Sustainiac and Jackson DK2S - any opinions?

[funny_polymath]

In the 'experimental' music world I inhabit, I use a lot of feedbacky delay effects. Sometimes I use gen-u-ine amp feedback, but I'd like to be able to get a similar effect at low volume for some of my ambient pieces. I often rub the edge of a slide etc. on the strings to create a similar note-without-attack effect, or use the volume pedal, but sometimes you want something closer to the real thing. I've used an ebow and it just ain't me (and my bandmate uses one as well, a good reason to use something different).

So, I'm thinking about a Sustaniac. And since I don't really want to carve up one of my guitars, I'm thinking of getting a used Jackson Dinky DK2S - which comes stock with a Sustaniac stealth pro.

So: anyone have experience with the Dinky in general? And anyone have experience with the Sustaniac? And, has anyone actually played the DK2S?

Thanks.

[DukeOfPrunes]

I have both a Dinky and a Sustainiac, although, the dinky has EMGs. I am very satisfied with both. The sustainiac is very versatile, with three modes (normal note sustain, sustain with harmonic feedback and both modes mixed together); it also comes with an intensity adjustment to allows for varying degrees of sustain.

I would expect that a sustainiac on a DK2S would be a good combo.

Good Luck!

Jean.

[Dramelot]

I have one. My sustainiac quit working properly on it, when sustain not in use it has a terrible scratchy sound in it. I have to send the board in someday to get it fixed. Fairly well built guitar.

[mesaboog]

I own both a DK2S and a PC1. Both great guitars. The DK2S covers a lot of ground and the sustainer allows you to get some really cool expressiveness and versatility. The bridge pup is a JB and boy does it cut through in the mix. I don't recall what single coil is in the mid position, but with the body being alder, you can definitely cop a nice strat tone. It is a light instrument, but doesn't feel cheap...is easy on the back. The PC1 is in a whole other league and is my main player, but for the money (you can get a used one for between $4-$500), the DK2S is a very capable pro instrument that is a perfect back-up for my PC1. Well built, rock solid, nice Jumbo frets, no flaws on mine whatsoever. Inlays are plastic vs. MOP and the logo is painted. Though, make sure you get one of the newer ones with black floyd. From what I remember, the old chrome ones were softer metal and did not hold up well.

BTW, unlike the 2 position sustainer in the PC1, the sustainer in the DK2S has 3 positions which even expands the sonic pallet. The 1st pos. is straight sustain, 2nd position is like a natural feedback harmonic (like you would get with your amp at high volumes). This is my fav on this guitar, sustained notes with vibrato it is just heaven, and the 3rd pos is a 1 octave harmonic, like the PC1 I use this for screaming end of passages like Phil Collen does. The only limitation is your own creativity!

[claxor]

WeIl have one in my Jackson USA sl-2h, and it is great. Very happy with it.

[Hazbaloo]

Hi, i have the same problem. I´m waiting for suggestions from the Sustainiac team. Has your problem been solved? Was it the circuit board? Otherwise i agree, its a fairly well built guitar with a decent tone. Until the problems occurred..

[Dramelot]

Hey,
By chance saw this today. Nope not fixed. I sent the board in and they said they repaired. put it back in and it does the same thing. He didnt charge me, so I cant bitch too much. He told me next to ship the whole guitar, not sure if i will.
Here are my emails.



From: Duane Ramelot [mailto:dramelot@suddenlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 6:22 PM
To: 'Alan Hoover'
Subject: RE: Sustainiac in Jackson DK2S scratchy



Hi Alan,

First I want to thank you so much for the super fast turn around and at N/C, I am floored.

Thank you!



I just Installed.

Dangit it is still there.

I can send you audio if it would be helpful.



Sustainiac off and Sustainiac drive pot fully off. No noise.



Just barely turn on drive knob, scratchy hiss except for front driver only position, (minor hiss)

Turn sustainiac on and and it goes away in 1 second.

Turn sustainiac back off, noise bleeds slowly back in 1 second.

Can you tell me any else to try? All pots stock.

I even played it abit with only rear pickup while you had the board. No noise at all.

I am very sorry, I kinda hate this thing too since I am a self employed technical repair guy.

And cringe after I repair something and this kind of thing happens.

Any ideas?

Thank you,

Duane Ramelot

Duane Ramelot Guitarist Artist








I would say send the guitar. Don’t know.

Alan Hoover

Maniac Music Inc.

3937 Cranbrook Drive

Indianapolis IN 46240 USA

317-340-1161

[nateb]

Have had many of USA and Japanese built Jacksons. Among them were a DK1 and a DK2le. They were both solid guitars.