Mike Stringer’s signature Guitar: A Bold New Era with Aristides
Aristides has officially revealed the frist signature guitar of Mike Stringer, the talented guitarist from Spiritbox, and it draws inspiration from his iconic Jackson Surfcaster.
Stringer, known for his modern metal riffs, has explored various guitar brands throughout his career, utilizing both Jackson and Aristides models to enhance his sound in both studio recordings and live performances.
His relic’d Jackson surfcaster made waves in late 2023, catching the attention of metal enthusiasts and inspiring Periphery’s Misha Mansoor to create a custom baritone version. Now, stringer is collaborating with the innovative Dutch luthier Aristides to bring this unique body shape into the future.
Introducing the STX Series
The new offset design will debut as part of the STX Series,developed in close partnership with Stringer and set to launch soon.
Available in six-, seven-, and eight-string configurations, these guitars feature a multi-scale design enhanced by a newly designed EverTune bridge, a collaboration between Aristides and Stringer that debuted last year. This marks a critically important advancement,as it allows for the use of these stable bridges on slanted fret guitars. Additionally, tremolo bridges and standard scale options will be offered across all string counts.
Customization and Unique Features
True to Aristides’ ethos, the STX models will provide extensive customization options for hardware, electronics, and finishes. Players can expect custom Spiritbox inlays that reflect the artwork of their upcoming album, tsunami Sea, along with pickguard choices and a new in-line headstock design for straight-scale variants.
“Mike expressed a desire for a new neck profile for the STX6,which serves different purposes compared to the multiscale eight-string,” notes Aristides.
“The STX6 features a neck that is 1mm thicker than the 060 model, striking a perfect balance between the 060 and T/0. This unique neck profile offers a distinct feel within the Aristides lineup, making it versatile for various musical styles.”
A Collaborative Vision
Stringer emphasizes that the STX series represents a modern reinterpretation of a classic design, aiming for a collaborative spirit rather than following the conventional path of signature guitars. This aligns seamlessly with Aristides’ commitment to player-driven customization,ensuring each model is tailored to individual preferences.
Each STX guitar serves as a canvas for musicians, featuring thoughtfully selected design elements and an ergonomic body shape. Expect a vast selection of pickup configurations, over 200 finish options, and numerous personalization features to accompany the series.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, Aristides claims that the Surfcaster-inspired shape offers ergonomic advantages, promoting proper wrist positioning whether seated or standing, which reduces strain and enhances fretboard reach.
Stringer’s custom Bare Knuckle Halcyon humbuckers, touted as the highest-output pickups from the UK-based company, are expected to be featured across the series.
Capitalizing on Trends
This move aligns with the rising trend of offset guitars in the metal genre, a shift that Misha Mansoor has also recognized.
“Many players are expressing a similar sentiment. They feel overwhelmed by Superstrats and Strats, yet lack an offset option,” he shared with Guitar World.This trend is gradually leading to the incorporation of offset shapes into the offerings of various guitar manufacturers targeting metal musicians.
While Stringer’s transition to Aristides may pose challenges for Jackson, the brand continues to ride the wave of Surfcaster popularity with a new, surprisingly affordable model. As noted at this year’s NAMM, collaborations between artists and multiple guitar brands are becoming increasingly common, leaving the door open for a more budget-friendly Stringer Surfcaster in the future.
For now, the pricing for the Aristides STX models will vary substantially based on the level of customization chosen. The base price for the STX6 starts at €2,970 (approximately $3,050) for raw finishes, while the STX7 is priced at €3,070 (around $3,150), and the STX8 at €3,170 (about $3,250). Customizations, including finishes and pickups, will greatly influence the final cost.
Stay tuned to Aristides for the complete launch details.
