Review: Jackson American Series Soloist SL2 DX

Fender has seen massive success since revamping standard US production for Jackson and introducing the formidable American Series a few years back. 

Worldwide, players welcomed a new US standard line with open arms. The guitars have subsequently landed in the hands of many, including industry starlets like Misha Mansoor, Marty Friedman, Debbie Gough and Dave Davidson.

As the steam train that is the American Series rolls on, 2025 has bestowed upon Jackson fanatics the new American Series Soloist SL2 DX.

Catch up on all the latest music gear reviews here.

With many enamoured with last year’s active-equipped SL2MG, the SL2DX provides a passive-equipped option, showing that Fender is keeping their ear to the ground when it comes to listening to what players want.

Upon removing the Soloist from its included Jackson Foam Core case, I was greeted with a delectable Snow White finish. 

This time, Jackson has opted to provide this specific model in a sleek gloss finish. However, there are also Satin options, much like the Jackson Virtuoso we reviewed when the American Series first launched.

American Series Soloist SL2 DX

The finish feels good to the touch and has been applied exceptionally well. Rest assured that your own SL2 DX will look as great in 25 years as it did upon unboxing it in 2025. 

The Alder body is both light and resonant acoustically, promising a fantastic tone when plugged in. I feel that anybody would be comfortable wearing this model on a strap for extended periods of time whether for practice or performance. The Soloist shape itself has always been a favourite amongst Jackson afficionados. 

Upon its introduction all the way back in 1984, guitarists worldwide were enthralled by the model’s excellent upper fret access, earning its name and setting the standard for high-performance metal guitars for decades to come. 

Speaking of high-performance metal, the neck on the SL2 DX is to die for. Consisting of a 3-piece maple neck-thru construction, stability is the name of the game when it comes to the Soloist’s slick speed neck.

The neck itself boasts a nice slim carve that will feel familiar to anyone who has played a Jackson guitar before. Not too thick yet not too thin, this carve will please even the most discerning of shredders with its comfortable 25.5” scale length. Additionally, the signature 12”-16” compound radius is a standout feature on these guitars, providing a seamless playing experience both down by the nut and higher up the fretboard. 

Truss rod adjustment is accessed from the heel which is extremely convenient. No more scurrying for tools to access the truss rod cavity, making for quick and easy adjustment on the fly.

Jackson have opted for a nice dark piece of ebony for the Soloist’s fretboard, with sharp inverse Shark Fin inlays, the fretboard both looks and feels absolutely fantastic in the hand. 24 jumbo stainless steel frets round out the neck construction on this guitar. With no sharp ends or high spots to be found. Stainless guarantees many years of high-octane playing before you will be off to visit the tech for a fret level, lasting much longer than the industry standard nickel fret material.

The hardware package on the SL2 DX boasts quality with a Floyd Rose 1500 series locking trem holding things down for the Jackson. 

The 1500 series features everything us headbangers know and love about the classic Floyd Rose with a few subtle upgrades including stainless steel intonation and string lock screws and a push-in arm. 

Gotoh

Up at the headstock, a set of Japanese-made Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads ensures that string changes are both fast and efficient. 

These tuners, combined with the aforementioned Floyd Rose and locking nut, ensure that tuning on the Jackson remains rock solid regardless of how much abuse is dished out on the tremolo bar.

If all of this wasn’t enough, Jackson has also been kind enough to include a set of Dunlop strap locks in the package, ensuring that your new investment won’t be colliding with the stage floor any time soon.

The electronics package rounds out the SL2 DX package, and oh, what a treat it is!

Boasting an electronics package courtesy of industry behemoth Seymour Duncan, this particular guitar employs the classic combo of a JB TB-4 Trembucker in the bridge position and a ’59’ SH-1N humbucker in the neck. 

The JB packs plenty of punch in the SL2 DX’s Alder body. Providing a nice upper mid spike that will ensure that your leads cut through even the densest of live mixes. However, this never translates to the JB sounding shrill or icepicky in even the most bright of guitar rigs. 

Conversely, the ‘59 in the neck provides a classic “blooming” neck tone. Not dissimilar to a classic PAF humbucker, it serves as a perfect companion to the JB, providing eons of versatility when utilising the instrument’s 5 way blade switch. 

Once again, Jackson has knocked it out of the park when it comes to this year’s American Series offerings. Managing yet again to combine form and function into a sleek package catered to the modern working musician.

If you are in the market for a high-end Super Strat, I highly suggest that you take the time to visit your local dealer to try out the new SL2 DX.

For local Jackson enquiries, keep reading at Jackson Guitars Australia.