Friday, June 27, 2008

The Revolutionary Jackson Soloist Electric Guitar

By Vincent Roarden

First produced by Jackson Guitars in 1984, the Jackson Soloist was a radical model at the time that changed the nature of electric guitars. It was a bridge between the old and new guitar designs.

The Soloist existed as an idea before the Jackson company was foundered and was simply a side project when Grover Jackson was managing Charvel Guitars. Prototypes could be bought in the early 80s. These earlier models were authentic custom guitars that had no particular specifications.

With the serial number J0158, the first official Soloist was finished on August 28, 1984. By the time J0158 arrived, the factory had a basic spec outline used as a default on all guitars ordered and only altered when specifically requested by the customer.

Originally there were two types of Jackson Soloist electric guitars. The "Student" model featured dot inlays and rosewood fretboards. The "Custom" model had the well known Jackson shark fin inlays and ebony boards.

Early models included features such as set necks, Stratocaster-shaped bodies, Explorer style headstocks, and often Charvel appointments like vintage tremolos. Oftentimes, a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo bridge, as well as premium woods made the Soloist a recognized high-end guitar. The Soloist was extensively commended in both rock and metal music, particularly by lead guitarists.

Customers were offered any option in designing their very own Soloist. Having custom made features means that there are many examples of Soloist which have other design traits than outlined above. Often, such alternate features included different fretboards or binding on the Student model.

Other guitar companies (eg. Martin, Gibson and Fender) went on to copy the Soloist design. The Soloist designs ensured that the market was ready for the next generation of electric guitars, many of whom became more famous than the Soloist itself. These guitars include the ESP M and Ibanez RG series, which would not have been a commercial success if it was not for the Soloist burning new ground early in the 80s.

The Soloist is possibly the most under appreciated guitar of the eighties. Different from many guitars, the Soloist became radical through construction, paired it with the relaxed and well-known Fender shape with Gibson neck specs, frets, and electronics. It was the perfect synergy of old and new creating an ultimate product exceptional in tone and feel from anything else.

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