“For fans of fast, aggressive playing, this is a game-changer”: Jackson unveils the American Series SL2 DX – a top-tier US-built shredder with the choice of a Floyd Rose or Hipshot hardtail

Jackson American Series Soloist SL2 DLX: The latest US-made S-style from the high-performance guitar brand offers the Soloist with a Floyd Rose or Hipshot hardtail bridge, and [from left] in Porsche Grey, Black, Lemon Ice and Snow White finishes, with colour-matched headstocks.

Jackson has added the Soloist SL2 DX to its American Series and it is quite the conundrum; do you prefer this shreddable high-end electric guitar as a hardtail model, a candidate for no-nonsense riffing, or with a Floyd Rose for all kinds of divebombing harmonic madness?

It is a tough choice. The Floyd Rose 1500 Series vibrato is a lot of fun – and it can do subtle flutter, if that's more your whammy-bar style. But then there is something tidy and uncomplicated about a six-saddle Hipshot hardtail, particularly if you are changing up your tuning on a regular basis.