Today’s edition is powered by zZounds – the only music retailer that skips credit checks!

Get the gear you need with no stress, no waiting, and flexible payment plans that won’t break the bank. zZounds makes upgrading your setup easy and hassle-free.

👉 Shop smarter with zZounds today!

GD gear nerds!

This is ELECTRIKJAM, your weekly dose of electrifying insights and updates from the world of guitars, gear and (mostly) metal music.

📰 WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?

• 🎸 7 Epic Shred Guitars That Won’t Wreck Your Wallet

• 🔥 Synyster Gates + Schecter Are Back with a Headless Wonder

• 💸 Squier Affinity Strat: Black Friday’s Budget Guitar Hero

• ⚡ Fender’s Ultra II Series: Every Detail You Need to Know

🎸 7 EPIC SHRED GUITARS FOR ANYONE ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Shredding isn’t just for those swimming in cash—it’s for anyone with the guts to push their playing to the next level.

That’s why we’ve rounded up seven absolutely killer guitars that deliver blazing speed, killer tone, and sleek looks without draining your wallet.

Each of these axes packs pro-level features like fast necks, hot pickups, and killer aesthetics—all for under $500.

Yes, you read that right.

Whether you're diving into solos for the first time or fine-tuning your finger acrobatics, these guitars will help you shred like a legend without emptying your bank account.

💡 Pro tip: Some of these guitars are perfect for mods, so you can make them even more insane on a budget.

👉 Find your dream shredder here →

🔥 SCHECTER & SYN UNVEIL THE CUSTOM-7 TR HEADLESS SIGNATURE

The latest collaboration between Synyster Gates and Schecter is here: the Custom-7 TR, a bold move into the headless guitar world. Built for performance and versatility, this 7-string delivers exceptional tone and playability with a modern edge.

🔥 Key Features:

• Headless Design: Compact, lightweight, and perfectly balanced.

• Extended Range: 7 strings for deeper riffs and more sonic options.

• Custom Pickups: Designed to nail Syn’s iconic tone.

It’s sleek, innovative, and packed with the features metal players demand.

👉 Learn more about what makes the Custom-7 TR tick here →

💸 SQUIER AFFINITY STRAT: BLACK FRIDAY’S BUDGET GUITAR HERO

Looking for an incredible guitar at an unbeatable price? The Squier Affinity Strat delivers impressive tone and playability for under $200.

Perfect for beginners or seasoned players in need of a reliable backup, this deal is too good to miss.

🎸 Why It’s a Winner:

• Classic Strat Sound: Versatile pickups for any style.

• Smooth Playability: Comfortable neck and lightweight body.

• Unmatched Value: High-quality build at an entry-level price.

PS – this is the perfect xmas present for any aspiring guitarist. I actually got my 6 year old son, Archer, one for this Christmas.

👉 Here’s why it’s the PPPP-perfect guitar for beginners →

⚡ FENDER AMERICAN ULTRA II SERIES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Fender’s Ultra II Series is here, and it’s packed with upgrades to make your jaw drop. Think Noiseless pickups for hum-free tone, a sculpted neck heel for effortless high-fret access, and a 10"-14" compound radius fingerboard with rolled edges for buttery playability.

🔥 Standout Features:

• S-1 Switching: Unlock pro-level versatility.

• New Finishes: Ultraburst, Texas Tea, Solar Flare—total showstoppers.

• Deluxe Locking Tuners & Polished Tremolo: Precision + sustain.

👉 Full Ultra II Series details here →

That’s it for this week. If you didn’t check out the latest podcast episode, you can do that here.

We’ll be picking up the podcast next week again, so if you have any questions just hit reply to the email and send them over.

For music recommendations this week, here’s what’s been spinning on the ELECTRIKJAM decks this week:

• Opeth – The Last Will And Testament

• GOAT – GOAT

• Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue

• Blood Incantation – Absolute Everywhere

• Ephel Duath – The Painter’s Palette

And if you could share this email via your socials that’d be great – it helps us grow the list and keep the lights on!

Peace.

Richard