SABATON's CHRIS RÖRLAND Partners With JACKSON For First-Ever Signature SL7 Soloist Guitar

Jackson has announced the Pro Series Signature Chris Rörland SL7 Soloist, the brand's first-ever signature model built in collaboration with Chris Rörland, lead guitarist of the Swedish metal band SABATON. Designed around the speed, precision and power of Rörland's playing, the seven-string SL7 Soloist pairs the high-performance DNA Jackson is known for with the extended range, articulation and stability that modern metal demands. From aggressive, down-tuned riffs to harmonized leads, every element was selected to meet the demands of Rörland's playing onstage and in the studio while giving players the tools to make the instrument entirely their own.

"I never found a guitar that felt 110% right for me," said Chris Rörland of his first-ever Jackson signature model. "I wanted to build a real beast — effortless to play, stays in tune and built for the stage. We moved the volume knob out of the way and positioned the toggle so I can switch pickups with my middle finger mid-solo. I also chose a 26.5-inch scale for extra stability with my lower tunings. It's precise, aggressive and reliable — a guitar that doesn't fight you. You plug it in, and it's ready to go to war."

For 25 years, SABATON has built one of metal's most devoted global followings, releasing 10 critically acclaimed studio albums, touring extensively around the world alongside artists including IRON MAIDEN and creating their own annual festival and cruise. With powerful riffs, instantly recognizable sound and high-energy live performances, the band has established a distinct place within modern metal. As lead guitarist, Rörland brings a playing style defined by precision, speed and melodic harmonies, balancing technicality with the power and aggression at the heart of SABATON's sound. Since joining SABATON in 2012, Rörland has helped drive years of touring and recording, culminating in the band winning "Band Of The Year" at the 2026 Dalecarlia Music Awards.

"Chris represents exactly the kind of player who makes sense for Jackson," said Jon Romanowski, VP of product, Jackson. "His playing is incredibly precise and technical, but there's also an intensity and power to it that connects immediately with an audience. With the SL7, we wanted to build an instrument around the way Chris actually plays — the extended range, speed, stability and tonal flexibility he needs onstage with SABATON — while giving modern metal players a platform they can make entirely their own."

Developed in close collaboration with Rörland around the demands of his playing and live performance, the Pro Series Signature Chris Rörland SL7 Soloist translates the speed, precision and power behind his work with SABATON into a purpose-built seven-string. The result is a signature model distinctly his own, built to give a new generation of metal players the same freedom to push their playing further.

Key features include:

EMG Pickups – Powering the SL7 Soloist's tone are high-output EMG 81-7H (bridge) and EMG 85-7H (neck) pickups, which pair a high-gain bite for riff-based rhythm work and a warmer, more articulate voice for Rörland's guitar harmonies.

26.5" Scale Length and Maple Through Construction – Neck-through construction delivers unmatched sustain and stability, while the extended 26.5" scale length keeps down-tuned riffs tight and articulate.

Floyd Rose 1000 Series Seven-String Recessed Tremolo – The SL7 comes equipped with this Floyd Rose bridge to deliver rock-solid tuning stability night after night on tour.

Seven-String Configuration with Satin Black Finish – The seven strings offer extended range for down-tuned aggression paired with a sleek, stage-ready Satin Black finish.

For technical specs, additional information on new Jackson products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.jacksonguitars.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @JacksonGuitarUSA on YouTube, @JacksonGuitars on X and @OfficialJacksonGuitars on Instagram and Threads.

Pro Series Signature Chris Rörland SL7 Soloist (MSRP: $1,599.99 USD, £1,449 GBP, €1,699 EUR, $2,999 AUD, ¥269,500 JPY)

The Jackson Pro Series Chris Rörland SL7 Signature is the seven-string weapon SABATON's guitarist trusts on stages worldwide. Built around the sleek Soloist body shape with neck-through maple construction and Satin Black finish, it combines precision and power for the modern metal player. The compound radius ebony fingerboard and 26.5" scale length enable fast, comfortable playability, while high-output EMG pickups and a Floyd Rose 1000 Series seven-string bridge deliver the down-tuned aggression and stability Chris demands night after night.

Jackson began in the late 1970s when heavy music experienced a virtuosic resurgence in popularity and a small Southern California repair shop became the epicenter of a new level of excellence. When extravagant young guitarists needed more from their instruments, a small staff of highly skilled craftsmen answered the call with a new breed of high-performance custom guitars. From that point on, heavy metal history would be written with Jackson's guitars lauded as the industry's shred machines. Known for their distinctive style and formidable substance, Jackson guitars have melded seamlessly with each and every sonic mutation across the metal genre allowing discerning guitarists everywhere to achieve an explosive sound. Over the years, Jackson has worked with some of the most influential and respected players in the world, and its roster of signature artists boasts guitarists whose impactful and game-changing contributions to heavy metal continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans. Today, Jackson is an owned brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and with a foundation of premium state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and the industry's finest team of seasoned builders, together they are poised for a new and transformative era.

Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) — whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender, Squier, Gretsch guitars, Jackson, EVH, Charvel, Bigsby and PreSonus — follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender's digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2026, Fender celebrates 80 years of giving artists "wings to fly," carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.