Adrian Smith – Iron Maiden Guitars
Adrian Smith, famed as the guitarist of the legendary rock band Iron Maiden, has collaborated with Jackson to bring forth a series of signature guitars that reflect his sonic preferences, playing style, and aesthetic sensibilities.
These guitars are not just representations of Smith’s musical vision but are also instruments that offer versatility, reliability, and exceptional playability to musicians globally.
Table of Contents
Crafting a Legend – The Collaboration Between Adrian Smith and Jackson
Adrian Smith has been an influential figure in rock and metal scenes since the 1980s, with his intricate solos and powerful riffs becoming defining elements of Iron Maiden’s sound.
The collaborative journey between Adrian Smith and Jackson began with a shared passion for creating high-quality, versatile guitars. The idea was to manifest Adrian’s musical vision into tangible instruments that would cater to musicians globally.
Adrian Smith, with his profound knowledge of guitar dynamics and sound, played a pivotal role in guiding the design, features, and tonal characteristics of his signature models.
The choice of colors, the shape of the body, and the placement of the components were all influenced by Adrian’s preferences and his playing style. He was keen on having guitars that were not only sonically versatile but also visually striking, reflecting his onstage presence and personality.
Jackson USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas Series (SD, SDM, SDQM)
Adrian Smith’s USA Signature San Dimas models are built to meet the high-quality standards synonymous with Jackson’s craftsmanship. They are well-suited for musicians who are into rock and metal genres but can also cater to a broad range of musical styles due to their versatility.
Design & Structure
In these series, each model has been designed to echo Adrian’s preference for sleek, sharp aesthetics coupled with comfortable playability. The San Dimas models exhibit a balanced and ergonomic design, allowing for fluid movement and accessibility across the fretboard. The body contours are shaped to accommodate long playing sessions, providing comfort and reducing fatigue.
Aesthetic Appeal
Each model under the San Dimas series radiates a unique visual charm, aligning with Adrian’s style. They are instruments that not just sound exceptional but also look stunning, enhancing the overall playing experience.
Performance & Reliability
Adrian Smith’s USA Signature San Dimas guitars are built to deliver reliable performance, ensuring stability and durability. The construction quality guarantees that these guitars can endure the rigors of extensive playing, whether it’s during practice, recording sessions, or live performances. They are instruments crafted for those who seek uncompromising quality and performance reliability.
Specification Table Jackson USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas Series
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| BODY | |
| Body Material | Ontano |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Body Shape | San Dimas® Style 1 |
| NECK | |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Neck Material | Quartersawn Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On with Graphite Reinforcement |
| Neck Finish | Hand-Rubbed Urethane |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12″-16″ Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Fret Size | Jumbo |
| Nut Material | Floyd Rose® Original Locking |
| Nut Width | 1.625″ (41.3 mm) |
| Position Inlays | A Punto Nero |
| Truss Rod | Dual-Action |
| Truss Rod Nut | Heel-Mount Truss Rod Adjustment Wheel |
| ELECTRONICS | |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio® Super Distortion® DP100 |
| Middle Pickup | Samarium Cobalt Noiseless™ (SCN) Single-Coil Strat® |
| Neck Pickup | Samarium Cobalt Noiseless™ (SCN) Single-Coil Strat® |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Switching | 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup |
| Configuration | HSS |
| HARDWARE | |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose® Original Double-Locking Tremolo |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Tuning Machines | Jackson® Sealed Die-Cast |
| Pickguard | 1-Ply |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style |
| Switch Tip | Black |
| Neck Plate | Jackson® |
Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith (SDX, SDXM, SDXQM)
The X Series Signature Adrian Smith models are designed to offer quality and performance at a more accessible price point. These models maintain a standard of craftsmanship that makes them a valuable choice for both emerging and seasoned musicians. They serve as a gateway for players to experience the characteristic features and sound of Adrian Smith’s signature series without breaking the bank.
Versatile Soundscapes
Much like the San Dimas models, the X Series also offers versatile sound options, catering to diverse musical genres. Whether you are into clean, ambient sounds or aggressive, distorted tones, these guitars provide the flexibility to navigate through various soundscapes.
Playability & Comfort
The design and structure of the X Series models focus on playability and comfort, ensuring that players can move freely and expressively across the fretboard. The ergonomic design reduces playing strain, allowing musicians to focus on their creativity and technique.
Durability & Value
Adrian Smith’s X Series models are built with durability in mind, offering value to players who are conscious of their budget. These guitars are constructed to withstand the challenges of regular playing, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Specification Table Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| BODY | |
| Body Material | Pioppo |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Body Shape | San Dimas® |
| NECK | |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On with Graphite Reinforcement |
| Neck Finish | Satin |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12″-16″ Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Fret Size | Jumbo |
| Nut Material | Floyd Rose® Locking |
| Nut Width | 1.6875″ (42.86 mm) |
| Position Inlays | A Punto Nero |
| Truss Rod | Dual-Action |
| Truss Rod Nut | Vintage-Style Butt Adjust |
| ELECTRONICS | |
| Bridge Pickup | Jackson® High-Output Humbucking |
| Middle Pickup | Jackson® Single-Coil |
| Neck Pickup | Jackson® Single-Coil |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Switching | 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup |
| Configuration | HSS |
| HARDWARE | |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose® Special Double-Locking Tremolo |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Tuning Machines | Jackson® Sealed Die-Cast |
| Pickguard | 1-Ply |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style |
| Neck Plate | Jackson® |
Whether you opt for the high-end San Dimas models or the more affordable X Series, you are getting an instrument that is a representation of Adrian’s musical vision and Jackson’s commitment to craftsmanship.