Unleashing the Power: The Jason Hook Signature Guitar Experience

Precision Power & Personality

When you think of Jason Hook, former guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch, one thing comes to mind—an intense blend of precision and power.

He’s known for his distinctive playing style, blistering speed, aggressive attack, and ability to pivot seamlessly between hard-hitting riffs and intricate melodic solos.

To capture this vibe in a guitar is no small feat, but the Jason Hook Signature Guitar accomplishes just that.

Built to match the demands of a heavy-metal powerhouse, this signature model combines Gibson’s cutting-edge design with Hook’s personal touches, making it a must-have for any guitarist who wants an instrument that screams both performance and personality.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes the Jason Hook Signature Guitar unique, from the features that elevate it beyond a standard model to why this guitar has earned its spot in the world of signature instruments.

Whether you’re a fan of Hook or simply interested in a top-tier guitar, let’s explore what makes this killer piece of gear tick.

A Brief History Of The Gibson Explorer

An Overall Revolutionary Design For The Bold

Introduced in 1958, the Gibson Explorer was one of the most futuristic and innovative guitars of its time.

Known for its sharp, angular body shape and unconventional look, the Explorer was created when Gibson sought to push the boundaries of guitar design. (See Image)

Alongside the Explorer, the Firebirds and Flying Vs were also part of the Gibson instruments termed the Modernistic Series, which drastically departed from traditional guitar shapes. (See Image)

The Origins

Gibson’s Modernistic Series

The Guitar company’s then-president, Ted McCarty, designed this new group of instruments with the brand’s motivation to appeal to a new generation of guitarists.

The Modernistic series was intended to reflect the excitement of the postwar era’s technological advancements and fascination with futuristic shapes.

Initially named the “Futura” in its prototype stage, the Explorer not only featured a “radical” angular body but a long, protruding headstock.

A Commercial 50’s Flop

When it debuted in 1958, the Explorer’s extreme design was too much for the conservative tastes of the era.

Its unique body and headstock design didn’t resonate with the jazz and rock players of the late 1950s, and sales were meagre.

After producing fewer than 50 units, Gibson discontinued the model in 1959 due to poor sales.

Today, the original Explorers are rare and highly sought-after.

The Resurgence In The ’70s

In the late 60s and early 70s, the Explorer began to gain attention from rock musicians who appreciated its unconventional design and tonal power.

Players like Dave Davies of The Kinks and Rick Derringer started adopting the Guitar, helping to revive interest in the model.

In response, Gibson reintroduced the Explorer in the mid-1970s, capitalizing on rock’s rising popularity and the demand for more visually distinctive instruments.

This reissue succeeded with a new generation of guitarists who embraced the Guitar’s aggressive look and powerful sound.

The revived guitar’s aesthetics still gave it a visually striking silhouette, but Gibson also paired it with various finishes, from natural wood, black to sunburst.

The Guitars Golden Age

Heavy Metal Icon

By the 80s, the Gibson Explorer’s distinct design had become an iconic metal instrument.

The Guitar’s sharp, angular body and high-output sound made it a favourite among hard rock players who valued its rebellious look and powerful tone.

Heavy metal Guitarists of the time appreciated the instrument’s ability to deliver a thick, punchy sound with heavy distortion and sustain.

Famous players like James Hetfield of Metallica and Matthias Jabs of Scorpions became known for using the Guitar exclusively.

The Explorer soon became synonymous with aggressive, high-energy performances, cementing its status as an iconic symbol of rock and metal culture.

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Design & Sound

What Makes The Explorer Unique

Its large, solid Mahogany body provides a rich, resonant tone with excellent sustain, while the humbucker pickups add warmth and depth to the Guitar’s sound.

Sonically Versatile “Edge” Style

Known for his unique and ethereal Guitar sound, The Edge brought a different vibe to the Explorer. Using it on classic U2 songs like “I Will Follow,” he showed that the instrument could handle a wide range of tones beyond hard rock, making it sonically versatile and adding depth to its reputation.

Made For Comfort While Standing

If you’ve played one for a long time, you’re probably already familiar with the balance its offset body offers.

The Explorer’s shape makes it incredibly comfortable for many Guitarists to play, especially when standing with the lower extended body wing resting easily against the player’s leg.

Modern Explorers – Its Legacy & Future

Gibson has continued to reissue the Explorer with various updates and limited editions to appeal to modern players.

From Joint Venture collaborations with brand Artists to versions featuring updated pickups/hardware and electronics, the Guitar has maintained its appeal while evolving with the demands of contemporary players.

Other Guitar makers have also been inspired by its shape, creating their own versions of the model, further proving its lasting impact on culture.

Today, the instrument remains a favourite among musicians who want a striking appearance and a bold sound.

Its legacy and future as a Guitar that defied norms have only grown; its influence can be seen in rock and metal music across past generations and in the future, with present-performing Artists whose signature models we are looking at today.

Jason Hook

Jason Hook (born Thomas Jason Grinstead; October 03, 1970) is a Canadian musician best known as the former lead guitarist of the American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch from 2009 to 2019.

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Early Life & Career Beginnings

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Hook honed his craft in Canada before signing with Elektra Records with his band Monkey Head.

While the band’s album remained unreleased, Hook relocated to Los Angeles, where he became a sought-after session musician.

He performed with acts like BulletBoys, Hilary Duff, and Mandy Moore, showcasing his versatility.

Hook also toured and recorded with notable artists such as Vince Neil. (Motley Crew)

In 2007, Hook released his debut instrumental album, Safety Dunce.

He followed up with American Justice in 2009, which featured collaborations with Alice Cooper and some pre-Five Finger Death Punch members.

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Five Finger Death Punch: A Career-Defining Era

Hook joined Five Finger Death Punch, replacing guitarist Darrell Roberts.

His first album with the band, War Is the Answer, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200 and marked the beginning of an era of success.

Hook co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including Lift Me Up, Wash It All Away, and Remember Everything.

Over his tenure, the band achieved 14 No. 1 songs and sold 12 million albums worldwide.

Moving On

In 2019, Hook underwent emergency gallbladder surgery, missing part of a European tour.

He officially left the band in 2020, stating, “It’s time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges.”

After departing the band, he founded Flat Black.

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Flat Black & Recent Projects

Hook collaborated on various projects during the pandemic, including Cory Marks’s single Blame It on the Double and Dorothy’s A Beautiful Life.

In 2023, Hook introduced his new band, Flat Black, signing with Concord Music Group/Fearless Records.

Their debut album, Dark Side of the Brain, was released in July 2024.

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Media Appearances

Hook has appeared on shows like the History Channel’s Counting Cars and My Cat from Hell and was featured in the documentary Hired Gun.

The documentary highlighted his journey as a top-tier Guitarist and the instrument we are reviewing that is closely associated with him.

The Signature M4 Sherman Explorer 

The Vision Behind The Guitar: Jason Hook’s Influence & Input

This 400-piece limited-edition run Gibson Artist Series Solidbody Electric Guitar features authentic special touches designed by Jason Hook himself. (Read on)

The Journey

Creating a Signature Guitar is no simple task; it’s about translating an Artist’s unique voice and style into an instrument that reflects their personality and meets their high standards.

This model represents the culmination of Hook’s years of honing his craft and an instrument that reflects his growth and relentless pursuit of excellence.

When Jason Hook collaborated with designers to craft his Signature model, he brought years of experience, a strong sense of his sound, and a clear vision of what he wanted in an instrument.

Hook didn’t just want a Guitar that looked the part; he wanted it to feel and sound right, capturing the essence of his journey from session player to a key figure in heavy metal.

For Hook, the model had to deliver on multiple fronts:

• Durability: An instrument that could handle the rigours of live shows
• Versatility: The ability to change between the different nuances of the sonic pallet and handle studio sessions &…
• Playability: A Guitar that felt responsive and comfortable to play.

Tech Specs

Body

• Body Shape: X-Style
• Body Wood: Mahogany
• Body Type: Solid
• Finish: Sleek white w/matte black military graphics
• Model: Jason Hook M-4 Sherman Explorer

What’s In A Name?

The Guitar’s name was inspired by the Americas’ highly common and successful medium-sized tank from the WW11 era. (See Image)

• Series: Gibson Artist Collection
• Year Released: 2010
• Country Manufactured: USA

Given its limited-edition status and the year it was released, the model can be found on the secondary market via trusted platforms. (Links have been provided below)

Neck

• Neck Profile: Standard classic Gibson Explorer neck- A fast, thin neck that makes shredding effortless, traditionally designed for players to glide through scales and solos with speed and fluidity.
• Scale Length: 24.75″/628.65 mm
• Fretboard radius: 12″/304.8mm
• Fretboard Material: Granadillo

What Is Granadillo?

Often compared to Rosewood and African blackwood, Granadillo is a dense wood that is more reddish in tone and slightly crisper in sound.

Native to Central America, it’s also valued in crafting marimba bars, gunstocks, carvings, inlays, wooden jewelry, and woodwind Instruments.

Granadillo is an excellent choice for guitar necks due to its clear, chimey tone, bell-like sparkle, and enhanced sustain.

Known for its broad frequency range and clear articulation, it suits various body shapes and playing styles, from classical to electric and bass guitars.

Even though this is not a common wood used by Gibson, the Artist decided on it after being sent several neck woods based on feel and sound.

• Headstock: Standard with Gibson logo etched in with Mother of Pearl
• Truss Rod Cover: Yes, with “M4 Sherman” inscription
• Neck Construction:  Set-Neck
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Type: Flat & wide super jumbo frets

Good Enough For Zakk Wylde…Good Enough For Me

When the Artist was looking to pick the fret wire, he used the same material used on the Zakk Wylde signature bullseye Les Paul guitars, explaining…

“I was walking through the Gibson factory asking them about fret wire, and they replied by saying the only other batch of wire we have in the plant right now is put aside for Zakk Wyldes’ run of Les Paul Signature models. So I literally picked it up and said, “Let’s take it.” Sorry Zakk.

PowerStation

Custom Wound Humbuckers

This guitar sports an HH Configuration of two custom Seymour Duncan SH-1 Vintage ’59 PAF at the bridge and an SH-4 JB humbucker at the neck, offering tonal balance and range.

The SH-1 Vintage ’59 PAF at the bridge is a spot-on re-creation of the Seth Lover humbucker found in late ’50s Gibson guitars.

This delightfully warm yet not too hot pickup gives you a scooped midrange, making it a perfect complement to the hotter SH-4 JB neck humbucker (perfect for soloing) up at the neck.

These custom-wound pickups deliver heavy distortion and clean sustain, a combination of tones born for heavy metal and tonal versatility.

Hardware

• Bridge: Rock Solid Stop-Bar Tailpiece Type
• Tuners: Mini Grover locking tuners, made for changing strings quickly and staying in tune, no matter how aggressively you play.

Electronics

• Controls: Standard 2x volume and 1x tone black hat knobs
• 3-way Toggle Switch

Special Features

Plastic Channel Tubing

When taking off the pickguard, to cover up the exposed wire to the 3-way switch, Hook placed a plastic wire channel tubing he found in his garage. (See Image)

Lower Wing Cutaway

The artist carved out a cutaway on the lower wing to give more accessibility to the higher registers on the neck. (See Image)

Jason Hook’s Neck Decal

To secure his brand, Hook added a Neck Decal with his Website address (See Image)

Custom Carved Upper Wing Angle

The Artist added a unique 45-degree arm scarf shaped off the Upper Wing instead of the 90-degree angle, a feature you’ll appreciate after your first long playing session.

Case Included

Finally, to round off this signature instrument, you get an olive green custom hard-shell Tolex case with a Sherman M4 tank graphic,  exclusive Jason Hook-themed merchandise and a Certificate of Authenticity.

FAQs 

Did You Know

Jason Hook’s Tribute To Ace Frehley 

Jason Hook, a lifelong fan of KISS and deeply inspired by guitarist Ace Frehley, showcased his admiration by getting one of his unique Gibson Explorers to light up like Frehley’s Les Paul.

Also, during an appearance on the History Channel’s Counting Cars on July 9, 2013, Hook found himself stranded with a broken-down motorcycle, only to be rescued by the show’s star, Danny “The Count” Koker.

The episode later highlighted Hook visiting Koker’s tattoo shop to receive a unique Ace Frehley-inspired tattoo, cementing Frehley’s influence on Hook’s musical journey and personal style.

The moment underscored Hook’s deep respect for Frehley as one of his formative inspirations in rock and roll.

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What People Are Saying

Should You Add One To Your Collection?

As a younger player, I fell in love with this guitar after being exposed to it while watching Matthias Jabs on stage with the Scorpions.

It’s always been a must-have electric Guitar for my collection.

But for this model specifically…

I’m not a fan of the plastic wire channel replacing the pickguard; it detracts from the design and could have been used to add more function to the instrument overall.

Depending on how you play, it could catch your pick and your fingers while you pick/strum.

Continuation Of The Military Design

The Military design does not extend to the back of the Guitar and lacks overall continuity and flow.

Finishing Touches

Also, I would have liked to see some added finishing touches, especially for the price (between est 1600 and 3200 USD), like block inlays and binding, which give the guitar a Higher-end feel.

The mindset is like owning the Nuno Bettencourt N4; it’s a stripped-down battle axe and will appeal to a select few.

Did You Like This Article?

Check out my review of the Marty Friedman Jackson Kelly

Also…

Please leave your comments in the section below, and let me know if you want me to review a favourite guitar or player.

As always, stay the course and keep playing.

Blog Banner feature guitar image (Front) courtesy of equipboard.com

Blog Banner feature guitar image (Back) courtesy of sweetwater.com

Blog Banner feature image of artist courtesy of wikimedia.org- Author Markus Felix | PushingPixels and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

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