Alright, so you want a Jackson guitar but feel like you’re wading through a sea of options. Totally get it. With so many models and features, it’s hard not to overthink.
Good news—I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you. Below are the 7 best Jackson guitars that’ll make your shredding dreams a reality.
Spoiler: They’re all awesome, but one might just be your perfect match. Sound demos included 🙂
TL;DR – Best Jackson Guitars
- Best for tone maniacs: Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads RR24SP F
- Best for beginners: Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA AH NO
- Best bang for your buck: Jackson JS32 Kelly Snow White
- Best for down-tuning warriors: Jackson JS32T Rhoads AH SBK
- Best for flashy players: Jackson JS20 DKQ TR TOB
- Best 7-string option: Jackson Pro Plus MDK HT7 GS
- Best stage presence: Jackson Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly Gr.Cr.
Not convinced yet? Read on. These guitars deserve a proper breakdown!
1. Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads RR24SP F
The RR24SP F is like the Lamborghini of guitars. It’s sharp, fast, and absolutely not subtle. With Seymour Duncan Distortion pickups, a neck-thru construction, and that blazing Firestorm high-gloss finish, it’s made for players who want to command attention—and keep it.
Key Features
- Body: Okoume with a pommele sapele top (because plain wood is too boring).
- Neck: Neck-thru maple/walnut/maple for endless sustain.
- Fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid Piranha Tooth inlays (sharp, like the guitar).
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 (bridge) and SH-6N (neck).
- Bridge: Recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series for dive bombs and squeals galore.
Why I Love It
This thing is built to destroy. The sustain? Ridiculous. The tone? Face-melting. If you want a guitar that screams metal god, this is it. Plus, it looks like it’s straight out of a metal album cover. What’s not to love?
2. Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA AH NO
The Dinky might sound like a kid’s toy, but trust me, it’s a real contender. This one’s perfect for beginners or budget-conscious players who still want legit shredding capabilities. It’s got Jackson high-output humbuckers, a mahogany body, and a Floyd Rose tremolo. And that Natural Oil finish? Classy.
Key Features
- Body: Mahogany for that warm, chunky tone.
- Neck: Maple bolt-on for easy playability and sturdy vibes.
- Pickups: Dual Jackson high-output humbuckers. LOUD and punchy.
- Bridge: Floyd Rose-licensed double-locking tremolo (dive-bomb city).
Why I Love It
It’s cheap, but it doesn’t play cheap. The pickups pack a serious punch, and the Floyd Rose is reliable for those who want to experiment with whammy bar antics. It’s like your first car—doesn’t break the bank but still gets the job done. 🙂
3. Jackson JS32 Kelly Snow White
Ever wanted a guitar that looks like a weapon? The Kelly Snow White has you covered. Its sharp, angular body design makes it stand out from the crowd, and its high-output humbuckers deliver plenty of power. Bonus: it’s super lightweight, so your back won’t hate you after a long gig.
Key Features
- Body: Poplar (lightweight but still punchy).
- Neck: Bolt-on maple with a speedy profile for fast runs.
- Fingerboard: Amaranth with Sharkfin inlays (because, duh, sharks).
- Pickups: Jackson high-output humbuckers for ripping tones.
- Bridge: Floyd Rose-licensed tremolo for ultimate tuning stability.
Why I Love It
It’s ridiculously fun to play, and the compound-radius fretboard makes lead work feel smooth as butter. Plus, let’s be real—this thing looks like a battle axe. That Snow White finish? Iconic.
You may also like: 7 Best Guitars For Thrash!
4. Jackson JS32T Rhoads AH SBK
This one’s for the low-tuners and riff-chuggers. The JS32T Rhoads skips the tremolo and opts for a Tune-O-Matic bridge, making it perfect for down-tuning without any of the floating-bridge hassle. The matte black finish gives it a stealthy, no-nonsense vibe.
Key Features
- Body: Poplar for a balanced tone.
- Neck: Bolt-on maple, reinforced for extra stability.
- Pickups: Jackson high-output humbuckers. Brutal yet versatile.
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic-style fixed bridge for solid tuning and sustain.
Why I Love It
It’s simple, effective, and perfect for heavy riffs. If you’re into downtuned metal or just hate messing with tremolo systems, this one’s your best bet. Also, it’s matte black. Enough said. 😉
5. Jackson JS20 DKQ TR TOB
Looking for something flashy but not over-the-top? The JS20 DKQ balances killer looks and solid performance. The quilted maple art grain top is a head-turner, while the pickups and tremolo make it a rock-solid player.
Key Features
- Body: Poplar with a quilted maple art grain top.
- Neck: Bolt-on maple for fast action.
- Fingerboard: Amaranth with Sharkfin inlays.
- Pickups: Dual Jackson high-output humbuckers for roaring tones.
- Bridge: 2-point fulcrum tremolo for smooth bends and solid tuning.
Why I Love It
It’s got style and substance. The tone is tight, the action is smooth, and that Tobacco Burst finish? Chef’s kiss. Great for players who want to stand out without looking too gaudy.
6. Jackson Pro Plus MDK HT7 GS
For all you 7-string lovers, the Pro Plus MDK HT7 is a beast. Featuring Fishman Fluence pickups, an EverTune bridge, and a killer Gold Sparkle finish, this guitar is made for modern metal madness.
Key Features
- Body: Basswood for tight, balanced tones.
- Neck: 3-piece maple/wenge/maple with a satin finish.
- Pickups: Fishman Fluence Open Core humbuckers with two voicings.
- Bridge: EverTune F7 for rock-solid tuning stability.
Why I Love It
The EverTune bridge alone is worth the price. Add in those Fishman pickups, and you’ve got a guitar that handles everything from djent to jazz (yes, really). Oh, and that Gold Sparkle finish? Bold, but in the best way.
7. Jackson Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly Gr.Cr.
The Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly is a signature model that oozes personality. It’s got a Seymour Duncan Parallel Axis humbucker, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and that wild Green Crackle finish that screams, “Look at me!”
Key Features
- Body: Poplar for lightweight durability.
- Neck: Continuous maple for seamless playability.
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan Parallel Axis humbucker for clarity and punch.
- Bridge: Floyd Rose 1000 for dive-bomb mastery.
Why I Love It
This guitar is fast, loud, and unapologetically bold. It’s perfect for players who want a signature model without shelling out a fortune. Plus, the Green Crackle finish? Just awesome.
Read more: 9 Budget Guitars With Floyd Rose
My Experience with Jacksons (and a Little History)
I’ve been playing Jackson guitars for years, and they’ve never let me down.
One of my bandmates used to play a Jackson too. He swore by it. Couldn’t stop talking about how smooth the neck was or how powerful the pickups sounded 😉
Honestly, it was hard not to roll my eyes sometimes—he was that obsessed. But hey, the dude had a point.
Here’s a fun little history lesson for ya: Jackson started back in the late ’70s when Randy Rhoads wanted a custom guitar. (Yeah, that Randy Rhoads.) He asked Grover Jackson to make him something unique, and boom—the iconic Rhoads guitar was born.
Next thing you know, Jackson guitars were everywhere in the ’80s metal scene. Marty Friedman, Adrian Smith, you name it. These guitars became legends, and for good reason.
What’s wild is that even after all this time, Jackson still nails it.
Every model I’ve tried feels like it’s got a piece of that history baked in. The designs are sharp, the playability is unreal, and the tone? Chef’s kiss. 😉 Seriously, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Jackson just gets it.
Check out my YouTube channels: Strefa Gitar (in Polish) and Best Guitars Now (in English). You’ll see why these guitars rule. 😉
FAQ
- Are Jackson guitars only for metal? Nah, they’re versatile. Sure, metal is their jam, but they can handle blues and rock too.
- What’s up with compound-radius fretboards? They get flatter as you go up, making lead playing super comfy.
- Is a Floyd Rose hard to maintain? It takes some getting used to, but once you know how to set it up, you’re golden.
- What strings come standard? Usually .009–.042 gauge nickel-plated steel. Perfect for shredding.
- Are Jacksons beginner-friendly? Totally. The JS series is affordable and easy to play.
- Best Jackson for low tunings? Go for something with a fixed bridge, like the JS32T Rhoads.
- Why are Jackson guitars so sharp-looking? Because looking cool is half the battle, duh.
Article in Polish: Gitary Jackson – Warto?
Summary
There you have it—the 7 best Jackson guitars that’ll take your shredding to new heights.
Bottom line? Jackson knows what players like us want: speed, tone, and a little bit of attitude. Pick the one that speaks to you, plug it into your favorite amp, and let it rip.
Oh, and if you grab one of these bad boys, let me know—I’d love to see your riffs (or hear about your totally accidental dive-bomb disasters). Keep shredding! 🤘
