Jackson JS Series Exclusive Surfcaster JS22 HT Metallic Red Electric guitar

Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HT — Offset Metal Body With Vintage Attitude

The Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HT Metallic Red is a six-string solidbody electric guitar built for players who want Jackson's metal DNA in a sleeker, more vintage-flavored package. Drawing from the brand's iconic shapes, this offset Surfcaster body blends retro curves with thoroughly modern appointments, delivering an entry-level price point without skimping on the tone and playability that built the Jackson legacy. The exclusive Metallic Red finish is a Sweetwater exclusive, paired with all-black hardware for a stage-ready, menacing look that fits right in on a metal or hard rock stage.

Inside the body, two Jackson high-output humbucking pickups in an HH configuration are wired through a single volume, single tone, and a 3-position blade switch — simplicity that lets the guitar's natural aggression speak for itself. The Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge with six individual saddles locks tuning in place and improves vibration transfer for richer sustain. Whether plugged into a traditional tube amp or a modern modeler, the JS22 Surfcaster HT delivers the thick, saturated distortion tones Jackson is famous for.

What Makes the Surfcaster Stand Out in the JS Lineup

What separates the Surfcaster from the standard JS22 archtop is its offset body shape with contoured arm and body cutaways — a more ergonomic fit that sits comfortably against the player during long sessions. The bolt-on maple neck uses graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint for added stability, while the satin finish keeps the playing surface slick even when the room gets hot under stage lights. The 12"-16" compound radius amaranth fingerboard is the real standout: a flatter 16" at the upper frets for low-action bending and fret-out-free soloing, rounder 12" at the nut for comfortable open chords.

Body and Neck Construction — Built for Stability and Comfort

The poplar body delivers a meaty, resonant tone with a distinguished upper-midrange character similar to alder, while staying light enough for hours of playing. The bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint is engineered to resist warping from string tension and climate changes. A dual-action truss rod with wheel lets players dial in the exact relief they need for their preferred string gauge and playing style.

• Body Material: Poplar — lightweight and resonant, with an upper-midrange bite that suits metal and hard rock
• Neck Material: Maple with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint — adds rigidity and tuning stability under heavy playing
• Neck Profile: Jackson Speed Neck — a slim, flat shape designed for fast lead playing and quick position shifts
• Body Finish: Gloss in Metallic Red — a Sweetwater-exclusive colorway with all-black hardware

Playability — Fingerboard Radius and Fret Layout

The compound-radius fingerboard is one of the most player-friendly features on this guitar. The 12" radius near the nut makes open-position chord shapes feel natural under the fingers, while the 16" radius up the neck flattens out for effortless bends and high-fret soloing without fretting out. Twenty-two jumbo frets give players two full octaves of range with plenty of room for upper-position lead work, and the white dot position inlays keep navigation simple on a dark stage.

• Fingerboard Material: Amaranth — a dense, dark-toned wood that feels smooth under the fingers and adds warmth to the attack
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"-16" compound (305-406 mm) — rounder at the nut, flatter at the upper frets for versatile playing styles
• Number of Frets: 22 jumbo — wide fret wire that suits string bending and aggressive vibrato techniques
• Nut Width: 1.6875" (43 mm) — a comfortable width for most hand sizes without feeling cramped

Hardware and Electronics — Tuning Stability and Metal-Ready Tone

The Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge anchors the strings at both the bridge and through the body, improving vibration transfer for longer sustain and tighter tuning stability. Jackson sealed die-cast tuners hold pitch reliably through aggressive whammy-bar-free playing and frequent string bends. The HH pickup configuration with two Jackson high-output humbuckers delivers the thick, saturated crunch that defines the brand's metal pedigree, while the simple 3-position blade switch keeps the control layout uncluttered.

• Scale Length: 648 mm (25.5") — the standard Fender-style length that delivers tight low end and crisp attack
• Bridge: Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail with six individual saddles for precise intonation
• Tuning Machines: Jackson sealed die-cast — smooth, reliable tuning stability for live performance
• Pickup Configuration: HH — Jackson High-Output Humbucking (bridge and neck) with ceramic magnets for aggressive, articulate distortion
• Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-position blade switch — minimal layout that keeps the player's focus on playing

Who Is the JS22 Surfcaster HT Metallic Red For

The Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HT Metallic Red is the right choice for aspiring metal and hard rock players who want a gig-ready instrument with Jackson's signature aggressive tone at an accessible price. It suits beginners stepping into their first serious electric guitar, intermediate players looking to add a second instrument with a different body shape to their collection, and gigging musicians who need a reliable backup that can handle dropped tunings and high-gain amp settings. The offset Surfcaster body shape also appeals to players who want something visually distinct from the typical Stratocaster or Les Paul silhouettes on stage, while the satin-finished Speed Neck profile makes it a strong fit for anyone focused on fast lead playing, sweep picking, and extended-range riffing.

Jackson — Four Decades of Metal Guitar Design

For over 40 years, Jackson has been pushing the boundaries of metal guitar design while keeping quality high and prices affordable. The JS Series Surfcaster continues that tradition, offering Jackson tone and playability at an entry-level price — the perfect way for aspiring shredders to get started on their metal journey. Built in Indonesia to Jackson's specifications, the JS22 Surfcaster HT carries the brand's legacy of high-output pickups, fast necks, and stage-ready hardware into a more accessible price tier.