Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA3W Walnut – Guitar Encyclopedia Entry

ackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA3W Walnut – Guitar Encyclopedia Entry

General Information

Name: Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA3W Walnut
Type: Superstrat / HSS / Shredder
Year: 2024
Mods: None

Historical Context & Relevance

The SLA3W belongs to Jackson’s Pro Plus Series, introduced as a high-performance, mid-to-premium-tier line that bridges the gap between affordable imports and USA-made Custom Shop models. These guitars are crafted with premium components (such as stainless steel frets, genuine ebony fretboards, and compound radius necks) while keeping the price point competitive by producing them in China.

The SLA3W specifically stands out for combining a classic Superstrat silhouette with modern ergonomic enhancements, such as a recessed heel and a carved Okoume body. Unlike many Jacksons that focus exclusively on metal, this model features a versatile HSS pickup configuration—a rarity in their catalog—making it suitable for funk, blues, jazz, and clean tones in addition to high-gain styles.

What makes the SLA3W unique in the Jackson lineup is its combination of:

Neck-through construction for superior sustain
Luminlay® side dots, rarely found at this price point
A Floyd Rose 1000 system in gold, adding both aesthetic flair and dive-bomb capability
A high degree of tonal flexibility thanks to the Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 and two Flat Strat SSL-6 single coils

Despite being made in China, the guitar has received praise for its fit and finish, rivaling models made in Japan or even the U.S. Its construction quality challenges outdated stereotypes about Chinese manufacturing, positioning it as a serious option for discerning players.

Critics have pointed out that while the guitar is impressive, it lacks top-tier hardware (like a Floyd Rose 1500, Gotoh tuners, or Schaller components). The Okoume body—though light and resonant—is also considered by some a cost-saving alternative to mahogany. Nonetheless, the SLA3W is widely seen as one of the most feature-complete guitars under $2,000, especially for players who demand speed, flexibility, and striking aesthetics.

Story

This Jackson replaced a guitar I had grown frustrated with—a Charvel San Dimas. I was looking for something more ergonomic, visually striking, and playable, especially at the upper frets. The SLA3W delivered immediately. From its luxurious ebony fretboard to the fast neck-through design and elegant gold hardware, this instrument feels high-end and extremely well thought out. Its versatility across genres—from funk to metal—is stunning. While the price raised some eyebrows at home, the guitar’s performance and craftsmanship fully justify it. One of the closest guitars I’ve found to “complete.”

Image Gallery

Sound Samples

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Specs

Body: Okoume, gloss finish, Jackson Soloist™ shape with sculpted heel, 6-ply body binding
Neck: 3-piece Maple/Walnut/Maple, neck-through-body with graphite reinforcement, oiled finish
Fingerboard: Ebony, 12″–16″ compound radius, 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, Pearloid Piranha Tooth inlays, Luminlay® side dots
Scale Length: 25.5″ (64.77 cm)
Nut: Floyd Rose® 1000 Series Locking, 1.6875″ (42.86 mm)
Bridge: Floyd Rose® 1000 Series double-locking tremolo (recessed)
Tuning Machines: Jackson® sealed die-cast
Electronics:
- Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan® Distortion™ TB-6
- Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan® Custom Flat Strat® SSL-6
- Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan® Custom Flat Strat® SSL-6 RWRP
- Controls: Volume, Tone
- Switch: 5-position blade
  - 1: Bridge
  - 2: Inner coil + middle
  - 3: Neck + bridge outer coils
  - 4: Neck + middle
  - 5: Neck
Hardware: Gold finish, dome-style knobs
Strings: .009–.042
Other Features: Dual-action truss rod (wheel), Dunlop strap-lock ends, padded gig bag (basic), neck binding, arched top body