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In pictures: Blade X-Fire XF-120 unboxed

News
By Michael Brown ( Total Guitar ) published 10 December 2013

An axe that's sure to sharpen your shred

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

You don’t hear the name Blade too often in guitar circles, but the new X-Fire series looks set to change all that, with shred-ready specs and looks to match.

The X-Fire XF-120 has winged its way over to us for review, so join us as we share our first impressions of this rock beast.

For the full review of the Blade X-Fire XF-120, check out Total Guitar issue 249, on sale 23 December.

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

The XF-120 looks sleek in its Tungsten finish, but black and Blinding White options are also available, if you prefer

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

Pickup-wise, you can get this X-Fire fitted with Levinson or EMG ’buckers

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

That tiny toggle switch activates Blade’s Variable Spectrum Control, which offers boosts for midrange, treble or bass

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

And here are the three trim pots that let you dial in the frequencies that the VSC toggle switch controls

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

Those X inlays make the XF-120’s 24-fret fingerboard as distinctive as its finish

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Blade X-Fire XF-120

Blade X-Fire XF-120

Make no mistake, this Blade is a weapon

Get Total Guitar for iOS devices, Kindle Fire and Android

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Michael Brown
Michael Brown
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Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

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Jackson American Series Rhoads: the Rhoads is now officially being made in the USA again, and is offered with a choice of a hardtail or Floyd Rose, with the hardtail finished in Satin Black and Snow White, and the Floyd in Satin Black, Matte Army Drab and Snow White. Note the reverse headstock.
All Rhoads lead to California as Jackson brings one of its most-iconic metal guitars home for a high-end upgrade
 
 
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Jackson adds Warrior, King V and Concert Bass to its limited edition Pro Plus Pure Metal range
 
 
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“These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
 
 
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