Phil Collen, best known for his association with Stratocaster-style electric guitars during his tenure with Def Leppard, has recently received a custom creation from Jackson that may mark a significant shift in his guitar preferences. The new instrument, inspired by the Fender Telecaster, features a neck twice as thick as a standard guitar, leading Collen to question his ability to play it.
Collen has long favored the Stratocaster’s double-cut design, but his latest acquisition—a relic’d, blue-finished, single-cut six-string—has quickly become his “new favorite guitar.” Designed in collaboration with Jackson Master Builder Joe Williams, this prototype is set to be the first of many.
Collen expressed his excitement, saying, “I just recently got my new favorite guitar!” He described the Telecaster-style model as “amazing,” highlighting its DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup in the neck position, the absence of a whammy bar or sustainer, and the exceptionally thick neck.
Williams, who worked on the guitar, noted, “I’ve kind of made it really big and tried it out… I said, ‘Okay, am I going to be able to play this thing?’” Collen has indeed adapted to the guitar and is eager to take it on tour. He also hinted at more custom creations to come, including a red model with chrome hardware and a maple fingerboard.
Williams teased the possibility of a standard production run if there is sufficient demand. “As for a run of them, that’s out of my wheelhouse. But I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said. “If there’s a lot of demand, it’s not uncommon for sales, marketing, and the product team to want to do a run.”
