Jackson launches the Adam Blackstone “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass playing tribute to the Emmy-award-winning musical director and GRAMMY-nominated multi-instrumentalist, Adam Blackstone. To honor a player like Blackstone is to honor the expansive and broad stylistic choices that have defined his career and this bass guitar is designed with that sonic exploration in mind.
An updated take on the iconic Jackson Concert bass shape, the “Gladys” is optimized for pure sonic domination — every inch is optimized for playability, comfort, speed and precision. Named in honor of Blackstone’s beloved grandmother Mrs. Gladys Jackson, this signature concert bass guitar is about more than just honoring the man who inspired and designed it — its a tool crafted to help guide and inspire the next generation of players to be as fearless, driven, and ambitious as Blackstone himself.
Blackstone’s relationship with Fender and its portfolio of FMIC brands started in 2018 when he received a custom-wrapped Fender Jazz Deluxe Bass featuring designs inspired by his son — also a pivotal part of his performance backing Justin Timberlake during The Super Bowl LII Halftime Show in 2018.
He was later introduced to the Jackson brand and could be seen sporting custom David Ellefson CMBX-V Concert Bass Guitars on the Super Bowl Halftime stage in 2022 with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, as well as in 2023 on stage with Rihanna. Now, Blackstone takes his partnership with the brand to new heights as his very own signature model which combines elements mined from his rich personal and professional history with cutting-edge features.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have worked with the Jackson team on bringing this model to life. When the team came to me with the idea to make a signature bass I knew I wanted to make something that was accessible, looked good, and sounded great. I think we pulled that off and more with this bass. I’ve always loved the vintage look of a dolphin headstock so I knew I wanted that shape to be incorporated into the design. I think the gold finishes tie everything together and are a great complement to the black sparkle finish.”
The pickups we created work for any style of music and give me that clarity and punch I’m always searching for when I pick up a bass. Whether it be Saturday Night Live or the GRAMMYS — this bass has held its own on every stage. I’m thrilled to introduce this model to a new generation of Jackson players and hope they love playing it as much as I do,” said Adam Blackstone.
The Adam Blackstone “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass is a unique instrument in its ability to appeal to just about any player regardless of skill level or genre. This is a bass guitar that is made to be played, full stop.
Thanks to a custom neck profile, 9”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard, and twenty-two jumbo frets this instrument totes impressive levels of comfort and playability. The engine that drives this groove machine is the custom Jackson BBE J-Style pickups that are voiced to Blackstone’s personal specifications.
Paired with an onboard 3-band EQ circuit, any player would be hard pressed to find a bass tone that is out of the Gladys’ reach. The “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass originated in conjunction with Jackson’s world class design and production teams to capture the iconic artist’s signature sounds.