Jackson Artist Signature Corey Beaulieu X Series KV6 Satin Black

General

Corey Beaulieu is the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Trivium. In addition to the existing American versions, Jackson has unveiled these two more affordable Artist Signature models from their X Series. Thanks to its extra pointy V-model body and active Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-1 humbuckers, the KV6 looks as mean as it sounds. There's no doubt about it - this Jackson was made for shredding. At the same time, however, this instrument is surprisingly versatile because its components, in combination with a walnut body, offer a heavy dose of warmth and clarity.

Corey Beaulieu X Series: optimal playing comfort

Jackson guitars are built for speed demons, which is apparent from the so-called Speed Neck profile. Sweaty, sticky hands won't hinder your playing thanks to a black satin coating on both the neck and body. The KV6 has a neck-through-body construction which makes the frets easily accessible and gives the guitar great sustain. A recessed Floyd Rose Special Double-Locking Tremolo will let you go crazy with vibrato effects without detuning your guitar.

Compound-radius fretboard

The KV6's dark rosewood fretboard has what's known as a compound radius, just like the more expensive Jackson USA models. Near the headstock, the fretboard is quite concave (12-inch radius), but when you near the body, it flattens out a bit (16-inch radius). The result is that both barre chords and open chords are comfortable to play. That's not all, however; even at extra low action, you can still easily push strings up on the higher positions without unwanted sounds or tones getting cut off. A flatter fretboard is also ideal for techniques like tapping.