The 2024 Limited Edition Concept Series by Jackson Guitars brings to the forefront four amazing models. Each is crafted1with special dimensions, pickups, and premium parts. Jackson guitars are not ordinary instruments. They change the game for rock guitars. They bring to the table features that make you shine onstage. Want to play mind-blowing solos or powerful riffs? Jackson guitars are some of the top choices out there.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Limited Edition Concept Series by Jackson Guitars introduces four diverse models1.
- Each model in the Concept Series has unique measurements, pickups, and high-end components1.
- Jackson guitars are recognized for top-notch playability and sound quality, making them ideal for rock performance.
- Jackson guitars deliver features that boost your stage performance and elevate your overall music experience.
- These guitars are not just instruments but a revolution in the realm of best electric guitars.
Jackson Guitar History: From Foundations to Fame
The Jackson guitar story starts with creativity and master workmanship. This made it a legend in the electric guitar world. Founded in 1980 in Los Angeles County, California, Jackson Guitars quickly made a name for itself2.
The Early Days: Innovation and Craftsmanship
Jackson Guitars began with the development of the Charvel brand. Wayne Charvel’s repair shop was crucial for guitar modifications. Then Grover Jackson took over in 197823. They made guitar bodies for top brands like BC Rich and Music Man2. At this time, Eddie Van Halen’s powerful shows made the SuperStrat design a hit2.
A key event was when Randy Rhoads asked for his famous V guitar in 1979. This led to the Concorde prototype in early 19812. It was the first guitar to sport the Jackson name, featuring a unique asymmetrical V-shape3.
Rise to Prominence in the Rock Scene
The 1980s brought Jackson Guitars into the spotlight with new designs and artist deals. Models like the Soloist, Kelly, and King V were rock and metal favorites, loved by famous metal musicians3. Phil Collen of Def Leppard helped boost their fame3. This period introduced the J0001 V, Jackson’s first serial guitar, known for its seamless neck design3.
Jackson has kept its high reputation even after Fender bought it in 200223. Its modern guitars still follow its early 80s design rules. For instance, Phil Collen’s PC1 Dinky model shows its innovative spirit still lives on3. The Custom Shop now makes unique, custom orders, like two-neck Soloist guitars with carbon fiber looks3.
Top Jackson Guitar Models for Every Rocker
Jackson guitars offer a wide range for rock enthusiasts. Their lineup includes many popular electric guitars, loved by the rock community.
Iconic Models: The Dinky, Soloist, and Kelly
The Dinky, Soloist, and Kelly are top picks from Jackson. The Dinky is famous for its sleek look and ease of play. Guitarists love it.
The Soloist series stands out with great features. For example, the Soloist® SSS FR4 has a unique pickup setup for amazing sounds. The Soloist™ SLX Spalted Maple features a beautiful wood top in different finishes5.
The Kelly model is known for its unique shape. It combines great sound with an eye-catching look on stage.
Unique Models: The Warrior and Rhoads
Jackson also has unique models like the Warrior and Rhoads. The X Series Warrior™ WRX24 looks stunning in Natural and Gloss Black, with gold parts and special pickups5. The Rhoads guitars stand out with their special shapes. Named after Randy Rhoads, they offer a bold design. The Double Rhoads HH FR, for example, has an ebony fingerboard with 24 frets and a striking inlay4.
These guitars cater to all players, from beginners to pros. With the FS and JS Series, there’s plenty to choose from.
Explore more about these exceptional guitars and find your ideal Jackson for your rock adventures.
Best Jackson Guitars for Shredding Solos
Several Jackson guitar models stand out for those who love shredding solos. They are favored for their superb playability and sound. This makes them top picks for both live performances and studio recordings.
Features That Enhance Your Performance
Jackson guitars shine with their quick necks, comfy shapes, and powerful pickups. Great for shredding solos. Take the X Series Soloist, for example. It boasts a sleek contoured neck heel and a 1-piece maple neck. Its compound radius fretboard is ideal for speedy, complex playing6.
The King V KVXT stands out too, with passive EMG HZ H4 pickups and a design that enhances sustain6. Then there’s the American Series Soloist™ SL3. It features an alder body and a through-body maple neck. Plus, its rolled ebony fingerboard adds to its playability and sustain7. These aspects are key for any shredder.
Players’ Favorites
Some Jackson guitars are particularly beloved by players for solos. The Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS is often called the best overall. It suits many playing styles with its balanced features8.
The Jackson JS Series King V JS32T offers great value without sacrificing quality. It’s a budget-friendly choice8. The Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 is prized for lead playing. Its tonal clarity and range stand out8.
Models like the Pro Series Dinky DK3 Okoume come with top-notch hardware. This includes a Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup and SSL-6 single-coils. These guitars deliver strong performance across different music styles6. Whether you’re into fast solos or heavy riffs, Jackson has an option for you.
Understanding Jackson Guitar Prices
Jackson guitars have prices that range quite a bit. This means whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge, you’ll find the right guitar for you. Jackson offers everything from low-cost options to premium models.
Prices start at $159.99 for the Jackson Dinky JS11 Electric Guitar and go up to $2,399.99 for the Jackson MJ Series Soloist SL2 Electric Guitar9. This variety lets players pick a guitar that fits their budget without compromising on quality.
The price of a Jackson guitar also depends on where it’s made. The JS Series guitars are usually made in China or Indonesia, so they cost less. But the Pro Series from Mexico and the MJ Series from Japan cost more because they have better craftsmanship and features10.
Let’s look at the pricing and origins of Jackson guitars:
Series | Origin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|
JS | China/Indonesia | $159.99 |
X | Indonesia | $300-$500 |
Pro | Mexico | $750-$1000 |
MJ | Japan | $1,500-$2,000 |
Affordable models like the JS32s and JS22-7 stand out for value. They have graphite-reinforced necks and jumbo frets, starting at $27910. These guitars are perfect for those just starting out or at an intermediate level who don’t want to spend a lot.
Jackson guitars are well-made and creatively designed, no matter the cost. So, even the less expensive guitars are reliable and perform well. For example, the Jackson Pro Series Signature Jeff Loomis Soloist 7-String is priced at $1,699.99 and is a great deal for serious musicians9.
Jackson also offers discounts up to 26% off, making these guitars even more affordable11. This helps musicians get quality guitars without spending too much.
Knowing how Jackson guitar prices vary and why can help you choose the best one for you. Jackson has a wide selection to ensure every guitarist finds a match for their style and budget.
The Advantages of Through-Body Maple Neck with Graphite Reinforcement
Jackson guitars boast a through-body maple neck, reinforced with graphite. This design offers several perks. It improves how the guitar feels and plays, ensures the neck stays stable, and takes advantage of a scarf joint often seen in Jackson models.
Enhanced Playability and Sustain
The through-body design of Jackson’s maple necks boosts playability and sustain. It makes playing more comfortable and enhances sound quality. For example, the Jackson X Series Soloist SL3X DX features this neck-through design12. This contributes significantly to a guitar’s stability and sound, appealing to players who prioritize comfort and quality in their music.
Increased Neck Stability
Adding graphite reinforcement to the maple necks enhances their stability. This is essential for maintaining consistent performance and tuning, especially during intense play or in various conditions. The Jackson JS32-7 Dinky, known for its graphite-reinforced neck, showcases how this feature contributes to a guitar’s solid sound and comfort12. This makes Jackson guitars dependable for both live shows and recording sessions.
Scarf Joint Benefits
The scarf joint is an innovative feature in many Jackson guitars. It boosts durability and playability. This joint increases tension near the nut, aiding in tuning stability without additional components. It reflects Jackson’s dedication to improving user experience and durability in their guitars.
Jackson guitars stand out for their playability, stability, and reliability, thanks to their unique neck design. These guitars meet the demands of modern players, whether for live performances or studio work.
Seymour Duncan® Blackouts® AHB-1 Pickups: Power and Clarity
Seymour Duncan® Blackouts® AHB-1 pickups are a top choice for power and clarity. These active pickups are crafted for metal enthusiasts. They impress with their ability to enhance guitar tones, whether playing complex chords or smooth leads.
Ideal for Metal Players
For metal players, the Seymour Duncan® Blackouts® AHB-1 pickups are a game changer. They offer high output and dynamic sound. This makes them perfect for both shredding solos and powerful rhythms13. The neck pickup shines in delivering vibrant chord progressions and detailed tapping, making every note stand out with clarity13.
Features and Advantages
These Seymour Duncan® Blackouts® come loaded with benefits for guitarists. Let’s look at a few:
- High Output: The bridge humbucker brings responsive, powerful dynamics, ideal for high-gain setups13.
- Warm Tonality: They’re great for rhythm and lead, providing a balanced tone14.
- Adjustable Pickup Height: Adjusting the height can enhance tone, sustain, and balance14.
- Designed for Metal: Tailored for metal musicians, they cut through high-gain settings with clarity13.
Adjusting the pickup height is crucial for top performance. If they’re too high, they can distort sound and detune guitars14. But if too low, they might lessen output and harm sustain and definition14. A good starting point for height is around 3/32 of an inch14.
Why Buy Jackson Guitars: Quality and Performance
Musicians love Jackson guitars for their top-notch quality and sound. These guitars are made to meet very high standards. They offer amazing sound and are easy to play. Jackson guitars are very popular in the heavy metal world. Famous musicians like Misha Mansoor and Mark Heylmun play these guitars8. They are great for recording or performing live, making them a good choice for serious guitarists.
Jackson offers models like the Dinky and Soloist, each with unique sounds8. Innovations like the Rhoads and King V changed guitar design and performance11. Grover Jackson created the brand in the 1970s, starting with the “Concorde” guitar for Randy Rhoads11. The Jackson Randy Rhoads™ guitar came out in 1983, proving the brand’s commitment to quality11.
The Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 is highly recommended for its quality and Seymour Duncan pickups8. The Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS is another top model. It has a lightweight body and high-output pickups, making it versatile8. The Jackson MJ Series Signature model is perfect for those wanting top performance. It has a sleek design and powerful pickups8.
Jackson also offers great guitars for those on a budget, like the Jackson JS Series King V JS32T8. The JS Series guitars are affordable but still deliver the classic Jackson sound11. This means you can get a great guitar without spending a lot.
Jackson Guitar Reviews: What Players Are Saying
When looking into Jackson guitar reviews, you’ll find musicians everywhere are excited. Many love the exceptional build quality of Jackson guitars. They’re known for sturdy craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The guitars offer versatile tone options, too. This lets players find their unique sound. It’s perfect for various music styles, from rock to metal.
The Jackson JS32 Rhoads stands out to many. It has a poplar body and a maple neck reinforced with carbon fiber rods. This makes for a durable and stable guitar, fantastic for high-gain music15. Players like the 25.5-inch scale length with jumbo frets for easy playability15. It comes with factory strings from .009 to .042 gauge, balancing tension and flexibility well15.
Looking at the Jackson Professional Series, models before 1995 have different sublines. The Professional Pro line is often seen as top-notch, with superior craftsmanship16. The Pro Series is just a step below but still offers quality16. The Grover Jackson collection covers all budgets, pleasing collectors and musicians alike16.
Players often share their happiness with their Jackson guitar. They mention how ergonomic design helps with long sessions. High-output humbuckers offer powerful sounds15.
To wrap up, Jackson guitar reviews are full of useful information. They help both new and experienced players. This feedback can help you choose the right Jackson guitar for your needs.
Building Your Jackson Guitar Collection
Building a Jackson guitar collection is a dream for many fans. You can create a collection of rare electric guitars. They show the growth and craft of Jackson Guitars.
Collecting Rare and Limited Edition Models
Collecting rare and limited edition models makes your Jackson guitar collection unique. The Music Zoo has exclusive models like the SL2H-V and the Rhoads RR 1.517. These are great for any collection. Famous players like Phil Collen and Adrian Smith have signature models available at The Music Zoo17.
Customizing Your Collection
Customizing lets you adjust your rare electric guitars to fit your style and look. The Jackson Custom Shop in the U.S. offers many customization options18. The Music Zoo provides easy curbside pickup for Jackson Custom Shop products17.
Northeastern U.S. customers can get their orders in about a day with ground shipping17.
A great Jackson guitar collection shows your commitment to music. It also honors the brand’s impact on heavy music18.
Finding the Best Deals at Jackson Guitar Shops
Looking for good deals at a Jackson guitar shop is exciting for musicians. You can find high-quality guitars at lower prices. Check out both online and traditional stores. They often have a wide range of prices for Jackson guitars from $159.99 to $2,399.9919. To stay informed about sales and promotions, subscribe to newsletters from your favorite shop.
At Jackson guitar shops, you will find many guitars on sale. This includes best-selling, highly rated, and even slightly used guitars at lower prices19. For modern players, the Jackson X Series guitars are very popular and are often available for less19. Looking for exceptional quality? The American Series Virtuoso HT models cost about $1,912.49 on average20. If you’re a serious musician, the American Series Soloist SL3 models range from $2,299.99 to $2,349.99 and are a good choice20.
Always keep an eye out for sales and clearance events at Jackson guitar shops. The iconic Jackson Randy Rhoads™ model often has big price cuts, between 9% to 26% off11. Try the JS Series for a more affordable option that still delivers the classic Jackson sound11. With these tips, you can find great guitars that fit your budget and musical style.
Don’t overlook websites that offer updates on the latest promotions. For awesome guitar finds, check out Unleash Your Crypto Trading Potential. Smart shopping at Jackson guitar shops helps you get the best value. This way, you enjoy top-notch Jackson guitars without straining your wallet19.
Comparing Jackson Guitars with Other Brands
Jackson guitars stand out next to brands like Fender and Gibson. Their slick, bold look is perfect for metal and hard rock fans. This makes them different from Fender and Gibson’s typical styles.
Jackson guitars strike an excellent balance between quality and price. The Jackson Rhoads model, for instance, often comes with high-quality pickups from Seymour Duncan and EMG. These features are a big win for metal musicians21. Meanwhile, the Gibson Flying V focuses on sustain with its Mahogany body and set neck design22.
Jackson guitars excel in blending cost with performance. Their models, like the Jackson Rhoads, mix Maple necks and Mahogany bodies. This mix gives great tone and makes them a smart, affordable choice22.
Jackson guitars are top performers in sales charts, standing tall with Gibson and Fender21. For metal players, Jackson’s slim necks and compound radius fingerboards make them perfect for fast solos.
For a deeper guitar comparison, including Gibson Flying V and Jackson Rhoads, check out this article. It dives deep into each guitar’s features and specs, helping you pick one that suits your music style best21.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Jackson Guitar
Taking good care of your Jackson guitar is key to its durability and sound quality. Jackson has been making top-notch guitars and basses for over 30 years23. They know that regular maintenance is vital. Whether you have a Jackson King V Pro, a Soloist, or a Warrior, following key care tips is important to keep your guitar looking and sounding great.
Essential Care Tips
Cleaning your Jackson guitar routinely is crucial. You should use guitar-specific cleaning products to avoid damage24. For daily cleaning, just wiping it with a dry cloth or lightly moistened air does the trick. Steel wool works well for cleaning fretboards and frets, particularly with rosewood or ebony23. To keep these fretboards looking good and lasting longer, oiling them is recommended. You can find a good oil in most music stores23.
It’s also important to change your guitar strings often, about every 100 hours of playing or every three months. This helps your guitar play and sound its best24. Keeping your guitar’s wood from warping means controlling humidity. Getting a professional luthier to check your guitar every six months is a good idea too23.
Common Issues and Fixes
Even with great care, your Jackson guitar might face some common issues. The guitar manual provides factory specs for fixing things like neck relief and string height23. If you have problems with intonation, a basic setup usually fixes it. For electronic issues, you might need more knowledge or a professional’s help. And, there’s special advice for guitars with Double Locking Tremolos23.
For more tips on maintenance and solutions for specific problems, check out the Jackson guitar care guide. Taking proper care consistently ensures your Jackson guitar performs its best for many years.
Jackson Guitars Conclusion
Jackson guitars have made a big mark in the world of electric guitars. They began in 1980 and quickly rose to fame, thanks in part to stars like Randy Rhoads, Dave Mustaine, Scott Ian, and Andreas Kisser25. This rich history proves their quality and the great sound they deliver, making them a must-have for guitar lovers.
From the high-end Soloist series to the Warrior and Rhoads, Jackson’s guitars show their dedication to excellence. The newer models in the American Series, like the Soloist SL2MG HT and SL2MG, showcase top-notch features and sound26. These guitars, priced between $1,949 and $2,599, are perfect for pros looking for American-made instruments26. Plus, the JS32Q Dinky DKA with a Quilt Maple Top is an affordable choice for new or intermediate players, costing $300-40025.
Choosing a Jackson guitar means looking for the best in sound, a renowned name, or starting your musical path. Their history in rock music, combined with modern features like EMG humbuckers and unique fingerboards, makes every guitar a true performer26. Whether playing blazing solos or collecting unique guitars, Jackson offers a sound and quality that stands out, essential for any rock guitarist.