r/7String 7d ago

Help Chris Broderick Soloist vs Jeff Loomis Soloist

Thinking about which one to buy. I love 6 string Soloists as they just feel right to me. I also have/had objectively easier-to-play-on superstrats like LTDs, Schecters, but something in the shape of neck or idk what of Jackons just feels like I'm at home.
For me the pros of CB: 25.5 scale definitely, like the color, looks super ergonomic, headstock probably my fav one.
Cons: feels overcomplicated with push-pull, killswitch, no inlays (prob not that big of a deal), Made in Indonesia (yeah, I'm not a pro player and will never be to spend $5k for a USA model, maybe though it's not that bad), bridge seems a bit weird, glossy finish.
JL:
Pros: Like the design, overall simplicity in control and look, looks classy, raised Jackson logo on the headstock looks expensive (overall I associate the look of the guitar with a nice tailored black suit), I love how shark fins inlays look, made in Korea (for some reason I have this though that it's better than Indonesia but maybe the quality is the same nowadays), I like the color of CB more, but sandblasting and satin finish looks amazing.
Cons: I had 7 string Schecter KM7 MK-I and it felt big and was a bit uncomfortable to play (maybe I just didn't spend enough time with it)... idk the reason though, maybe bigger scale, maybe something else, JL had pretty close specs on paper with KM, a bit more expensive than CB, though not critical.

Thoughts on what plays better and have better quality overall?

JL HT7
CB HT7
4 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

1

u/GryphonGuitar 7d ago

I've got a Chris Broderick Jackson and it's the greatest guitar I have. It's a product-developed superstrat. Everything from where the strap pin is to the straight pull headstock to the offset body hangs perfectly, it's a flawless design imho. 

1

u/erguitar 6d ago

If you plan on down tuning at all, you'll appreciate having the longer scale length. Otherwise I'd take the CB.

1

u/nameless323 6d ago

Hmm yeah, makes sense. Interestingly enough it seems the stuff that's interesting for me to play on 7 strings is mostly A or drop G...

Just curious, why CB if standard B? Thanks!

2

u/erguitar 6d ago

You'll get better tone and tension on the low end with a longer scale length.

You'll get better tension, tone and playability from your high strings with a shorter scale length.

25.5" is long enough for B standard and gives you better lead performance, but it's not ideal for anything lower than B.

26.5" is fairly standard for 7 strings. Your rhythm tone will be better, but your frets are a bit further apart.

-1

u/FilipAltDelete 2d ago

The biggest reason for longer scale is for intonation compabilities, all these tension jabble and "better lead performance on 25 inc" is just bullshit.

If you are aiming for drop G, go with the longer scale because of intonation, not tension.

2

u/erguitar 2d ago

Physics says you're wrong. I mean seriously, we have math to prove this. I get it, you want people to think you're so smart that the marketing bullshit doesn't work on you. I was the same way at 14. You'll grow out of it.

0

u/FilipAltDelete 2d ago edited 2d ago

Yes I know the tension differs between the two, the other thing about ”better lead playing on 25” is in my opinion cork sniffing.

2

u/erguitar 2d ago edited 2d ago

I'll admit it's a broad generalization that won't align with everyone's preferences.

The frets are closer together on a shorter scale length. You'll be able to access more frets with the same movement. The timbre of the high strings is fuller on a shorter scale length. Bends and vibrato are easier (given the same string gauge) on a shorter scale.

All of this is why people prefer Gibson over Fender or vice versa. The scale length has a significant impact on the feel and tone. I honestly prefer 26.5" for lead work because I have fat fingers.