Jackson and Gretsch—two guitar makers with distinct personalities and loyal followings—have each rolled out a fresh wave of releases, offering players new tools that blend sharp looks with serious sound.
Jackson, long known for its high-performance instruments tailored to rock and metal players, is diving into retro aesthetics with its new Surfcaster models. The company is introducing the X Series Surfcaster SC HT6 and SC HT7, along with the JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HT, combining vintage flair with thoroughly modern hardware. A statement from the company discloses that these models feature “an offset poplar body, high-output Jackson humbuckers, and Jackson’s robust hardtail bridge to keep tuning stable and setup perfect.”
The Surfcaster SC HT7 is a seven-string model finished in Metallic Black, designed for players who need that extra range without sacrificing clarity or punch. Its six-string sibling, the SC HT6, comes in a sleek Satin Black. For those after something more accessible in terms of both price and look, the JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HT is available in Gloss Black or Snow White, offering the same bold design with a slightly scaled-back feature set.
Meanwhile, Gretsch is leaning into elegance with a modern twist. The company has announced two new entries in its Broadkaster line: the Broadkaster LX Center Block with String-Thru Bigsby and the Broadkaster Jr. LX Center Block with String-Thru Bigsby. A statement from the company reveals that these models are designed to provide “modern tone with exceptional performance,” and include features like “Pro Twin Six humbucking pickups, String-thru Bigsby B7GP vibrato tailpiece, and Adjusto-Matic bridge.”
The full-size Broadkaster LX (24.6” scale length) comes in Cadillac Green and Black, classic finishes with a stage-ready presence. The slightly more compact Broadkaster Jr. LX (25.5” scale length) offers a different visual palette, arriving in Midnight Sapphire and Blackberry. Both versions maintain Gretsch’s signature blend of shimmer, resonance, and smooth playability, enhanced by the modern updates tucked under their vintage-inspired exteriors.
Together, these releases from Jackson and Gretsch offer a wide spectrum of sound and style—from the aggressively modern to the timelessly classy. Whether you're crafting riffs or chasing tone, there’s something new here to plug in and get inspired.
Watch the launch video HERE.
