Jackson Guitars, a name inextricably linked with the evolution and sound of heavy metal music, has officially launched its highly anticipated Legends Series. This new collection pays homage to four of the genre’s most influential figures whose distinct contributions not only shaped the landscape of heavy music but also profoundly influenced Jackson’s own design philosophy and iconic status. The series features meticulously crafted recreations of instruments originally built for the late guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads, Megadeth alumni Marty Friedman and David Ellefson, and Anthrax co-founder Scott Ian, making these legendary axes accessible to a new generation of musicians and devoted fans alike.
Jackson’s Indelible Mark on Heavy Metal History
The story of Jackson Guitars is a narrative woven deeply into the fabric of heavy metal. Established in 1980 by Grover Jackson in Southern California, the brand quickly distinguished itself from its contemporaries by embracing radical designs, high-performance features, and a commitment to meeting the exacting demands of emerging hard rock and metal guitarists. While other manufacturers focused on traditional aesthetics, Jackson dared to be different, creating instruments that were as visually aggressive as the music they were designed to play. This bold approach, combined with superior craftsmanship and innovative engineering, rapidly solidified Jackson’s reputation as the premier choice for artists pushing the boundaries of musical intensity and technical prowess.
From the pioneering V-shaped "Rhoads" model to the sharp angles of the Kelly and King V, Jackson guitars became synonymous with speed, power, and sonic aggression. The brand’s early success was largely driven by custom orders from guitarists who sought instruments capable of handling the high-gain amplification, rapid-fire riffing, and intricate solos characteristic of the burgeoning thrash, speed, and neoclassical metal genres. This bespoke approach fostered a deep relationship between the brand and its artists, leading to a continuous cycle of innovation where player feedback directly informed instrument design. The Legends Series stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, celebrating the synergistic relationship between Jackson and the artists who wielded their creations to forge new musical frontiers.
The Genesis of the Legends Series: Preserving Iconic Legacy
The core philosophy behind the Legends Series is to translate these highly personal and historically significant instruments into signature models built for contemporary players. Jackson’s design team has meticulously preserved the intricate details that made each original instrument distinct, while simultaneously ensuring they meet the high standards of modern playability and construction. This initiative goes beyond simple reproduction; it aims to make the spirit and sound of these legendary guitars accessible to a broader audience, allowing aspiring and professional musicians to connect with the instruments that defined an era. As Jackson states, the goal is to bridge the past and present, offering instruments that are both authentic homages and powerful tools for today’s musical landscape.
The series is not merely a collection of reissues but a curated journey through some of heavy metal’s most pivotal moments, embodied by the instruments that were at the forefront of those movements. Each model tells a story of innovation, artistic collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of sonic excellence that characterized the careers of these four legends.
Randy Rhoads CD1: The Visionary’s Original "Concorde V" Reimagined
Leading the charge in the Legends Series is a faithful recreation of Randy Rhoads’ iconic white and gold Concorde V, the very instrument he collaborated on with Grover Jackson in 1980. This guitar, dubbed the CD1, is more than just a reproduction; it’s a tribute to a pivotal moment in guitar design and heavy metal history. Randy Rhoads, renowned for his neoclassical shredding and profound influence during his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, was instrumental in shaping Jackson’s early identity. His desire for a more angular, aggressive take on the traditional V-shape led to the creation of the Concorde, an instrument that would define a generation of metal guitars.
The CD1 features an alder body, a tonewood celebrated for its balanced resonance and clear attack, providing a robust foundation for Rhoads’s dynamic playing style. The heart of its sonic character lies in the Seymour Duncan JB/’59 pickup configuration, a classic pairing that delivers powerful bridge humbucker tones (JB) for searing leads and tight rhythms, complemented by the vintage warmth and clarity of the ’59 neck humbucker. This combination offers a versatile palette, from aggressive crunch to articulate clean passages. The guitar boasts a compound-radius 12”-16” fingerboard, a hallmark of high-performance Jackson instruments, designed for effortless chord work in lower positions and smooth, fast soloing higher up the neck. Completing the package is a vintage-correct six-saddle tremolo with a whammy bar, allowing for classic vibrato effects and expressive pitch modulation, staying true to the original’s specifications.
Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio, Randy Rhoads’s sister, expressed the family’s heartfelt approval: “The Rhoads family is so pleased to see this new Randy Rhoads CD1 model from Jackson. Randy’s historic legacy has remained in the spotlight for over 40 years. There is no doubt Randy would be so honoured to know the impact he has had on Jackson Guitars and on the world of rock and metal guitar.” Her statement underscores the enduring impact of Randy Rhoads, not only as a musician but as a visionary who left an indelible mark on instrument design.
Marty Friedman KE-1: A Shred Icon’s Signature Kelly
Next in the series is the Marty Friedman KE-1, a direct homage to his late-’90s Jackson Kelly signature model. Friedman, celebrated for his unique melodic sensibility and aggressive, technically brilliant playing, particularly during his tenure with Megadeth, wielded his original Kelly extensively across some of the band’s most iconic albums. Albums such as Rust in Peace (1990) and Countdown to Extinction (1992) are often cited as pinnacles of thrash metal, and Friedman’s intricate solos and powerful riffs, delivered through his Jackson Kelly, were central to their groundbreaking sound.
The KE-1 recreation features an alder body, providing a strong, resonant foundation, paired with a three-piece maple neck. Maple is known for its bright tone and stability, ensuring the KE-1 can withstand the rigors of aggressive playing. True to Friedman’s preference for focused, powerful tones, this model sports a singular Seymour Duncan JB pickup in the bridge position. This choice emphasizes raw power and cutting articulation, ideal for Friedman’s signature lead work and tight rhythm playing. The inclusion of a Kahler 7330 fixed bridge further enhances the guitar’s performance, offering rock-solid tuning stability and sustain, crucial for demanding live performances and studio recordings. The distinctive, angular Kelly body shape remains a visual declaration of its metal pedigree, instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.
Marty Friedman himself reflected on the significance of the instrument: “My KE-1 represents living the dream to me. When I had the opportunity to create my own signature guitar, I went all out with Jackson to build the ultimate heavy metal guitar. No expense was spared, from the pickup and bridge to every detail and dimension. After thousands of concerts and countless recordings, the KE-1 remains a huge part of my journey and an iconic instrument that people associate with me.” This personal testimony highlights the deep connection artists form with their instruments, especially those designed to their exact specifications.
Scott Ian Rhoads RR22: Anthrax’s Thrash Metal Workhorse
The Legends Series also resurrects the Scott Ian Rhoads RR22, an instrument steeped in thrash metal history. This model proudly sports the iconic bolt "Not" body graphics, which were a central visual motif during Anthrax’s explosive ’80s era. Scott Ian, a founding member and rhythm guitarist of Anthrax, is a pivotal figure in the development of thrash metal, known for his aggressive downpicking, rhythmic intensity, and dynamic stage presence. The RR22 is a testament to his enduring influence and the raw power of early thrash.
The RR22 features neck-through construction, a premium design choice that maximizes sustain and resonance by integrating the neck and body into a single, continuous piece of wood. This construction method is highly prized for its structural integrity and tonal properties, delivering the powerful, sustained notes essential for metal. For optimal performance under extreme conditions, the guitar is equipped with a top-mount Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo. The Floyd Rose system is a standard in heavy metal, offering unparalleled tuning stability even with aggressive dive bombs and tremolo arm acrobatics, allowing Ian to unleash his signature sonic assaults without compromise. The bold graphics are not just aesthetic; they evoke a specific era of metal where visual identity was as crucial as musical output.
Scott Ian shared his perspective on the guitar’s importance: “My Not Rhoads was such an important part of my journey. I discovered my tone with it. It’s been used on every Anthrax record — it was the main guitar on those first five albums in the ’80s. It’s the guitar that kind of made my life. I love that people connect with it.” Ian’s words underscore how deeply intertwined an artist’s identity and sound can become with a particular instrument, shaping their career and influencing countless others.
David Ellefson Concert Bass: Jackson’s Pioneering 5-String
Completing the Legends Series is a recreation of Jackson’s first-ever five-string bass, originally built for former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson in 1990. Ellefson is a titan of thrash metal bass, renowned for his intricate, driving lines that provide the powerful rhythmic backbone to Megadeth’s complex compositions. His original 5-string bass was a groundbreaking instrument, pushing the boundaries of bass guitar design and performance for heavy music.
This reissued model features an alder body, providing a balanced and articulate tone, paired with a three-piece through-body quartersawn maple neck. The through-body construction, much like on the Scott Ian Rhoads, ensures exceptional sustain and tonal consistency, while quartersawn maple offers enhanced stability and rigidity. For its powerful and versatile sound, the bass is equipped with active EMG 40DC and CS pickups. The 40DC (Dual Coil) provides high-output, full-range tone with punch and clarity, while the 40CS (Ceramic and Steel) offers a warm, articulate, and powerful tone, ideal for the demanding sonic landscape of metal. These pickups are complemented by a three-band EQ, offering extensive tonal sculpting capabilities, allowing bassists to dial in everything from deep, resonant lows to cutting mids and crisp highs. A Jackson HiMass 5-string bridge provides superior sustain and intonation, while Open-Gear Hipshot tuners ensure precise and reliable tuning stability, critical for extended-range instruments.
David Ellefson reflected on his connection to the instrument: “My Jackson Concert basses have always been the sleek, high-octane version of what I consider to be a great bass. Their slightly smaller body and fast action made them perfect for my aggressive playing style. My original 1987 Concert Bass gave me the freedom to fully develop my playing without limitations from the instrument. Jackson basses have become an integral part of who I am and the music I’m known for.” Ellefson’s comments highlight the instrument’s role in his personal and professional development, underscoring the importance of having a tool that not only performs but inspires.
Broader Impact and Implications: A Legacy Reborn
Jon Romanowski, Jackson’s VP of Product, eloquently summarized the essence of the Legends Series: “Randy, Scott, David and Marty didn’t just play Jackson instruments — they helped define what Jackson became and pushed heavy music forward in the process. You can hear and see their influence in heavy music today, across generations of artists and increasingly across genres. Making these instruments available to players isn’t simply about recreating the past; it’s about putting them into the hands of the players who will take that influence somewhere new.”
This statement encapsulates the dual purpose of the series: to honor a rich heritage while simultaneously fostering future innovation. The release of the Legends Series carries significant implications for both Jackson Guitars and the broader music industry. For Jackson, it reinforces its historical position as a pioneer in heavy metal instrumentation, leveraging its storied past to attract new customers and rekindle loyalty among long-time fans. It’s a powerful marketing statement that reminds the market of Jackson’s authentic roots and its deep connection to the legends of the genre.
For consumers, particularly collectors and aspiring musicians, these reissues offer an opportunity to own a piece of history. High-end signature models and reissues often command premium prices, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship, historical significance, and brand prestige associated with them. The market for such instruments is robust, driven by a desire for authenticity, superior build quality, and the aspirational connection to musical heroes. These guitars are not just tools; they are artifacts, conversation pieces, and investments in musical heritage.
Furthermore, the Legends Series speaks to a larger trend within the guitar industry of celebrating iconic models and artists through reissues and signature lines. In an era where digital tools and virtual instruments are prevalent, the enduring appeal of tangible, high-quality instruments remains strong. These reissues serve as a bridge between generations, introducing classic designs and sounds to younger players while offering seasoned musicians a chance to revisit their formative influences with instruments built to modern standards. By making these legendary instruments accessible, Jackson is not just selling guitars; it’s perpetuating a legacy, inspiring new musical journeys, and ensuring that the spirit of heavy metal’s pioneers continues to resonate in the hands of musicians worldwide.
Pricing details for each of the four new Legends Series models are available through authorized Jackson dealers and on the official Jackson Guitars website.
To learn more about the Legends Series and explore the full specifications of each model, interested parties are encouraged to visit Jackson Guitars’ official website.
