Signature Jacksons abound with the introduction of new guitars bearing the names Phil Collen, Gus G., Marty Friedman, and Misha Mansoor.
Jackson, AZ (January 21, 2016) -- Jackson proudly announces new signature models with Def Leppardās Phil Collen, Gus G. of Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne, Marty Friedman, and Peripheryās Misha Mansoor.
As the lead guitarist for one of the worldās biggest-selling rock bands, Def Leppardās Phil Collen has deftly wrung numerous classic riffs from Jackson guitars. Itās impossible to imagine the ā80s and ā90s rock chartsāor Jackson historyāwithout him, as heās been a Jackson endorser since 1986.
Collenās PC1 Dinky was one of the original Jackson signature instruments, and continues to stand out in modern times with its staple exotic woods and a Jackson Sustainer/Driver. New for 2017, Collenās revered USA signature models have been refreshed to match his latest tastes and specifications with the new USA Signature Phil Collen PC1 Matte and USA Signature Phil Collen PC1 Satin Stain models.
Both models have a caramelized mahogany body, bolt-on two-piece quartersawn caramelized flame-maple neck with handrubbed urethane gel on the back and graphite reinforcement, 12ā-16" compound radius caramelized flame-maple fretboard with 24 jumbo frets, convenient thumbwheel truss-rod butt adjust, and licensed Fender Stratocaster headstock.
These guitars also keep Collenās favored HSS configuration, with DiMarzio DP-152-F (bridge) and HS-2 DP116 (middle) pickups, and a PC1 Sustainer Driver neck pickup. Other features include the ādomeā master volume control, master tone and intensity controls, 5-way blade switch, Floyd Rose Original tremolo, and die-cast tuners.
The PC1 Matte comes in satin gray or matte blue frost with black hardware, while the PC1 Satin Stain is available in transparent amber, transparent blue, au natural, transparent black, transparent red or transparent green with satin gold hardware.
Gus G. has spent the past decade affirming his status as one of metalās reigning guitar virtuosos. He has recorded more than a dozen studio albums, has established himself as an acclaimed solo artist, and has also managed to find time to perform worldwide with acts as diverse as Arch Enemy, Dream Evil, and his own band, Firewind. Heās also been Ozzy Osbourneās guitarist since being personally handpicked by the heavy metal legend in August 2009, thus continuing a long-cherished tradition of Jackson-wielding Ozzy Osbourne guitarists dating all the way back to Randy Rhoads and the companyās 1980 founding.
Jackson pays homage to the Greek Metal God with three new signature models that offer a new take on one of Jacksonās original avant-garde body shapes.
USA Signature Gus G. Star
A stylish and heavy-sounding axe, the USA Signature Gus G. Star offers premium features such as an alder Star body, one-piece through-body quartersawn maple neck with satin urethane back finish, graphite reinforcement rods and scarf joint, 12ā radius fully bound rosewood fretboard with 24 custom jumbo frets, Jacksonās pointed 6-in-line headstock and the option of a Gus G. logo in mother of pearl at the 12th fret.
A pair of active humbucking Seymour Duncan Gus G. Signature Blackouts power this pointed machine with thick, meaty, and towering tone that can be controlled by a master volume dial and 3-way toggle pickup selector switch. Its TonePros adjustable Tune-o-matic style bridge with Gotoh stop tailpiece, bone nut, and Sperzel locking tuners work in tandem to provide outstanding tuning stability and durability.
Available in satin white with black pinstripes or satin black with white pinstripes, the USA Gus G. Star bears brooding black hardware and comes in a hardshell case.
X Series Signature Gus G. Star
The X Series Signature Gus G. Star features a mahogany body with a one-piece through-body maple neck stabilized by a pair of graphite reinforcement rods and scarf joint, and a 12ā radius rosewood-bound fretboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkin inlays.
A pair of Seymour Duncan Gus G. Signature Blackouts power this pointed machine, with a single master volume control and 3-way toggle switch to shape and refine tone. Also equipped with a Jackson compensated and adjustable bridge with anchored tailpiece, black hardware, and Jackson pointed 6-in-line headstock.
Available in satin black with white pinstripes and satin white with black pinstripes.
JS Series Signature Gus G. Star JS32
The most affordable option for Gus G.ās new signature series, the Gus G. Star JS32 features a poplar body, one-piece bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint, and a 12ā-16ā compound radius bound rosewood fretboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays.
Itās fueled by Jackson high-output humbucking pickups, with a single volume control and 3-way toggle switch to shape tone. Also features a Jackson radius compensated TOM-style bridge with anchored tailpiece, black hardware, and a Jackson pointed 6-in-line headstock.
Available in satin black with white pinstripes and satin white with black pinstripes.
One of the most influential and respected players in the world, Marty Friedmanās impactful and game-changing contributions to heavy metal and guitar in general continue to inspire generations of musicians and music fans to this day. He defined modern guitar playing with Jason Becker in Cacophony, was a key element in the wildly successful rise of thrash pioneers Megadeth, and with his āMarty-esqueā improvisations and exotic fusion of Eastern and Western music, has achieved global success with his 12 solo albums.
Jackson is incredibly proud and honored to continue a longstanding relationship with Friedman by collaborating with the virtuoso on the all-new USA Signature Marty Friedman MF-1 and X Series Marty Friedman MF-1 signature models.
USA Signature Marty Friedman MF-1
This 24.75ā-scale signature guitar is loaded with premium features to match the demanding needs of an elite and intricate player like Friedman, including a mahogany body with 3/4ā plain maple top, one-piece mahogany set-neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint, and a bound 12ā radius rosewood fretboard with 22 wide medium jumbo frets and mother of pearl block inlays.
Dual Marty Friedman EMG MF signature humbucking pickups power this single-cutaway guitar, delivering a sound that sings as well as screams. The guitar is equipped with white speed-knob controls as well as a 3-way toggle switch to wrangle all of the subtle nuances out of the guitar's tone, while a TonePros adjustable Tune-o-matic style bridge with Gotoh stop tailpiece and Schaller locking tuners provide state-of-the-art tuning stability and sustain.
Available in gloss black with white bevels, black hardware, and Jacksonās reverse 3x3 (3 over, 3 under) AT-1 headstock. Hardshell case included.
X Series Signature Marty Friedman MF-1
This 24.75ā-scale X Series signature model is also loaded with great features, but at a more affordable price.
Features include a mahogany body with 3/4ā plain maple top, one-piece mahogany set-thru neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint, bound 12ā radius rosewood fretboard with 22 jumbo frets and pearloid block inlays.
Marty Friedman dual EMG MF signature humbucking pickups deliver a sound that sings and screams. Equipped with two volume and two tone dome-style controls as well as a 3-way toggle switch to wrangle all of the subtle nuances out of the guitar's tone. The model also features a Jackson compensated and adjustable bridge and die-cast locking tuners for increased sustain and tuning stability.
Available in gloss black with white bevels, black hardware, and a reverse Jackson 3x3 (3 over, 3 under) AT-1 headstock.
Djent forefather and speed demon Misha Mansoor has gained widespread acclaim as the mastermind behind the axe-centric progressive metal band Periphery. Heās known to impress the most discerning of metal fans with his steadfast, fleet-fingered technique, and his personally designed collection of Jackson signature Juggernaut instruments is sure to set any shredderās tone ablaze.
For 2017, Jackson adds new Pro Series versions of his Juggernaut models, offering many similar features as his USA model with a price tag that is easier on the wallet.
Pro Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6
The Pro Juggernaut HT6 features a basswood body, one-piece bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and wrap-around heel for comfort, 16ā flat radius ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo frets, offset inlay dots, Luminlay side dots, and convenient thumb wheel truss-rod butt adjust.
Not willing to sacrifice tone, Mansoor spent considerable time working with Jackson to develop new, killer-sounding Jackson MM1 pickups, which can be shaped with a master volume and master tone control with push/pull select and 5-way blade switch. The guitar also features a Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge, Jackson die-cast locking tuners, black hardware, and reverse Jackson 3x3 (3 over, 3 under) AT-1 headstock.
Available in satin gun metal gray and satin white.
The Pro Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT7FM shares the same specs as his Juggernaut HT6 but with a few modifications. A 7-string guitar, the HT7FM features a 26.5ā-scale length, a striking flame-maple top, a Jackson HT7 string-through-body hardtail bridge, and reverse Jackson 4x3 (4 over, 3 under) AT-1 headstock.
Available in oceanburst and charcoal burst.
For more information:
Jackson Guitars
A live editor and browser for customizing Tone Models and presets.
IK Multimedia is pleased to release the TONEX Editor, a free update for TONEX Pedal and TONEX ONE users, available today through the IK Product Manager. This standalone application organizes the hardware library and enables real-time edits to Tone Models and presets with a connected TONEX pedal.
You can access your complete TONEX library, including Tone Models, presets and ToneNET, quickly load favorites to audition, and save to a designated hardware slot on IK hardware pedals. This easy-to-use application simplifies workflow, providing a streamlined experience for preparing TONEX pedals for the stage.
Fine-tune and organize your pedal presets in real time for playing live. Fully compatible with all your previous TONEX library settings and presets. Complete control over all pedal preset parameters, including Global setups. Access all Tone Models/IRs in the hardware memory, computer library, and ToneNET Export/Import entire libraries at once to back up and prepare for gigs Redesigned GUI with adaptive resize saves time and screen space Instantly audition any computer Tone Model or preset through the pedal.
Studio to Stage
Edit any onboard Tone Model or preset while hearing changes instantly through the pedal. Save new settings directly to the pedal, including global setup and performance modes (TONEX ONE), making it easy to fine-tune and customize your sound. The updated editor features a new floating window design for better screen organization and seamless browsing of Tone Models, amps, cabs, custom IRs and VIR. You can directly access Tone Models and IRs stored in the hardware memory and computer library, streamlining workflow.
A straightforward drop-down menu provides quick access to hardware-stored Tone Models conveniently sorted by type and character. Additionally, the editor offers complete control over all key parameters, including FX, Tone Model Amps, Tone Model Cabs/IR/VIR, and tempo and global setup options, delivering comprehensive, real-time control over all settings.
A Seamless Ecosystem of Tones
TONEX Editor automatically syncs with the entire TONEX user library within the Librarian tab. It provides quick access to all Tone Models, presets and ToneNET, with advanced filtering and folder organization for easy navigation. At the same time, a dedicated auto-load button lets you preview any Tone Model or preset in a designated hardware slot before committing changes.This streamlined workflow ensures quick edits, precise adjustments and the ultimate flexibility in sculpting your tone.
Get Started Today
TONEX Editor is included with TONEX 1.9.0, which was released today. Download or update the TONEX Mac/PC software from the IK Product Manager to install it. Then, launch TONEX Editor from your applications folder or Explorer.
For more information and videos about TONEX Editor, TONEX Pedal, TONEX ONE, and TONEX Cab, visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/tonexeditor
Two Iconic Titans of Rock & Metal Join Forces for a Canāt-Miss North American Trek
Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, April 16 with Artist Presales
General On Sale Begins Friday, April 18 at 10AM Local on LiveNation.com
This fall, shock rock legend Alice Cooper and heavy metal trailblazers Judas Priest will share the stage for an epic co-headlining tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 22-city run kicks off September 16 at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS, and stops in Toronto, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping October 26 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX.
Coming off the second leg of their Invincible Shield Tour and the release of their celebrated 19th studio album, Judas Priest remains a dominant force in metal. Meanwhile, Alice Cooper, the godfather of theatrical rock, wraps up his "Too Close For Comfort" tour this summer, promoting his most recent "Road" album, and will have an as-yet-unnamed all-new show for this tour. Corrosion of Conformity will join as support on select dates.
Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 16 at 10AM local time with Artist Presales. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, April 18 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.comTOUR DATES:
Tue Sep 16 ā Biloxi, MS ā Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Thu Sep 18 ā Alpharetta, GA ā Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
Sat Sep 20 ā Charlotte, NC ā PNC Music Pavilion
Sun Sep 21 ā Franklin, TN ā FirstBank Amphitheater
Wed Sep 24 ā Virginia Beach, VA ā Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Fri Sep 26 ā Holmdel, NJ ā PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat Sep 27 ā Saratoga Springs, NY ā Broadview Stage at SPAC
Mon Sep 29 ā Toronto, ON ā Budweiser Stage
Wed Oct 01 ā Burgettstown, PA ā The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Oct 02 ā Clarkston, MI ā Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Oct 04 ā Cincinnati, OH ā Riverbend Music Center
Sun Oct 05 ā Tinley Park, IL ā Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Fri Oct 10 ā Colorado Springs, CO ā Broadmoor World Arena
Sun Oct 12 ā Salt Lake City, UT ā Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 14 ā Mountain View, CA ā Shoreline Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 15 ā Wheatland, CA ā Toyota Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 18 ā Chula Vista, CA ā North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 19 ā Los Angeles, CA ā Kia Forum
Wed Oct 22 ā Phoenix, AZ ā Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Thu Oct 23 ā Albuquerque, NM ā Isleta Amphitheater
Sat Oct 25 ā Austin, TX ā Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Oct 26 ā Houston, TX ā The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
*Without support from Corrosion of Conformity
MT 15 and Archon 50 Classic amplifiers offer fresh tones in release alongside a doubled-in-size Archon cabinet
PRS Guitars today released the updated MT 15 and the new Archon Classic amplifiers, along with a larger Archon speaker cabinet. The 15-watt, two-channel Mark Tremonti signature amp MT 15 now features a lead channel overdrive control. An addition to the Archon series, not a replacement, the 50-watt Classic offers a fresh voice by producing retro rock āclassicā tones reminiscent of sound permeating the radio four and five decades ago. Now twice the size of the first Archon cabinet, the Archon 4x12 boasts four Celestion V-Type speakers.
MT 15 Amplifier Head
Balancing aggression and articulation, this 15-watt amp supplies both heavy rhythms and clear lead tones. The MT 15 revision builds off the design of the MT 100, bringing the voice of the 100ās overdrive channel into its smaller-format sibling. Updating the model, the lead channel also features a push/pull overdrive control that removes two gain stages to produce vintage, crunchier āmid gainā tones. The clean channel still features a push/pull boost control that adds a touch of overdrive crunch. A half-power switch takes the MT to 7 watts.
āSeven years ago, we released my signature MT 15 amplifier, a compact powerhouse that quickly became a go-to for players seeking both pristine cleans and crushing high-gain tones. In 2023, we took things even further with the MT 100, delivering a full-scale amplifier that carried my signature sound to the next level. That inspired us to find a way to fit the 100's third channel into the 15's lunchbox size,ā said Mark Tremonti.
āToday, Iām beyond excited to introduce the next evolution of the MT15, now featuring a push/pull overdrive control on the Lead channel and a half-power switch, giving players even more tonal flexibility to shape their sound with a compact amp. Canāt wait for you all to plug in and experience it!ā
Archon Classic Amplifier Head
With a refined gain structure from the original Archon, the Archon Classicās lead channel offers a wider range of tones colored with gain, especially in the midrange. The clean channel goes from pristine all the way to the edge of breakup. This additional Archon version was developed to be a go-to tool for playing classic rock or pushing the envelope into modern territory. The Archon Classic still features the originalās bright switch, presence and depth controls. PRS continues to stock the Archon in retailers worldwide.
āThe Archon Classic is not a re-issue of the original Archon, but a newly voiced circuit with the lead channel excelling in '70s and '80s rock tones and a hotter clean channel able to go into breakup. This is the answer for those wanting an Archon with a hotrod vintage lead channel gain structure without changing preamp tube types, and a juiced- up clean channel without having to use a boost pedal, all wrapped up in a retro-inspired cabinet design,ā said PRS Amp Designer Doug Sewell.
Archon 4x12 Cabinet
As in the Archon 1x12 and 2x12, the mega-sized PRS Archon 4x12 speaker cabinet features Celestion V-Type speakers and a closed-back design, delivering power, punch, and tight low end. Also like its smaller brethren, the 4x12 is wrapped in durable black vinyl and adorned with a British-style black knitted-weave grill cloth. The Archon 4x12 is only the second four-speaker cabinet in the PRS lineup, next to the HDRX 4x12.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40 th Anniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year. For all of the latest news, click www.prsguitars.com/40 and follow @prsguitars on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
For two decades, Clapton's Choice Signature Strings have delivered the legendary tone Eric Clapton relies on every time he picks up an acoustic guitar. To celebrate this milestone, Martin Guitar is introducing limited-edition 20th anniversary packaging for these fan-favorite strings--available now through March 2026.
Every limited-edition pack also gives players a chance to win a Martin 000-EC 30th Anniversary guitar--a beautifully crafted instrument with a retail value of $4,999, inspired by the Martin guitars Eric played during his legendary MTV Unplugged performance. The guitar will be awarded to one lucky winner who finds a special ticket inside a pack of strings.
Fans can also enter a second-chance giveaway online for more opportunities to win exclusive prizes, including a Martin guitar strap, poster, collectible lanyard with three custom patches, or even a year's supply of strings.This contest is open to U.S. residents only and ends March 31, 2026. No purchase necessary.
Enter now and learn more at martinguitar.com/eric-clapton-giveaway.
The anniversary release also coincides with the upcoming arrival of Unplugged: Enhanced Edition on vinyl and CD, available May 9. The iconic installment of the MTV Unplugged series--and the greatest-selling live album of all time--returns over 30 years later in an all-new extended, remixed, and remastered version. Featuring never-before-heard commentary from Eric recorded just before the original 1992 performance, the release offers fresh insight into the inspiration behind the songs and includes tracks not featured in the original MTV airing.
Crafted from 92/8 phosphor bronze, Claptonās Choice Signature Strings are known for their warm, rich tone, smooth feel, and long-lasting performance. They're the same strings Eric uses in the studio and on stage--including during his current eight-night residency at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo--and he calls them "the sound that I demand."
Whether you're chasing Eric's iconic tone or simply looking for strings that deliver great sound and playability, now is the perfect time to pick up a pack--available in a music store near you or online at
martinguitar.com--and celebrate two decades of signature sound.