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History of Jackson Guitars
Jackson Guitars, a name synonymous with high-performance instruments, has a storied history that dates back to the late 1970s. The brand was founded by Grover Jackson, who initially worked at Charvel’s Guitar Repair in California. In 1980, Jackson acquired the company and began crafting custom guitars that would soon become legendary in the rock and metal scenes.
One of the pivotal moments in Jackson’s history was the collaboration with guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads. Together, they designed the iconic Jackson Rhoads model, which quickly became a favorite among metal guitarists for its distinctive V-shaped body and exceptional playability. This model set the tone for Jackson’s reputation as a leader in innovative guitar design.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson Guitars continued to gain popularity among musicians who demanded high-quality instruments capable of delivering powerful tones and fast playability. The brand became particularly renowned for its neck-through-body construction, compound-radius fingerboards, and aggressive styling, which appealed to metal and rock guitarists.
In 2002, Jackson Guitars was acquired by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, further solidifying its place in the pantheon of iconic guitar brands. Under Fender’s ownership, Jackson has continued to innovate and expand its product line, offering a wide range of models to suit various playing styles and budgets. Today, Jackson Guitars remains a favorite choice for guitarists seeking instruments that combine cutting-edge design with unparalleled performance, catering to both seasoned professionals and beginners alike.
Benefits of Jackson Guitar
Unmatched Playability and Design
Jackson guitars are renowned for their exceptional playability, making them a top choice for both beginners and seasoned guitarists. The ergonomic design and sleek neck profiles ensure comfortable playing, even during extended sessions. These guitars are crafted with precision to cater to fast and intricate styles, particularly appealing to those who love shredding and complex solos.
Versatility Across Genres
While Jackson guitars are often associated with metal, their versatility extends far beyond. With various pickup configurations and tone-shaping options, these instruments can seamlessly transition from heavy riffs to cleaner, more melodic tones, making them suitable for classic rock, blues, and even jazz. This adaptability allows guitarists to explore different genres without compromising on sound quality.
High-Quality Components
The use of premium features such as Floyd Rose tremolos, mahogany bodies, and Seymour Duncan pickups ensures that Jackson guitars deliver high output and rich tones. The attention to detail in materials and construction results in instruments that not only sound great but are also durable and reliable, perfect for both studio recordings and live performances. Additionally, the EMG 81 pickups are popular among guitarists who play aggressive genres for their powerful tone.
Iconic Aesthetic Appeal
Jackson guitars boast distinctive styling, from the aggressive V-shaped Jackson Rhoads to the sleek lines of the Jackson Soloist. These visually striking designs are complemented by a variety of finish options, including gloss black and other cool colors, allowing players to express their unique style on stage.
Trusted by Professionals
Many legendary guitarists, including Randy Rhoads and Chris Broderick, have chosen Jackson as their go-to brand. This endorsement by top musicians speaks volumes about the quality and performance of these guitars. Whether you’re a big fan of metal or enjoy other genres, playing a Jackson guitar means joining a legacy.
Choosing the Right Jackson Guitar for Your Style
When it comes to selecting the best Jackson guitar for your playing style, it’s essential to consider several factors that align with your musical preferences and performance needs. Jackson guitars are known for their versatility and ability to cater to a wide range of genres, from metal and rock to classic rock and blues. Choosing the right specifications for your new guitar is highly personal and subjective. Here’s a deeper dive into how to choose the perfect Jackson guitar for your style:
Consider Your Playing Style
The first step in choosing a Jackson guitar is to assess your playing style and the type of music you predominantly play. If you’re a metal enthusiast, you might prioritize features like active pickups, which provide a high-gain tone perfect for heavy riffs and solos. A Floyd Rose tremolo system can be a great addition for those who enjoy dive bombs and intricate whammy bar techniques.
For classic rock players, a guitar with a mahogany body and Seymour Duncan pickups can offer a warm, rich tone that’s ideal for delivering soulful solos and powerful chords. The tonal versatility of these pickups allows you to seamlessly transition between clean and distorted sounds, making them suitable for various rock subgenres.
Explore Unique Shapes and Designs
Jackson guitars are renowned for their iconic and aggressive designs. If you want to make a statement on stage, consider models like the Jackson Kelly or Jackson Rhoads, known for their distinctive shapes. These guitars not only offer visual appeal but also provide excellent playability and balance, ensuring you can perform comfortably during long gigs.
Vintage Vibe and Modern Features
If you’re drawn to a vintage vibe with modern features, the Jackson MJ Series Signature models might be the perfect fit. These guitars combine classic aesthetics with contemporary components, offering a unique blend of style and performance. Look for models that feature gold hardware, gloss black finishes, or other cool color options to match your personal taste.
Budget and Value
Jackson guitars offer a range of models to suit different budgets, from entry-level options to premium instruments. The Jackson JS Series provides affordable choices without compromising on quality, making it an excellent starting point for beginners or those exploring new genres. For more advanced players, the Jackson Pro Series and American Series offer high-end features and superior craftsmanship.
Best Jackson Guitars
Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32 Randy Rhoads
- Solidbody Electric Guitar with Basswood Body
- Vibrato Tailpiece - Black with White Bevels
- Amaranth Fingerboard
The Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32 is a remarkable entry-level guitar that captures the essence of the iconic Jackson Rhoads design. Known for its aggressive V-shaped body, this model is perfect for players who want to make a bold statement on stage. The JS32 features a poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck with a graphite reinforcement, ensuring durability and stability. Its 24 jumbo frets and compound-radius fingerboard provide excellent playability, making it suitable for fast solos and intricate riffs.
Equipped with Jackson’s high-output humbucking pickups, the JS32 delivers a powerful sound that’s ideal for metal and rock genres. The pickups offer a wide tonal range, allowing players to switch from heavy riffs to cleaner tones with ease. The guitar also includes a Floyd Rose licensed double-locking tremolo system, giving players the ability to perform dive bombs and other dynamic whammy bar techniques.
With its striking design and premium features at an affordable price, the Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32 is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to delve into metal and rock music. Its combination of style, performance, and value makes it a standout option in the Jackson lineup. This is the Best Jackson Guitar in 2025.
Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA
- Licensed Floyd Rose Tremolo - Transparent Purple Burst
- Solidbody Electric Guitar with Poplar Body
- Amaranth Fingerboard
The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is a standout model in the Jackson lineup, known for its eye-catching design and exceptional performance capabilities. This guitar features a striking quilt maple top that adds a touch of elegance to its aggressive styling. The Dinky body shape is renowned for its comfortable feel and ease of play, making it a favorite among guitarists who require both speed and precision.
Equipped with Jackson’s high-output humbucking pickups, the JS32Q DKA delivers a powerful sound that’s perfect for metal and rock genres. These pickups provide a wide tonal range, allowing players to effortlessly switch from heavy riffs to cleaner, more melodic tones. The guitar’s bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement ensures stability and durability, even under the most demanding playing conditions.
One of the standout features of the JS32Q DKA is its compound-radius fingerboard, which offers a comfortable playing experience across the entire neck. This design is particularly beneficial for shredders and soloists who require smooth transitions between chords and fast lead lines. The guitar also includes a Floyd Rose licensed double-locking tremolo system, providing the ability to perform dive bombs and other dynamic whammy bar techniques with ease.
The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is not only a visual masterpiece but also a versatile instrument capable of handling a variety of playing styles and genres. Its combination of style, performance, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking to expand their musical horizons. Whether you’re delving into metal or exploring classic rock tones, this guitar is sure to inspire and elevate your playing experience.
Jackson Guitars JS Series Kelly JS32T 6-String Electric Guitar
- Poplar body
- 25.5" scale 1-Piece maple neck w/24 fret amaranth fingerboard
- Dual Jackson High-Output Humbucking
The Jackson Guitars JS Series Kelly JS32T 6-String Electric Guitar is a striking instrument that combines aggressive styling with exceptional performance. Known for its distinctive Kelly body shape, this guitar is designed to stand out on stage and deliver powerful sound, making it a favorite among metal and rock enthusiasts. The JS32T features a poplar body that provides a balanced tonal response, while the bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement ensures stability and durability.
Equipped with Jackson’s high-output humbucking pickups, the JS32T offers a wide tonal range, perfect for heavy riffs and searing solos. These pickups deliver a robust sound ideal for metal and rock genres, allowing players to explore a variety of musical styles with ease. The guitar’s 24 jumbo frets and compound-radius fingerboard provide excellent playability, making it suitable for fast solos and intricate riffs.
One of the standout features of the JS32T is its TOM-style bridge with an adjustable tailpiece, which ensures precise intonation and tuning stability. This design is particularly beneficial for players who require a reliable instrument for both studio recordings and live performances. The guitar’s sleek black finish and sharkfin inlays add to its visual appeal, making it a bold statement piece for any guitarist.
The Jackson Guitars JS Series Kelly JS32T is not only a visual masterpiece but also a versatile instrument capable of handling a variety of playing styles and genres. Its combination of style, performance, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking to expand their musical horizons. Whether you’re delving into metal or exploring classic rock tones, this guitar is sure to inspire and elevate your playing experience.
Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32T
- 2 Humbucking Pickups - White with Black Bevels
- Solidbody Electric Guitar with Basswood Body
- String-through Hardtail
The Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32T is an eye-catching guitar that embodies the spirit of the iconic Jackson Rhoads design. This model is particularly appealing to players who want to make a bold statement with its aggressive V-shaped body. Built for both style and performance, the JS32T features a poplar body that offers a balanced tonal response, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.
The guitar is equipped with Jackson’s high-output humbucking pickups, delivering a robust sound that’s ideal for metal and rock enthusiasts. These pickups provide a wide tonal range, allowing players to effortlessly switch from heavy riffs to cleaner, melodic tones. The bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement ensures stability and durability, even under the most demanding playing conditions.
One of the standout features of the JS32T is its TOM-style bridge with an adjustable tailpiece, which ensures precise intonation and tuning stability. This design is particularly beneficial for players who require a reliable instrument for both studio recordings and live performances. The guitar’s 24 jumbo frets and compound-radius fingerboard provide excellent playability, making it suitable for fast solos and intricate riffs.
Visually, the JS32T is a masterpiece with its sleek black finish and striking sharkfin inlays, adding to its appeal as a bold statement piece for any guitarist. Whether you’re a beginner looking to make your mark in the metal scene or a seasoned player exploring classic rock tones, the Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32T offers a combination of style, performance, and affordability that makes it an excellent choice for expanding your musical horizons.
Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA
- Poplar Dinky Body with Quilt Maple Arch Top
- Bolt-On Maple Speed Neck with Graphite Reinforcement, Scarf Joint, and...
- Jackson High Output Humbucking Bridge and Neck Pickups with 3-Way Pickup...
The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is a standout model in the Jackson lineup, known for its eye-catching design and exceptional performance capabilities. This guitar features a striking quilt maple top that adds a touch of elegance to its aggressive styling. The Dinky body shape is renowned for its comfortable feel and ease of play, making it a favorite among guitarists who require both speed and precision.
Equipped with Jackson’s high-output humbucking pickups, the JS32Q DKA delivers a powerful sound that’s perfect for metal and rock genres. These pickups provide a wide tonal range, allowing players to effortlessly switch from heavy riffs to cleaner, more melodic tones. The guitar’s bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement ensures stability and durability, even under the most demanding playing conditions.
One of the standout features of the JS32Q DKA is its compound-radius fingerboard, which offers a comfortable playing experience across the entire neck. This design is particularly beneficial for shredders and soloists who require smooth transitions between chords and fast lead lines. The guitar also includes a Floyd Rose licensed double-locking tremolo system, providing the ability to perform dive bombs and other dynamic whammy bar techniques with ease.
The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is not only a visual masterpiece but also a versatile instrument capable of handling a variety of playing styles and genres. Its combination of style, performance, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking to expand their musical horizons.
Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA
- JS Series Solidbody Electric Guitar with Arched Basswood Body
- Bound Amaranth Fingerboard
- Tremolo - Satin Black
Are you just getting into electric guitar and searching for a reasonably priced, comfortable instrument? You may want the Jackson Dinky JS22. Lightweight arched basswood poplar is used in the body and maple in the neck of the Dinky JS22. The arching appearance is unmistakably distinctive and exudes a lethal attitude.
The compound-radius fretboard of the Dinky JS22 is one of its best features. This translates to a rounder fingerboard for better rhythm playing as you get closer to the nut. The radius flattens out as you move up to solo on higher frets, enabling greater bends and faster runs. Additionally, the jumbo frets let you get down deep.
The high-output humbucker pickups on the Dinky JS22 are yet another fantastic feature. Aggressive, contemporary hard rock styles are ideal for Jackson’s specially made ceramic humbuckers. A 2-point tremolo system is also included for dive bombs and whammy bar effects. Die-cast tuners round out the set.
A beginner who wants to play hard rock styles with an electric guitar will do well with the Dinky JS22. It is quite reasonably priced at less than $200, and the compound-radius fingerboard makes it easy to play all the way up and down the neck. Its arresting appearance is ideal for the theatre.
Famous Jackson Guitar Players
- Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot) – Known for his iconic Jackson Rhoads model, Rhoads was a pioneer of the neoclassical metal genre. His innovative playing style and collaboration with Jackson helped create one of the most recognizable guitar designs in history.
- Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden): As a member of Iron Maiden, Smith has used Jackson guitars to deliver the band’s signature galloping riffs and soaring solos. His choice underscores the brand’s capability to handle both melodic and high-gain tones seamlessly.
- Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Nevermore) – Broderick has been a long-time user of Jackson guitars, known for his technical prowess and versatility. His signature model, the Jackson USA Signature Chris Broderick Solo 7, showcases his preference for high-performance instruments that cater to intricate and fast playing styles.
- Phil Demmel (Machine Head, Vio-Lence) – Demmel has been a fan of Jackson guitars for years, using them extensively throughout his career. His signature model highlights his unique approach to metal guitar playing, emphasizing aggressive styling and robust sound.
- Kirk Hammett (Metallica): Known for his iconic solos and heavy riffs, Hammett has utilized Jackson guitars to deliver powerful performances that define Metallica’s sound.
- Phil Collen (Def Leppard): Collen’s use of Jackson guitars has been instrumental in crafting the band’s signature melodic rock tones, showcasing the brand’s versatility beyond metal.
- Corey Beaulieu (Trivium): Beaulieu’s aggressive playing style and preference for Jackson guitars highlight the brand’s capability to handle fast, technical metal riffs with precision.