NAMM 2025: Jackson has unveiled a massive lineup of new electric guitars at this year’s NAMM show. Highlights include an expanded lineup of Limited Edition X Series models, a new collection of JS/X Series Surfcasters, and fresh additions to the acclaimed Pro-Plus Series.
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Limited Edition X Series
Foremost, additions to the brand’s ever-popular X series come by way of the new Limited Edition X Series King V KVX and the Limited Edition X Series SLX HT Soloist.
Both models arrive in a striking glossy Blood Red finish, boasting a poplar body, three-piece through-body maple neck, bound 12”-16” compound-radius, 24 jumbo frets, and a rosewood fingerboard, allowing for some nice low-action playing surface at the body. The guitars come equipped with active Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-3 humbucking pickups in the bridge and neck, a Jackson hardtail bridge, and are completed with a Jackson pointed 6-in-line black headstock.
Controls wise, the SLX HT Soloist features a volume knob, tone knob, and a three-way blade switch, while the King V KVX keeps things a little more streamlined with a three-way toggle switch and a single control knob.
Both models will be available in March 2025, with the Limited Edition X Series SLX HT Soloist priced at $849.99/£769/€889 and the King V KVX at $899.99/£829/€949.
For players seeking more visual flair, Jackson is also releasing three Limited Edition X Series models with graphic finishes. This lineup includes two Dinky DK1As and a Soloist SLX DX, all of which come equipped with a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge system.
The Dinky DK1A models, a classic Jackson design, feature a bolt-on neck construction. They also share the same ergonomically curved nyatoh body and a 12”-16” compound-radius amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets. The $649.99/£619/€709 Illuminati model is powered by a Jackson high-output humbucker in the bridge, while the $699.99/£619/€709 Warhol model adds a rail-style pickup in the neck for expanded tonal versatility.
As for the Soloist SLX DX, which features a through-body neck, the “active Jackson covered high-output humbucking pickups power this metal beast with a rich, full-bodied tone that’s perfect for both brazen lead work and assertive rhythm runs.”
Routed through a three-way blade switch and single volume and tone controls, the guitar arrives in a bold Bullseye graphic finish with a bound laurel fingerboard. It is also the priciest of the bunch at $799.99/£769/€889.
Pro Plus Pure Metal
“Built for speed and engineered for domination”, Jackson’s new Pro Plus Pure Metal Limited Edition RR1A Rhoads guitar is the ultimate weapon for any serious shredder. The features are what you’d expect of a guitar priced at a rather premium price tag of $1,499.99/£1,499/€1,699. They include a single-ply bound poplar body, a graphite-reinforced three-piece thru-maple neck, compound radius ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, along with Jackson’s iconic sharkfin inlays.
The RR1A is also powered by a Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker, which promises “bone-crushing tones, from pristine cleans to face-melting distortion”. Additional features include a Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo system for supreme tuning stability under even the harshest conditions, and a Gloss Black finish for some understated shredding fun.
Next up is the Pro Plus Pure Metal Limited Edition Soloist SL1A, which, too, sports a single-ply bound poplar body with a graphite-reinforced three-piece thru-maple neck. The guitar’s compound radius ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo stainless steel frets is “perfect for blistering solos”, says Jackson. Like the RR1A, the SL1A is driven by a Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker. It also features a Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo system. The Soloist SL1A is priced at $1,299.99/£1,399/€1,599.
Rounding up Jackson’s Pro Plus Pure Metal series is the Limited Edition Kelly KE1A, priced at $1,399.99/£1,499/€1,699. Key features include a single-ply bound poplar body, graphite-reinforced three-piece thru-maple neck, compound radius ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo stainless steel frets with sharkfin inlays, a Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker and a Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo system.
“With its aggressive body shape and pointed 6-in-line headstock, the Kelly KE1A oozes Jackson attitude, built to dominate the metal stage and withstand the rigors of relentless touring,” Jackson describes the guitar.
The Pro Plus Metal series will be available in April and May 2025.
X Series/ JS Series Surfcaster
2025 also sees Jackson bringing its coveted Surfcaster offsets to fans with the launch of the new X/JS Series Surfcaster models. Combining vintage appeal with a modern twist, the new JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HT delivers exceptional value while offering a classic design that metal enthusiasts will appreciate.
Drawing from Jackson’s iconic shapes, the JS22 features a sleek offset poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck, providing a solid foundation for fast and aggressive play. The guitar’s 12”-16” compound-radius bound amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets allows for easy chording, while its carved neck heel ensures uninhibited access to the highest registers.
Loaded with high-output Jackson humbuckers, the Surfcaster delivers “thick, saturated distortion tones”. The instrument also features a simple control layout — a single volume and tone knob — and a Jackson hardtail bridge.
Available in two sleek finishes, Snow White and Gloss Black, the JS22 is the perfect metal machine for any aspiring shredder, given its supremely affordable $249.99/£279/€319 price tag.
Finally, players can also choose between two new Surfcaster models in the X series, the OC HT6 and the seven-string OC HT7. The two guitars share a number of features with the JS22 model, including an offset poplar body, bolt-on maple neck, 12”-16”compound radius with 24 jumbo frets, “high-output” Jackson humbuckers and hardtail bridge.
By contrast, the OC HT models sport a bound laurel fingerboard with pearloid sharkfin inlays. The OC HT6 arrives in a Satin black finish and is priced at $549.99/£689/€799 while the OC HT7 is available in Metallic Black at a price of $599.99/£779/€899.
Learn more at Jackson.
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