The Jackson Soloist is an electric guitar that is produced by Jackson Guitars. Production officially began in 1984, although earlier prototypes were made available in the early eighties.
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.
1984 saw the first Soloist rolled off the factory line with J0158 as its serial number. These factory produced Jackson Soloists had a core, basic design to which customers could order particular changes to or add certain features.
For the 1980s custom era, the standard classifications were the Student and Custom model. Student models can be identified by rosewood fretboards and dot inlays. Custom models feature ebony boards, sharkfin inlays, and binding on the headstock and neck.
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.
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.
1984 saw the first Soloist rolled off the factory line with J0158 as its serial number. These factory produced Jackson Soloists had a core, basic design to which customers could order particular changes to or add certain features.
For the 1980s custom era, the standard classifications were the Student and Custom model. Student models can be identified by rosewood fretboards and dot inlays. Custom models feature ebony boards, sharkfin inlays, and binding on the headstock and neck.
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.
About the Author:
Genuine, hard to find, as well as the latest and vintage Jackson Guitars are listed for sale in Vincent Roarden's internet shop. You will find a wide selection of Jackson guitars, including Dinky Jackson Guitars, King V, Rhoads and Dinky.
