Best Jackson Guitars
Top 10 picks ranked by EJ Score
Our Top Picks
Looking for the jackson guitars? We've ranked the top picks based on our EJ Score system, which combines professional critic reviews and real user feedback into a single score out of 100. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this list will help you find the right fit.
Jackson’s Modern Dinky brings contemporary metal design to the extended-range category. Hardtail bridge, 7-strings, and focused tone-shaping—this is gear for serious players. Tone is tight and defined. The hardtail bridge maintains tuning through aggressive riffing. The body is lightweight and…
Pros
- +7-string design expands tonal range for modern metal and progressive music.
- +Lightweight Dinky body reduces fatigue during demanding performance sets.
- +Modern hardware and pickups deliver defined tone in heavy-gain contexts.
Cons
- −7-string tuning requires dedicated amp and pickup setup.
- −Dinky body is slender; some players find it uncomfortable.
The JS3 Spectra earned matching 4.5/5 scores from Guitar World and Sweetwater for good reason. It’s a feature-packed bass with a fast neck, sturdy build, and versatile tone options that work great for modern metal and rock. That said, TalkBass…
Pros
- +Graphite-reinforced three-piece maple neck profiled for speedy playing with 12-16 inch compound radius
- +Solid poplar body delivers extra resonance and reliably meaty tone without feeling like wearing a cinder block
- +Low end delivers a concussive wallop with arsenal of knobs for quick tone adjustments without interrupting playing
Cons
- −Neck humbucker in full-on mode can sound too refined or clinical compared to classic P-bass growl, lacking old-school punch
- −When both pickups are on full, there's too much lead tone instead of punchy fundamental, requiring bridge pickup dialing
The Jackson CBX IV David Ellefson Signature Bass is a specialist’s instrument, designed for a specific player and audience: fast, aggressive bassists who need extreme upper-fret access and output consistency. Guitar World gave it 4.5 stars, and the reasoning is…
Pros
- +Contoured basswood body with maple neck provides exceptional upper-fret access for fast lead playing
- +Active electronics with 9-volt battery deliver aggressive output without passive compromises
- +Jackson's HiMass bridge delivers quick attack and responsive tone; build quality is meticulous at this price point
Cons
- −Thicker-than-expected neck profile requires adjustment if you're coming from thin-neck P-bass traditions
- −Concert-scale (shorter) neck limits appeal to bassists preferring standard 34-inch scale length
The Jackson JS3 Concert Bass scores 90/100 (Legendary) for value. At $449, you’re getting a brand-name bass with solid construction and versatile tone. Compact body makes it ideal for smaller players or anyone who finds full-size basses unwieldy. Jackson’s neck…
Pros
- +Compact body is comfortable for smaller players or those who dislike full-size basses
- +Jackson's modern neck profile enables fast playing
- +Dual pickups provide versatile tones
Cons
- −Smaller body means less low-end resonance than full-size basses
- −Entry-level electronics—not premium pickups or hardware
Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V 5-String Black stands apart in the guitar world as a refined example of Jackson’s commitment to excellence. It represents the upper echelon of what’s available at this price point, combining engineering expertise with thoughtful…
Pros
- +Delivers what it promises without unnecessary complications.
- +Well-engineered for its category and price point.
- +Holds up well under regular use.
Cons
- −Pickup switching options are more limited than expected.
- −Build quality could be more consistent across units.
The Jackson American Series Soloist SL2 DX cuts a striking profile in the high-end shredder market — it’s unapologetically sharp both visually and tonally. The through-body maple neck is the star here, providing exceptional sustain, tuning stability, and upper-fret access…
Pros
- +Sleek through-body neck design provides excellent sustain and upper-fret access
- +Dual humbucker configuration delivers aggressive, high-output tones perfect for metal
- +American-made craftsmanship with quality fretwork and finish
Cons
- −High-end price ($2,570) puts it out of reach for budget-conscious players
- −Angular body not ideal for sitting comfort during long practice sessions
The Jackson Soloist SL2 DX in Lemon Burst is essentially identical to the black version — same American-made through-body construction, dual humbuckers, and slim neck profile tuned for speed-focused metal and hard rock playing. The primary difference is visual: the…
Pros
- +Through-body maple neck ensures excellent sustain and fret access above the 17th fret
- +Hot dual humbuckers pack the aggression needed for modern metal
- +Quality fretwork and finish justify the high-end price
Cons
- −High price point ($2,570) limits accessibility for budget players
- −Sharp angular design sacrifices sitting comfort for visual aggression
Proceed with caution. Limited data and middling scores make this a risky buy at $2629. Jackson has a track record, but this specific model needs more user validation. Best for: players who’ve tested it in person and know it fits…
Pros
- +Alnico pickups deliver vintage-voiced tone
- +Maple cap adds clarity and definition
- +Solid high-end-tier build quality from Jackson
Cons
- −Competes in crowded high-end price bracket
- −May require setup out of the box for optimal playability
At $250, the JS12 is exactly what it should be: a gig-ready gateway drug to the Jackson lineup. MusicRadar’s 4/5 rating confirms it punches above its weight class. Yeah, it’s got a poplar body and budget hardware, but the neck…
Pros
- +Jackson high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets deliver aggressive, clear tone with plenty of girth
- +Jumbo frets make string bending and fast playing easier once you adjust to the taller size
- +Satin-finished maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement encourages hours of playing
Cons
- −Poplar body won't give you the resonance or sustain of more expensive hardwoods
- −Jumbo frets require adjustment period - press too hard and you'll push notes out of pitch
Jackson X Series Rhoads RRX24 Electric Guitar Red with Black Bevels carves out a clear niche within Jackson’s lineup. It’s the kind of guitar that feels above its weight class, offering professional touches and careful engineering that make it a…
Pros
- +Delivers what it promises without unnecessary complications.
- +Well-engineered for its category and price point.
- +Holds up well under regular use.
Cons
- −Pickup switching options are more limited than expected.
- −Build quality could be more consistent across units.
Side-by-Side Comparison
 Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern... |  Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3... |  Jackson CBX IV David Ellefson Signature... |  Jackson JS Series Concert Bass JS3... |  Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V... |  Jackson American Series Soloist SL2 DX... |  Jackson American Series Soloist SL2 DX... |  Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT... |  Jackson Dinky JS12 Electric Guitar Metallic... |  Jackson X Series Rhoads RRX24 Electric... | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJ Score | 100 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 85 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Price | $1,959.99 | $349.99 | $699.99 | $449.99 | $449.99 | $2,569.99 | $2,629.99 | $2,629.99 | $249.99 | $969.99 |
The Bottom Line
That wraps up our picks for the jackson guitars. Every product on this list has been evaluated through our EJ Score system, combining critic expertise with community feedback. Click through to any product page for the full breakdown of scores, specs, and reviews.