Welcome to the FOURTH EDITION of our Guitar Brands Showcase! This week we’re cranking it up for the brand that turned a cocktail napkin sketch into metal history. If you’ve ever wondered why Jackson guitars look like they could slice through steel—and sound even more dangerous—you’re about to find out.

When Metal Needed a Hero: The Randy Rhoads Doodle

Late 1980. A relatively unknown guitarist walks into a small Glendora, California repair shop with a drawing on a napkin. That guitarist was Randy Rhoads, fresh from joining Ozzy Osbourne’s solo project after Quiet Riot. The drawing? An angular, futuristic V-shaped guitar unlike anything the world had seen.

Grover Jackson, who’d just taken over Charvel’s Guitar Repair two years earlier, looked at that napkin and made a decision that would reshape metal forever. The design was so radical—so far removed from the hot-rodded Strats the shop was known for—that he couldn’t put the Charvel name on it. Instead, he used his own surname.

That first guitar, dubbed the Concorde (after the supersonic jet Rhoads had flown back from a UK tour), featured neck-through construction, sharp angles, and Jackson’s now-iconic pointed headstock. But here’s the tragedy: Rhoads died in March 1982, just as Jackson guitars were starting to gain recognition. He barely got to see the revolution he’d started.

“Randy’s vision wasn’t just about looks,”

Recalls a veteran guitar tech who worked with early Jacksons.

“He needed an instrument that could handle his classical training, his metal aggression, and his stage theatrics. Nothing else existed, so Jackson built it.”

Jackson Guitars – The Shred Shop That Conquered the World

By 1984, that small California repair shop had become ground zero for what Guitar World calls “the pointy headstock revolution.” Young virtuosos were flooding MTV with impossible solos, and their weapons of choice increasingly bore that distinctive Jackson script on angular headstocks.

Phil Collen of Def Leppard became one of Jackson’s first major endorsers, helping develop the Soloist—essentially a neck-through Stratocaster on steroids. Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman of Megadeth wielded Jackson King Vs and Kellys during the band’s legendary “Rust in Peace” era. Anthrax’s Scott Ian made the Jackson name synonymous with thrash metal precision.

But Jackson wasn’t just building pretty guitars for famous players. They were solving real problems that traditional manufacturers ignored:

Neck-Through Construction: Instead of bolting necks to bodies like Fender, or gluing them like Gibson, Jackson ran a single piece of wood through the entire guitar. The result? Sustain for days and upper fret access that made other guitars feel like toys.

Compound Radius Fretboards: Jackson pioneered fingerboards that start rounded near the nut (comfortable for chords) and gradually flatten toward the high frets (perfect for bending and speed). Try it once, and regular radius boards feel primitive.

24 Frets Standard: When most guitars stopped at 22 frets, Jackson gave players two full octaves per string. Those extra two frets matter more than you’d think.

High-Output Everything: From hot-wound pickups to active electronics, Jackson guitars were designed to drive amplifiers into beautiful distortion without losing note definition.

The formula worked. By the mid-’80s, Jackson had become the guitar for players who demanded more—more sustain, more range, more attitude.

The Jackson Sound: Engineered for Mayhem

What makes a Jackson sound like a Jackson? It’s not just the pickups or the wood—it’s a philosophy of construction that prioritizes clarity under extreme conditions.

Jackson guitars are built for high-gain applications where other instruments turn to mush. The neck-through construction provides a direct path for string vibration to transfer through the entire body. Premium tonewoods like alder and mahogany add warmth without muddying the midrange. High-output pickups—whether passive Seymour Duncans or active EMGs—deliver the punch needed to cut through dense mixes.

But here’s what separates Jackson from the pack: even under crushing distortion, these guitars maintain string-to-string definition. You can play complex chords, lightning-fast arpeggios, or bone-crushing power chords, and every note remains audible. That’s not accident—it’s engineering.

The compound radius fretboards contribute too. That gradual flattening from 12″ to 16″ means you can play rhythm parts comfortably while still being able to bend strings two full steps without fretting out. Try doing that on a vintage Strat.

The Jackson Guitars Dynasty: 7 Shred Machines Ruling 2025

Here are seven Jackson models that showcase why this brand remains the undisputed king of metal guitars:

1. Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2 – The Template for Everything

Price Range: $1,100–$1,400 (Pro/ Pro Plus Series)

The Soloist is Jackson’s crown jewel—the guitar that proved you could combine Stratocaster comfort with Les Paul sustain and add features that make both obsolete. Phil Collen helped design the original in 1984, and it’s been the benchmark for superstrats ever since.

That through-body maple neck with poplar wings creates sustain that rivals guitars costing twice as much. The compound 12″-16″ radius ebony fretboard feels fast under your fingers but still comfortable for big chord stretches. Twenty-four jumbo frets give you notes that don’t exist on traditional guitars.

The electronics are pure business: Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge for searing leads, ’59 in the neck for warm rhythm tones. A Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo handles dive bombs without going out of tune. Sharkfin inlays and binding complete the package.

Perfect for: Lead guitarists who need it all—rhythm comfort, solo speed, and sustain.

The Soloist taught the guitar world that “high-performance” didn’t have to mean “uncomfortable.” Def Leppard’s massive arena anthems were built on this foundation.

2. Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32 – The Legend Anyone Can Own

Price Range: $250–$600 (JS Series)

Randy Rhoads’ V-shaped vision didn’t die with him—it became Jackson’s most recognizable silhouette. The JS32 brings that legendary shape to guitarists who aren’t ready to drop four figures on a Custom Shop piece.

Don’t let the price fool you. This poplar-bodied beauty captures the Rhoads magic with high-output Jackson humbuckers, 24 jumbo frets, and the surprisingly comfortable balance that made the original famous. The bolt-on maple neck provides snappy attack perfect for rhythm work, while string-through-body construction maximizes sustain.

Those classic sharkfin inlays aren’t just for show—they’re position markers that let you navigate the fretboard at warp speed. And yes, despite looking like it should tip over, the Rhoads shape is perfectly balanced both sitting and standing.

Perfect for: Beginning metalheads, budget-conscious players, and anyone who wants to channel Randy’s spirit without emptying their wallet.

The JS32 proves that even Jackson’s entry-level guitars carry the DNA that built legends. You’re not buying a cheap guitar—you’re buying into 40 years of metal history.

3. Jackson X Series King V KVX – Thrash Metal’s Crown Jewel

Price Range: $800–$1100 (X Series)

The King V answered a simple question: what would happen if someone designed a Flying V who actually understood metal? Dave Mustaine and Scott Ian provided the answer throughout the late ’80s—pure thrash domination.

This mahogany beast with its maple cap delivers the thick, aggressive tone thrash demands while maintaining the clarity needed for complex riffing. The set-neck construction provides smooth access to all 24 frets, crucial when you’re blazing through Megadeth-style lead breaks.

EMG 81/85 active pickups cut through any mix with surgical precision. The compensated nut and quality hardware ensure perfect intonation whether you’re chugging in drop D or screaming in the upper registers. Through-body string loading transfers every bit of pick attack directly to your amplifier.

Perfect for: Thrash players, rhythm specialists who need tight low-end definition, and guitarists who want maximum visual impact without sacrificing playability.

When Mustaine and Friedman were trading leads on “Rust in Peace,” they were wielding instruments like this. The King V doesn’t just look like thrash metal—it IS thrash metal.

4. Jackson Pro Series Kelly KEX – Asymmetric Perfection

Price Range: $800–$1,200 (Pro Series)

The Kelly might be Jackson’s most visually striking creation—imagine a Gibson Explorer that went to art school and learned about modern ergonomics. Marty Friedman made this shape famous, proving that radical looks don’t have to mean compromised playability.

The poplar body with arched maple top provides excellent resonance and stunning visuals. That asymmetric design isn’t just for show—it actually improves balance and arm positioning for both rhythm and lead work. The through-body maple neck ensures sustain that rivals much more expensive instruments.

Seymour Duncan Distortion and ’59 pickups offer incredible range, from warm clean tones to face-melting overdrive. The compound-radius ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo frets makes complex passages feel effortless. A Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo handles the most extreme vibrato abuse.

Perfect for: Progressive players, lead guitarists seeking a unique voice, and anyone who appreciates instruments that blur the line between art and tool.

Friedman’s Kelly work on Megadeth classics showcased this guitar’s ability to handle both crushing rhythms and intricate melodic passages. It’s beautiful to look at and even better to play.

5. Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern HT7 – Seven-String Supremacy

Price Range: $1,300–$2,000 (Pro Series)

The seven-string Dinky represents Jackson’s evolution into modern metal territory. This isn’t just a regular guitar with an extra string—it’s a purpose-built machine for the extended-range demands of djent, progressive metal, and extreme music.

The caramelized maple neck provides exceptional stability across all seven strings, while the compound-radius ebony fretboard ensures comfortable playing from the low B to the highest notes. That 26.5″ scale length provides proper tension for low tunings without feeling like a baseball bat.

Fishman Fluence Modern pickups deliver active punch with passive dynamics. Push-pull controls access multiple voicings, essentially giving you several different guitars in one instrument. The Hipshot hardtail bridge ensures perfect intonation across all seven strings.

Perfect for: Modern metal guitarists, djent enthusiasts, progressive guitarists, and anyone exploring extended-range possibilities.

From glassy cleans that showcase each string’s character to crushing high-gain tones that maintain definition in drop tunings, this guitar handles whatever you throw at it.

6. Jackson Pro Series Juggernaut HT7 – Modern Djent Machine

Price Range: $900–$1,300 (Pro Series)

The Juggernaut represents Jackson’s successful partnership with Periphery’s Misha Mansoor—a guitar designed specifically for the demands of modern progressive metal and djent. This isn’t just another seven-string; it’s a purpose-built tool for the complex rhythms and extended techniques that define contemporary metal.

The caramelized maple neck with compound radius provides stability across all seven strings while feeling fast under your fingers. The basswood body delivers punchy midrange that cuts through dense mixes, while the 26.5″ scale length ensures proper string tension for low tunings without feeling unwieldy.

Bare Knuckle Juggernaut pickups were specifically designed for this guitar, delivering clarity and definition that keeps complex chord voicings from turning to mush. The hardtail bridge eliminates floating bridge complications while maximizing sustain transfer. Luminlay side dots help with stage visibility during those dark venue gigs.

Perfect for: Progressive metal guitarists, djent enthusiasts, modern guitarists who blend precision with heavy rhythms.

When Periphery was reshaping what metal could sound like, Misha was wielding prototypes of this very guitar. The Juggernaut proves that Jackson’s innovation didn’t stop in the ’80s.

7. Jackson X Series Concert Basses – Low-End Devastation

Price Range: $500–$700 (X Series)

Jackson isn’t just about guitars—their bass lineup delivers the same aggressive attitude and high-performance features that made their six-strings legendary. The Concert Bass CBXNT V brings Jackson’s metal DNA to the low end with a vengeance.

The poplar body with bolt-on maple neck provides punchy attack and excellent sustain. That 35″ scale length ensures tight string tension across all four strings, crucial for modern metal’s demanding low-end requirements. The compound-radius pau ferro fretboard makes complex bass lines feel effortless, whether you’re laying down groove or shredding leads.

Jackson HiMass bridge and die-cast tuners provide rock-solid tuning stability. The Jackson HB pickups deliver clear, punchy tone that cuts through heavy guitar work without getting muddy. Active 3-band EQ lets you dial in everything from vintage warmth to modern aggression.

Perfect for: Metal bassists who need clarity and punch, and anyone who wants Jackson attitude in the rhythm section.

David Ellefson made Jackson basses famous in Megadeth, proving these instruments can handle the most demanding metal applications while maintaining the clarity that separates professionals from pretenders.

Buying Your First (or Next) Jackson: What You Need to Know

Understanding Jackson’s Lineup

Jackson organizes their guitars into clear tiers that make choosing easier:

JS Series: Entry-level instruments that deliver authentic Jackson experience without breaking the bank. Made overseas but built to Jackson specs.

X Series: Mid-range models with upgraded features and professional playability. The sweet spot for most players.

Pro Series: High-performance instruments designed for serious players and working musicians. Premium pickups, hardware, and finishes.

USA Select/American Series: Premium American-made guitars representing the pinnacle of Jackson craftsmanship.

Custom Shop (Price varies): One-off creations and limited editions for artists and collectors requiring unique specifications.

Shape Selection Guide

Different Jackson shapes excel in different situations:

Soloist/Dinky: The most versatile options. Comfortable for everyone, perfect for players who need access to all frets.

Rhoads: Iconic V-shape that’s surprisingly balanced. Great for players who want that classic metal look with excellent playability.

King V: Symmetrical V design that excels at aggressive rhythm work. Maximum stage presence guaranteed.

Kelly: Asymmetric offset design that provides unique tonal character and visual appeal. Surprisingly comfortable.

Juggernaut: Modern offset design built for progressive metal and djent. Perfect for extended-range exploration.

Concert Bass: Jackson’s low-end weapons deliver the same metal attitude with punchy clarity that cuts through heavy mixes.

Electronics Choices

Jackson offers pickup configurations for every style:

HH (Dual Humbucker): Maximum output and sustain for heavy applications. The metal standard.

HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single): Versatility for players who need both heavy and clean tones.

Active Electronics: EMG or Fishman Fluence systems for modern metal precision and noise-free operation.

Passive Electronics: Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio pickups for classic rock and metal warmth with natural dynamics.

Jackson Guitars vs. The Competition: The Honest Comparison

Five Jackson Facts That’ll Blow Your Mind

1. The Napkin That Changed Everything: Randy Rhoads’ legendary sketch—mentioned earlier—set the tone for every Jackson design that followed.
2. America’s Longest Custom Shop: Jackson operates the longest continuously running custom shop in the United States. Some builders from the original 1980s crew are still there, crafting instruments by hand.
3. The EMG Revolution: Jackson was among the first major manufacturers to embrace EMG active pickups, helping popularize the high-output sound that defined ’80s metal.
4. Compound Radius Pioneers: Jackson pioneered compound-radius fretboards in the early ’80s. The concept is now standard across most high-performance guitar brands.
5. The Phil Collen Innovation: Def Leppard’s Phil Collen worked with Jackson to develop the first commercially available sustainer pickup system, which debuted in his signature PC1 model.

Why Jackson Guitars Still Rule the Metal Kingdom

Forty-plus years after Randy Rhoads sketched that first design, Jackson guitars continue to push boundaries. They’ve powered metal’s biggest albums, conquered the world’s largest stages, and inspired countless guitarists to pick up guitars in the first place.

What makes Jackson special? They’ve never forgotten that guitars are tools for creating music, not museum pieces. Every design decision—from neck-through construction to compound radius fretboards to those unmistakable pointed headstocks—serves the player’s needs first.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic Rhoads V, the versatile Soloist, or the extreme Warrior, Jackson offers instruments that look as aggressive as they sound while never sacrificing the playability that separates professional tools from pretty props.

These guitars have shaped metal’s sound for four decades and show no signs of slowing down. From bedroom practice sessions to stadium stages, Jackson guitars deliver the goods when compromise isn’t an option.

Your move, shredders.

What’s your Jackson story? Drop a comment below and let us know which model caught your eye or changed your sound!

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