NGD -NHC

[diablo175]

@LucSulla inspired me to take a closer look at the MJ Series RR24s. Glad I did.

Not sure if I scored as nice a deal as he did but I got this one new (open box) for about $900 less than advertised elsewhere. And just as Luc reported, this is an excellent value for the money. Features, fit and finish are all on f-ing point.

Naturally, I can't leave any guitar well enough alone and in fairness, I am not a fan of the tone of EMGs so, they will be coming outta there for a tasty Gravelin double slug Mongoose and a Sustainiac in the neck, a low friction volume pot and a kill switch tone pot.

 

 

[LucSulla]

That yellow on there is rad. I love the way those look.

[RobB]

24 minutes ago, LucSulla said:

That yellow on there is rad. I love the way those look.

I concur. Would't change a thing on this one.

[diablo175]

1 hour ago, LucSulla said:

That yellow on there is rad. I love the way those look.

It's just enough of a nod to/reminiscent of the pin striping on Randy's Concorde to satisfy my inner RR fanboy.

[RobB]

2 hours ago, diablo175 said:

Randy was a wee lad. That guitar nearly dwarfs him!

[diablo175]

43 minutes ago, RobB said:

Randy was a wee lad. That guitar nearly dwarfs him!

True enough!

He was slight enough that Ozzy (who never was a paragon of physical fitness) could lift him.  But his playing and talent were enormous.

[Jimbilly]

makes me think of the Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am, in a good way, - very cool guitar

[diablo175]

Update-

I had a chance to give it a proper test drive with the cover band last night and WOW!!! I am doubly impressed.

As stated, it's got the features, fit and finish all dialed in. It plays really well and despite the unappealing EMGs (subjective, I know) this guitar sounded great nestled in the mix for the rest of the band!  It had nice cut and clarity despite the considerable gain, as the EMGs are designed to.

I could see this becoming a regular feature at gigs. It certainly commands attention aesthetically.

 

 

 

 

 

[Biz Prof]

On 3/12/2025 at 5:34 PM, RobB said:

Randy was a wee lad. That guitar nearly dwarfs him!

And to think his main guitar was a Norlin era Les Paul Custom. 

[diablo175]

15 hours ago, Biz Prof said:

And to think his main guitar was a Norlin era Les Paul Custom. 

To wildly paraphrase the Butthole Surfers song John E Smokes: Randy was like a little, crippled, midget, lesbian boy but he stood 10 foot tall with his Lester.

 

[BTMN]

Dude stood next to me and barely came to my shoulder and I am 5’9”. Great looking guitar. Enjoy it loudly!!! 😎👍🏁

[diablo175]

As a footnote, I still don't like EMG actives.   

In a head to head comparison with passive Gravelin Mongoose (Mongeese?) the EMGs sound sterile and 2 dimensional. No doubt from the scooped mids. In the larger context/setting of a live band, they have good presence and clarity and the mids are not missed as much.