I did not get the reverse Pickguard...though it did cross my mind during the wait. I figured, being more of a dyed in the wool J-Guy, I give the traditional configuratin a try....could always reverse it at a later date, once I get the current tonal options ingrained.
It actually is the three tone. Truth be told, I have my heart set on a look that was more obviously three tone (i.e. like the first SP5 in the SP Gallery on the Dingwall site. That Pic has been my desktop background for several months now. I actually opened the shipping box (in Fed Ex Parking lot) and unzipped the case just enough to see some of the body. Initially, my heart sunk a little,as it did not look three tone. Having had it now for just over 24 hours, I can say that I am uber happy with the way it turned out. In the light, you get the beauty of the grain and stain but in a playing situation, it assumes more of the three tone look (at least in my basement it does). The dark edge of the body comes out. I don't know but perhaps this is the difference between sun burst and three tone...if that distinction makes sense/is applicable. In any event, it is better than anticipated, dispute my initial reaction (it was supper sunny/bright in the FedEx parking lot).
I have a SJ5 and just this morning changed strings to new Dingwall Stainless (the SP/J5 has Dingwall Nickels). I will say this, the action on the SP/J5 is supurb...lower than by SJ5 and still no buzzing. I am going to have to tweak the J....actually the J could use an intonation job...just don't know who to take it to.
In comparing the J to the P (strings aside), the 4-way switch on the P seems very even and balanced. On the J, the nest click after the Neck PU solo (forget if that is the series or parallel setting) is WAY louder than the rest of the other 3 settings. Not sure why but it is a significant boost. On the P, it is pretty even. Having had the J for almost two years, the active bass boos is amazing. I have found myself wanting to dial that type of boos in on the P but it is Passive, so a different palate. That said, I think the single knob on the P is really versatile...especially in combination with the 4-way selector....so much so that I think it provides more tonal options than what the J has. I may have to rescind statement after I get more accustom to how the P and J compare...but I don't think so. It (the SP/J5) is pretty amazing. Bare in mind, I not a P guy...or at least wasn't before, yesterday...due to perceived lack of versatility, when comparing a traditional Fender P to a Fender J.
In regards to the Stainless vs the Nickel....they are the same guage but the Nickels just feel a tad smaller in guage and a tad less tension. Smoother and more focused. Still have nice harmonic brightness to them as well. I may be a nickel guy now too.
Was all in a hurry to order a set of T.I flats for the SP/J5 but will hold off and enjoy the Nickels for a good while before switching them out.Just spent the last 45 on the SP/J5 in the basement. Now I do the SJ5 a bit.
-PM
