Jackson Releases Revamped Scott Ian Signature Guitar
Jackson Guitars has launched the X Series Signature Scott 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 throughout 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 that 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 other’s craft.
“The response to the first ‘Baldini’ guitar has always been crazy,” said Scott Ian. “I figured if I could get the new signature to look as good or even better on a KVX version, people would be stoked for it. It sounds great and it looks great. It’s the best tool for my job. I can’t wait for players to get their hands on this one.”
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.”
Key Specifications Include:
24.75” scale length
Nyatoh body draped in an elegant flame maple top, through-body maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint
12” – 16” compound radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets
Pearloid block inlays
Floyd Rose Special Double-Locking Tremolo bridge
Jackson High-Output Humbucking bridge and neck pickups
Three-position pickup blade switch and dome-style knobs for volume control
Introducing the all-new X Series Signature Scott Ian KVX King V finished in an eye-popping transparent green burst – affectionately nicknamed the “Baldini Burst” inspired by his late friend Dimebag Darrell’s iconic green guitar finishes.
For technical specs, additional information on new Jackson® products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.jacksonguitars.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @JacksonGuitars on Twitter and @OfficalJacksonGuitars on Instagram.
Jackson® X Series Signature Scott Ian KVX King VTM ($899.99 USD, £869.00 GBP, €999.00 EUR, $1,749.00 AUD, ¥115,500 JPY) Best known as the rhythm guitarist and co-founder of the thrash metal band Anthrax, Scott Ian is Jackson® guitar royalty. Scott has been playing Jackson® guitars almost exclusively his entire career and has been a signature Jackson®artist since 2010. With two Jackson® signature guitars already under his belt – the X Series Signature Scott Ian King VTM KVXT and the USA Signature Scott Ian King VTM KVT – Jackson is thrilled to premier the new X Series Scott Ian KVX King VTM. The King VTM is Scott’s most prized guitar-created in tribute to a late friend and well known metal guitar virtuoso. It’s offered in a 24.75” scale length, Nyatoh body draped in an elegant flame maple top, through-body maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint. The 12”-16” compound radius rosewood fingerboard features 22 jumbo frets and pearloid block inlays. Its versatile voice is powered by a pair of Jackson® high output humbucking pickups. This signature ax also features a Floyd Rose Special double locking bridge, Jackson® die-cast tuners and pointed 6-in-line-headstock.
ABOUT JACKSON:
Jackson began in the late 1970s when heavy music experienced a virtuosic resurgence in popularity and a small Southern California repair shop became the epicenter of a new level of excellence. When extravagant young guitarists needed more from their instruments, a small staff of highly skilled craftsmen answered the call with a new breed of high-performance custom guitars. From that point on, heavy metal history would be written with Jackson’s guitars being lauded as the industry’s shred machines. Known for their distinctive style and formidable substance, Jackson® guitars have melded seamlessly with each and every sonic mutation across the metal genre allowing discerning guitarists everywhere to achieve an explosive sound. Over the years, Jackson® has worked with some of the most influential and respected players in the world and its roster of signature artists boasts guitarists whose impactful and game-changing contributions to heavy metal continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans. Today, Jackson® is an owned brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and with a foundation of premium state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and the industry’s finest team of seasoned builders, together they are poised for a new and transformative era. For more information, visit www.jacksonguitars.com.
source – Music Instrument News
