Ready for something fresh in the metal guitar world? Bring Me The Horizon’s Lee Malia has teamed up with Jackson to create one hell of a signature model that’s causing quite a stir.

No pointy headstocks or aggressive body shapes here – just pure vintage-inspired coolness with all the modern performance features you need for heavy riffing. Let’s dive into what makes this guitar special!

Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87 – Meet the Man Behind the Guitar

If you’re not familiar with Lee Malia, here’s the scoop – he’s the founding axeman of Grammy-nominated Bring Me The Horizon, a band that’s evolved from deathcore roots to become one of modern metal’s most innovative acts.

Fun fact: Lee’s first “real” guitar was actually a blue Jackson Warrior he bought at 15 after getting obsessed with Metallica. That very guitar went with him on BMTH’s first European tour supporting Killswitch Engage!

“My playing style’s changed a lot,” Lee explains.

“First CDs were in drop tunings, but I figured out that changing tunings, going into standard but lower down opened up so many more ways of writing music and using open chords. My writing and playing evolved a lot from that.”

This evolution directly shaped what we now see in the LM-87.

Watch Lee Malia Himself Show Off His Signature LM-87 in Action

Want to witness this guitar’s true potential? Check out this killer demo video featuring Lee himself putting the LM-87 through its paces.

In the video below, you’ll see Lee demonstrate everything from crunchy metal riffs to cleaner tones, showcasing the guitar’s impressive versatility. You’ll also get a better look at those fine tuners in action and see how comfortable this offset design is in the hands of its creator.

The video perfectly captures both the sound and vibe of this unique signature model – definitely worth watching before you make your decision!

Why This Guitar Turns Heads

First off, that offset Surfcaster body shape just looks killer! Metal guitarists like Mike Stringer, Misha Mansoor, and Whitechapel’s Alex Wade have been embracing offsets lately, but Lee’s been championing this style for years.

“I’ve always liked offset guitars,” Lee says. “I saw a picture of an old Surfcaster that Charvel made, then asked Jackson if they could make me a one-off version.”

What really sets this guitar apart visually:

• Open pore black semi-gloss finish that’ll develop character as you play
• Cream binding that pops beautifully against the dark body
• 3-ply black/white/black pickguard with an almost Rickenbacker vibe
• Chrome hardware for that classic shine
• Signature TOM-style bridge with fine tuners that both looks cool and serves a real purpose

Built for Players, Not Display Cases

Look, we’ve all played guitars that look amazing but feel awkward after 20 minutes. This isn’t one of those.

Jackson built this axe with real-world playability in mind. The D-profile okoume neck feels substantial without being chunky, and that compound 12″-16″ radius fingerboard is seriously smart – comfortable chording down low, fast leads up high.

According to Lee:

“It’s my go-to at home now. As soon as I’ve got an idea, I grab it straight away; I know what it’s gonna sound like. When something plays that easy and sounds great, you just want to sit and play it.”

Smart design features that working musicians will appreciate:

• Truss rod adjustment wheel at the body end for quick tweaks
• Graphite-reinforced neck to prevent warping on tour
• Locking tuners for quick string changes and stability
• Three-piece neck construction for added strength

Plugged In: From Clean to Extreme

Here’s where things get really interesting. In a bold departure from typical signature metal models, this guitar skips the expected ultra-hot active pickups in favor of something more versatile and tonally rich.

The custom Jackson LM-87 humbucker in the bridge position strikes an impressive balance—delivering all the gain needed for aggressive metal riffs while maintaining definition and character. Engaging the push-pull coil split transforms this humbucker into a more articulate single-coil voice, perfect for chimey cleans and cutting leads.

In the neck position, the LM-87 P90 pickup brings a completely different flavor to the table. P90s have long been beloved for their unique voice—warmer than single-coils but more open than humbuckers—and this custom-wound version doesn’t disappoint. It excels at clean passages with remarkable clarity and, when pushed into overdrive, produces a growl that’s distinctly different from the bridge humbucker.

The middle position with the coil split engaged is where this pickup combination truly shines. You’ll discover sparkling clean tones that maintain clarity without the typical mud that plagues many metal-oriented instruments. Even with high gain, each pickup maintains its distinctive character, preventing the low-end from becoming overwhelming or undefined.

This tonal flexibility makes the LM-87 an ideal companion for musical journeys across multiple genres. From delicate clean passages to thundering rhythms and searing leads, the electronics package delivers versatility that extends far beyond what most metal-focused instruments can offer.

Considering Bring Me The Horizon’s evolution from deathcore to their current genre-blending approach, this versatility isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a necessity. The LM-87’s electronics allow a single instrument to authentically capture the tonal palette required across their diverse catalog, making it as comfortable with atmospheric clean sections as it is with devastating breakdowns.

Featured Guitar: Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87 Open Pore Black

We’ve just added the Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87 to our Get My Guitar listings! This exciting signature model combines vintage offset aesthetics with modern metal performance in one versatile package.

Interested in this unique signature model? Check out the complete specifications, additional photos, and current availability on our partner’s website. The LM87 represents a fresh direction for metal guitars in 2025, and demand has been strong since its release.

Five Reasons This Guitar Stands Out From the Pack

1. Engineering-Driven Fine Tuners – The TOM-style bridge with integrated fine tuners is a game-changer for performing guitarists. When adrenaline and heavy-handed playing threaten tuning stability, these fine-adjustment mechanisms allow for quick, precise tuning tweaks without over-turning standard tuners. It’s a professional feature rarely seen outside much more expensive instruments.
2. Neck and Bridge Pickup Combo That Actually Makes Sense – The P90/humbucker pairing with coil-splitting gives you sounds from vintage clean to modern metal without changing guitars. This thoughtful combination delivers tonal versatility that transcends genres, from jazz-clean neck tones to aggressive bridge distortion and everything between.
3. The Offset Body That Breaks Metal Guitar Stereotypes – Who says metal guitars need to be pointy? This design brings sophisticated vintage aesthetics to the metal world while maintaining perfect ergonomics for fast playing. The Surfcaster shape represents a bold departure from predictable metal guitar designs.
4. Graphite-Reinforced Neck Construction – Touring musicians know how environmental changes can wreak havoc on guitars. The three-piece okoume neck with graphite reinforcement adds remarkable stability against temperature and humidity fluctuations, reducing the need for constant setup adjustments on the road.
5. Remarkable Value at $899.99 – This price point hits the sweet spot between budget models and premium instruments. Including features like locking tuners, custom pickups, compound radius fingerboard, and premium hardware makes this signature model surprisingly accessible without compromising on quality or playability.

Real Talk: Who Should Consider This Guitar?

You’ll dig this guitar if:

• You’re tired of the same old super-strat metal guitar designs
• You need one versatile instrument for multiple genres and tunings
• You appreciate vintage aesthetics but require modern performance
• You’re looking for an alternative to active pickups while still getting great metal tones
• You want something distinctive that stands out on stage

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You need a floyd rose for extreme whammy work
• You’re after the thinnest possible neck for maximum shred
• You want an extended range 7+ string guitar
• You prefer active EMG-style pickups exclusively

Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87 Guitar Specs (The Nitty Gritty)

For those who want all the technical details, here’s the full rundown:

Frequently Asked Questions: Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87

Still curious about the Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87? Here are answers to some common questions that go beyond what we’ve already covered:

Q: Is the LM87 available in any other finishes or configurations?

Currently, the LM87 is only available in the Open Pore Black finish. Jackson hasn’t announced plans for alternative colors or configurations. This exclusivity makes the current model more distinctive, though based on the popularity, we wouldn’t be surprised to see additional finish options in the future. The black finish with cream binding was specifically chosen by Malia to complement the vintage-meets-modern aesthetic of the guitar.

Q: How does the amaranth fingerboard compare to rosewood or ebony?

Amaranth (sometimes called purpleheart) offers a playing experience that sits somewhere between rosewood and ebony. It’s slightly harder and denser than rosewood, providing crisp note definition similar to ebony, but with warmer tonal characteristics. It’s also more stable in varying climates than traditional rosewood. Visually, amaranth has a rich purple-brown coloration that darkens over time, giving the fingerboard a distinctive appearance that pairs beautifully with the cream binding and shark-eye inlays.

Q: What’s the weight of the LM87 compared to other Jackson models?

The LM87 features an okoume body, which is generally lighter than the alder or mahogany used in many other Jackson models. Players report the guitar weighs approximately 7.5-8 pounds (3.4-3.6 kg), making it notably lighter than mahogany-bodied guitars while still providing excellent sustain. This moderate weight makes it comfortable for long rehearsals or performances without sacrificing resonance or stability.

Q: What string gauge does Lee Malia use on his LM87?

According to interviews and tech videos, Lee typically uses heavy gauge strings on his LM87, particularly when playing in drop tunings with Bring Me The Horizon. For standard E tuning, he uses .010-.046, but for drop tunings like Drop A, he’s been known to use as heavy as .013-.064 or even include a .080 for the lowest string. The guitar ships with .010-.046 nickel-plated steel strings, which work well for standard tuning and moderate drop tunings.

Q: How does the truss rod adjustment system work on this model?

Unlike traditional Jackson models that require removing the neck to access the truss rod, the LM87 features a wheel-adjusted truss rod accessible from the body end of the neck. This dual-action system allows for quick and precise neck relief adjustments without any disassembly. Simply use an appropriate tool to turn the wheel clockwise to add relief (straighten the neck) or counter-clockwise to reduce relief. This user-friendly design makes it much easier to keep the guitar properly set up, especially when changing string gauges or tunings frequently.

Lee Malia LM87 Final Feedback: A Genuinely Fresh Take on the Metal Guitar

Jackson and Lee Malia have created something special here – a guitar that honors vintage aesthetics while delivering thoroughly modern performance. In a world where metal guitars often follow predictable templates, the Lee Malia LM-87 dares to be different.

What’s most impressive is how this guitar manages to be versatile without sacrificing its core identity. Whether you’re chugging heavy riffs or playing clean passages, the LM-87 delivers with character and clarity.

At $899.99 with a gig bag included, it hits a sweet spot in the market between budget models and premium instruments. It’s accessible enough for intermediates looking to upgrade, yet professional enough for serious players and recording.

As Lee says, “It’s the guitar I’ve dreamed of making for years, and we’ve made sure it’s super accessible for a wide range of players.” Based on what we’re seeing, that dream has become reality in impressive fashion.

Ready to break the metal guitar mold? The Jackson Pro Lee Malia LM87 might just be your next favorite axe.

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