History

• Jackson guitars began in 1980 when Quiet Riot guitarist Randy Rhoads and luthier Grover Jackson designed an electric guitar together for Rhoads' new band with Ozzy Osbourne. Initially named the Concorde, the guitar was renamed the Jackson Rhoads in 1982 following Rhoads' untimely death. Throughout the early and mid- 1980s, Jackson guitars experienced a great deal of popularity with bands like Def Leppard, Megadeth and Iron Maiden endorsing the brand.
  
  

Types

• Although Jackson makes only electric guitars, guitarists have numerous options from which to choose. Jackson still manufactures its Rhoads model, which features a V-shaped body. The Rhoads comes in various colors and left- and right-handed models. The Soloist model has a more traditional design with a rounded body that looks like a Fender Stratocaster. Jackson also makes a smaller version of the same guitar known as the Dinky.
  
  

More Models

• One of the stranger shaped Jackson guitars is the Warrior line. The body is composed of four jagged-looking points and comes in red, gray and black. For something more traditional, try the San Dimas, which was originally designed for guitarist Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. The King V series has a traditional "flying V" shaped body used by many heavy metal guitarists, including Megadeth's Dave Mustaine.
  
  

Bass

• Besides six-string guitars, Jackson also manufactures four-string electric bass guitars. The line, known as the Concert Bass line, includes a standard bass, the Chris Beattie signature Concert Bass---named for the Hatebreed bassist---and the John Campbell Signature Concert Bass---named for the Lamb of God bassist.