“Balance problems aside, this is a hugely playable guitar and one I had a lot of fun with. It seemed to just produce riffs out of nowhere”: Jackson X Series Surfcaster SC HT6 review

What is it?

When you think of Jackson guitars, it's easy to envision the epitome of high-performance metal instruments. However, for a brief period in the 1990s, the shred titans had a different kind of player in mind with the launch of what has now become a cult classic: the Surfcaster.

Drawing major inspiration from Fender's Jaguar and Jazzmaster, this offset guitar featured a pair of low-output Chandler lipstick pickups and was aimed specifically at surf and country players – and although later models would gain a humbucker in the bridge position, it was still a far cry from this new contemporary interpretation.

The all-new X Series Surfcaster retains the quirky asymmetrical body and squared-off headstock of the original model but drags it kicking and screaming into the modern age with plenty of up-to-date metal appointments.

The lightweight poplar body comes in a sleek Satin Black finish, while the bolt-on maple neck features a 12”-16” compound radius bound laurel fingerboard adorned with 24 jumbo frets and the iconic Jackson sharkfin inlays. Flipping the Surfcaster over reveals a sculpted neck heel designed to provide easy access to the highest frets.

Ditching the underpowered single coils of its forefather, the new Surfcaster comes loaded with a set of high-output Jackson humbuckers, a pickup that’s found on many of the guitars in the X Series lineup, including various Soloist, Dinky, and Rhoads models.

Rounding out the spec sheet is a robust HT6 hardtail bridge, Jackson-branded die-cast tuners, and a single volume and tone control – all dressed in black, of course.

Now, many cite Periphery’s Misha Mansoor and Mike Stringer of Spiritbox – both of whom use souped-up Custom versions of the Surfcaster – as having reignited people's passion for this almost forgotten model, and because of this, there has been a lot of hype surrounding Jackson finally bringing back this body style for general players.

So, after a 22-year absence, has the wait been worth it? Let’s find out.

Specs

• Launch price: $559/£669/€699
• Made: Indonesia
• Type: Six-string electric guitar
• Body: Poplar
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Laurel, 12" to 16" compound radius
• Scale length: 25.5"/64.77 cm
• Nut/width: Black plastic, 1.6875"/42.86 mm
• Frets: 24 jumbo
• Hardware: Jackson HT6 Hardtail bridge, Jackson sealed die-cast tuners
• Electrics: Jackson High-Output Humbuckers
• Weight: 6lbs 15oz
• Left-handed options: No
• Finishes: Satin Black
• Cases: No
• Contact: Jackson

Build quality

Build quality rating: ★★★★☆

If you are at all familiar with Jackson’s immensely popular X Series, you’ll have a pretty good idea of the build quality that is present on this re-envisioned offset. Solidly put together, neatly finished, and comfortably lightweight at just under 7lbs, this is exactly what I was hoping to receive.

It’s got to be said that the matte black finish paired with all-black hardware and pickups is a strong look, and I’m 100% on board – even if it does look like a guitar you’ve not yet unlocked on Guitar Hero. It could be argued that an ebony board would’ve really completed the aesthetic, but at this price point, it’s not really a spec detail I’d expect to see.

Speaking of the finish, while it looks gorgeous straight out of the box, it is somewhat of a fingerprint and dust magnet. In a matter of minutes, this guitar went from looking box-fresh to well-played, showing signs of greasy hand prints on almost every surface. Oh, and if you’re thinking about taking a polishing cloth to it, be warned, matte finishes will become brilliantly shiny if cleaned too vigorously – so it’s best to leave it well enough alone.

A deal breaker? No, not at all. It comes with the territory of a dark satin finish guitar, and gigging it will only add to the instrument’s mojo.

Moving on to the neck, the satin finish continues, resulting in one of the smoothest necks out there. The bolt-on maple neck has the thinnest finish imaginable, and as a consequence, it glides. The graphite reinforcement present within also means it’s not going anywhere. This neck is as solid as a rock, and no amount of guitar acrobatics is going to bother it.

The 12”-16” compound radius laurel fingerboard has been expertly bound and proudly displays those classic sharkfin inlays we’ve all come to love, and the massive jumbo frets have been impeccably installed and well polished.

It’s clear that Jackson designed the new Surfcaster with the average gigging player in mind, as it feels rugged, solid, and very intentionally designed.

Playability

Playability rating: ★★★★☆

Okay, it’s pretty obvious that this new model is built for a completely different breed of player when compared to the original – something that is most noticeable in the playability of the guitar.

The neck here is flat, fast with tall frets that make light work of everything from Polyphia-style tapping to ambitious blends and expressive vibrato. The wide compound radius, which starts at 12” towards the nut, morphing to 16” at the body, is perfectly playable and ideal for fretboard-conquering shred runs.

Hiding out of sight at the rear of the guitar is a series of carefully placed contours and cutouts that make the chunky offset body sit better against my side while also aiding in upper fret access.

However, there is a slight issue with the Surfcaster’s playability – balance. Unfortunately, while the asymmetrical body looks fantastic, the guitar feels a little lopsided when resting on my lap. No matter how I position the guitar, the neck always wants to take a dive toward the floor, leaving me holding it up while I play.

To be fair, this was less of an issue while standing up with a fairly rigid strap, but the problem still persisted, albeit to a lesser degree.

Balance problem aside, I’d still say this is a hugely playable guitar and one I had a lot of fun with. It seemed to just produce riffs out of nowhere, and I found myself going back to it when I had any downtime, which has to be a good thing.

Sounds

Sounds rating: ★★★★☆

Tonally, there wasn’t a great deal of surprise with Jackson’s newest cast member. It sounds exactly as expected.

The SC HT6 comes loaded with a pair of “high-output humbucking” pickups, the same set found in a number of models from across the X-Series lineup, and to their credit, they perform admirably for hard rock and metal – but do lack the top-end sheen for a truly great clean tone.

That said, there is plenty of punch for driving your amp into an appropriate amount of filth, and thankfully, the bass response stays fairly tight and grounded.

Played through a digital model of a 5051, it delivered a modern metal tone that even the snobbiest metalhead could get behind. Downtuned chugs sounded thick but not flabby, while single-note riffs were clear and punchy.

However, switching to a Roland JC-120 showcases the obvious limitations of the affordable pickups. Is this a bad clean tone? No, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s bad. More uninspired. To my ear, it sounds a little flat and could use a good dose of treble to give it some life.

Okay, so most players looking at the new Surfcaster aren’t searching for the ultimate clean jangle to nail a Dick Dale impression, but it’s worth mentioning.

At only $549, I can see this being a fantastic guitar for modifications – throw in a set of Bare Knuckle Nailbombs or Fishman Fluence, and you’ll have one hell of a modern guitar for a good price.

Verdict

If the old Surfcaster was a retro throwback intended to keep surf music afloat, this current interpretation is a modern torpedo that has its sights firmly set on sinking the previous model to the bottom of the ocean.

In a world increasingly dominated by decapitated headless guitars, the return of the Jackson Surfcaster is a refreshing change of pace, demonstrating that there is still a strong desire for more traditional shapes in the darker corners of the market – the successful launch of Lee Malia's new signature Surfcaster only reinforces this point.

While this model does have a slight balance issue, aside from the neck dive, it is a fantastic guitar that is well-spec'd, well-made, and more than capable of delivering the crunchy metal tones that modern players desire.

In my opinion, this guitar's biggest competition is Slipknot shredder-in-chief Jim Root's signature V4 Jazzmaster. Both models are contemporary takes on the long-established offset shape, but the Jackson comes at a much more wallet-friendly price and arguably doesn't carry the baggage typically associated with signature models – meaning it's a blank canvas for you to make your own.

Guitar World’s verdict: The X Series HT6 Surfcaster breathes new life into an almost forgotten relic from Jackson’s past, reimagining it as the ultimate affordable metal offset. With superb high-gain tones, a tidy build, and an outstanding price point, the Surfcaster is back, and it means business.

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Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster
Price $1,399.99/£1,139
Jim Root has always liked to take a classic Fender design and gear it up for playing as heavy as possible – and this Mexican-made offset option may just be our favorite model to date.

Read more: Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster review

Jackson Pro Series Lee Malia LM-87
Price $999/£84
Looking for a little more tonal variation in your Surfcaster? Well, the brand-new signature model from Bring Me The Horizon guitarist Lee Malia is the guitar for you. Featuring both an LM-87 humbucker in the bridge and a P-90 in the neck, this guitar is built for more than just metal.

Jackson X Series Surfcaster SC HT7
Price $599/£749
It's worth noting that if you like the look of the current SC HT6, it also comes in a 7-string variant. Although as it only comes loaded with a single pickup, it is a little less versatile.

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