitar back to the after-sales service for a switch, so I changed it and since then no problems. The neck pickup is muddy and imprecise, it would deserve a change. The treble pickup does the job more than correctly. Again, for a guitar bought at 193 on sale, go for it with your eyes closed. The electronics could be reviewed but it gives me a good base to upgrade later at least the pickups. And on top of that, it's pretty.... (Show more)
Certified
Posted on 24/08/2019
By Julien D.
en 
Certified
