Review: Jackson American Series Virtuoso HT

Hot on the tail of last year’s American Virtuoso Model, Jackson Guitars and Fender Musical Instrument Corporation (FMIC) have yet again kept their ear to the ground in a concerted effort to identify the needs and wants of the modern player.

While many headbangers will insist on the inclusion of a double-locking tremolo such as the Floyd Rose, the trajectory of modern metal has seen an increased demographic of players opting for a fixed bridge setup “sometimes referred to as a hardtail”.

Catch up on all the latest music gear reviews here.

This is understandable given the numerous benefits that a fixed bridge can provide, from easy setups and string changes to increased tuning stability and the ability to change tunings on a dime. It’s not hard to see why fixed bridge setups appeal to so many guitarists. This is where the Jackson American Series Virtuoso HT comes into play. 

Jackson American Series

After a highly successful launch of the revamped American Series, followed by the introduction of the trem-equipped Virtuoso last year, the internet was buzzing with players who had tried the Virtuoso and loved it. Despite this fact, many opined that a lack of a fixed bridge option was the only thing that was preventing them from purchasing a Virtuoso themselves. Well, the people made the call and Jackson answered, as today in my hands I have a Satin Black Jackson American Series Virtuoso HT. 

The Jackson Guitars American Series Virtuoso HT ships in Jackson’s own Foam Core Case. Nothing has changed from my previous encounters with this unit. The Foam Core is a high-end gig bag that fits the guitar perfectly. It will provide adequate protection for your new investment if you are travelling about town on the way to your next gig, rehearsal or lesson. In the Jackson/Fender tradition, the body is Alder, lightweight and resonant with a somewhat bright tonality. I feel that this would lend quite nicely to those who like to down-tune, but also provides a nice “snap” to anything played in concert pitch. The Satin Black finish feels good to the touch, never getting sticky over extended periods of playing. 

Whilst on the topic of finishes It is worth mentioning that Jackson have also opted to include several glossy finish options with the American Series Virtuoso HT. Including Snow White, Mystic Blue and an all-new Red Crystal that is not available on the Floyd-equipped models. Regardless of whether you have a penchant for glossy or satin-finished guitar, Jackson has you covered. However, gloss finishes are a premium option on these models that command a slightly higher price point.

However, the absence of a Floyd 1500 series bridge, locking nut, and spring assembly all equate to the American Series Virtuoso HT coming in at a lower price point than its tremolo-equipped siblings, making this model a definite no-brainer for anybody who doesn’t need the trem. Instead, the Virtuoso HT is equipped with the stellar Hipshot Hardtail Bridge. A popular choice for hardtail aficionados, this bridge feels great under the palm. Providing a smooth playing surface free of jagged edges or protruding screws. If this wasn’t enough, the Hipshot is also a pleasure to service. Offering logical and efficient means of intonating the bridge, setting saddle heights, and restringing without unnecessary headaches or curse words at the workbench!

Its string-thru design also lends very well to the Jackson Guitars Virtuoso HT having a fantastic level of sustain and resonance. This is most likely attributed to the fact there is no tremolo route on this guitar, enabling the strings to be strung directly through the 7/8ths Strat-size Dinky body. Many would argue that this string through design results in the strings being anchored further into the guitar’s body, resulting in the perceived increase in resonance “perhaps most easily observed by the guitar’s volume when played acoustically”. The neck is the same design and carve as the one I encountered late last year on the first Virtuoso model. A nice fast shape that is neither too thick nor too thin, with a 12”-16” providing the perfect surface for easy chording by the nut and shredding leads higher up the neck.  The Heel mounted truss rod adjustment wheel makes for an easy and efficient setup with the 24 jumbo frets all being seated, crowned and polished to perfection. The five-piece maple/caramelised maple neck construction has held up well, providing plenty of stability and a lovely playing feel. Additionally, the streaked ebony fretboard gives the neck a unique look and feels great under the fingers as well. 

Seymour Duncan

Carrying on from the spec of last year’s Virtuoso model, Jackson have again opted for the tried-and-true Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 and ‘59 SH-1N pickup combo. The JB and ‘59 are quality US-made pickups that have stood up to the rigours of the road for decades now, able to provide everything from bone-crunching metal to delicate chiming cleans. Paring them with a 5-way selector switch, master volume, and master tone makes for a very versatile axe indeed. The deluxe Gotoh MG-T locking tuners and Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut round out a pro-level hardware package. Both of these almost certainly contribute to the Jackson Virtuoso HT’s rock-solid tuning stability. 

All in all, kudos to Jackson and FMIC for once again listening to what the players wanted and answering the call. The Jackson Virtuoso HT is a must for anybody in the market for a high-end hardtail superstrat for use on stage or in the studio.

Interested? Keep reading at Jackson guitars here.