Matt Heafy explains his move from Gibson to Jackson
Matt Heafy explains the Jackson Kelly chapter, his changing playing preferences and the distinction between passive-style pickup voicing and active electronics.
Matt Heafy is turning a long association with Gibson and Epiphone into a new Jackson chapter. In Guitar World’s October 28 interview, the Trivium guitarist says closer collaboration and a more prominent role on an artist roster helped motivate the change.
The Kelly is central—but not every Jackson is the same
Heafy praises a relic goldtop USA Custom Shop Kelly and describes renewed enthusiasm for Floyd Rose-equipped guitars. Those are his playing impressions, not a specification sheet for a production signature model.
His October 26 Guitar Interactive interview separates the instruments more carefully: a white Kelly was his planned six-string touring guitar for Australia, while a borrowed Corey Beaulieu King V covered seven-string material. The relic was intended to stay home.
New pickup ideas, not a confirmed retail launch
Heafy also describes Fishman signature prototypes with passive-style voicing and active electronics. That distinction matters: passive-sounding does not mean battery-free. Neither interview establishes a retail launch date for a new Jackson signature guitar.
The interesting development is the player-led change in feel, shape and collaboration—not an unannounced product shoppers can already order.
Want to dig deeper into Heafy’s earlier guitars and gear? Read our existing Heafy rig guide for background on the pre-Jackson chapter.
Image: original AI-generated editorial illustration of Matt Heafy with a white Jackson Kelly. Not a photograph of a specific performance.
