Misha Mansoor: “I Didn’t Expect This Guitar to Inspire Me So Much”
May 25, 2026, 9 a.m.
Jackson Officially Unveils Misha Mansoor’s Long-Awaited Surfcaster
After nearly two years of anticipation, Jackson has finally unveiled the official release of the Misha Mansoor Surfcaster — a guitar that has become one of the most talked-about offset designs in the modern metal world. The instrument arrives as a highly exclusive Custom Shop release, instantly making it one of the most desirable boutique launches of recent years.
Misha Mansoor, best known for his work with Periphery, played a major role in the rise of the modern “metal offset” movement. Alongside players such as Mike Stringer, he helped reignite interest in the cult-classic Surfcaster body shape within progressive and heavy music circles.
Back in August 2024, Mansoor first revealed a striking relic’d pink prototype that combined the unmistakable offset styling of the Charvel Surfcaster with a baritone scale and a Strat-style headstock.
That early build was later followed by a green version, which Mansoor previously showed to Guitar World, and then a turquoise iteration in summer 2025 that featured an Evertune bridge system.
Since then, fans and guitar enthusiasts alike had been waiting patiently for an official production announcement. Now, Jackson and Misha Mansoor have finally delivered what many are already calling one of the most anticipated offset guitar releases of the modern era.
There is, however, one important catch: the guitar is being launched exclusively as a limited-edition Custom Shop model with a price tag hovering around $9,000. While many fans had hoped for a more affordable production version, this release could still represent the first step toward a future wider rollout.
To many observers, the Custom Shop route always seemed like the most realistic path for this particular model. Speaking to Guitar World back in 2024, Mansoor had already hinted at the possibility.
“Ever since I posted photos of this guitar, there’s definitely been enough interest that a Custom Shop run seemed likely,” he explained at the time.
“And after that, maybe there could eventually be justification for a production-line version. We’ll have to see.”
The officially released model is based on Mansoor’s green prototype, complete with its heavily relic’d Army Drab Over White finish. The body is crafted from roasted ash, while the neck and fretboard use caramelized flame maple.
Other notable features include Bare Knuckle Juggernaut pickups, a fixed Hipshot bridge, Luminlay side dots, stainless steel frets, and an extended 30-inch scale length — a design choice inspired by Mansoor’s admiration for the iconic Fender Bass VI.
The instrument was built by Jackson Master Builder Pat Campolattano, who was tasked with translating Mansoor’s unique vision into reality.
Speaking in the official launch video, Mansoor reflects on the guitar’s impact on his creativity:
“An instrument like this simply didn’t exist before, and I never could have imagined how it would interact with my creative process.”
He continues:
“When I first got it, I figured I’d just experiment with it a little. What I absolutely didn’t expect was how deeply inspiring it would become for me.”
More information about the release is available via the official Jackson Guitars website.
The launch also arrives at a perfect moment for Periphery, whose new album A Pale White Dot is scheduled for release on May 15 through 3DOT Recordings.
