American paranormal

The Jackson American Series Virtuoso models are in at Swee Lee. All models are available less the shell pink version. Gloss finishes list for $2,899 & satin ones are $50 lesser.

Also available - Squier's limited edition Paranormal models. All models you see above list for $629, the Rascal bass is $20 more. (EDIT: The 12-string is also $20 more than the other guitars)

Pics: Jackson / New Atlas

Virtuoso

That's right folks, Jackson made amends after releasing that overpriced American Series Soloist which I do not wish to re-visit. Judging by the cover shot & the players wielding this guitar, believably, this should be a better value-for-money proposal by the manufacturer.

This one is called the Virtuoso (made in the USA). Nothing game-changing in terms of design as you can see above. Pickups - Seymour Duncan JB / '59, alder body.

Four colours are offered & just look at that price (USD) - it's unbelievably acceptable. One major factor here would be the bolt-on construction which keeps the price in check. If Jackson would just instal standard, non-locking tuners instead of the locking ones (which I find totally unnecessary for a guitar with a locking nut), the price could be revised down a bit more. We wonder what happened with the AS Soloist when a more appealing package could be had & the Virtuoso proved just that. Those who bought the Soloist, good luck in trying to offload the instrument. Ditto the unsold ones at the stores - I personally wouldn't pay $1K more when this Virtuoso makes more sense. Personal wish - let's see an American Series with a maple fretboard. Or maybe a single humbucker iteration 😅

Pics: Jackson