2025 Shabat Lion JD Justin Derrico Signature VT - Black over Gold 003

Shabat Lion JD VT in Black Over Gold – Boutique Elegance Meets Modern Performance

The Altitude Summary

The Shabat Lion JD VT exemplifies high-end boutique craftsmanship, delivering a refined balance of vintage styling and contemporary functionality. Weighing just 7.6 pounds—on the lighter side for a Lion JD—this model offers enhanced comfort for long playing sessions on stage or in the studio. Its Black Over Gold nitrocellulose finish, artfully aged with Shabat’s medium relic process, evokes classic aesthetics with a modern flair.

A VegaTrem VT-1 tremolo system provides fluid vibrato without sacrificing tuning integrity. Outfitted with Lollar Imperial humbuckers, this guitar spans tonal territory from crystal-clear cleans to bold, saturated overdrive. Constructed with a mahogany body and neck and a rosewood fretboard, it resonates with warmth and clarity. The Medium C neck profile (0.84"–0.95") and 12" radius ensure smooth, comfortable playability across all 22 Dunlop 6105 frets.

Vintage Design, Upgraded for Today

Merging timeless single-cut styling with forward-thinking components, the Lion JD VT delivers exceptional tone and aesthetics. Its Graph Tech ResoMax wraptail bridge enhances sustain and intonation, while the aged gold hardware and pearloid block inlays underscore its classic appeal. A 5-ply black pickguard offsets the Black Over Gold finish, resulting in a guitar that is visually compelling and performance-ready.

Expansive Tonal Capabilities

From expressive blues phrasing to high-octane solos, the Lion JD VT excels in every genre. The Lollar Imperial pickups respond with exceptional articulation and dynamic range, capturing the subtlest performance details. High-grade CTS pots, MOD oil-filled capacitors, and a Switchcraft jack ensure tonal consistency and durability, offering fine control over your sound.

Engineered for Professionals

Developed with insights from Justin Derrico, this model is purpose-built for serious players. Its VegaTrem VT-1 bridge offers expressive pitch-shifting with dependable tuning—a rare feature in a single-cut body. Paired with Kluson Deluxe tuners and a TUSQ XL nut, this setup ensures rock-solid tuning stability, making the Lion JD VT an ideal tool for both stage and studio demands.

Key Features

• Mahogany body and neck with rosewood fretboard

• Medium C neck profile (0.84"–0.95")

• 24.75" scale length with 12" fingerboard radius

• 22 Dunlop 6105 nickel-steel frets

• Lollar Imperial humbuckers (Standard Wind neck, High Wind bridge)

• CTS pots with MOD oil-filled capacitors

• Switchcraft input jack and 3-way pickup selector

• VegaTrem VT-1 tremolo system

• Aged gold hardware and Kluson Deluxe tuners

• Black Over Gold nitrocellulose finish with medium relic treatment

• 5-ply black pickguard

• G&G custom hardshell case included