Jackson WRMG Warrior with EMG’s

July 31, 2007 by Jo Minor

The Jackson WRMG Warrior electric guitar is an angular, X-shaped guitar that is all equipped to rock. It retails for $1114.27, and is available in three finishes, black, cobalt blue, and black forest (green). This Jackson axe features that popular pickup combination, an EMG 81 at the bridge and an EMG 85 at the neck. It also features a low profile Floyd Rose tremolo. What more could you want?

Jackson Guitars are a subsidiary of Fender, that well respected icon in the history of electric guitars, but it has not alway been so. Jackson is named for Grover Jackson, who was in business in the late 70’s with Wayne Charvel in a shop they called “Charvel Guitar Repair.” Around 1978, Charvel sold his interest in the business, including the rights to his name, to Jackson, who continued to make guitars under both names.

Charvel Guitars and Jackson Guitars came from his shop in San Dimas, California, until about 1986, when it became part of the IMC, or International Music Corporation, and moved production to Texas. Fender bought out both names in 2002. Jackson Guitars have always been considered to be hot, up-to-date, rock guitars suitable for the most aggressive styles of music. They are characterized by extreme, angular body shapes and loud crunching tone.

One feature that makes Jackson guitars unique is that they are crafted with a compound fingerboard radius. This means that the fingerboard is more curved up near the nut where you play chords, and becomes flatter as you progress toward the higher frets, where you tap out those screaming solos. This change in radius makes you a better player by allowing you to have a more relaxed hand.

One interesting thing about Jackson guitars is that they have a custom shop that will make just about anything for you. There is even an online form you can fill out, on which you indicate everything about the guitar you would like, from body shape and material, style of neck, choice of pickups and you name it.

The Jackson WRMG Warrior electric guitar was introduced in January of 2006. I am not sure what “MG” stands for, but it seems to indicate that these guitars have EMG pickups on them.

The EMG-81 is a high output, active humbucking pickup designed for lead guitar players. It does its best when played loud on overdrive, especially if the amp has a master volume switch. The pickup gives sharp attack and good sustain. It’s one of the best for rock, and it is included on the Jackson WRMG Warrior at the bridge.

At the neck position, this guitar features the EMG-85. This active humbucker has higher output than the 81, but is wired differently. It is designed to have a beefy low end and fatter top end. It is not muddy, which makes it good for rhythm and for blues players. Zakk Wilde is one of the performers who prefers the combination of an EMG 81 with an EMG 85.

Advantages: The Jackson WRMG Warrior with EMGs electric guitar has been described as a “monster” because of its incredible tone. The Floyd Rose is a great feature you will learn to love and it does not move around when you palm mute, like a floating trem can. The EMG pickups are some of the hottest out there. It is also a comfortable guitar and can be played either standing or seated.

Disadvantages: The neck is not as thin as some, such as those on Ibanez guitars. The fretboard is wide, which could make it good for rhythm, as well as for those with a little bigger hands. Also, the pointy corners might be easy to get banged up if you walk through the house wearing your guitar. (Hey, you need to think about those things!)

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