NAMM 2010 Jackson Guitars news
By Rob Sandall
| Posted in Music Technology
Shredders, metalheads, and pilgrims to all things rock should probably take a seat (on their throne of skulls, natch) – a deluge of new Jackson guitars are making their way to debut at the NAMM 2010 show next week.
The JS2, JS3 series – the luthier’s entry-level range – has had an overhaul for starters.
For the JS22R, India’s forests have provided a Cedro body and 24-jumbo-fret, compound-radius Rosewood fingerboard, which is shored up by a Maple neck. Other appointments of note include two Jackson JE10 high-output Humbuckers and a two-point fulcrum tremolo (in a particularly shiny chrome) – we don’t really need to tell you that this is a hard-rocker’s guitar. It’s worth noting however that along with striking sharkfin inlays adding to the sharp looks, all trans finishes carry a flame maple veneer underneath for good measure. The only choice is whether to go for black, inferno red or snow white.
For those looking for more than hummers, the JS23 is a guitar of similar build, but with the JE10 in the bridge, Jackson have seen fit to add two JE14 single coil pickups to the neck and middle positions. Like the JS22, a volume and single tone control preside over your tones.
Available in black and snow white, the JS23 also comes in a natural finish, which allows the grain to show through wonderfully. It might also provide an option for those a little scared of being too ‘rock’.
The JS32 provides a different take on the Jackson range, providing a strung-through-body bridge for those who don’t want a trem in their lives. CVR humbuckers beef up the sound further, and with trans black and tobacco burst finishes joining black, gun metal grey and snow white, you can look a little more flamboyant on stage.
Subtlety might not be your thing, and if that’s the case then it’s safe to say you’ll attract awed and/or terrified looks by getting hold of the PDX Demmelition King V, an upgrade of the much-loved PD. As well as possessing a modest, understated name, this v-shaped axe is rocking some high-end appointments including an Alder body, Rock Maple neck and a 24 jumbo fret, compound-radius, rosewood fretboard.
Fearsome EMG-HZ pickups add some tonal fire to proceedings, while a Floyd Rose tremolo will facilitate huge highs and lows – it’s not for the faint-hearted, but should appeal to the metaller with enough bombast to pull it off. Philly red and black are your colour choices, naturally.
The Japanese-built Jackson SLAT3-6 Soloist Archtop brings a sharp finesse to the party, packing the classic combo of an EMG 81 active pickup in the bridge, and an 85 in the neck – huge output for a massive rock sound.
The archtop Alder body (coupled to a Maple neck and 24 fret fingerboard) is blessed with a flame maple veneer to add that little extra class, along with the black hardware, which includes a Floyd Rose locking trem. Colour choices are gun metal grey, black, trans black and green swirl.
Finally, those into their new metal will be ecstatic to hear that there’s also a 7-string version available, with a similar spec except for the provision of an EMG 81-7 at the bridge, and an EMG 707 active pickup at the neck.
For those about to purchase, receive and rock out, we salute you.
Tags: NAMM 2010, new Jackson Guitars, PDX Demmelition King V