I played an RR3 and loved the feel of the neck. It had a great profile. As my local shop does not have any RR5s or RR1s, could anyone tell me if they would have the same neck profile as the RR3? I might order an RR5 or RR1 without playing one first as I liked everything about the RR3.

The RR3 neck also had a really nice satin type finish on it. It was almost like an oiled or reliced finish. It felt very nice. I see the RR5 and RR1 do not have this neck finish. Are the painted necks on the RR5 and RR1 as silky smooth as the cheaper RR3?

I only got to play the RR3 through an Engl Screamer combo at fairly low volume. Do you think the SD pickup combination (TB4, SH2N) is dark and evil enough to do modern metal tones through my Mesa DR or are they for a more 80s metal style? Was considering an ESP with EMGs (81/85 or 81/81) or a USA Dinky for the death metal stuff but loved the way the RR3 felt and played. Plus I want a Vee for something diferent.

Jackson guitars are definitely good for modern metal tones.. idk about that pup combo but if you can only get pussy hair metal tones out of your jackson something's wrong. http://www.jacksonguitars.com/products/ ... 2913024899 this would be good for metal but the no neck pup thing kinda sucks.
http://www.jacksonguitars.com/products/ ... 2913060841 Now this is a metal machine. the only thing better would be like an RR1 or a KV2.. you know something USA made.

Now for the smoothness of the neck. if anything the painted neck is smoother plus it looks cool. it's all personal preference though. see if you can do some comparisons with a guitar at a store or something.

Thanks. Might save for an RR1FR, although the RR5FR is VERY tempting at half the price of an RR1FR. Can I justify double the price for a USA made axe? Seems differences between RR1 and RR5 are binding, fretboard wood, inlay material and quarter sawn neck on RR1. Not sure if the FR is a better model on the RR1 (RR5 with FR not detailed on Jackson Website)

All my current guitars are USA made and they are great (CS Strat, R7LP, Explorer, well the Explorer is not THAT impressive). Maybe they use better woods in the USA versions too? That Demmel fits the bill but looks like it could cut my balls off!

Honestly imo it is quite justifiable. if you don't wanna spend that much i bet the RR5 is a perfectly fine instrument, i mean it better be at that price, but the USA models are handmade. plus the wood is inspected and handpicked. i really don't know what the quality inspection is for the pro series but nothing but the top quality is used in USA and custom order models. also as you said there's the binding, ebony fretboard, and the real mother of pearl inlays. Ebony imo is better than rosewood. the inlays really make the RR1 look spiffy as does the binding. i bet the RR5 doesn't have an original floyd either.

Both Guitars will probably last a lifetime. The USA guitar if you keep it in perfect condition will also never lose value. I've seen used one's sell for only $200 off the retail price so if you ever wanted to sell it you could make some good cash back.

also btw lmao at ^that^. If you don't wanna spend the money on the RR1 the RR5 and the Phil Demmel are the same price so honestly i'd get the Demmel because of the ebony fretboard but that's just me. if you happen to like rosewood better then go with the RR5 for sure. I'm pretty sure you were just joking but i've played the Demmel and it won't cut your balls off.

Yeah just joking The RR body shape did sit very well in a sitting and standing position for me. Played a couple of BC Rich Vees that I just couldn't play sitting with any comfort. The ebony board is a plus I think. Better attack perhaps.

Ebony is great for shredding. each note just hits you it seems while rosewood is more mellow.