Jackson SL4 Soloist

This is an update of the review just below this one (Chris).

Amazing.

I bought one used a couple of years ago and currently have one in excellent condition from Ebay...both were setup perfectly for my taste. I am not a fan of Jackson's custom graphics but the translucent finishes on the Soloists is breathtaking - one of mine is a translucent violin sunburst, the other one is a translucent natural finish, once again absolutely beautiful.

This is my update. I had trouble breaking the high E string on my older SL4 and had its saddle replaced - it is now in great working order. Extremely reliable.

If you want a Soloist but don't have the cash for an American one, you will absolutely love the Japanese SL4 model. It is my favorite guitar.

This is a Japanese made Soloist. It has 22 frets, H-H pup configuration, Floyd Rose trem, neck-thru design, one volume/one tone knob, and a 3-way selector - not sure of the exact model of pups but they are Seymour Duncans; I bought this used a couple years ago. Not as versatile as some guirats out there, but if you're looking into a Jackson, you know what you want and this axe delivers.

Let me just start by saying these pups are HOT! The bridge Duncan isn't quite as bright as say, a DiMarzio Evolution, but it's perfect for the kind of hard rock/metal I play (classic 70's rock - 80's metal). The neck pup is SMOOOOOOOTH...makes getting those bubbly lead tones a breeze. I used to play through Line 6 amplification but recently made the switch over to tubes with a Carvin X100B. Either way, this axe rocks the house particularly for metal, and can perform well if your thing is hard rock. My only real complaint is that the pups are so hot that the middle/split position doesn't really do what it should...I tried backing off on my guitar volume but it made it a bit muddy. Don't expect any jingly jangly clean tones out of this one.

Again I bought it used, so I pretty much had everything adjusted to my liking. Chances are yours will come with low action, so if that's your thing then go for it. I had the action raised a bit just out of preference. Don't raise the pups too high! They're monsters and they'll rip your face off!

The strap buttons aren't really ideal if you want to...well...wear a strap! *L* Definitely get some strap locks installed. Other than that, I've had it for two years, and occasionally the high e-string would break on me at first...never during a gig however, so I didn't have any "nightmare experiences". Just make sure you keep up with changing the strings, you'll be fine. This is the only real thing keeping my score down, as I always gig with a backup just in case...I do no matter what guitar it is, but I'm not 100% confident with this one.

Never dealt with them...although I'm sure I'd be speaking to Fender now! >:I

My complaints are minor, but the outstanding tone and playability far outweigh the minor nuissances. I've been playing for 9 years and play exclusively Jackson - this is my best purchase thus far. You'd be hard pressed to find a better guitar for metal/hard rock/prog rock. Highly reccommended.

Not sue of the year, but I bought this one off of eBay, and it was in pristine condition. Alder body with neck through design. Schaller Floyd Rose trem. Seymour Duncan JB in bridge, and a 59 in the neck. Mine is in the tobacco flamed maple finish, and it is stunning.

I hate single coils or stacked single buckers in the neck position of my guitars. This is the only soloist that I am aware of that comes stock with a full humbucker (Seymour 59) in the neck.......which is what attracted me to this guitar. The SL-4's don't appear to be made anymore, so when I saw this on on eBay in pristine shape I snagged it. I was NOT disappointed. Wow! The action in LOOOOOW and the sustain incredible. Perfect for shredding. I'm running this straight into a Tech 21 Trademark 300 head and matched Tech 21 2X12 cab. I'm using it in a cover band. The cleans aren't bad ........however, the JB is pretty hot, so it'll distort your amp's clean sound pretty easily. The 59 is thick and smooth in the neck. Great for those "end of the world" lead tones. This quickly became my main axe. The only thing I don't like about this guitar is the decidely 80's looking headstock. A nice straight pull, modern headstock and this would be the ultimate looking axe.

Well, this particular guitr had the proverbial scratchy volume pot that everyone complains about as well. No worries. A new $5 pot, a soldering gun and a half hour of my labor, and all was well again with the world. Other than that, the fit and finish are spectacular. I was able to get this action set up lower than any other guitar I've EVER owned (and that would be a lot of guitars).

So far so good. I gig with it usually every weekend, and rehearse with it a couple of times per week. I replaced the strap buttons with Schaller locks, as I typically do a lot of running around during our shows. The only thing I wish this had was an original Floyd Rose. The Schaller is a nice unit, but the knife edges don't wear as well as they do on the original Floyds. I yank on the this Floyd quite a bit, and the tuning does seem pretty stable.

Haven't dealt with them.

Been playing since the early 80's. I've had too much gear in the past 25 years to list here (loose translation = I am a gear slut). You can not go wrong with this axe. Some claim it is every bit as nice as the American models. I would agree, IF you could get the bound ebony fingerboard on this model, instead of unbound rosewood. But let's face it. It is a delight to play. My more expensive instruments including a les Paul Custom, and an Ernie Ball Axis simply haven't been picked up since I got this instrument. The neck is flat and thin. The action low. The sustain is superb. The humbuckers are hot, the Floyd stays in tune very well. The flame maple finish is stunning. What more could you want on a $600 guitar? I've owned several Japanese produced Jacksons.....including my current stage backup, a DR-3. They are very nice......but this particular model...... is....well, special.

2001? Japan. 22 frets, 1 volume 1 tone, 3 way switch, H/H, USA Seymour Duncan TB4 & JB passive, Alder body w/maple neck-thru, licensed Floyd, Rosewood fingerboard, 1 & 11/16" locking nut. Solid black finish.

Metal is my music of choice in the key of Slayer, and this guitar certainly delivers. There was a dirty connection on the volume pot when I purchased it new and I lived with it until I installed EMG 81's. Dirty connections and shorts seem to be a problem with this guitar judging by other reviews on this site. The Duncans sounded good but nothing matches EMG's. After installing EMG's I must say that I have never played a better sounding guitar. This guitar is my baby.

Pickups were adjusted fine when purchased. Action was a little high but was easily remedied. No body flaws when purchased, although I've had it for a couple of years and it now has a few dings. I wasn't too crazy about the chrome hardware on a solid black body so I changed all hardware to black, including volume/tone knobs, bridge, nut, and tuners.

I've owned Jacksons for 10 years and they are very reliable and durable, and can withstand a lot of abuse. I recently changed all the hardware from chrome to black so it's all new. No matter how nice the guitar, you should always have a backup when gigging.

Never dealt with Jackson directly. I do all my buying through Guitar Center and their service is satisfactory. I've had my SL4 in the shop once to have EMG's installed.

Been playing for about 15 years. Everything I wished it had I already fixed. I wished it had EMG 81's and black hardware, all of which I installed after purchasing. I guess you can say I customized it to my liking. I own another Jackson which I purchased about 10 years ago and love it to death. I used to own two BC Rich Warlocks but sold them. They didn't compare to my Jacksons.

I just bought one of these "bad boys" from Music - go- round. And, this is gonna kill ya, i only paid $249.oo for it and its Mint!! its got 22 frets just like everybody else's two Seymour HB's a Jackson Floyd, Mine is black, This guitar smokes, great controlable feed back. Iv'e owned them all, Pauls, PRS, Ibanez, Fender Etc. This axe is just plain fun. i dont care that its made in jap-land they make better cars than us too!!The great part is iknow if i wanna sell it i'll get at least what i paid.

i play blues metal and rock through Line 6 eqip. this guitar covers all those styles

Great finish like glass, action any lower it would play itself!!

Ive been playing 30yrs Id buy it again for the same price!! I wish it had coil splitters for a greater tonal palette, but i'll take care of that with a Mega switch from Stew-Mac.

It was made in Japan, Has 22 frets, solid black 3-way toggle, and volume and tone, two seymor duncan humbuckers, neck thru, Jumbo Frets
Great Action

I play heavy metal and this guitar sounds great, i also try to play classical and also has a beautiful sound

This guitar had a great finish, except under the brigde it seems they forgot to do a finish on it.

i had it for one year and the finish is still great and it still sounds good, strap button is also good

None

I really didn't pay that much for this great guitar and it still works great, I don't regret buying this guitar

My Jackson sl-4 was born in japan.Alder body.Auburn sunburst,H-H, floyd rose tremelo with fine tuners and locking nut. sharktooth inlays on neck-through body. Its a keeper.

I play hard rock,metal,neo-classical...this guitar suits my needs.

The action was set waaaaaayyyy to high... you could drive a mac truck between the strings and the frets. I had to reset the action and adjust the intonation. The volume pot was shorted out brand new out of the store. So I zipped in a new one myself. Also there was a chip in the finish and still couldnt get a discount and the price.But I had to have this guitar. I knew it just needed a few problems remedied

Im confident in this guitar, but never play a gig without a backup axe...anyone with common sense knows that.

Ive been playing since 1970. Mostly fender strats and Gibson les pauls. I chose this model for its simple H-H Vol & tone configeration and its strat style body. and hot rodded sound

Japan-made superstrat, liscensed floyd, alder body I believe, seymour duncans, you get the picture. Neck through body. 3-way switching. The floyd is not as good as an original or Ibanez Edge. Nothing out of the ordinary but solidly equipped.

I play rock, I need a versatile sound from searing leads to smooth cleans. I was not especially impressed with the sound. It didn't have any distinct character that really stood out from the crowd. It can get at most general soundd but it just doesn't knock you out. I wish it had 5-way switching with coil taps for some single coil-ish options. It is not noisy. You can do better for the price.

In the store it was set up ok. Minimal buzz, not super low action but not high either. Neck plays pretty fast. Finish on tops looked pretty nice. The only thing I can point out is that there was some glue residue around the neck joint.

The Floyd is not especially good compared to other variants, feels cheap. I wouldn't consider it a lifetime instrument, I thought it didn't seem to be incredibly well constructed. Decent I guess.

I didn't buy it, got an Ibanez instead. At first the features seemed good but they just don't add up to what you might expect. It's OK, but for the $1000 they were selling it for you can do a whole lot better with Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, and others.

Look at other reviews

Beautiful, played it through a Laney, don't know which because I didn't bother to take note. Suit's my style pretty damn well. Beautiful shredding sound, just wish I was a bit faster to hear how good it really sounds.

Played it in a shop, but everything was set up great, so nice to play. There were no flaws in the guitar apart from it not being mine.

Felt pretty hard wearing, I didn't really want to drop it or throw it around so I don't know how durable. I'm sure it's great. Hey it's a Jackson

Well the shop service was great if that counts.

I've been playing for just over a year, self taught, but I know a good sound when I hear one, and this was great. If it were stolen or lost I wouldn't really care as it wasn't mine anyway. I wish it had a more affordable price tag, but then I'm a firm believer in "You pay for what you get".

I wouldn't share this thing with God if I owned one

It was made in 2001, It was made in Japan. It has a 22 fret neck which i really like. The neck has a really great neck on it, i love the radius, it is the thinest neck i have ever played besides a steve vai jem. It has a 3 way pick-up selector with 2 humbuckers. The humbuckers sound really good. It has an alder body. It also has 2 semour duncan humbuckers in it. It has a double locking floyd rose tremolo. it is a strat style body. This guitar also has an amber sunburst finish, it is a pretty cool guitar.

It fits my style of music, from 60-80's rock, up to todays modern metal. My style is like staind mixed with guns n roses to creed. It covers them all very well. I use a Peavey VTM 120 amp. It sounds great through it. I use no other effects. It has a killer distortion on the amp. The guitar has a very thrashing sound, it can squeal with harmonics, and just has killer tones if you can pull them. I really like the sound.

Right when i received this guitar the action was just great. The pickups were set just fine, and everything just went together well. I have one complaint. The pots were dirty, and had to be replaced. The luthier i took it to said he was amazed that such cheap pots were put in such an expensive guitar. He then set up the guitar. This man is god with a guitar. He got the strings lower and it felt better than before, and before it was great.

This guitar has withstood live playing. It is very durable. I think that the hardware will last, if i think anything bad will happen to it, i think that the tuners on the locking bridge will strip over time. I replaced the strap locks with schaller locks. I depend on this guitar. I have used it on a gig before without a backup.

I didn't have to deal with the company because i bought the guitar used off ebay. The guy i dealt with replace the pots for the total cost.

I have played for 5 years. I own a 412 ms peavey cab. with 4 1290 sheffield speakers, a vtm 120 peavey amp head. If it were stolen, i would probably just buy an sl2h, the american made version of this guitar. I like the neck on this guitar most of all as well as the overall action. I compare this guitar to the steve vai. The vai is the only guitar i have played that i can compare to mine. For the price difference, the sl-4 is better. The vai plays easier, but almost too easy. I like this guitar.

This guitar was made in Japan. It has 22 frets, neck-through construction, maple neck, alder body, H/H Seymour Duncan pickups, 1 vol, 1 tone. Mine is black. Floyd Rose licensed Jackson bridge, Jackson tuners. The neck is very thin. Similar to my Hamer Californian, which is known for its thin neck. I love the neck and the cutaway heel area. Great access. It has more than enough features for me. I would be very happy with 1 bridge humbucker and a volume, ala the Kramer Baretta, but I wanted a neck-through, and a slim neck, too.

It sounds good. Nice and full. I could use a bit more harmonic response, and sustain, while fantastic on open strings, is not as good on fretted notes. This guitar is darker sounding than my Hamer Californian, which has a Seymour Duncan Full Shred humbucker in the bridge position, and it's also darker than my Kramer Focus 1000 (Baretta-style), which has the factory Schaller humbucker in the bridge position. I am very happy with the sound, overall.

This guitar was set up very well. Nice low action, and no buzzing. I raised the bridge pickup to get a bit more power out of it. I have found NO flaws in the workmanship of this fine guitar, and I have been looking very closely.

I am confident that this guitar is well built. I am very careful with it anyway, since it is my first neck-through, expensive (for me) guitar, and I really like it. I put strap-locks on it right away, like I do with all my guitars, but the strap buttons were solid. I have been playing it every chance I get since I got it (about 1 week ago) and really testing the tremolo, etc., and it has stayed in tune. I would depend on it, though I would carry a backup, since it takes time to change a string with a Floyd Rose-style tremolo, should I break one.

I haven't tried customer support. I see that Jackson requires you to submit your completed warranty card within 10 days of purchase, effectively shortening the 30 day return period that Guitar Center gave me, which is too bad. I wish Jackson said on their web site exactly which Seymour Duncan pickups this has. I'd like to know.

I have been playing for 20 years. I own a Hamer Californian, Kramer Focus 1000, Ovation Celebrity, Zoom 505II, SansAmp GT2, etc. I have tried to convince myself to return this guitar, since I still like my Kramer and Hamer and really don't need another guitar, but I can't do it. This is just a sweet axe.

I LOVE the fact that it is 22, NOT 24, frets and neck-through. Having grown up playing a Kramer Focus and a Charvel Model 1 (both 22 fret neck guitars), my fingers know where to go on a 22 fret neck. If this were 24 frets, I would probably have just purchased a $280 Kramer neck-through from MusicYo and replaced the bridge pickup. I also love the slimness of the Jackson neck, and the workmanship is fantastic.

Dislikes? I don't have much use for a neck pickup, and I would have preferred a Les Paul-style switch over a blade switch. Coil tapping would be nice, too, while we're talking about switches. Guitar Center didn't give me a case, which seemed cheap of them, but I can't complain too much, getting it for only $700. I bought an SKB case. The Jackson case (also made by SKB) looked cool, but it was such a tight fit, it pained me to wedge the guitar into it.

The bottom line is this fine quality and inexpensive guitar sold itself. I had gone into Guitar Center to look at amps and absolutely didn't need another guitar, but when I saw and played this, I couldn't resist. I still can't. I play it for hours at a time. I love it.

This guitar was made in Japan. It has 22 frets, neck-through construction, maple neck, alder body, H/H Seymour Duncan pickups, 1 vol, 1 tone. Mine is black. Floyd Rose licensed Jackson bridge, Jackson tuners. The neck is very thin. Similar to my Hamer Californian, which is known for its thin neck. I love the neck and the cutaway heel area. Great access. It has more than enough features for me. I would be very happy with 1 bridge humbucker and a volume, ala the Kramer Baretta, but I wanted a neck-through, and a slim neck, too.

It sounds good. Nice and full. I could use a bit more harmonic response, and sustain, while fantastic on open strings, is not as good on fretted notes. This guitar is darker sounding than my Hamer Californian, which has a Seymour Duncan Full Shred humbucker in the bridge position, and it's also darker than my Kramer Focus 1000 (Baretta-style), which has the factory Schaller humbucker in the bridge position. I am very happy with the sound, overall.

This guitar was set up very well. Nice low action, and no buzzing. I raised the bridge pickup to get a bit more power out of it. I have found NO flaws in the workmanship of this fine guitar, and I have been looking very closely.

I am confident that this guitar is well built. I am very careful with it anyway, since it is my first neck-through, expensive (for me) guitar, and I really like it. I put strap-locks on it right away, like I do with all my guitars, but the strap buttons were solid. I have been playing it every chance I get since I got it (about 1 week ago) and really testing the tremolo, etc., and it has stayed in tune. I would depend on it, though I would carry a backup, since it takes time to change a string with a Floyd Rose-style tremolo, should I break one.

I haven't tried customer support. I see that Jackson requires you to submit your completed warranty card within 10 days of purchase, effectively shortening the 30 day return period that Guitar Center gave me, which is too bad. I wish Jackson said on their web site exactly which Seymour Duncan pickups this has. I'd like to know.

I have been playing for 20 years. I own a Hamer Californian, Kramer Focus 1000, Ovation Celebrity, Zoom 505II, SansAmp GT2, etc. I have tried to convince myself to return this guitar, since I still like my Kramer and Hamer and really don't need another guitar, but I can't do it. This is just a sweet axe.

I LOVE the fact that it is 22, NOT 24, frets and neck-through. Having grown up playing a Kramer Focus and a Charvel Model 1 (both 22 fret neck guitars), my fingers know where to go on a 22 fret neck. If this were 24 frets, I would probably have just purchased a $280 Kramer neck-through from MusicYo and replaced the bridge pickup. I also love the slimness of the Jackson neck, and the workmanship is fantastic.

Dislikes? I don't have much use for a neck pickup, and I would have preferred a Les Paul-style switch over a blade switch. Coil tapping would be nice, too, while we're talking about switches. Guitar Center didn't give me a case, which seemed cheap of them, but I can't complain too much, getting it for only $700. I bought an SKB case. The Jackson case (also made by SKB) looked cool, but it was such a tight fit, it pained me to wedge the guitar into it.

The bottom line is this fine quality and inexpensive guitar sold itself. I had gone into Guitar Center to look at amps and absolutely didn't need another guitar, but when I saw and played this, I couldn't resist. I still can't. I play it for hours at a time. I love it.