Slash and Gibson have released a new guitar model exclusive to the artist: the “Jessica” Les Paul Standard.
“Jessica” has been the main focus of Slash's stage since 1988 and has been primarily used to perform songs from Guns N' Roses' debut. Appetite for destruction. It was also his go-to guitar as a member of Velvet Revolver and remains his instrument of choice on Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.
“This guitar has been with me since 1988,” Slash commented in a press release. “He's discolored, he dropped a fucking cigarette… I named him when I was drunk, but I don't remember what the catalyst for that was!”
While not an exact replica, the new exclusive model is based on Slash's original “Jessica” and features a three-piece smooth maple top over a non-weight-relieved mahogany body and a mahogany neck with a profile of vintage neck from the 50s.
Electronically, the body houses a pair of Custom Burstbucker pickups with Alnico 2 magnets hand-wired to Orange Drop capacitors. Originally a glossy Cherry Sunburst, Slash had Jessica refurbished, which is reflected, minus the considerable road wear on the original, in the glossy Honey Burst nitrocellulose finish with Red Back used on the new model.
Additional details include Slash's signature on the truss rod cover, complemented by Slash's familiar 'Skully' logo on the back of the headstock. The Schaller Strap Locks are pre-installed on the guitar and the ax is housed in a hard case that includes a set of guitar picks, a Gibson USA leather strap, a multi-tool, and a blank truss rod cover.
“I take a lot of guitars on tour, but this one still has a very specific sound compared to all the other Les Pauls I have,” Slash said.
Fans will likely see Slash playing his original “Jessica” Les Paul during his upcoming traveling blues festival, coming to 27 cities throughout July and August (get tickets here).
The exclusive “Jessica” model sells for $3,199 and is available through Gibson's. website. See product photos below.
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