In pictures: Blade X-Fire XF-120 unboxed
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1d5fb9a623748e2ae79b7f7837029414-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b81cf82941439d3425e7b1f6b38aa848-320-80.jpg)
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
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1af732b0ea50e3bbc2a99fe6e7524cb6-320-80.jpg)
Blade X-Fire XF-120
Pickup-wise, you can get this X-Fire fitted with Levinson or EMG ’buckers
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/82fc8c32f8b8c225f29e2f4a135f8101-320-80.jpg)
Blade X-Fire XF-120
That tiny toggle switch activates Blade’s Variable Spectrum Control, which offers boosts for midrange, treble or bass
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d1478fea28efc23cce64b282e40f0129-320-80.jpg)
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
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c9b54225e55c36ec49c2ecc278e555bd-320-80.jpg)
Blade X-Fire XF-120
Those X inlays make the XF-120’s 24-fret fingerboard as distinctive as its finish
![Blade X-Fire XF-120](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/94075c1e4f3915b565376503fe83b1a5-320-80.jpg)
Blade X-Fire XF-120
Make no mistake, this Blade is a weapon