Jackson today launches the X Series Signature IAN KVX King VTM, an update to the Anthrax co-founder’s signature King VTM model with added flourishes that pay homage to his close friend and inspiration – Pantera guitarist, Dimebag Darrell.

Having played Jackson guitars almost exclusively through his storied career, Ian’s unique blend of precision and high octane rhythm playing has become synonymous with the brand. Now, with the latest iteration in this ongoing partnership, guitarists everywhere can tap into the powerful sonic capabilities unique to Jackson’s line of signature instruments while celebrating the kinship between two of metal’s most legendary players.

Scott Ian and Dimebag Darrell first crossed paths when the two shared a bill together in 1986 at a club called Cardi’s in Houston, TX. The two became fast friends and it wasn’t long before they left an indelible imprint on one another as players. In 2019, Ian paid tribute to his late friend with a custom shop King VTM that he referred to as “Baldini” – the nickname Dimebag gave Ian in the 90s after years of touring and collaboration. This revamped striking King V model is more than just a nod to these two iconic players, but to the miraculous ways in which like minded musicians can powerfully impact each others craft.

The Jackson X Series Signature Scott Ian KVX King VTM is built for optimal performance above all else. Thanks to a through-body maple neck with graphite reinforcement, 12”-16” compound radius rosewood fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets, this instrument makes quick work out of even the most dizzying licks.

A pair of Jackson high output humbucking pickups will ensure that every riff will be heard from the front row all the way to the rafters. It wouldn’t be a nod to Dimebag without a tremolo system that can handle the deepest of dive bombs and the “Baldini” does not disappoint. The centerpiece of this signature instrument is the eye-popping finish: vibrant shades of yellow and green seamlessly blend into one another across a stunningly quilted maple top.

“Taking on the ‘Baldini’ was a tall order. We were essentially working double duty to honor two of the most important players of all time,” said Jon Romanowski, VP of Category Management at Jackson. “Everything players have asked for on this revamped model is all there. From the striking finish to the Floyd Rose tremolo that Scott’s fans have been pining for for years, this instrument stands up to the task.”

Introducing the all-new X Series Signature Scott Ian KVX King V finished in a eye-popping transparent green burst – affectionately nicknamed the “Baldini Burst” inspired by his late friend Dimebag Darrell’s iconic green guitar finishes.

Jackson marks a long-awaited homecoming with the launch of the American Series Soloist SL3, a high performance American-made flagship electric guitar, crafted for speed and produced for the heaviest and fastest of players.

For over 40 years, Jackson’s reputation as the brand built to handle heavy music has been recognized and respected by artists around the globe. Its portfolio of guitars have been played on stages everywhere by the metal genre’s biggest titans: Randy Rhoads, Marty Friedman, Scott Ian, and more. The launch of the American Series Soloist SL3 cements Jackson’s status as a pioneer in heavy metal innovation and the go-to instruments for the new generation of shredders who have honed their craft through tireless dedication and practice.

The American Series Soloist SL3, proudly made from start to finish in Fender’s Corona, Calif. factory, is a breakthrough in high-performance guitars and above all else, is designed for speed. Starting with the classic Speed Neck profile from beloved Jackson Soloists of decades past, the profile has been suped up to include masterfully rolled edges for maximum comfort. Complementing this profile is a compound radius that starts at 12” at the nut and flattens to 16” at the 12th fret to promote screaming bends and intricate finger work as players move up the neck. Player-focused features like Luminlay side dots to illuminate the fretboard on the darkest of stages and quick access truss rod adjustment to make easy neck relief adjustments ensure the Soloist is always optimized for speed and precision.

The iconic “Concorde” six-on-a-side headstock visually represents the instrument with its razor-sharp profile. The model is laden with quality features usually found only in custom domestic builds or import models including a Floyd Rose 1500 and neck-through construction. With four eye-catching finishes – Rivera Blue, Platinum Pearl, Black Gloss, and Slime Green Satin – there’s no mistaking it for any other guitar.

The launch of the American Series Soloist SL3 represents the next phase in FMIC’s long-term investment strategy in its portfolio of wholly owned and licensed brands, which includes Jackson. With heightened resources in trade advertising, social media and elevated artist marketing, Jackson has built a campaign to reflect the significant milestone that the American Series Soloist SL3 represents: a guitar tailor made for the new generation of diverse heavy metal players.

To help tell the story of the new American-made guitars, the powerful traditions of the heavy metal genre, Jackson assembled a roster of shredding superstars who illustrate the best of the industry’s leading talent. Legends like Scott Ian of Anthrax and Misha Manor of Periphery join ranks of modern metal titans, including Le Malia of Bring Me the Horizon, Kevin Staff of A Day to Remember, Brandon Ellis of The Black Dhalia Murder and Mark Heylmun of Suicide Silence. Rounding out the roster are Japanese guitar master, Yas Nomura, educator and social media influencer Alyssa Day, and guitarist, producer, and songwriter, Vixen.

American Series Soloist SL3 ($2,499.99 – $2,599,99 USD, £2,449.00 GBP, €2,899.00 EUR, $4,499.00 – $4,699.00 AUD, ¥440,000 JPY). Equipped with all the essential attributes, the American Series Soloist SL3 leads the way in establishing a new standard in the premium high-performance category as it inspires players across the globe.