The Jackson Pro Series Signature Dave Davidson Warrior WR7: A Metal Monster for the Modern Guitarist

The world of extended-range guitars has exploded in recent years, with seven-string models moving from niche curiosities to mainstream options for players seeking to expand their sonic palette. Among these offerings, signature models often represent the pinnacle of design collaboration between artists and manufacturers. The Jackson Pro Series Signature Dave Davidson Warrior WR7 stands as a testament to this partnership, bringing the Revocation frontman’s metal-focused vision to guitarists at a more accessible price point than Jackson’s USA custom shop offerings.

The Artist Behind the Instrument

Before diving into the guitar itself, it’s worth understanding its origin. Dave Davidson, founder and frontman of technical death metal band Revocation, is known for his sophisticated approach to extreme metal guitar playing. His technical prowess demands instruments that can keep pace with complex chord voicings, lightning-fast riffing, and dramatic tonal shifts. Davidson’s collaboration with Jackson has produced a guitar that doesn’t merely bear his name but genuinely reflects his musical approach.

Design and Construction

The first thing that grabs your attention is undoubtedly the aggressive Warrior body shape. This isn’t a subtle instrument – the sharp, angular contours announce its intentions before you even plug it in. The body features mahogany construction, offering substantial weight and the warm, rich mid-range response this tonewood is known for.

The through-body maple neck construction provides excellent sustain and stability, vital for the low tunings this seven-string is designed to handle. The 12″-16″ compound radius ebony fingerboard strikes an excellent balance – comfortable for chord work near the headstock while flattening out for lead playing as you move up the neck. The 24 jumbo frets are impeccably finished, with no sharp edges or high spots to impede playability.

Hardware and Electronics

The hardware package is thoroughly modern and performance-focused. The Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 double-locking tremolo provides rock-solid tuning stability even under aggressive use. The 26.5″ scale length gives the strings enough tension to maintain clarity on the low B (or A if you’re tuning down further), addressing a common challenge with seven-string instruments.

Electronics-wise, the Davidson WR7 features a pair of DiMarzio pickups – a Dave Davidson Imperium 7 bridge humbucker and a Dave Davidson Imperium 7 neck humbucker. These aren’t just stock pickups with a signature label; they’re specifically voiced to Davidson’s requirements. The bridge pickup delivers crushing aggression with remarkable clarity for complex chord voicings, while the neck pickup offers warm, articulate clean tones and singing lead sounds.

Control layout is streamlined and practical with a three-way pickup selector, master volume, and master tone. This no-nonsense approach reflects the guitar’s focused purpose.

Playability

The WR7’s playability is where it truly shines. The neck profile strikes an ideal middle ground – substantial enough to comfortably grip for rhythm playing but not so thick as to hinder speed. The compound radius feels natural under the fingers, and the smooth ebony fingerboard allows for effortless position shifts.

The Warrior body shape might look unwieldy, but it’s surprisingly comfortable both standing and sitting. The weight distribution is well-balanced, preventing neck dive – a common issue with extended-range instruments.

Upper fret access is excellent thanks to the deep cutaways, making those high-register solos and technical passages accessible without awkward hand contortions. The jumbo frets make bending and vibrato techniques feel effortless, enhancing expressivity.

Sound

Plugged in, the WR7 delivers exactly what you’d expect from a signature metal guitar – and then some. The Imperium pickups are the stars here, offering tremendous output without sacrificing definition. Even with high-gain settings, complex chord voicings retain their character rather than dissolving into an indistinct wall of noise.

The bridge pickup excels at articulate rhythm tones, with a tight low end that keeps the seventh string from becoming muddy. Palm-muted passages have excellent definition and attack, perfect for technical death metal’s precise rhythmic demands.

Switching to the neck pickup reveals surprising versatility. Clean tones are warm without being overly dark, and with moderate gain, you’ll find smooth, vocal-like lead tones that sustain beautifully. The pickup split options expand the tonal palette further, offering convincing single-coil sounds that work well for atmospheric passages.

Value Proposition

At its price point (typically around $1,200-1,500 depending on retailer), the Pro Series Davidson WR7 represents excellent value. It delivers professional-grade performance, specialized features, and robust construction at significantly less than a comparable USA-made instrument. While not inexpensive, it’s a serious tool for players committed to technical metal styles.

Verdict

The Jackson Pro Series Signature Dave Davidson Warrior WR7 succeeds brilliantly at its intended purpose. It’s a specialized instrument that doesn’t try to be all things to all players – instead, it focuses on delivering exceptional performance for technical metal guitarists. The thoughtful design choices, quality construction, and distinctive voice make it stand out in an increasingly crowded seven-string market.

For fans of Revocation seeking to capture Davidson’s tone, it’s an obvious choice. But even for players who aren’t familiar with Davidson’s work, the WR7 deserves serious consideration as a high-performance metal instrument that punches well above its price class. Its combination of playability, sound quality, and distinctive aesthetics makes it a standout option for anyone serious about modern metal guitar.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and attention to detail
• Superb playability with a comfortable neck profile
• Custom-voiced pickups deliver clarity and definition even with extreme gain
• Stable tuning thanks to quality Floyd Rose and locking tuners
• Distinctive aesthetic that stands out on stage

Cons:

• Aggressive body shape may not appeal to traditionalists
• Limited versatility beyond metal-oriented genres
• Weight may be an issue for some players during long performances

Rating: 4.5/5