Electric guitars

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK

The Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK pairs a comfortable slim neck with a powerful, precise seven-string humbucker. One customer review praises its feel, fast playability, and value at the listed price of 715.

★★★★☆ 4/5 · 1 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK review

The Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK is a seven-string electric guitar built around a poplar body, a bolt-on maple neck, and a laurel fingerboard. Its specification is focused: one high-output Jackson humbucker, a single volume control, fixed hardware, and 24 jumbo frets. There is no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

The supplied field feedback is straightforward and positive. The player describes the guitar as comfortable in the hands, with a slim neck that supports quick playing. They also praise the pickup for a thick, precise sound, and consider the guitar strong value at its price. That is useful practical context, though it reflects one player's experience rather than a controlled comparison.

Neck and fingerboard

The maple neck is attached to the body with a bolt-on joint. Jackson pairs it with a laurel fingerboard that has a compound radius, measuring 305 to 406 mm, or 12 to 16 inches. The changing radius gives this model a flatter playing surface farther up the neck than near the nut. That geometry is relevant to players who move between lower-position chord work and higher-register lead playing.

The nut measures 47.6 mm, or 1.87 inches, across. On a seven-string guitar, that width provides room for the additional string, while the reported slim neck profile helps keep the instrument manageable in the hand. No neck-profile label or detailed thickness measurements are provided, so the comfort report is more informative here than a specific profile designation would be.

The fingerboard carries pearloid sharkfin inlays and has 24 jumbo frets. Those details give the neck a clear visual identity and provide a full two-octave range on each string. Players who rely on bends or vibrato may appreciate the jumbo fret format, although feel is personal and depends on setup as well as playing technique.

Pickup and controls

The electronics consist of one Jackson high-output humbucker and one volume control. There is no pickup selector because the listed configuration includes a single pickup, and no tone control is specified. This is a deliberately simple control layout: the player can adjust output from the guitar, while broader changes in tone are left to the amplifier or external equipment.

The field report describes the pickup as "thick" and "precise." That combination points to the character the player values, with a substantial sound that still keeps its definition. The pickup is identified as a seven-string humbucker, but no output measurement, magnet type, or switching options are supplied. Buyers should treat those details as unknown rather than assume features that are not listed.

Body, hardware, and setup

The body is made from poplar and has a black finish, with no separate top listed. Black hardware continues the dark appearance. The guitar comes fitted with nickel-plated steel strings in a.009 to.054 set. These specifications describe the factory setup; players may choose different strings depending on tuning and feel, but the supplied information does not identify a recommended alternate gauge.

There is no tremolo system. For players who prefer a fixed bridge arrangement, that keeps the hardware specification simple and avoids a tremolo arm. The available details do not give a bridge model or adjustment range, so those points are best checked in person or with a retailer before purchase.

Price and buying considerations

The listed price is 715. The currency is not specified in the supplied information, so that figure should be checked against the seller's local listing. The model has been available since March 2025 and carries item number 609164. It is sold as one piece, with no case or gig bag included, which is worth factoring into the total cost if protected transport is a priority.

As a purchase, the Surfcaster HT7 MET BK makes its case through a defined set of essentials: seven strings, 24 jumbo frets, a compound-radius fingerboard, and a high-output humbucker. Its one-pickup layout keeps the controls uncomplicated, while the reported comfortable neck and precise, full pickup sound give the specifications some real-world support. The main compromises are equally clear. There is no tremolo, the electronics are limited to a volume control, and the package does not include a carrying bag or case.

For a player looking for a black, fixed-bridge Jackson seven-string with a maple neck and a direct control layout, this model merits a closer look. The positive hands-on comment suggests that the neck and pickup are its strongest practical points. Try the neck width and string spacing yourself if possible, and confirm the local price and included accessories before ordering.

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK, front view
7.7/ 10 overall score
$715current price at the retailer
Check today's price price and delivery time at the retailer

Shipping and duties

The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.

Scores by area

Where it shines, where it stumbles

What convinced me

  • The reviewer says the guitar feels comfortable and its slim neck makes fast playing easy.
  • The high-output seven-string humbucker is described as powerful and precise.
  • The reviewer considers it excellent value for the price.

What bugged me

  • No case or gig bag is included.
  • The single pickup and volume-only control offer limited onboard tonal adjustment.

Is it the right one for you?

Good pick if

Ideal for seven-string players seeking a slim, fast-playing neck and a powerful humbucker sound. Also suited to buyers who prioritize value and prefer a simple control layout.

Look elsewhere if

Not ideal for players who want multiple pickups or extensive onboard tone controls. Also a poor fit for buyers who need a case or gig bag included.
RockMetal

Suggested level: Intermediate

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK, $715Check today's price →

Specifications

Color
Black
Body
Poplar
Top
None
Neck
Maple
Fretboard
Laurel
Frets
24
Scale
648 mm
Pickup system
H
Tremolo
No
Including case
No
Incl. gigbag
No

What other players say

The customer review is strongly positive, highlighting a comfortable feel, a slim neck that supports fast playing, and a powerful, precise-sounding pickup. The reviewer also considers the guitar a strong value for its price.

5 ★
100%
4 ★
0%
3 ★
0%
2 ★
0%
1 ★
0%
Positive 100% Neutral 0% Negative 0%
“A great guitar for the money.”
“It feels great in the hands and plays quickly thanks to the slim neck.”
“The pickup sounds really powerful and very precise.”

Up close

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK, detail 2

Watch and listen

Watch the video demo on YouTube →

Before you decide

Questions players ask

Is this guitar suitable for a first seven-string?

It could suit a beginner who is ready for a seven-string layout. The reviewer specifically found the slim neck comfortable and quick to play, though there is no customer feedback here from beginners.

What pickup and controls does it have?

It has one Jackson high-output seven-string humbucker and a volume control. There is no separate tone control listed.

Does it include a case or gig bag?

No. The listed specifications say that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

What is the scale length?

The scale length is 648 mm, or about 25.5 inches.

What does the customer review say about its sound and value?

The reviewer describes the pickup as powerful and precise and considers the guitar excellent value for the price.

The last word from the bench

This is a straightforward seven-string guitar for players who want a comfortable neck and a strong humbucker sound without a complex control layout. The customer feedback provided is enthusiastic about its feel, playability, pickup, and value. Its single pickup and volume control limit tonal flexibility, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included. Consider it if those tradeoffs suit your needs.

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK, $715Check today's price →

Hanging next to it

Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BK

Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.

See it at the retailer →
Guitar Gear Reviews Played on the bench before it gets a score