From the “golden age” of 80’s metal to the vast variety of heavy music today, there are a few things you can say will never leave the stage. I’m not talking about long hair twirling around in sync to the sweeping solos and thunderous drums nor am I referring to skull tattoos or denim and leather — I’m talking about the boisterous and electrifying legacy of Jackson Guitars.
I’m sure we all have our own opinions on this but you really can’t sweep the undeniable truth under a rug — You can’t talk hard rock without the mention of Jackson Guitars. In the early stages of my adolescence I would often find myself ferociously flipping through the glossy pages of music magazines like Guitar World and Rolling Stone drooling over the sharp and utterly menacing presence of Jackson Guitars and I still do. To me they were the epitome of hard rock and all it stood for. Much like a giant middle finger jutting out from your fist pointed in anger at the world. Nothing said, “fuck off!” like the jagged-winged body and dagger-like headstocks endorsed by master axe-slingers and legends of the genre like Kirk Hammett, Jeff Hanneman, Dave Mustaine and Randy Rhoads (to name a few).
The kings of their craft don’t plan to give up their title just yet. While keeping true to their roots and upholding their reputation, the Fender owned company welcomes its newest member of their delectably wicked product lineup, the Jackson American Series Soloist™ SL3 this Fall. The brand new model is the first to be released from the Fender plant in Corona, Ca and comes equipped with everything you ever wanted in a Jackson and more. Built for speed and comfort these glorious machines are top of the line and the leaders of their class. Jackson has been a staple for musicians and music fans worldwide for 40 plus years and to this day has little to no competition. You’ll find yourself grasping at straws as you try to find anything that even comes close.
If you’re reading this article I’m sure you’re wondering about the specs are on this six-stringed menace — The Soloist™ SL3 features include the ever-so-classic alder body, a through-body three-piece maple neck, ebony fingerboard and yes, of course, those baleful mother of pearl inlays as you’d expect. This guitar screams as your fingers glide up and down the graphite-reinforced neck over the 24 jumbo frets with ease. The guitar’s factory pickups include a Seymour Duncan JB™ TB-4, Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP Single-Coil middle pickup and Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Single-Coil neck pickup to bring your malevolent riffs to life. Other features include a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel, single volume and single tone control knobs and a five-way blade pickup switch and additional add-ons like Luminlay side dots for fret visibility when performing on a dark stage or a quick access truss rod add-on for on-the-fly neck relief adjustments. Beyond the specifications, the SL3 is an overall beautifully designed instrument which will suit the needs of players at all skill levels and stays true to the classic Jackson aesthetic properties that demand attention.
The American Series Soloist™ SL3 hits the market on September 7 in four color ways: Riviera Blue, Gloss Black, Platinum Pearl and Satin Slime Green with a color matched pointed headstock and accompanied by black hardware. Whether you’re a born shredder or a newcomer to the world of Jackson Guitars, the SL3 is not to be overlooked.
(photo credit: Jackson)
Visit the Jackson Guitars website for more information on the SL3.
