Hagstrom Guitars proudly introduces the new DJS Danko Jones Signature Ultra Max, a guitar developed in collaboration with the acclaimed Canadian rock frontman and long-time Hagstrom artist, Danko Jones.
Built around Danko’s no-nonsense approach to guitar playing, the DJS delivers exactly what he demands on stage: power, simplicity and uncompromising performance.
Rather than beginning life as a signature project, the Ultra Max DJS developed organically through Danko’s relationship with Hagstrom. What started as a standard Ultra Max was gradually refined to match his personal preferences, resulting in a signature model shaped by years of real-world touring and recording experience.
Danko’s relationship with Hagstrom began in 2018 while recording ‘A Rock Supreme’ with producer Garth Richardson in British Columbia, Canada. On a whim, the band picked up a Hagstrom Metropolis from a local pawn shop. The guitar performed so well on the album’s lead tracks that it was ultimately used for every guitar solo on the record, prompting Danko to get in touch with Hagstrom.
Initially drawn to the Metropolis, Danko was later encouraged by Hagstrom General Manager Craig Smith to try the Ultra Max. It quickly proved to be a better fit for the Dank’s demands of touring and live performance, becoming his preferred instrument on the road.
During the pandemic, Danko’s long-time guitar technician, Tim Hughes, modified an Ultra Max to his exact specifications. By the time live shows resumed, it had become his go-to guitar, making a signature model the obvious next step.
“Every kid’s dream is to have their own signature guitar. I never really thought about having one, but Craig reminded me that I was already playing my own specific version of the Ultra Max. It just made sense to unleash this reliable workhorse onto the unsuspecting public.” ~ Danko Jones
Built around the way Danko plays. The Ultra Max DJS is deliberately straightforward: a single bridge humbucker, a single master volume and a direct, powerful response. A custom tapered neck profile removes additional material from the treble side of the neck, improving comfort and access to the upper frets while retaining enough depth for a confident, substantial feel. The single-cut body pairs a mahogany back with a Canadian maple top, complemented by set-neck construction and a long mortise-and-tenon neck joint for outstanding resonance and sustain. Finished in White Gloss with multi-ply pearloid binding, the Ultra Max DJS is clean, distinctive and unapologetically built for the stage.
The new Mango Tone humbucker. At the heart of the Ultra Max DJS is Hagstrom’s newly developed Mango Tone custom humbucker, named in honour of Danko’s long-standing “Mango Kid” nickname. Built on a classic PAF foundation but voiced with more power, grit and attack, the Mango Tone uses AlNiCo 4 magnets and plain enamel wire to deliver DC resistance of approximately 9.75 kΩ. It combines muscular rock tones with rich midrange, clarity and strong string separation.
The Ultra Max DJS also features Hagstrom’s proprietary locking wrap-around bridge, engineered to maximise string energy transfer for enhanced sustain, attack and resonance.
“The Ultra Max DJS is very much a product of the relationship we’ve built with Danko over the years. It wasn’t about simply putting his name on an existing model; it developed from the instrument he was already playing and what genuinely works for him on stage.
Danko’s approach is direct, powerful and no-nonsense, and we wanted the DJS to reflect exactly that. The Mango Tone humbucker, locking wrap-around bridge and customised tapered neck profile give it the power and authority you would expect, while retaining richness, clarity and musicality.” ~ Craig Smith, General Manager, Hagstrom Guitars
For Danko, the Ultra Max DJS is more than just a signature model. It’s the guitar he relies on night after night, both on stage and in the studio.
“My Hagstrom Ultra Max DJS is the guitar I’ve always needed. It’s the dependable workhorse required in any situation, be it onstage or off. Aside from playing and feeling like a precision instrument, it looks like a crown jewel. Now that it’s been placed in my hands, I can’t picture playing a show without it.” ~ Danko Jones
View the new Hagstrom Danko Jones Signature Ultra Max online here: https://www.rosetti.co.uk/hagstrom-danko-jones-signature-model
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y4GUItstWI
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