Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster vs Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT
Reasons to Get
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster over Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT
Reasons to Get
Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT over Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster
Other Key Differences
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster vs Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT
Shared Features
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster vs Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT
Common Strengths
- Locking Tuners
- High-Quality Nut
- From a High-Quality-Standards Country
- Top Pickup Brand
Common Weaknesses
- Neck-Through Build
- Weight Relief
- Stays in Tune (Evertune)
- High-Quality Frets
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Expensive Wood
- 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- Active/Passive Preamp
Table of Contents
Price History Comparison
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Which One is Better Overall?
After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT is probably the better product overall with its final score of 75 compared to the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster's 72 score, although not by a lot.
The Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT wins when it comes to playability, build quality. On the other hand, the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster has the upper hand when it comes to value for the money.
If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT.
Which One is Better for Beginners?
If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster is the better choice.
The Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster meets 7 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT meets only 5. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.
New Player Friendliness
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster- Comfortable shape
- Easy-to-use bridge
- Locking tuners
- Comfortable fretboard
- Tall frets
- Narrow nut
- Comfortable neck
- Short scale
New Player Friendliness
Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT- Comfortable shape
- Easy-to-use bridge
- Locking tuners
- Tall frets
- Comfortable neck
- Comfortable fretboard
- Narrow nut
- Short scale
Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster Overview
- From Fender's 2022 JV Modified series
- Made in Japan
- 6 strings
- 25.5"'' scale
- 9.5" Fretboard Radius
- Basswood body
- Maple neck
- Maple fretboard
- Bridge pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
- Middle pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
- Neck pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
- 1 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
- 5-way Switch
- 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles bridge
- Thick Soft V Bolt-On neck
- 21 Medium Jumbo frets
- Vintage-Style Locking tuners
- Weight between 7.05lbs (3.2kgs) and 7.7lbs (3.5kgs)
- Compare Specs >
Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT Overview
- From Jackson's 2021 Artist Signature series
- Misha Mansoor Signature
- Made in Japan
- 6 strings
- 25.5"'' scale
- 20" Fretboard Radius
- Basswood body
- Caramelized Maple neck
- Caramelized Maple fretboard
- Bridge pickup: Bare Knuckle Ragnarok (Humbucker/Passive)
- Middle pickup: Bare Knuckle Trilogy Suite Single Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
- Neck pickup: Bare Knuckle Trilogy Suite Single Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
- 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
- 5-way Switch
- Gotoh Custom 510 Tremolo bridge
- Speed Bolt-On neck
- 22 Jumbo frets
- Gotoh Die-Cast Locking tuners
- Compare Specs >
Sound Quality Comparison
The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.
Woods Used in Both
Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.
Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.
Winner: Tie.
Pickup Configuration
The Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster has an SSS configuration while the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT has HSS pickups.
SSS is perfect for players who like to play clean. The definition you get between notes and the crispiness is unmatched by most other configurations. You can still use it for distortion, but you won't get the same kind of output and power compared to a humbucker, and the hum they produce also makes them less adequate for high gain.
On the other hand, HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.
Pickups Quality
Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.
However, the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.
You can purchase similar pickups to the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster's and use them on any guitar:
We found the same or similar pickups to the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT's online:
Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.
Winner: Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster.
Versatility Comparison
Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.
Switch Options
Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.
Only the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster comes with some kind of pickup modification: Parallel Split.
The Parallel Split feature allows it to split and connect some of the pickups in parallel. When wired in parallel, the result is a very bright tone. This is the wire technique used in most Stratocaster guitars, and it's what gives them their signature transparent and clear sound. This is because the pickups' inputs and outputs are wired together, which reduces the signal's travel distance to the output jack.
When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.
Winner: Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster.
Final Sound Quality Scores
Build Quality Comparison
When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster compares to the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT.
Country of Origin
The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Japan.
Japan has a long history of high-quality guitar building. Little has changed in terms of their manufacturing and quality control over the years. Many guitars made in this country can be compared—and even beat—others made in the US.
Winner: Tie
Nut Material
If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.
The Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster has a Bone nut. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.
On the other hand, the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT comes with a Black Tusq XL nut. TUSQ nuts are usually the highest quality you can get. Black TUSQs are made from a special slippery material that helps the strings get back to its original position (one of the keys to tune stability).
Winner: Tie.
Fret Material
Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.
Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.
Winner: Tie.
Bridge
The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.
Both come with a similar bridge: Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.
Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.
Winner: Tie.
Tuners
They both have locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.
Winner: Tie.
Neck Joint
Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.
Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.
Winner: Tie.
Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Parallel Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
Final Build Quality Scores
Playability Comparison
Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.
Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.
Nut Width
The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT has the wider nut with 42.9mm (1.688'') vs 41.9mm (1.65''). This is a 1mm (0.038'') difference
This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.
Scale Length
The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.
In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".
This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.
However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.
Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.
Neck Profile
No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.
In this case, both have different neck shapes:
The Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster has a V type of neck. This neck shape was more common during Fender's early years. Some people like it because they use their thumb over the edge of the fretboard to press the lower strings. It's rather thicker than most modern necks, so it's not usually used for playing fast solos.
The Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT, on the other hand, has a D neck. This is a thin and flat neck that is made for playing fast. If you prefer a neck that doesn't get in your way when soloing, this is the shape you should use. Guitarists that prefer to have a bit more grip won't like this type of neck.
Fretboard Radius
Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.
In this case, the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT.
Still, both are closer to a Stratocaster radius than a Les Paul, so both of them will favor chord playing rather than soloing.
Hand Size Comfortability
Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.
And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster favors large hands more than the Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT.
Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster:
Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT:
Fret Size
The Jackson MJ Series Signature Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT has Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster's Medium Jumbo frets.
Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.