Jackson Guitars: A Legacy of Shredding, Speed, and Innovation

When you think of high-performance guitars designed for shredders, metalheads, and virtuosos, Jackson Guitars stand out. Known for their sleek designs, ultra-fast playability, and searing tones, Jackson guitars have carved out a legacy in the world of rock and metal music. From their innovative beginnings to becoming the choice of countless legendary guitarists, Jackson has become a cornerstone of modern guitar culture.

Jackson Guitars were born out of a desire to push the boundaries of guitar design, particularly for players who demanded speed, precision, and power—attributes that were essential for the rapidly evolving world of heavy metal in the early 1980s.

Jackson’s origins trace back to Grover Jackson, who worked at Charvel Guitars in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1980, Grover Jackson bought out Charvel’s custom shop, and after a few years of designing high-end, custom guitars, he decided to launch the Jackson brand. His vision was clear: create a guitar specifically tailored to the needs of virtuoso players who demanded aggressive tones, lightning-fast playability, and rugged durability. The result was a series of guitars that were immediately recognized for their superior craftsmanship and cutting-edge features.

The JS Series offers entry-level guitars with great value. Ideal for beginners or players on a budget, these guitars deliver solid performance with fast necks and high-output pickups. 

Key Features: Affordable, solid construction, fast necks, high-output pickups. 

The X Series offers advanced features at a reasonable price. With premium pickups, better hardware, and sleek body shapes, the X Series is perfect for players looking for more versatility and tonal quality. 

Key Features: Compound-radius necks, upgraded hardware, versatile tones. 

The Pro / Pro Plus Series delivers premium playability and sound for serious players. Featuring high-quality pickups, Floyd Rose bridges, and refined aesthetics, these guitars are built for advanced musicians and gigging professionals. 

Key Features: Premium pickups (Seymour Duncan/EMG), Floyd Rose bridges, sleek finishes. 

The American Series offers guitars made in the USA with top-tier craftsmanship and premium materials. These are for players who want the absolute best in tone, playability, and design.

For the most unique and personalized instrument, the Jackson Custom Shop allows you to design every aspect of your guitar, from the body shape to the electronics. These guitars are built for players who want something truly one-of-a-kind.

Misha Mansoor is one the most highly respected and accomplished guitars in the progressive metal scene.  As the founder of Periphery, Misha has built a lasting legacy and has been named as one of the Top 20 guitarists of the 2010’s.  Misha has multiple signature models with Jackson, including his Juggernaut models; available in 6 and 7 string configurations.

The newest member of the Jackson Signature family is Diamond Rowe, of up-and-coming US metal band Tetrarch.  Her signature model is a fresh take on the Monarkh shape, featuring an EVERTUNE® 6 Bridge, EMG 81 and 85 Pickups and Luminlay side dots. 

Jackson Guitars have always been a staple for metal and rock musicians, and in the hands of today’s top players, they continue to push the boundaries of guitar playing. From Corey Beaulieu’s crushing riffs in Trivium to Marty Friedman’s virtuosic solos, modern Jackson artists are redefining what’s possible on the guitar.