The LM-87 surprised me in all the best ways, especially when it came to comfort and tone. Here’s what you should know if you’re eyeing this one:
Pros
- That Offset Vibe—With Grit: It’s got the silhouette of a surf rock guitar, but the guts of a modern metal machine. It doesn’t feel like a gimmick; it feels like something purpose-built for players who want to look and sound different.
- Custom Pickup Combo Is Killer: The P-90 in the neck gives you chime and warmth, while the bridge humbucker hits with enough power for aggressive riffs without sounding like a fuzzed-out mess. The coil-split is the cherry on top—opens up loads of tones without fussing with extra switches.
- Neck is a Goldilocks Zone: Jackson calls it a “Fast D,” but I’d say it’s a nice middle ground—quick for lead work, but still substantial enough for rhythm players who like to dig in. The compound radius helps, too—it feels fast without being slippery.
- Looks Aren’t Just for Show: That open-pore black finish looks rugged but refined in person. It doesn’t scream “metal,” which is part of the charm. It’s like the guitar is wearing a leather jacket, not a suit of armor.
- Solid Hardware Setup: Locking tuners, a TOM-style bridge with fine-tuners—it all works together to make this a gig-ready guitar. Nothing felt cheap or out of place.
Any Caveats?
- Made in China, Price Might Raise Eyebrows: Some folks might balk at an $899 MIC guitar. But the build quality and QC on this thing are way above average for that price range.
Not Your Average Shredder Shape
If you’re used to Super Strats or Explorers, the offset body might take a minute to get used to. But give it a shot—it balances well and wears comfortably.
Pickups Are Not Super Hot
If you’re expecting active pickup-level output, this ain’t that. But honestly, that’s part of why this guitar has character—it doesn’t sound like every other metal guitar on the wall.
Why You Should Be Looking at This Guitar
This guitar stands out for a few big reasons:
- It blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality—without trying too hard
- You get versatile pickups that can cover everything from shoegaze cleans to crunchy doom tones
- It’s comfortable, lightweight, and plays fast
- For a signature model, it’s well-priced and practical, not just a collector’s piece
If you’re the kind of player who flips between post-rock and heavy riffage—or just wants something different from the usual pointy-headstock crowd—the LM-87 could be your new secret weapon.
The Jackson Pro Series Lee Malia LM-87 hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and new-school tone. It looks unique, feels rock-solid, and offers way more sonic flexibility than most signature models in its price range. Sure, the MIC tag might be a turn-off for some, but based on how it plays? That’s a pretty minor gripe.
This guitar wasn’t made just for Bring Me The Horizon fans. It was made for anyone who wants to play heavy and think outside the box.