The Complete Jackson Guitar Price Guide 2025: Metal's Weapon of Choice

Last updated: January 2025

When Randy Rhoads walked into Grover Jackson's shop in 1980 with a sketch of a radical guitar design, he unknowingly launched one of the most influential guitar brands in metal history. Today, Jackson guitars remain the weapon of choice for shredders and metal guitarists worldwide—but understanding their pricing can be as complex as mastering a Rhoads solo.

Whether you're hunting for your first shred machine or adding a USA Select to your collection, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Jackson guitar values in 2025.

Jackson Guitar Market Overview 2025

The Jackson guitar market has evolved significantly since Fender's acquisition in 2002. Here's what the current landscape looks like:

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Jackson Price: $780 (up 5% from 2024)
• Active Listings: Approximately 2,800 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 1,650 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $200 (entry-level JS Series) to $8,000+ (USA Custom Shop)

Unlike vintage-focused brands, Jackson's market strength lies in playability and performance features rather than collector speculation. This means you're often paying for what you can actually use: fast necks, high-output pickups, and precision tremolo systems.

Understanding Jackson's Model Hierarchy

Jackson organizes their lineup into distinct tiers, each serving different player needs and budgets. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for finding the right value:

JS Series (Entry-Level: $200-$500)

The gateway to Jackson's universe. These guitars punch above their weight class:

JS Series Specifications:

• Body: Poplar or nato wood
• Neck: Bolt-on maple with graphite reinforcement
• Fingerboard: Amaranth with 12"-16" compound radius
• Pickups: Dual Jackson high-output ceramic humbuckers
• Bridge: Licensed Floyd Rose or string-through hardtail

Popular JS Models:

• JS Series Dinky JS32: $449.99 (new)
• JS Series King V JS32: $449.99 (new)
• JS Series Warrior JS32: $419.99 (new)
• JS Series Kelly JS32: $449.99 (new)

Pro Tip: Used JS Series guitars often sell for $250-$350, making them exceptional values for beginners who want authentic Jackson features.

X Series (Intermediate: $700-$1,200)

Where neck-through construction enters the picture. The X Series represents Jackson's serious step up:

X Series Specifications:

• Body: Nyatoh or poplar with figured tops
• Neck: Neck-through maple with scarf joint
• Fingerboard: Laurel with 24 jumbo frets
• Pickups: Options include EMG 81/85 active sets
• Bridge: Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo

Popular X Series Models:

• X Series Soloist SLX DX: $899.99 (new)
• X Series Kelly KEXS: $849.99 (new)
• X Series Dinky DK2X HT: $699.99 (new)

Pro Series (Professional: $800-$1,500)

The sweet spot for gigging musicians. Pro Series guitars deliver professional features at accessible prices:

Pro Series Specifications:

• Body: Premium mahogany or basswood
• Neck: Neck-through construction with graphite reinforcement
• Fingerboard: Ebony with compound radius and rolled edges
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan or premium Jackson humbuckers
• Bridge: Floyd Rose 1000 Series or original Floyd Rose

Notable Pro Series Models:

• Pro Series Soloist SL2: $1,249.99 (new)
• Pro Series Dinky DK Modern: $1,369.99 (new)
• Pro Series Signature Chris Broderick Soloist: $819.99 (new)
• Pro Series Signature Mick Thomson Soloist SL2: $1,249.99 (new)
• Pro Series Signature Jeff Loomis Soloist SL7: $1,409.99 (new)

MJ Series (Made in Japan: $1,200-$2,000)

Japanese craftsmanship meets Jackson aggression. The MJ Series represents exceptional build quality:

MJ Series Highlights:

• Superior fit and finish from FujiGen facility
• Premium tonewoods and hardware
• Often includes premium pickups (Bare Knuckle, Fishman Fluence)

American Series (USA-Made: $2,100-$2,900)

Jackson's flagship production line, built in Corona, California:

American Series Specifications:

• Body: Solid alder or basswood
• Neck: Quartersawn maple neck-through with carbon fiber reinforcement
• Fingerboard: Compound-radius ebony with stainless steel frets
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB/'59 or custom-voiced sets
• Bridge: Original Floyd Rose or hardtail

Key American Series Models:

• American Series Soloist SL2 DX: $2,569.99 (new)
• American Series Rhoads RR24: $2,849.99 (new)
• American Series Virtuoso: $1,479.99 (new, hardtail)

USA Select & Custom Shop ($3,000-$8,000+)

The pinnacle of Jackson craftsmanship:

USA Select Features:

• Hand-selected premium tonewoods
• Custom Shop-level attention to detail
• Certificate of authenticity included
• Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz and TB-4 JB pickups standard

Typical USA Select Pricing:

• USA Select Soloist SL2H: $3,500-$4,500
• USA Select King V KV2: $3,800-$4,800
• USA Select Kelly KE2: $3,500-$4,500
• USA Select Randy Rhoads RR1T: $4,000-$5,000

Jackson Guitar Price Guide by Body Style

Soloist Series Pricing

The Soloist is Jackson's flagship superstrat—24 frets, neck-through construction, and built for speed:

Soloist Price Breakdown:

• JS Series: $300-$450 (new), $200-$350 (used)
• X Series: $700-$950 (new), $500-$700 (used)
• Pro Series: $900-$1,500 (new), $700-$1,100 (used)
• American Series: $2,000-$2,800 (new), $1,600-$2,200 (used)
• USA Select: $3,500-$5,000 (new), $2,800-$4,000 (used)

Dinky Series Pricing

The Dinky's 7/8-scale body makes it lighter and more comfortable for extended sessions:

Dinky Price Breakdown:

• JS Series: $280-$450 (new), $180-$320 (used)
• X Series: $650-$900 (new), $450-$650 (used)
• Pro Series: $850-$1,400 (new), $600-$1,000 (used)

King V & Randy Rhoads Pricing

The iconic V shapes command premium prices due to their stage presence and limited production:

V-Shape Price Breakdown:

• JS Series: $350-$480 (new), $250-$380 (used)
• X Series: $700-$950 (new), $500-$750 (used)
• Pro Series: $900-$1,500 (new), $700-$1,200 (used)
• American Series Rhoads RR24: $2,849.99 (new), $2,200-$2,600 (used)
• USA Select: $4,000-$5,500 (new), $3,200-$4,500 (used)

Kelly & Warrior Pricing

These aggressive designs appeal to players seeking maximum visual impact:

Kelly/Warrior Price Breakdown:

• JS Series Kelly/Warrior: $420-$480 (new), $280-$380 (used)
• X Series Kelly KEXS: $800-$950 (new), $550-$750 (used)
• Pro Plus Warrior WR1A: $1,579 (new), $1,100-$1,400 (used)
• USA Select: $3,500-$5,000 (new), $2,800-$4,000 (used)

Vintage and Collectible Jackson Values

While Jackson isn't primarily a "vintage" brand, certain models have appreciated significantly:

1980s USA-Made Jackson Values

Pre-Fender Era (1980-2002):

• Original Randy Rhoads (1981-1985): $4,000-$8,000
• Early Soloist models (1983-1986): $2,500-$5,000
• Vintage USA King V (1984-1990): $2,500-$4,500
• Pre-CBS Jackson Custom Shop: $3,500-$7,000

Factors Affecting Vintage Value:

1. Original Hardware: Replaced Floyd Rose or pickups reduce value 15-25%
2. Case and Documentation: Original hardcase adds $200-$400 value
3. Finish Condition: Refinished guitars lose 30-40% of collector value
4. Serial Number Verification: San Dimas era (pre-1986) commands premium

Limited Edition and Artist Models

Signature Models Appreciation:

• Original Randy Rhoads Concorde reissues: 15-25% appreciation over 5 years
• Numbered limited editions: Often sell for 20-50% above original MSRP
• Japanese-made signature models (90s-2000s): Steady appreciation of 5-10% annually

Where to Buy Jackson Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $920)

• Largest selection with 1,800+ Jackson listings
• Strong buyer protection and authentication
• 5.8% average price increase year-over-year
• Best for: Rare models, vintage Jacksons, comparison shopping

eBay (Average Price: $850)

• Good deals but requires careful authentication
• 2,400+ active listings
• 4.5% price trend
• Best for: Budget finds, parts guitars, international options

Guitar Center Used (Average Price: $780)

• Physical inspection available at 300+ locations
• 420+ listings nationwide
• 3.2% price appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy, trade-in deals

Local Dealers (Average Price: $720)

• Personal service and setup included
• Limited selection (280+ guitars)
• 2.5% price growth
• Best for: Negotiation, package deals, support

Tips for Buying Used Jackson Guitars

1. Check the Floyd Rose: A worn-out Floyd costs $200+ to replace properly
2. Inspect the Neck Joint: Neck-through Jacksons rarely have issues, but bolt-on models can develop pocket wear
3. Test All Electronics: Jackson pickups are high-output—if they're quiet, something's wrong
4. Verify Series and Origin: Japanese-made Jacksons (MJ) often get confused with Indonesian models
5. Serial Number Research: Use Jackson's database to verify production year and location

Jackson Signature Models: Value Guide

Jackson's artist roster reads like a metal hall of fame. Here's how signature models stack up:

Current Signature Model Values

Pro Series Signatures ($800-$1,600):

• Chris Broderick Soloist 6/7: $819-$1,499
• Mick Thomson Soloist SL2: $1,249
• Jeff Loomis Soloist SL7: $1,409
• Diamond Rowe Monarkh: $1,099 (first African American female signature model)
• Corey Beaulieu King V: $1,299
• Phil Demmel King V: $1,199

MJ Series Signatures ($1,500-$2,200):

• Misha Mansoor So-Cal 2PT: $1,699-$1,899

USA Signatures ($2,500-$4,500):

• USA Misha Mansoor Juggernaut: $2,999-$3,499
• USA Chris Broderick Soloist HT6/7: $2,999-$3,299

Discontinued Signatures Worth Tracking

Some discontinued signature models have become collectible:

• Phil Collen (Def Leppard) models: $1,200-$2,500 used
• Marty Friedman (Megadeth era) models: $1,500-$3,000 used
• Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) San Dimas models: $800-$1,500 used

Investment Potential: Are Jackson Guitars Worth Collecting?

Jackson guitars offer different investment dynamics than vintage-focused brands:

Positive Investment Factors

1. Consistent Demand: Metal and hard rock remain globally popular genres
2. Fender Backing: Parent company resources ensure brand continuity
3. Artist Connections: Signature models tied to major artists hold value
4. USA Production Quality: American-made models appreciate steadily

Models with Strongest Investment Potential

• Pre-2002 USA Production: Original San Dimas and Ontario-built guitars
• Limited Edition Runs: Numbered models with certificates
• Early Signature Models: First-generation artist collaborations
• USA Select/Custom Shop: Premium builds with documentation

What to Avoid for Investment

• Heavily modified guitars (unless by notable builders)
• Refinished instruments without documentation
• Indonesian/Chinese models (functional but don't appreciate)
• Models with replaced Floyd Rose units or pickups

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Jackson

For Beginners ($200-$500)

Recommended Models:

• JS Series Dinky JS32: Best all-around starter
• JS Series King V JS32: For committed metal enthusiasts
• JS Series Soloist JS32: If you know neck-through isn't essential yet

What to Prioritize:

• Hardtail bridge (easier to maintain than Floyd Rose)
• Compound radius fingerboard for versatile playability
• Basic humbucker setup until you know your preferences

For Intermediate Players ($700-$1,500)

Recommended Models:

• Pro Series Soloist SL2: Industry-standard shred machine
• Pro Series Dinky DK Modern: Modern features, EverTune-compatible
• X Series Kelly KEXS: If you want the visual impact

What to Prioritize:

• Neck-through construction for sustain and access
• Floyd Rose Special or better (avoid licensed units)
• Premium pickups (Seymour Duncan, EMG, Fishman Fluence)

For Professionals ($2,000+)

Recommended Models:

• American Series Soloist SL2 DX: Studio-ready USA production
• American Series Rhoads RR24: The iconic shape, USA quality
• USA Select Soloist SL2H: Custom Shop level without the wait

What to Prioritize:

• Stainless steel frets for longevity
• Original Floyd Rose (not 1000 series)
• Quartersawn maple neck for stability
• Ebony fingerboard for fastest response

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Jackson guitars only for metal players? A: While Jackson built their reputation on metal, many models are surprisingly versatile. The Dinky and Soloist with HSS configurations handle everything from blues to funk. Even Gary Moore played Jackson guitars for his famous blues work.

Q: How does Jackson compare to Ibanez for shred guitars? A: Both are excellent. Jackson typically offers thicker necks, beefier tones, and more aggressive aesthetics. Ibanez Edge tremolos are arguably more stable, while Floyd Rose units on Jacksons offer more dramatic dive bombs. Try both—it's largely personal preference.

Q: Is it worth buying USA Jackson over Pro Series? A: The jump from Pro Series ($1,200) to American Series ($2,500) gets you premium woods, stainless steel frets, Original Floyd Rose, and USA craftsmanship. For professional touring or recording, yes. For home players and weekend warriors, Pro Series delivers 90% of the performance.

Q: Do Jackson guitars hold value? A: USA-made Jacksons hold value well, typically retaining 65-80% of their value over 5 years. Import models depreciate faster (40-50% in year one) but stabilize afterward. Limited editions and artist signatures often appreciate.

Q: What's the best Jackson guitar for drop tuning? A: Look for models with extended scale length (26.5" or 27") like the Pro Series Dinky DK Modern EverTune 7, or any seven-string model. The EverTune bridge system is particularly valuable for maintaining tuning in alternate configurations.

Conclusion

Jackson guitars occupy a unique position in the market: purpose-built instruments for players who demand speed, aggression, and uncompromising performance. From $200 JS Series shredders to $8,000 Custom Shop masterpieces, there's a Jackson for every level of commitment to the six-string arts.

The key to smart Jackson buying is matching your needs to the right tier. Don't overpay for features you won't use—but don't cheap out on critical specs like neck construction and bridge quality if you're serious about your playing.

When Randy Rhoads designed that first Concorde, he wanted a guitar that could keep up with his revolutionary playing style. Forty-five years later, Jackson continues to build instruments for players who refuse to compromise.

For the most current pricing and availability, always verify with authorized Jackson dealers or major online retailers. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, limited availability, and model discontinuation.

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