Jackson - Electric Guitars and Basses

Dive into the world of unmatched precision and aggressive tonality with Jackson Electric Guitars—the ultimate choice for the heavy metal connoisseur. With their daring designs and scorching sound, Jackson guitars are not just instruments; they are declarations of intent in the metal music scene. Whether you're shredding solos or anchoring rhythms, Jackson guitars deliver performance that's as bold as it is reliable.

In the late 1970s, as heavy metal began its meteoric rise, a small Southern California guitar repair shop named Charvel became the birthplace of Jackson guitars. This was where a new standard for exceptional guitar craftsmanship was set, sparking a revolution with the introduction of models like the Jackson Randy Rhoads. These guitars were built to meet the demands of the flashy, virtuosic play that new metal heroes brought to the stage, offering innovations like neck-through-body construction and distinctive body shapes that have now become synonymous with the Jackson name.

Jackson Legacy and Evolution

Jackson guitars have stood the test of time, consistently proving themselves in the hands of the world's top metal artists and amateur shredders alike. As we look to the future, Jackson's commitment to innovation, quality, and unparalleled performance remains unwavering. With every guitar crafted, Jackson is not just building instruments; they're forging the future of metal music, ensuring every musician's passion is met with a guitar capable of expressing it.

Explore the Iconic Jackson Guitars and Basses lines

The Jackson American Soloist

Engineered for precision and speed, the American Series Soloist features neck-through construction, stainless steel frets, and premium bridges, ideal for the modern metal guitarist.

The Jackson Dinky

Compact and agile, the Jackson Dinky offers dual humbuckers, a variety of fretboard and bridge options, and a smaller body size for enhanced playability, perfect for shredders.

The Jackson Rhoads Guitars

Featuring a distinctive "shark fin" design, the Jackson Rhoads offers a sharp look and sound. It's a top choice for hard rock and metal with options spanning from entry-level to professional models.

The Jackson American Virtuoso Electric Guitars

The American Series Virtuoso is crafted for the high-velocity player, featuring an alder body with a contoured "hand-shake" heel for ergonomic comfort. It is available with either a Hard Tail or Floyd Rose setup, designed to inspire and endure through long playing sessions.

Jackson Electric Basses

Jackson’s electric bass lineup includes the Concert, Spectra, and Kelly models. These basses are known for their deep, punchy tones and distinctive looks, making them perfect for heavy metal. With a variety of models and shapes, they cater to all levels of players, especially those who prefer a distorted sound.

Who plays Jackson?

Jackson’s Roster of Legendary Artists

• Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden: Known for his role in creating some of the most memorable riffs in metal history, Adrian Smith's choice of Jackson guitars helps him achieve the powerful, melodic sound that defines Iron Maiden.
• Randy Rhoads: Celebrated for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads' collaboration with Jackson led to the creation of the Jackson Rhoads models—visually striking and sonically powerful.
• Chris Broderick: Formerly of Megadeth and now with Act of Defiance, Chris Broderick's technical mastery is matched by his signature Jackson models, designed for complex, high-speed playing.
• Gus G: Known for his work with Firewind and Ozzy Osbourne, Gus G relies on Jackson for precision and aggressive tonal capabilities that match his fiery playing style.
• Brandon Ellis of The Black Dahlia Murder: Brandon Ellis uses Jackson guitars to achieve the rapid-fire melodic death metal riffs that the band is known for.
• Andreas Kisser of Sepultura: Andreas Kisser’s aggressive style is supported by the durable, robust sound of Jackson guitars.
• Jeff Loomis of Nevermore and Arch Enemy: Jeff Loomis's virtuosic playing finds a perfect match in the high-performance capabilities of Jackson guitars.
• Scott Ian of Anthrax: With a sound as aggressive as his onstage performance, Scott Ian uses Jackson guitars to churn out thrash metal riffs with precision.
• Marty Friedman of Megadeth: His complex shredding and melodic play were backed by Jackson guitars, which helped define Marty Friedman's distinctive sound.
• Corey Beaulieu of Trivium: He chooses his signature Jackson guitar for intricate leads and heavy riffs requiring precision and durability.
• Misha Mansoor of Periphery: Known for pioneering djent, Misha Mansoor's custom Jackson models handle complex rhythms and extended-range work.
• Rob Caggiano of Volbeat and Anthrax: Rob Caggiano’s dynamic style is complemented by Jackson’s versatile designs, ensuring high performance across musical styles.
• Diamond Rowe of Tetrarch: A pioneering African-American woman in metal, Diamond Rowe commands her Jackson guitar with aggressive riffing and technical prowess.

Why Shop for a Jackson at Musician's Friend?

Musician's Friend is your premier destination for Jackson guitars and basses, boasting an extensive selection that includes the latest models, gently used instruments, and open box deals. Benefit from free shipping on most orders and take advantage of the industry's leading loyalty program. Whether you're in the market for a fiery new Jackson guitar or a powerful bass, Musician's Friend ensures you get exactly what you need to rock the world. Shop today and experience the pinnacle of musical craftsmanship and customer service.