Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist™ SLA2, Ebony Fingerboard, Gloss Black

Quick Product Summary

The Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA2 in Gloss Black is a serious high-performance electric guitar built around the features that have made the Soloist one of Jackson's defining designs: neck-through construction, 24 frets, fast upper-register access and a double-locking tremolo.

Its arched nyatoh Soloist body is built around a three-piece maple/walnut/maple neck-through structure with graphite reinforcement. The back of the neck receives an oiled finish for a smooth playing surface, while the bound ebony fingerboard uses Jackson's 12"-16" compound radius with 24 jumbo stainless-steel frets.

A classic pairing of direct-mounted Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 and '59 SH-1N humbuckers provides considerably more tonal range than a one-dimensional metal setup. Five-way switching combines full humbucker sounds with selected inner and outer coil combinations, making the SLA2 equally useful for powerful rhythm tones, articulate cleans and lead work.

A recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo handles everything from subtle vibrato to dramatic pitch effects, while Luminlay side dots, locking strap buttons and striking gold hardware round out a genuinely stage-ready specification.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Jackson
Model	Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA2
Model Number	2914527503
Finish	Gloss Black
Condition	New
Body	Arched Nyatoh Soloist
Neck	3-Piece Maple/Walnut/Maple Neck-Through
Fingerboard	Bound Ebony
Frets	24 Jumbo Stainless Steel
Pickups	Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 / '59 SH-1N
Bridge	Recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series
Hardware	Gold
Included	Jackson Gig Bag
Main Appeal	Premium Soloist playability with versatile passive electronics
Best For	Metal, hard rock, progressive, technical lead and performance guitar

What's Included?

• Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA2 in Gloss Black

• Jackson gig bag

• Floyd Rose 1000 Series locking tremolo arm

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new guitar sold by Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving us so that obvious functional or setup issues can be identified prior to dispatch.

For the Pro Plus Soloist SLA2, our assessment includes:

• Neck relief and playing action

• Stainless-steel fret condition

• Floyd Rose bridge position and operation

• Locking nut function

• Tremolo return and general tuning stability

• Pickup output and balance

• Five-way switching

• Volume and tone control operation

• Output connection

• Tuning machine operation

• Intonation

• Locking strap buttons

• General structural and visual condition

The guitar is checked and set up to a suitable playing condition before leaving Fair Deal Music.

As with any wooden guitar, setup can shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. Minor adjustment can occasionally be required after arrival as the instrument settles into its new environment.

Service / Setup Work

The SLA2 is checked before dispatch for neck relief, action, intonation, tuning stability and general playability, including correct operation of the Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo.

A Floyd Rose works best when set up around a chosen tuning and string gauge. Substantial changes from the factory .009–.042 strings or your chosen tuning can alter the bridge balance and may require a corresponding setup.

Why Choose The Jackson Pro Plus Soloist SLA2?

Neck-Through Soloist Construction

Rather than using a conventional bolt-on neck joint, the SLA2 uses a three-piece maple/walnut/maple neck that runs through the body.

This creates the smooth neck-to-body transition traditionally associated with Jackson's Soloist design and gives the fretting hand excellent access throughout the full 24-fret range.

24 Jumbo Stainless-Steel Frets

Stainless steel is significantly harder than conventional nickel-silver fretwire and provides a smooth surface for bends and vibrato.

Combined with the jumbo size, the SLA2 is particularly well suited to demanding lead techniques while offering excellent resistance to normal fret wear.

Seymour Duncan JB And '59 Pickups

The JB TB-4 bridge pickup is a proven choice for powerful rock and metal tones, with enough output for saturated amplification while retaining useful harmonic detail.

The '59 SH-1N neck pickup provides a more open, rounded voice for leads, cleaner playing and lower-gain sounds, making the pair significantly more versatile than a purely high-output pickup set.

Five-Way Switching

Jackson goes beyond conventional three-way HH switching.

Positions two and four combine selected coils from the two humbuckers, giving the SLA2 access to clearer, leaner sounds alongside its full bridge, dual-humbucker and full neck settings.

Floyd Rose 1000 Series Tremolo

The recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series uses a locking nut and double-locking bridge design to maintain tuning during demanding tremolo work.

It is the obvious choice for players using dive bombs, flutters, harmonic squeals and upward pitch effects as part of their technique.

Luminlay Side Dots

Luminlay side position markers are designed to remain visible in dark stage environments.

It is a relatively small feature, but one that becomes genuinely useful during live performances where conventional side dots can be difficult to see.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Jackson Pro Plus Soloist SLA2 vs Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG

The American Series SL2MG represents a substantial step further up the Jackson range and uses active EMG electronics alongside USA production. The Pro Plus SLA2 makes more sense for players wanting premium Soloist construction, stainless frets and Floyd Rose performance while preferring the more traditional response and versatility of passive Seymour Duncan pickups.

Jackson Pro Plus Soloist SLA2 vs Jackson Pro Plus Dinky MDK HT6 MS

The MDK HT6 MS takes a very different modern approach with multi-scale geometry, active Fishman Fluence electronics and a fixed bridge. Choose the MDK if lower tunings, hardtail stability and multi-scale feel are priorities; choose the SLA2 for traditional 25.5-inch Soloist geometry, neck-through construction and Floyd Rose expression.

Jackson Pro Plus Soloist SLA2 vs Charvel Pro-Mod Plus Dinky DK24 HH 2PT E

The Charvel offers a hot-rodded bolt-on approach with a conventional two-point tremolo rather than a locking Floyd Rose. It is a strong alternative for players wanting modern versatility without double-locking bridge maintenance, while the SLA2 is better suited to players who specifically want the neck-through Jackson experience and extreme tremolo capability.

Who Is It For?

The Jackson Pro Plus Soloist SLA2 is particularly well suited to:

• Experienced rock and metal guitarists

• Technical lead players

• Progressive rock and progressive metal musicians

• Players who actively use a Floyd Rose

• Guitarists wanting a neck-through instrument

• Players upgrading from an entry or intermediate Jackson

• Musicians wanting stainless-steel frets

• Guitarists who value passive Seymour Duncan pickups

• Live performers who benefit from Luminlay markers

• Players wanting a premium performance guitar without moving straight to the American Series

Playing Styles & Applications

The SLA2 is naturally at home with metal, hard rock, progressive music and technical lead playing, but the JB/'59 combination prevents it from becoming excessively specialised.

The JB bridge pickup supplies the attack and output needed for fast rhythm work, power chords and saturated leads. Move to the '59 neck pickup and the response becomes more rounded and open, working well for melodic solos and cleaner passages.

The five-way switching becomes particularly useful for players working across several sounds within one set. The coil-combination positions produce leaner textures that can sit more easily beneath vocals or layered guitars than a full humbucker.

Why Does Neck-Through Construction Work So Well On A Soloist?

The Soloist has historically been defined by neck-through construction, where the central neck structure continues through the body rather than ending at a bolt-on or set-neck joint.

One practical benefit is the smooth transition into the upper register. On a performance guitar with 24 frets, that matters because the player's hand can move towards the highest positions without encountering a large traditional neck heel.

Combined with the SLA2's compound-radius ebony board and jumbo stainless frets, it creates a guitar designed from the outset around unrestricted lead playing rather than simply adding performance hardware to a conventional platform.

Story & Context

The Jackson Soloist became a formally established Jackson model in 1984, following earlier development of neck-through, high-performance double-cutaway guitars.

Neck-through construction, 24-fret layouts and fast access to the upper register became central to the Soloist identity, helping define the high-performance electric guitar format associated with Jackson throughout the following decades.

The Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA2 keeps those core ideas intact while bringing the specification up to modern performance expectations. Stainless-steel frets, Luminlay side markers, five-way switching and a recessed Floyd Rose 1000 sit alongside the familiar ebony fingerboard, pointed Jackson headstock and neck-through architecture.

For players who want a modern Jackson but still value the traditional Soloist formula, the SLA2 sits in a particularly appealing part of the range.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA2
Model Number	2914527503
Series	Pro Plus
Orientation	Right-Handed
Number of Strings	6
Finish	Gloss Black
Body Shape	Soloist
Body Material	Nyatoh
Body Profile	Arched
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	3-Piece Maple/Walnut/Maple
Neck Construction	Neck-Through-Body with Graphite Reinforcement
Neck Finish	Oiled
Fingerboard	Ebony
Fingerboard Binding	White
Fingerboard Radius	12"-16" Compound
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number of Frets	24
Fret Size	Jumbo Stainless Steel
Nut	Floyd Rose 1000 Series Locking
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	Pearloid Piranha Tooth
Side Dots	Luminlay
Headstock	Jackson Pointed 6-In-Line
Headstock Binding	White
Truss Rod	Dual-Action with Wheel
Truss Rod Adjustment	Heel-Mounted Spoke Wheel
Bridge Pickup	Seymour Duncan JB TB-4
Neck Pickup	Seymour Duncan '59 SH-1N
Pickup Mounting	Direct Mount
Pickup Configuration	HH
Controls	Volume, Tone
Switching	5-Position Blade
Position 1	Bridge Pickup
Position 2	Bridge Outer Coil + Neck Inner Coil
Position 3	Bridge + Neck
Position 4	Bridge Inner Coil + Neck Outer Coil
Position 5	Neck Pickup
Bridge	Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo, Recessed
Tremolo Arm	Floyd Rose 1000 Series Locking
Tuning Machines	Jackson Sealed Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Gold
Pickup Covers	Black
Control Knobs	Dome-Style
Strap Buttons	Locking
Pickguard	None
Factory Strings	Nickel-Plated Steel .009–.042

Specification Note

Individual guitar weight naturally varies between instruments and has not been supplied for the specific guitar.

If exact weight is important to you, contact our team and we can advise on the individual instrument available.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Jackson Pro Plus Soloist SLA2 pairs particularly well with:

• High-gain valve amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers and processors

• Overdrive or boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Delay and reverb

• Professional pedal tuners

• Quality instrument cables

• Replacement .009–.042 string sets

The supplied Jackson gig bag provides everyday transport protection.

For players wanting a more substantial hard case, the Jackson Soloist/Dinky SKB Hardshell Case 2996100506 is the manufacturer-recommended option.

Power Requirements

The Seymour Duncan JB and '59 humbuckers are passive, so the guitar requires no battery.

Connect the SLA2 to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA2 in Gloss Black hits an excellent point in the Jackson range for serious players who want genuinely premium performance features without immediately moving to the significantly more expensive American Series.

The neck-through construction, stainless-steel frets and compound-radius ebony board make it a convincing technical player's instrument, while the JB/'59 pairing provides more musical versatility than an ultra-hot or active-only pickup setup.

The recessed Floyd Rose 1000 makes most sense for players who will actually use it. If you want dramatic tremolo techniques, it is a major advantage; if you constantly change tunings, a hardtail Jackson may be more practical.

Best suited for: Serious rock and metal players, technical lead guitarists and musicians wanting a premium Floyd Rose-equipped Soloist.

Customers usually upgrade from: Jackson JS and X Series guitars, intermediate superstrats and bolt-on performance guitars.

Most commonly paired with: High-gain amplification, boost or overdrive, noise gate, delay and reverb.

Our tip: Decide on your preferred tuning and string gauge before having the Floyd Rose dialled in. A correctly balanced locking tremolo is far easier to live with when the basic setup stays consistent.

Showroom feedback: The stainless frets, ebony board and neck-through upper access are the features that most clearly separate the SLA2 from more affordable Jackson models. It feels designed for players who already know what they want from a performance guitar.

Want a closer look at the individual guitar before ordering? Ask our team about a video demonstration and we'll be happy to help where possible.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, our knowledgeable musician-led team can help whether you're comparing Jackson Soloist models, choosing between Floyd Rose and hardtail guitars or building a complete professional rock and metal setup.

Buying from Fair Deal Music gives you:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new and pre-owned musical equipment

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery options

• Decades of experience supplying musicians

• Help choosing compatible cases, strings, amplification and accessories

• New and pre-owned instrument expertise

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How versatile is the five-way pickup switching?

More versatile than a conventional HH three-way layout. Alongside the full bridge, both-pickup and full neck settings, positions two and four combine selected coils for clearer, leaner sounds that work well for clean and lower-gain playing.

Are the Seymour Duncan pickups active?

No. Both pickups are passive, so there is no battery to replace.

What are the benefits of stainless-steel frets?

Stainless steel is extremely wear resistant and has a smooth surface that works particularly well for bends and vibrato. For players who practise or gig heavily, durability is a significant advantage.

Is a Floyd Rose suitable if I regularly change tunings?

It can be used with different tunings, but it is most convenient when kept around one primary setup. Frequent significant tuning changes alter string tension and therefore the balance of the floating bridge. A hardtail is generally easier for players constantly changing tunings.

What are Luminlay side dots useful for?

They provide visible position references in dark environments, making them particularly useful on poorly lit stages.

Is the SLA2 only suitable for metal?

No. Its construction and Floyd Rose lean heavily towards performance-oriented styles, but the JB/'59 pickup combination and five-way switching give it enough tonal range for hard rock, progressive music, alternative styles and cleaner playing.

What is the advantage of the heel-mounted truss rod wheel?

It allows neck relief adjustment from the heel area without needing to remove a conventional headstock truss-rod cover, making routine adjustment more accessible.

Who should choose the SLA2 instead of a hardtail Jackson?

Choose the SLA2 if expressive tremolo techniques are genuinely part of your playing. If you prioritise quick tuning changes and rarely use a tremolo arm, a Jackson hardtail model may suit you better.