Best cheap electric guitars under $500 2024: epic electrics for smaller budgets By Amit Sharma last updated 13 February 24 These budget electric guitars offer fantastic tone and great playability, all within a more wallet-friendly price range
“Unconventional takes on high-tech shapes at an enticing price point”: Jackson launches its Concept Series, where angular designs and aggressive tones combine for monstrous results By Phil Weller published 23 January 24 The series puts a fresh spin on Jackson’s Rhoads V, Soloist, King Kelly and Dinky models, with specs typically found on its Custom Shop creations
“Distinctive and affordable”: Jackson’s new X Series Dinky DK1 guitars offer straightforward speed machines with complex finishes By Matt Parker published 19 January 24 The new electrics aim to dazzle on a budget, with a combination of streamlined spec and unignorable aesthetics
“Engineered for blazing guitar work”: Jackson brings its Randy Rhoads model to the mid-priced Pro Plus series, with some electrifying finishes By Jackson Maxwell published 19 January 24 The Pro Plus Series Rhoads RR24 is a head-turner that comes in a pair of loud looks, and is outfitted with two Seymour Duncan Distortion 'buckers – but how do its other features stack up to the rest of Jackson's Rhoads lineup?
“An ultra-fast guitar that you’re going to want to burn many fretboard miles on”: Jackson American Series Virtuoso review By Paul Riario published 15 January 24 The new go-faster bolt-on Superstrat from the Jackson USA line is a speed machine with a build that justifies the price tag
“I was playing at three times the speed that I normally play at”: Pete Townshend resisted buying “heavy metal” guitars for decades – but he just got his first Jackson at the age of 78… and loves it By Matt Owen published 5 January 24 The Stratocaster loyalist decided it was time to branch into more metal territory with his latest six-string purchase – and he was pleasantly surprised with what he discovered
Think metal guitars can’t handle jazz? Cecil Alexander just shredded a set of Wes Montgomery classics on a Jackson Soloist – and his tone has guitarists raving By Phil Weller published 3 January 24 The jazz guitarist is proving you can shred bebop with clean and distorted tones on his Jackson Soloist, mimicking a semi-hollow guitar in extraordinary fashion
“Continuing upon the metal legacy pioneered by the immortal Randy Rhoads”: Jackson pays homage to Rhoads’ iconic Concorde model with overhauled Made in Japan models By Matt Owen published 12 December 23 The RR24MG is the latest addition to Jackson's MJ Series Rhoads V collection, and introduces fresh pickup and hardware options
“It’s a seriously metal-looking guitar”: Jackson has updated Jeff Loomis’ iconic signature Kelly guitar “for today’s player” – and introduced one key new component By Matt Owen published 8 November 23 The HT6 version follows in the footsteps of Loomis' tried-and-trusted Kelly axe – but a new spec has been thrown into the mix
Mike Stringer shows off two Jackson Custom Shop seven-strings that reimagine the lost Surfcaster offset as a metal guitar – and it’s got big name players in a hot mess By Matt Parker published 20 October 23 The Spiritbox guitarist has posted pictures of a truly stunning custom build – and we’re not alone in thinking it needs to become a production model right away
“Designed to suit the modern player’s need to blur genre lines and push sonic boundaries”: Jackson’s American Series Virtuoso is taking metal guitars to the mainstream By Matt Parker published 6 September 23 The second shape in the firm’s new US-made line-up looks pretty in pink, but seems to pull off the tricky challenge of appealing to an increasingly diverse array of players
"Finally!" Jackson cements its relationship with Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser with a single-pickup, skull-emblazoned Soloist By Jackson Maxwell published 30 August 23 After three decades, the thrash metal guitar icon finally has a signature Jackson – and it certainly stands out from the Soloist pack
Jackson has reprised a cult electric guitar associated with Jeff Beck for a super-limited Custom Shop run By Matt Parker published 21 August 23 The Music Zoo exclusives meld Jackson’s lesser-spotted 3S build with the specs of another limited run with the retailer – making for an unusual hybrid
“The Franken V is literally a dream come true. It’s the best guitar I’ve ever had”: Scott Ian always wanted a V-shaped version of Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstein – and Jackson made it a jaw-dropping reality By Matt Owen published 10 August 23 One of 2023’s most awe-inspiring builds, the Franken V is the result of a close collaboration between Jackson and EVH, but has so far flown completely under the radar – we got the lowdown from the Anthrax legend on his new prized possession
Best short-scale basses: the ultimate guide to the greatest pint-sized bass guitars at all price points By Daryl Robertson last updated 7 August 23 From Fender to Gibson, Gretsch to Spector, here are our top picks for the best short-scale basses on the market right now
Jackson’s best guitars of 2023? The Pro Plus Series packs Fishman Fluence, Bare Knuckle and EverTune appointments – plus stainless steel frets By Matt Owen published 27 July 23 Soloist and Dinky models have been given the premium Jackson treatment, offering a huge range of tones, aesthetics and hardware
Jackson overhauls its MJ Series Rhoads with EMGs and a locking tremolo – and the results are spectacular By Matt Owen published 13 July 23 A white and black pinstripe version of the RR24 MG, inspired by Randy Rhoads' iconic Concorde model, is also on the way
Best electric guitars under $2,000: high-end guitars for intermediate and pro players By Chris Corfield last updated 22 June 23 Discover superior tone and playability with our round-up of sub-$2k axes – from Teles to seven-strings
Brandon Ellis laid down the gauntlet to Jackson’s Master Builders with this 27-fret Gold Crackle Kelly – is this one of the most challenging custom builds ever made? By Matt Parker published 26 April 23 See the latest guitar borne from the friendship between one of heavy music’s most innovative players and Jackson’s metal-obsessed master builder, Joe Williams
Buckethead is selling his iconic, one-of-a-kind Jackson KFC KV2 Custom V model By Matt Owen published 21 April 23 The virtuoso is parting ways with his custom-built Jackson V, which he acquired in 1999 and used heavily during his time with Guns N' Roses