In one of the most unique collaborations of the year, Jackson Guitars has teamed up with Malevolence guitarist Konan Hall and Blizzard Entertainment to release a limited-edition Kelly model inspired by World of Warcraft.
The exclusive guitar made its debut during Malevolence’s surprise performance on the Avalanche Stage at Download Festival this past Sunday. Lucky fans in attendance witnessed the dramatic unveiling of this custom instrument.
Officially titled the Jackson Pro Plus XT Limited Edition Kelly KE HT6 Baritone, the guitar features bold World of Warcraft-themed artwork across its body and headstock. However, this collaboration goes deeper than just eye-catching visuals. Hall is a longtime fan of the game, and the design pays homage to his in-game character, a Dwarf Paladin named Thraiin.
“World of Warcraft and music are two of my favourite things,” Hall shared. “Playing with the Jackson guitar on stage will remind me of the hours I spent in the taverns of Azeroth.”
For those unfamiliar, Azeroth is the fictional realm where the events of World of Warcraft take place. In addition to a depiction of Hall’s Paladin, the guitar boasts the game’s iconic “W” emblem. A special Easter egg is also tucked away on the back of the guitar – a tribute to Hall’s favorite in-game weapon: the Battle Axe.
Beneath its thematic visuals, the guitar maintains serious professional specs. As part of Jackson’s Pro Plus Series, it sports a Nyatoh body and a graphite-reinforced three-piece maple thru-neck for enhanced stability. It has a 27-inch baritone scale length, a 12”-16” compound radius ebony fretboard with cloaked Sharkfin inlays, 24 stainless steel frets, Luminlay side dots, and powerful Seymour Duncan Nazgûl and Sentient pickups.
Konan Hall assured fans that this fantasy-inspired axe will be featured prominently at Malevolence’s upcoming live shows.
