All Jackson Guitar Models – Buyers Guide

Table of Contents

Jackson Guitar Models By Body Shapes

Rhoads

This guitar hit the scene in 1981. The Rhoads model is named after the famous guitarist Randy Rhoads who rocked with Ozzy Osbourne. Randy wanted something different, something that would stand out on stage, and did he nail it! It’s got this killer V-shape that’s a bit slanted, giving it a fierce, standout look.

If you’re into metal or rock, this guitar is a great choice because it’s super versatile. The Rhoads usually comes with high-output pickups, which means it can handle heavy riffs and solos with ease. The neck is designed to be fast, perfect for shredding.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: Besides the famous V-shape body, it’s also lightweight. So you can jump around on stage without feeling like you’re carrying a log.
• Sound: It’s got these super hot pickups and a neck that’s perfect for shredding — ideal for those face-melting solos.
• Who’s Playing It: Alexi Laiho from Children of Bodom was a big fan. He loved the Rhoads for its killer look and wicked sound.

Dinky™

The Dinky is a smaller version of the superstrat shape, making it really comfy to play. It’s great for metal and rock because of its sleek design and how easy it is to reach the higher frets. Most Dinkys have a double-cutaway body, which means there’s an extra cut in the body for better fret access. They come with a Floyd Rose tremolo system and humbucker pickups, delivering powerful tones.

If you’re into sleek, comfortable guitars, this one’s for you.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: It’s a bit downsized, making it super comfy to play, especially if you’re into fast, technical stuff. The double-cutaway body means you can easily reach those high notes.
• Sound: Most Dinkys come with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, which is awesome for those crazy dive bombs. Plus, they usually have humbucker pickups that deliver powerful, crunchy tones.
• Perfect For: This model is a hit with metal and rock players who need a reliable guitar for everything from chunky riffs to high-speed solos.

King V™

This guitar is all about looking badass and sounding even better. The King V has a V-shape, but it’s more balanced compared to the Rhoads. It looks super bold and is a favorite among metalheads. This model usually has dual humbuckers, which are perfect for heavy riffs and crazy solos. Plus, it often comes with a locking tremolo system.

The King V is a go-to for anyone who wants to look cool and sound even cooler.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The King V looks like something a rock god would wield. It’s big, bold, and screams metal.
• Sound: It usually packs dual humbuckers, making it perfect for thick, heavy riffs. And with a locking tremolo system, you can go wild with your whammy bar antics without worrying about tuning issues.
• Who’s Playing It: Tons of metal musicians love this model for its commanding presence and killer sound.

Soloist™

The Soloist is Jackson’s twist on the classic superstrat. It’s got a sleek, contoured body and a neck-through design, which means the neck extends through the body for better sustain. It’s super versatile and can handle pretty much any style you throw at it. Soloist guitar features a mix of humbucker and single-coil pickups, giving you a lot of options for different sounds.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The Soloist™ has a sleek, contoured body that feels super comfy. The neck-through construction not only looks cool but also gives it amazing sustain.
• Sound: These guitars usually come with a mix of humbucker and single-coil pickups, offering a wide range of sounds. You can go from crunchy metal riffs to smooth, clean tones with ease.
• Who’s Playing It: Guitar legends like Phil Collen of Def Leppard and Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden have been known to rock Soloists.

Kelly™

The Kelly has a really cool, sharp, and offset shape. It looks super modern and aggressive, perfect if you want to make a statement on stage. Kelly guitars usually have high-output pickups, making them great for metal and hard rock. They produce sharp, punchy tones that cut through the mix.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The Kelly™ has an offset, angular shape that’s both modern and aggressive.
• Sound: Typically equipped with high-output pickups, the Kelly™ is great for metal and hard rock. It’s got a biting tone that cuts through the mix.
• Who’s Playing It: Marty Friedman, formerly of Megadeth, is a big fan of the Kelly™.

Warrior™

The Warrior is one of Jackson’s most radical designs. It’s pretty wild looking, with an asymmetrical design. If you’re looking to stand out, this is the guitar for you. It’s built for metal and high-gain music, coming with powerful pickups and a fast neck for speedy playing.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The Warrior™ is wild, with a shape that’s all sharp angles. It’s definitely a head-turner.
• Sound: The Warrior™ features powerful pickups and a fast neck. It’s ideal for metal players who need a guitar that can keep up with their intense playing style.
• Perfect For: It’s favored by metal musicians who love the aggressive look and sound. If you’re into heavy, high-gain music, this is your kind of guitar.

Juggernaut

The Juggernaut series is all about modern metal. These guitars are tough and versatile, with a mix of active and passive pickups that let you get a huge range of sounds. They’re perfect for heavy, powerful music.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The Juggernaut has a super sleek, ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to play, even during long sets or practice sessions. It’s got that modern, edgy look that stands out on stage.
• Sound: These guitars come with a mix of active and passive pickups, giving you a versatile range of tones. You can go from clean to full-on aggressive with ease.
• Who’s Playing It: This shape is heavily associated with Misha Mansoor of Periphery, who helped design it. It’s a go-to for players who need a guitar that can handle complex, heavy music.
• Perfect For: If you’re into modern progressive metal or djent, the Juggernaut is a fantastic choice. It’s versatile enough for other genres, too, but really shines when you need that precise, high-gain sound.

Monarkh

The Monarkh series blends a classic single-cutaway design with modern features. It’s great if you’re into vintage looks but want contemporary sounds. These guitars offer rich and warm tones.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: With its single-cutaway body, the Monarkh looks a bit like a classic Les Paul but with a sharper, more modern edge.
• Sound: The Monarkh comes equipped with high-output pickups, making it great for hard rock and metal. However, it can clean up nicely for blues or jazz, thanks to its warm, full-bodied tone.
• Perfect For: It’s a great choice for players who love the feel and sound of a single-cut but want something with a bit more attitude.

San Dimas®

San Dimas guitars are a shout-out to the classic 80s shred era, and it’s got all the swagger you’d expect from that era. They have a vintage superstrat shape that’s comfortable and versatile. With a mix of single-coil and humbucker pickups, these guitars are for those who love both classic rock and metal.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The San Dimas has a sleek, double-cutaway body and is often finished in bold, flashy colors.
• Sound: These guitars are all about speed and precision. They come with fast necks and versatile pickup configurations, perfect for everything from searing solos to crunchy riffs.
• Perfect For: It’s a favorite among shredders who love that classic superstrat feel. If you’re a fan of ’80s rock and metal or just want a guitar that looks and plays like a classic superstrat, the San Dimas is for you. It’s versatile enough for modern styles too!

Star

The Star shape is one of Jackson’s boldest designs. It’s got a futuristic, asymmetrical body that really stands out. These guitars equipped with high-output pickups for powerful sound. If you want to look and sound different, the Star is a great pick.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: The Star has an aggressive, pointed body shape that’s perfect for players who want to stand out on stage. It’s not just about looks, though; the design is surprisingly comfortable to play.
• Sound: These guitars are often equipped with high-output pickups, making them perfect for heavy genres like metal and hard rock. They deliver a big, powerful sound.
• Perfect For: If you want a guitar that looks as wild as your music sounds, the Star is the way to go. It’s a guitar for those who aren’t afraid to be different.

Virtuoso

The Virtuoso is a bit of a rare bird in the Jackson lineup. It’s made for players who love technical stuff. These guitars are super precise and easy to play. They are definitely instruments for serious musicians.

Jackson Guitar Models By Series

JS Series

The JS Series is a great starting point if you want to get into Jackson guitars. It’s your go-to if you’re just starting out or need a solid guitar that won’t empty your bank account.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Budget-Friendly: These are the most affordable Jackson guitars, but they still pack a punch.
• Sound: You get classic Jackson looks and a decent sound. The pickups are versatile enough for rock and metal, and the necks are smooth, which is great for learning.
• Perfect For: Best for beginners or as a reliable backup.

Price Range: $160-$460.

X Series

The X Series is where Jackson delivers killer looks and performance at a budget-friendly price. These guitars offer many of the same features as higher-end models, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced players.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: You get the classic Jackson style — pointy headstocks, sharkfin inlays, and more — at a fraction of the cost of higher-end models.
• Sound: The X Series guitars come with high-output pickups, making them great for rock and metal. They’ve got that aggressive tone you’d expect from Jackson.
• Perfect For: It’s for intermediate players or anyone looking for a reliable, affordable guitar. They’re great for gigging, practicing, or even as a backup.

Price Range: $550-$1150.

Pro Series

The Pro Series is all about bringing high-end features to a more accessible price point. These guitars are perfect for gigging musicians who need a reliable, professional-grade instrument without spending a fortune.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: You get premium hardware, like Floyd Rose tremolos and EMG or Seymour Duncan pickups. These are serious guitars built for serious players.
• Who’s Playing It:While not as high-end as the American Series, many pros and session musicians trust the Pro Series for their day-to-day gigs and recordings.
• Perfect For: If you’re looking for a solid, versatile guitar with pro-level features, the Pro Series is an excellent choice.

Price Range: $850-$1850.

Pro Plus Series

The Pro Plus Series is an upgrade from the standard Pro Series, featuring enhanced specifications like premium pickups, advanced electronics, and high-quality hardware. These guitars are built for serious players who want professional features without going into custom shop territory.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: These guitars come with premium pickups, locking tuners, and high-quality hardware. They’re designed to be gig-ready right out of the box.
• Sound: The Pro Plus Series can handle a variety of genres, making them great for versatile players who need one guitar that can do it all.
• Perfect For: These guitars are loved by session musicians and gigging players who need reliable instruments. If you’re looking for a workhorse guitar that delivers professional features at a more accessible price, the Pro Plus Series is a solid choice.

Price Range: $1200-$2000.

MJ Series

The MJ Series stands for “Made in Japan,” and these guitars are all about precision. Japane is known for being top-notch, and these guitars are no exception. These models are known for their attention to details and feature premium components and finishes.

It’s quickly gained a reputation for being some of the best-built guitars out there.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: Made in Japan, these guitars are super well-made. The attention to detail is amazing, and the quality is consistent. The MJ Series guitars come with high-end components and hardware.
• Perfect For: These guitars are great for players who want a high-quality instrument that can handle a wide range of styles.

Price Range: $1900-$3000.

American Series

The American Series is where Jackson pulls out all the stops. These guitars are made in the USA and are basically the best of the best. They’re all about top-quality craftsmanship and killer tones.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: Being American-made, these guitars are crafted with top-tier materials and attention to detail. They’re built to withstand the rigors of touring and studio work.
• Who’s Playing It: Big names like Phil Collen from Def Leppard love these guitars.
• Perfect For: These guitars can handle pretty much any genre you throw at them, from hard rock to blues. They’re versatile, so if you like to dabble in different styles, you’re covered.

Price Range: $1950-$2600.

Concept Series

The Concept Series is where Jackson gets a bit experimental. These guitars have unique designs and specs. Here you will find features typical of custom-made instruments.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: Unconventional shapes, rare finishes, special electronics; the Concept Series guitars are for those who want something different.
• Perfect For: Perfect for players who want to explore new sounds and styles. Whether you’re into experimental music or just want a guitar that stands out, these are your go-to.

Price Range: $1900-$2200.

USA Series

The USA Series represents Jackson’s top-tier guitars, made in the United States with the finest materials and craftsmanship. These models are often custom-built and are known for their quality and attention to detail. These guitars are for the serious player who wants the best possible instrument.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: From top-tier woods to the finest hardware, these guitars are built with the best of the best. They feature custom shop-level detailing and finishes.
• Sound: These guitars are a dream to play. With super-smooth necks and perfect setups, they’re made for pros who need the absolute best.
• Perfect For: The USA Series is often the choice for Jackson’s endorsing artists. If you’re looking to play the same gear as your guitar heroes, this is it.

Artist Signature

The Artist Signature series is where Jackson teams up with famous guitarists to create custom guitars. These guitars are perfect for fans or anyone who wants a unique guitar with a bit of rock star flair.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Design: Each guitar is designed to the artist’s specs; special pickups, unique finishes, or custom neck shapes.
• Who’s Playing It: Guys like Marty Friedman, Gus G., and Misha Mansoor have their own signature models.
• Perfect For: If you want a guitar that stands out from the crowd and captures a specific artist’s sound, this is the series for you.

Price: $3000+.