Adrian Smith Signature Jackson

[metalchurch]

There's some heavy talk about this going into production. So far I've gathered a few specs about it.

Alder body
Jackson Strat headstock
Compound Radius Fretboard (rosewood board)
OFR bridge
Vintage White / white pickguard
Black hardware / black pup covers
DiMarzio Super D in the bridge
unknown single coils in neck & mid
1 Vol
1 Tone
3 Way switch

**Actually this is a picture of the prototype production model, which was STOLEN from Adrian in Greece, if I remember correctly? This was just a few days ago. Hope it returns safely.

Anyway, this would be great if it came into fruition and made available for production.
But there is a 99.9999% chance of no left handed versions, it's okay guys I'm used to it



While I usually can't stand sig instruments, there are some guys like Adrian who deserve one, especially after all of the years of loyal service.
Now there needs to be a sig. Dave Murray.
Wish I worked for Jackson/Charvel/Fender cause there's alot of things i would do differently there. Maybe someday.....

[metalchurch]

Can't believe no one else is interested in this? I know that Jackson will not make a lefty, so I may have to make my own.

And on the JCF Forum, they said that Custom Shop Jacksons will not be avail. with Strat headstocks. Not sure why, cause Fender owns them.
Maybe part of the liscening agreement during the merger/buyout?
Probably thinking ahead in case they sell it again?

But what's strange is that Charvels in every form whether Import, USA, or Custom Shop, are available w/ a Strat headstock. That's weird.

So, unless it is offered as a "Artist Endorsement" or Signature, the Strat headstock will not be seen with a Jackson logo on it.


There's alot of real shitty things being done since the FMIC buyout.
Like new Custom Shop policies regarding what you can and cant order.

They have this new thing called "Artist Similar" which basically states that you cannot order a custom shop guitar from Jackson or Charvel if a famous artist has the same guitar! Ain't that fucked?
Also graphic are getting the nipple clamps put on them as well. There's only one way to get around it also, and that's to get written permission from the artist or the company's logo or praphic/design you want to copy. ie: Budweiser logo etc...

Say I wanted to order a Custom Shop guitar for myself, that wanted patterened after the Jake E. Lee Charvel, they will not do it!! Even though Jake has not been with or endorsed by Jackson/ Charvel for many many years.
Now, if I got a White Strat and a White pickguard, or something not 'as noticeable' it would be "OK".
If I as a paying customer, am spending upwards of $5,000.00 for a custom guitar that i want built exactly the way I want, I better damn well be able to do that, right guys?!

FMIC will lose alot of devoted fans and players if they keep these policies up.

Now I agree to an extent that they are being cautious in this PC and whiny assed society, but come on now. Not like buyers are ordering 100 of them and re selling as something they are not.

FMIC also got rid of the Gibson shapes as a body option. So no more Roundhorn Flying V, Explorer, Les Paul, etc...
Now that I can somewhat see, because of the shit between Fender and Gibson.

If this gets worse it will only make people take their 5 grand to a skilled luthier and have them build what they want.

Sorry guys, I have been thinking about this all day, and poor Keith had to hear me bitch about it earlier also!

[lonewolf]

I don't pay much attention to post-1986 Jacksons, but a 3-way switch (instead of 5-way) makes zero sense to me. Why even bother with single coils if you can't quack them? You may as well just have 2 humbuckers with coil taps (or better yet, Barden Two-Tones).

Aside from that, it looks like it could be a killer guitar.

[metalchurch]

Actually Jackson made awesome guitars after 1986, and up until 2001, when Fender bought them. Prior to '01 have been no major issues or complaints about the company, now that's all I hear.

I've owned 4 or 5 Jacksons since the FMIC buyout, and the only bitch that I have is that the neck shape is more of a 'D' shape instead of a 'soft C' shape. Basicaly they are thicker. They still have compound radius' though.
My other bitch would be the fact that almost all of their models have 24 frets now, and I prefer 22.
The finishes and harware remained the same quality for the most part.

It's a common misconception that the pre-86's were superior, but in fact, they had problems also including inferior bridges and pickups.
They are sought after because of the lineage/legacy and the low production. Coupled with the fact that those were the 'original' line of guitars.

The import Jacksons and Charvels from 90-99 were some very good quality built machines. They used great tone woods, great necks, and the QC/ fit and finish were second to none in their category.

The only real problem if you would call it that would be the inferior JT-6 Jackson 'floyd' and some of the stock pickups. Two simple items to upgrade.

Some people put them down because of where they are built, and the fact that they were bolt on necks.
Well the San Dimas were bolt ons, and even Fenders were bolt ons so not sure why people criticize them for being such.

Not @ all putting down the San Dimas or Ontario built Jackson/Charvels, they were awesome machines.
You should have kept your San D Jackson, it was sure to appreciate in value.

I's like to see some pictures of your Gibson V-90 sometime if you could post some? I always like the V-90 cause they has cool inlays and a different headstock shape.


But to answer your question Jeff, I'm not real sure why Adrian would specify a 3 way switch, maybe that's all he needs to get the sounds he prefers. And in a live situation it would be easier to only have 2 detents to pass instead of 4, when switching from bridge to neck pups, or whatever he's switching from.

[old Skool]

Yeah Joe that's a pretty cool guitar. It is a bummer about what Fender has done with Jackson. After buying that ESP Horizon II a few months ago I can see why there has been a mass exodus to ESP the last few years. The quality is in line with Jackson at a much lower price. That Horizon II will hang with any of my USA Jacksons. Don't get me wrong, I still love my Charvels & Jacksons. Just really feel that they are headed in the wrong direction. I don't get the whole strat head deal. Why use it on the Charvels but only select Jacksons (I think they still use it on the Phil Collin model)? Ah I never did like Fender anyways. Rock on!

[metalchurch]

I never cared for the Strat head either. the PC uses a modded Strat style yeah.

I like ESP, but they use a narrower 42mm (1 5/8") nut, hate that!!
25.5" scale though!
They have awesome finishes, but they tend to use Basswood alot, and I don't like that. (I'm never happy!) But yeah both ESP and Schecter have been producing some quality gear as of late. I'm very impressed for sure, just so used to the Jackson/Ch. specs that I haven't crossed over to the dark side yet. I think Schecter also uses Basswood if I remember correctly, I may be wrong though?
Your LTD is pretty sweet, and it sounds great with that JB in it. Was that factory or did you put that in?
Never used a JB before I built my JEL mutt Charvel, and i'm growing to lik it very very much.

I was always more of a Lawrence /DiMarzio guy when it comes to Passives. As far as Seymour, I always liked the TB-12 Screamin' Demon.

[lonewolf]

You should have kept your San D Jackson, it was sure to appreciate in value.

I's like to see some pictures of your Gibson V-90 sometime if you could post some? I always like the V-90 cause they has cool inlays and a different headstock shape.

It did appreciate in value. I only paid $500 for it! I thought it was time to cash in and get some other stuff. I'm not very comfortable playing with the Hss configuration--had it been a dual hum, I would probably have kept it. Each to their own. I ended up buying a new Koch Studiotone amp and a few other goodies with the proceeds.

I did a hardware project with the V90...changed it to all gold hardware including a Tonepros/Graphtech Superbridge, Sperzel locking tuners and various gold hardware. I put a Dimarzio Pro Track in the single coil spot and had Dimarzio make a special Multi-bucker for the bridge spot that consists of a Pro-Track on one side and a Cruiser on the other. When both halves are active, its a very hot, smooth sound, similar to a JB. Pull the tone knob switch and it sounds like a classic V with PAFs.

I was going to post a V90 pic on your V project thread, but I couldn't get the lighting right for the gold plating. I will try again and if I can get a good pic, I will post it here. I'll do a closeup of the headstock too.

[lonewolf]

a white foreground does wonders. Its a 1989 model V90 Double and the only Gibson V with 24 frets:

[metalchurch]

You should have kept your San D Jackson, it was sure to appreciate in value.

I's like to see some pictures of your Gibson V-90 sometime if you could post some? I always like the V-90 cause they has cool inlays and a different headstock shape.

It did appreciate in value. I only paid $500 for it! I thought it was time to cash in and get some other stuff. I'm not very comfortable playing with the Hss configuration--had it been a dual hum, I would probably have kept it. Each to their own. I ended up buying a new Koch Studiotone amp and a few other goodies with the proceeds.

I did a hardware project with the V90...changed it to all gold hardware including a Tonepros/Graphtech Superbridge, Sperzel locking tuners and various gold hardware. I put a Dimarzio Pro Track in the single coil spot and had Dimarzio make a special Multi-bucker for the bridge spot that consists of a Pro-Track on one side and a Cruiser on the other. When both halves are active, its a very hot, smooth sound, similar to a JB. Pull the tone knob switch and it sounds like a classic V with PAFs.

I was going to post a V90 pic on your V project thread, but I couldn't get the lighting right for the gold plating. I will try again and if I can get a good pic, I will post it here. I'd do a closeup of the headstock too.

I was just gonna suggest that you post it there

That would be very cool for sure! I remember you mentioned owning it a while back, but I always forgot to ask you to post pics. I would be ver interested in seeing that V. Like I said, I have always liked those. I like the mid 80's Flying V's especially the ones w/out a pickguard. What year is your V-90?

Tripling your $$$ on a sale would definitely constitute a good investment, but just think 10 more years what it would have sold for? You will regret it someday. (maybe) But since you didn't like the conf. maybe not.
The Jackson DK2L that I ordered has an H-S-S configuration also. I am ok with the neck pup, but the middle is gonna give me probs, cause it's located in my 'picking zone'. I may have to remove it or lower it down and out of the way.

Anyways, yeah Jeff I can't wait to see that V.

[lonewolf]

Tripling your $$$ on a sale would definitely constitute a good investment, but just think 10 more years what it would have sold for? You will regret it someday. (maybe)

Those SanD Jacksons were still selling for under $1000 and didn't really start appreciating until the present 80s craze took off. I figure that once this phase gives way to a grunge/alternative revival (and sadly it will), they will level off and not do much for another 20 years.

I'm still hanging on to my 1976 Fender Starcaster that I bought new-old-stock for $495 in 1985. They are going for close to $4K now, at least when you can find one.

[metalchurch]

Very nice Gibson Jeff!! The one feature that I love about the V-90's are the split diamond inlays, they definitely add a touch of class. It appears as though it has been well taken care of during it's life. Looks great for being 19 years old!

When you were converting the hardware to Gold, did you use the "V" plate from a '58 reissue V? I think they had factory Gold hardware.
I know some of the Korina V's had Gold as well.

So, are you keeping this one, or you gonna sell it? Too bad it doesn't have a Floyd on it

Great guitar, thanks for sharing the pictures, and btw, the gold rocks on that V, it contrasts nicely with the black.

[old Skool]

That ESP actually came with the JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. The body is mahogany with a maple cap. Also it is neck through (maple) with an ebony board and bone nut. The sound is very focused and crisp (great for metal, probably why you see so many metal guys playin' them). The attention to detail, fit & finish of that ESP is equal to Jackson's. I've played some LTD stuff that has been hit & miss IMO but the ESP stuff seems to be top shelf. Don't get me wrong, I've played some LTDs that were very impressive. As far as the JB goes that's probably my favorite right now. I think six of my axes have the JB. I have one that has a Duncan Custom and another with a Custom 5. The Custom is awesome, very fat and a little less gainy than the JB. The Custom 5 is a bit scooped in the mids, great for drop tuned, heavier tones but a bit lacking when you want something a little full ranged. The JB just seems to cover it all-warmth, punch, bite, growl, etc. depending on how you tweak your rig.

[metalchurch]

http://www.jacksonguitars.com/support/c ... ambook.pdf

The latest info straight from Jackson.
I'm so glad that this made the cut and is in production! Adrian deserves to have his name on a guitar considering the time and years that he's put into the industry and Jackson guitars.

[metalchurch]

New photos: