Jackson has expanded on its successful American Series of electric guitars with a brand new hardtail edition of the Virtuoso.
The American Series presented the first opportunity for players to enjoy a U.S-built Jackson guitar without the crazy wait times that Jackson USA builds – essentially custom shop orders – pertained. The American Series Virtuoso HT is the latest addition to the family.
Its sibling, the “modern shred axe with a bayonet-sharp headstock” American Series Virtuoso, was well-received upon its release, with a Guitar Player review from earlier this year saying players will “be thrilled with how useful this new Jackson is.”
Much of that winning formula remains here. The pairing of Seymour Duncan humbuckers – a JB TB-4 in the bridge, and a ‘59 SH-1N in the neck – which “roars with hot-rodded attitude” and radiates with “glassy trebles,” respectively, is one such example.
The pairing, like Jack and Coke, is a classic for metal tones. Further still, Jackson says the pickups have been “mounted to the body for increased resonance and vibration transfer, adding more punch and sustain to your sound” with a five-way pickup switch adding to their versatility.
Like its Floyd Rose-equipped forebearer, the Virtuoso HT also offers an alder body. Its bolt-on five-piece maple neck is only different for its caramelized finish, whereas its older brother’s neck was baked.
GP has praised the Virtuosos for a “fast, unbendable neck”, but Jackson assures us the caramelized take is even more robust.
Its streaked ebony fretboard offers rolled edges for comfortable playing, 24 Jumbo frets, and offset mother of pearl dot inlays, built to a 12"-16" compound radius. There's also a heel-mounted adjustment wheel for its dual-action truss rod.
Another key talking point from the series launch – a “handshake” neck heel – returns here.
The phrase was used to describe how the bolt-on neck joined the body, with some contouring bolstering upper fret access and providing “ergonomic comfort” during long performances.
Other trimmings on the Virtuoso HT include Gotoh MG-T locking tuners, Dunlop dual-locking strap buttons, and Luminlay side dots to ensure the six-string can survive heavy lifting on the road.
But of course, the main difference comes via its Hipshot hardtail bridge, usurping a Floyd Rose tremolo. While versatile and capable of pulling off nose-diving whammy tricks, the floating tremolos aren’t for everyone – especially when it’s time to restring – so a hardtail version is a welcome addition to the family.
Aside from the American Series Soloist SL2MG – released alongside a Floyd Rose version – this new model is the only option in the series for hardtail lovers.
Perhaps registering concerns surrounding the Virtuoso and the earlier Soloist SL3, Jackson has replaced its high-friction Volume pot with a dome-style one.
Four colorways – Mystic Blue, Satin Black, Red Crystal, and Snow White – are available, with the guitar just sneaking under the $2k mark at $1,949. It ships with a Jackson Foam Core Case.
Head to Jackson to discover more about the Jackson American Series Virtuoso HT.
"He'd been given the guitar for his 16th birthday and obviously didn't want it. I took one look and said, ‘Thanks, I'll have it!’ " Phil Manzanera on his Roxy Music Firebird, "Love Is the Drug" 1951 Tele and other favorite guitars
"A fun and unique guitar that’s nevertheless a sleek beast of a performer." The Frank Brothers Sonar electric merges vintage styling with diverse tones, making it a perfect all-rounder
