Jackson Pro Sig Lee Malia LM-1987 BK

Jackson Pro Sig Lee Malia LM-1987 BK review

The Jackson Pro Sig Lee Malia LM-1987 BK is a signature Surfcaster-style electric guitar built around a practical combination: a bridge humbucker, a neck P-90, a fixed bridge with fine tuners, and a lightweight okoume body. Its black open-pore finish gives the wood grain a visible, understated look. At a listed price of 799, it offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar single-cut guitars, with a feature set aimed at players who move between heavier riffs and cleaner, more open sounds.

Player feedback points to a guitar that can feel immediately familiar to Les Paul and Charvel owners, while offering its own balance of weight and ergonomics. One owner described it as a hybrid of those styles, noting the 22 frets, block inlays, and Tune-O-Matic-style bridge. Several players praised the finish and the way the guitar sits on a strap or the leg. The instrument has a set-in okoume neck and an amaranth fingerboard, with shark-eye block inlays and 22 jumbo frets. Its scale length is 648 mm, and the fingerboard radius changes from 305 to 406 mm.

Pickup choices and controls

The two Jackson LM-87 pickups give the guitar much of its character. A bridge humbucker handles driven tones and palm-muted riffs, while the neck P-90 brings a more open, single-coil response. Player reports describe the pickups as clear and balanced rather than especially high-output. The bridge pickup gets particular praise for retaining definition under gain, while the P-90 is frequently singled out for its useful contrast and ability to cover softer sounds without losing bite.

A push-pull function on the single volume control splits the humbucker. The guitar also has a separate tone control and a three-way toggle switch. In practice, the split setting adds another texture without making the overall pickup balance feel lopsided, according to owners. The controls are straightforward, though one buyer reported that the pickup selector intermittently failed after unboxing, and another experienced occasional connection trouble after several months. Those reports are not enough to establish a general reliability issue, but they make it worth checking the switch carefully on arrival.

Bridge, tuning, and playability

The adjustable Jackson Tune-O-Matic-style bridge is paired with an anchored tailpiece and fine tuners. The fine tuners offer a small, convenient way to adjust pitch, and some players compare their feel to the controls on a locking tremolo system. The bridge itself is fixed, with no tremolo arm. Locking machine heads and the fixed bridge are repeatedly credited with strong tuning stability. The instrument ships with nickel-plated steel strings in.010 to.046 gauge.

Comfort and setup reports vary. Several owners found their guitars well adjusted out of the box, with easy playability and no fret buzz. Others reported sharp fret ends, a rough neck feel, or an uneven transition between the neck binding and the black finish. These contrasting experiences suggest that a quick inspection and setup check are sensible rather than assuming every example will arrive in the same condition. The neck is described by one player as fast without feeling excessively thin.

Build details and everyday tradeoffs

The black open-pore finish is a major part of the guitar's appeal, but the exposed wood texture also means the surface may show wear differently from a sealed finish. One owner cautioned that the softer-feeling wood can be more prone to dents. The light weight is a repeated positive, particularly for players seeking a more manageable alternative to a Les Paul-style instrument without giving up a fixed bridge or a substantial, resonant feel.

The included Jackson gig bag is useful for basic transport, although some buyers found it inexpensive-looking and would have preferred a hard case. The guitar does not include a case. That is a practical limitation to factor into the purchase if it will travel frequently.

Verdict

The Jackson Pro Sig Lee Malia LM-1987 BK stands out for its pickup pairing, low weight, distinctive finish, and stable fixed-bridge setup. Its bridge humbucker is well suited to articulate gain, while the neck P-90 and coil-split option broaden the range beyond heavy rhythm work. The main cautions are inconsistent reports about factory setup, occasional switch problems, and a gig bag that may not satisfy players who need more protection. For guitarists drawn to the Surfcaster shape and looking for a versatile, riff-friendly instrument, it makes a compelling case, provided the individual guitar is checked over after delivery.