TEST: Jackson_JS32_Roads

If you look at the common body shapes of the electric guitar world, you quickly come to the conclusion that the two protagonists Fender and Gibson have almost divided the market between themselves. With Strat, Tele, Paula, SG, Flying V and Explorer, almost 95% of all basic shapes and their variations are covered, so it is difficult for the designer to let a seed fall on fertile soil.

All the more interesting when ex- Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads took the Flying V as a model over 2 decades ago, sawed off a tine and created a variation that has found its fan base at least in the metal sector. The company Jackson secured the rights to the design of his time and since then brings this model in different variations on the market.

In order to make a classic of metal axes accessible to the less well-heeled guitarist, Jackson also carries a model with manufacturing in India with the designation JS32 Rhoads and a price under 400, - € in their catalog. The model I have for testing is delivered in classic black.



Construction

At first handle, the JS32 appears tidier than its asymmetrical body suggests in the photos. The eye-catching body is made of "Indian Cedro", an Indian cedar species and is surprisingly light. The maple neck is quad-bolted, sits bombproof and has been fitted with a glued-on rosewood fingerboard. The fretboard inlays are once again the familiar Sharkfin inlays from Jackson, which visually give a slight mother-of-pearl impression, but are made of plastic.

The guitar has 24 jumbo frets, which due to the shape of the body can easily be played in the upper registers. In terms of scale length, the long version with 648 millimeters was chosen. With a nut width of 43 millimeters, the neck is definitely one of the more powerful of its kind, but the slim D-profile takes much of a too powerful and facilitates the playability to a good extent.

As pickups, 2 in-house Jackson CVR2 humbuckers were installed, which follow the look of the guitar in terms of output and sonic aggressiveness. The instrument features a Jackson JT580 FR vibrato system, which was once again licensed from Floyd Rose and adopted its construction accordingly. In terms of electrics, the instrument is deliberately kept spartan, 1x volume control, 1x tone control, 1x 3-way switch, done! The controls run pleasantly light, but not too light, so that they can adjust themselves too easily during the performance.

On the back is still the access to the vibrato system and the wiring of the circuit, both neatly covered with recessed plastic washers. The instrument is delivered in a snug-fitting gig bag, a fact that should not be underestimated. Anyone who has ever tried to get a gig bag from a third-party manufacturer for such a body knows what I'm talking about.



Practice

As you can already guess from the shape, anyone who wants to play this guitar sitting down has undoubtedly not realized the purpose of the instrument. Of course, you can clamp the guitar between your legs in the best classical manner, but the resulting sight is hard to beat in sadness. Although the jack is located on the upper horn of the body, so you don't have to take an angle plug for "sitting", but as I said, it seems visually very strange.

Hanging on the strap, on the other hand, the artist and instrument really blossom. The guitar hangs balanced in the perpendicular and allows a loose and unstrained playing. In addition, the weight of the instrument is very moderate and does not leave any dents in the shoulder even after prolonged playing.

As expected, not only the appearance of the instrument follows the orientation to heavy metal, but also the acoustic properties were clearly optimized in this direction. The in-house pickups also allow a clean setting on the amp, but clearly play out their strengths in the distorted modes. Here the instrument shines with biting highs and crisp mids, which especially in the high-gain range a cutting sound to the day and also in the frequency jungle of a loud playing heavy combo knows how to assert itself.

The vibrato system is quickly dealt with, all advantages and disadvantages of the Floyd Rose patent were flawlessly adopted, who prefers an appropriate vibrato system over a fixed bridge, will not be disappointed. Due to the 24 frets, the neck pickup is forced to sit a bit lower in the body and thus catches a different overtone vibration than in the classic 21/22 fret version of the competition. Whether this is a sonic advantage or disadvantage, everyone should decide for themselves. Just test it!

Since the neck pickup sounds somewhat higher due to the offset, you can elicit unusually crisp funk sounds from the instrument in the appropriate position. Also in the intermediate position the guitar convinces due to its choice of wood by strong treble presence, which also presents pearly pickings, if necessary enriched with chorus and delay, quite tasteful.

However, the main focus of the instrument is undoubtedly on the bridge pickup, which remains transparent in the sound structure, especially in the gain range, even with high distortion intensity. The sustain behavior of the guitar is good, although due to the vibrato system in combination with the small contact surface of the knife edges you always have to make a small sacrifice compared to a fixed bridge construction. However, at appropriate gain operation, this fact is more than compensated for by the resulting compression, from there this is negligible.


Conclusion:

The Jackson JS32 Rhoads leaves a very good impression. For a retail price of less than 400, - € you get a good craft instrument, which is visually and acoustically clearly assigned to the heavier gear. Even if the instrument can score in the clean range unduly, its strengths are clearly in the distorted range. All distortion settings, starting from moderate crunch up to real high-gain, are very well covered by the guitar and reflected in the sound without sponginess.

Who does not want to / can not buy a USA Jackson, or is looking for a good second guitar, will be well served with the instrument.

Additional informations:

- Jackson Guitars is a renowned manufacturer of electric guitars and basses, recognized worldwide for its commitment to crafting high-performance instruments. With a rich history rooted in the heavy metal and rock genres, the company has become synonymous with precision, speed, and exceptional playability. This comprehensive report delves into the legacy, craftsmanship, iconic models, and innovations that have propelled Jackson Guitars to the forefront of the guitar industry.

History and Legacy Founded in 1980 by Grover Jackson, a skilled luthier, and Randy Rhoads, the legendary guitarist, Jackson Guitars initially gained prominence by designing custom instruments for notable musicians like Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads himself. The collaboration with Rhoads led to the creation of the iconic Jackson Rhoads V model, which became a symbol of the company's commitment to innovative design and high-performance guitars. Over the years, Jackson Guitars has expanded its product line and continued to redefine the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship and Quality 3.1 Precision Construction: Jackson Guitars are renowned for their exceptional build quality and attention to detail. Each instrument undergoes meticulous construction processes, including precise wood selection, hand-shaped necks, and flawless finishes. The result is a guitar that offers excellent playability, stability, and tonal richness.

3.2 Fast and Slim Neck Profiles: Jackson Guitars are revered for their fast and slim neck profiles, providing effortless access to the upper frets and facilitating lightning-fast playing techniques. This feature has made them a top choice for shredders and guitarists who demand speed and precision in their playing.

3.3 High-Output Pickups: Jackson Guitars are often equipped with high-output pickups, designed to deliver aggressive and powerful tones. These pickups excel at capturing the nuances of heavy distortion, making Jackson instruments ideal for hard rock, metal, and other genres that require high-gain tones.

Iconic Models 4.1 Rhoads V: The Rhoads V, inspired by Randy Rhoads' vision, is one of Jackson's most recognizable and iconic models. Its distinctive V-shaped body, sleek design, and aggressive tone have made it a staple in the world of heavy metal.

4.2 Soloist: The Soloist series is celebrated for its versatile and sleek design, offering exceptional playability and tonal options. With features like double-cutaway bodies, compound radius fingerboards, and Floyd Rose tremolo systems, Soloist guitars cater to a wide range of playing styles.

4.3 Dinky: The Dinky series combines compact and lightweight designs with powerful tones. These guitars are popular among guitarists who seek balance between playability, comfort, and aggressive sound.

Innovations and Collaborations
5.1 Extended Range Instruments: Jackson Guitars has embraced the growing demand for extended-range instruments, introducing 7-string, 8-string, and even multi-scale guitars to cater to the needs of modern players exploring lower tunings and extended range playing.

5.2 Signature Models: The company has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Adrian Smith, Phil Collen, and Marty Friedman, to create signature models that embody the unique playing styles and tonal preferences of these musicians. These collaborations have further strengthened Jackson's reputation for delivering instruments that meet the demands of professional players.

Endorsements and Artist Relations Jackson Guitars has formed strong relationships with a diverse array of artists, ranging from metal icons like Misha Mansoor and Phil Demmel to virtuosos like Guthrie Govan and Jeff Loomis. These endorsements highlight the trust and confidence placed in Jackson instruments by some of the most respected and demanding guitarists in the industry.

Conclusion Jackson Guitars' legacy is deeply rooted in its commitment to crafting high-performance instruments for musicians who demand precision, speed, and aggressive tones. With exceptional craftsmanship, iconic models, and a dedication to innovation, Jackson Guitars continues to be a driving force in the world of electric guitars, inspiring players to push their limits and redefine what is possible in modern guitar playing.

- A Comprehensive Comparison: Jackson Guitars Made in USA vs. Worldwide Manufacturing

Jackson Guitars has established a reputation for producing high-performance instruments that cater to the needs of guitarists in various genres. While the company's American-made models are renowned for their craftsmanship, the worldwide manufacturing of Jackson Guitars has also gained recognition. This report provides a detailed comparison of the Made in USA models and guitars manufactured elsewhere, exploring factors such as craftsmanship, materials, quality control, and price.

Craftsmanship and Materials
1.1 Made in USA Models: Jackson's American-made models are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and often feature high-quality materials. Skilled luthiers utilize traditional manufacturing techniques, ensuring precision construction, exceptional playability, and premium finishes. These guitars are typically made from select tonewoods, such as alder, mahogany, or maple, offering excellent resonance and tonal characteristics.

1.2 Worldwide Manufacturing: Guitars produced outside of the USA may use similar materials, but the craftsmanship can vary depending on the specific manufacturing facility and country. While some international factories uphold high standards, others may employ cost-saving measures that affect overall craftsmanship and attention to detail. However, advancements in technology have allowed for more consistent quality control across various manufacturing locations.

Quality Control
2.1 Made in USA Models: American-made Jackson Guitars benefit from stringent quality control measures, with experienced craftsmen overseeing every step of the production process. This level of attention ensures that each instrument meets or exceeds the company's high standards before leaving the factory. The result is consistent excellence in terms of build quality, finish, playability, and overall performance.

2.2 Worldwide Manufacturing: Quality control in international manufacturing facilities may vary. While some factories uphold strict standards and implement quality control processes similar to those in the USA, others may have less rigorous procedures. It is important to note that improvements in manufacturing technology have helped bridge the quality gap between Made in USA and international models, resulting in more consistent quality across the board.

Price 3.1
Made in USA Models: Jackson's American-made guitars are typically associated with higher price points due to factors such as skilled labor, higher production costs, and premium materials. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and reputation for quality contribute to the premium pricing of these instruments.

3.2 Worldwide Manufacturing: Guitars manufactured outside of the USA generally offer more affordable options in the Jackson lineup. By leveraging cost-effective labor and production methods, these guitars provide an opportunity for players to experience the brand's aesthetics and sound at a more accessible price point. However, it is essential to evaluate the specific model and manufacturing location to assess the value proposition and overall quality.

Brand Reputation and Legacy
4.1 Made in USA Models: Jackson's American-made guitars have a long-standing reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and association with renowned artists. The Made in USA label is often seen as a symbol of quality and prestige, bolstering the appeal of these instruments to collectors, professionals, and discerning musicians.

4.2 Worldwide Manufacturing: While guitars produced outside of the USA may not carry the same historical legacy, they still benefit from Jackson's brand reputation and commitment to delivering high-performance instruments. As the company expands its global reach, worldwide manufacturing has allowed for wider availability of Jackson Guitars, making them accessible to a broader audience of musicians.

Conclusion
Jackson Guitars' Made in USA models and instruments manufactured worldwide both have their own merits. American-made guitars are renowned for their craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and premium materials. They cater to musicians who seek the highest levels of quality and are willing to invest in a premium instrument. On the other hand, guitars manufactured outside of the USA offer more accessible price points while still providing players with the brand's signature aesthetics and sound. These instruments have benefited from advancements in technology and more consistent quality control processes.

Ultimately, the choice between Made in USA models and guitars manufactured worldwide depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the specific needs of the player. Both options offer a range of instruments that showcase Jackson's commitment to high-performance guitars and cater to the diverse requirements of guitarists worldwide.