A Complete Guide to Jackson Guitars

For over 40 years, Jackson has been a leading innovator and creator of high-performance electric guitars and basses. Founded in 1980 in Glendora California Jackson has made a global impact across all genres of music, from rock and metal to country and jazz.

Jackson’s distinctive aggressive style, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to premium tonewoods have earned the brand a loyal following among renowned musicians and beginners alike. This comprehensive guide covers Jackson’s storied history, famous guitar models, custom shop, signature artists, and more – everything you need to know about these iconic instruments.

A Brief History of Jackson Guitars

The Jackson story begins with founder Grover Jackson operating a repair shop called Charvel’s Guitar Repair in the 1970s. Realizing many customers wanted original custom guitars, Jackson decided to start crafting his own instruments tailored precisely to a player’s preferences.

In 1980, Jackson Guitars was officially launched, quickly becoming known for bold designs, high-output pickups, sleek tremolo systems, and thin fast-playing necks ideal for shredding. Jackson’s Pro, Soloist, King V, Kelly, and Rhoads models offered players completely new looks and feels compared to anything else available.

As the brand rapidly expanded through the ’80s glam and metal eras, Jackson cemented itself as the go-to guitar for artists wanting extreme sound, speed, and attitude Master craftsmen honed their skills, moving Jackson’s USA production forward while adding more affordable import lines to meet growing demand

Acquired by Fender in 2002, Jackson continues evolving today, blending cutting-edge modern manufacturing techniques with traditional hand-craftsmanship. New players discover Jackson every year, inspired by the legacy of innovation that started in a small California workshop.

Popular Jackson Guitar Models

From radical shape innovations to immortal signature artist editions, these are the most iconic Jackson guitar models that have powered chart-topping songs and pushed boundaries for decades:

Rhoads – Randy Rhoads’ legendary polka-dot V shaped by Jackson, A power metal staple balancing speed and style

King V – Jackson’s take on the Explorer double cutaway shape, loved for its fluid playing feel and heavy tone.

Kelly – Originally custom-made for Marty Friedman, the Kelly single cutaway stands out with eye-catching curves and contours.

Soloist – Fast thin-neck SuperStrat ideal for shredders and designed for ultimate performance.

Dinky – Jackson’s sleek, smaller-bodied metal machine offered in eye-catching graphics and colors.

Monarkh – Sophisticated singlecut loaded with the versatile EverTune bridge system.

Warrior – An edgy, aggressive spin on a traditional double cutaway popularized by bands like Megadeth.

Misha Mansoor Juggernaut – Modern and tech-loaded signature model for progressive rock icon Misha Mansoor.

USA Select Series – Top-tier guitars blending new technology with Jackson’s 35+ years of American luthier experience.

Jackson’s Commitment to Tonewoods

A key part of Jackson’s signature sound is the meticulous selection of tonewoods used in their guitars and basses. Wood type impacts the tonal qualities, resonance, and sustain. Jackson crafts most of their solidbody electrics from alder, known for its balanced, full-bodied character.

Basswood frequently appears in Jackson models too, providing a smoother, warmer sound. Higher-end Jacksons utilize maple tops for crisp, bright articulation combined with the midrange boost of mahogany bodies. Ebony and roasted maple are common fingerboard woods chosen for their tight, responsive feel.

With knowledge passed down for generations, Jackson perfectly matches each guitar model with the ideal woods to achieve the desired sonic personality – bold and bright for metal, smooth and rich for blues, etc. This expertise ensures every Jackson instrument sounds as good as it plays.

Jackson Guitars Custom Shop

For players craving truly one-of-a-kind instruments, Jackson’s Custom Shop represents the pinnacle of personalized craftsmanship. Located at Jackson’s headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ, the invite-only Custom Shop is comprised of master builders, each with over 20 years of experience designing and creating custom instruments.

The Jackson Custom Shop offers everything from small modifications to existing models to completely ground-up unique concept guitars built to a musician’s exact specifications. Exotic and rare tonewoods, intricate inlays, hand-shaped necks – nothing is off the table for these artists turning dreams into bespoke reality.

Owning a Jackson Custom Shop guitar signifies membership in an exclusive club, owning the ultimate embodiment of the Jackson legacy. Though expensive and exclusive, Jackson’s Custom Shop remains dedicated to building each customer’s vision of the perfect instrument.

Signature Jackson Guitars for Legendary Artists

Part of Jackson’s allure comes from the iconic artists who have played and endorsed Jackson guitars and basses over the decades. Jackson works closely with these musicians to design and develop signature models catering exactly to their style, feels, and specs.

Some standout signature models include:

• Randy Rhoads RR – Immortalizes the late Ozzy Osbourne shredder who honed the original Flying V-style Jackson.

• Marty Friedman JEM – Insane fluorescent graphics and lightning body for ex-Megadeth guitarist.

• David Ellefson CBXM – Custom bass for the Megadeth bassist provides brutal tone and playability.

• Mick Thomson Soloist – Bleak-looking signature model for Slipknot guitarist delivers crushing rhythms and leads.

• Adrian Smith SDX – Iron Maiden veteran worked with Jackson to create this ideal metal axe for himself.

• Jeff Loomis Soloist – Designed to the specs of this technical metal virtuoso.

Owning the signature model of guitar heroes like Rhoads, Friedman, and Loomis provides a feeling of connection with the legends who influenced them.

Jackson Guitars for All Styles and Budgets

Far from a boutique brand just for rock stars, Jackson offers electric guitars and basses accessible and affordable for all player levels:

• JS Series – Made in Indonesia, Korea, and China using Jackson’s trusted designs for lowest prices. Great for new players.

• X Series – Provides upgraded components, woods, and appointments for intermediate players.

• Pro Series – Takes everything further with pro-level specs ideal for gigging and recording.

• USA Select – American-made by Jackson’s custom shop luthiers with no compromises for premium quality.

• USA Custom Select – Ultimate custom-built dream guitars with exotic tonewoods and hand-shaped details.

This staggered lineup means Jackson has an instrument to match any playing style or budget. Beginners can start their musical journey with a Jackson JS, then upgrade through their playing development without sacrificing familiar feel and design elements.

Jackson for Metal and Beyond

While Jackson is undoubtedly iconically linked to metal and hard rock, the brand has proven versatile across all music genres:

• Country artists like Brad Paisley and John 5 wield Jackson models.

• Rockabilly and blues players like Brian Setzer opt for vintage-style Jacksons.

• Classic rock legends from Dick Dale to Def Leppard have chosen Jackson.

• Progressive fan favorites like Between the Buried and Me and Coheed and Cambria play Jacksons.

• Jazz greats like Alex Skolnick shred on Jackson signature models.

• The Boss himself – Bruce Springsteen has toured with several customized Jackson guitars.

The combination of fast-playing necks, hot pickups, and smooth trem systems appeal to any guitarist seeking perfect performance. Don’t be fooled into thinking Jackson guitars are only for metal maniacs!

In Summary

For over four decades, Jackson has pioneered the art of building guitars optimized for speed, playability, aggression, and attitude. From the garage workshop origins to current state-of-the-art production, Jackson embodies aggressive American innovation.

Next time you see your favorite guitar hero playing a wild-looking arrow-head V or neon super-Strat, chances are it’s a Jackson. Trusted by the best, accessible by all – Jackson Guitars remain on the cutting edge progressing into the future while never forgetting their hard-rocking past.