To start off, im a fairly decent player. I used to have a RR1 but had to sell it due to financial problems. Now, i have enough money to get back crap but I don't know how I want to prioritize it. I play mainly thrash and death metal and also "neo-classical" kinda stuff as well. My budget is basically up to 950/1000. Well, my dilemma is if I should either get a KE3 for like 550 new and upgrade the pickups costing basically 750 dollars or buy new guitar above in a higher price range and if so which? Now, I love Jacksons cause i love skinnier necks and they are just smooth for playing. Ibanez in my hands feels to fat. But beyond that it lies in the question of: should I buy a mediocre jackson or other kind of mediocre guitar for decently cheap/upgrade or is there something else out there which I should jump on? I know there is Ran but I don't have time to wait 4 months for a guitar, I dont have spares. (btw, im looking for a guitar similar in body to a V or something similar or something similar to the KH2 and Jackson Soloist).

Did you sell other stuff as well? Wich pieces of gear are you lacking right now?

Personnaly, I think its better to buy an great guitar right away than first buying the mediocre guitar and the better one later. It'll be cheaper on the long run.

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i'd have to agree as ive bought numerous good guitars but never a great one. It does run up a rather large bill by the end of it!

maybe try looking at secondhand guitars. You might find yourself a bargain

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if your looking for a v or soloist then why the hell you want a ke3?

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If you're willing to spend up to a 1000, then I'd probably go with a higher end Jackson. If you could get a used one in good shape, then change some stuff that you don't like on it, I think you would be happier and it would last you longer than like a KE3