Jackson's $279 RAW METAL AXE (a metalhead's simple, affordable guitar)

Jackson has really cornered the market on budget friendly heavy metal guitars... at under $300, this Jackson JS32 Rhoads (js32t model) is simple, reliable, sounds good, and looks great. What more do you need to play metal? If you're on a budget, this is one of the best Jackson guitars for metal.
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Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[@primitiveT]

I had that guitar. Did the displeasure of trading it for a Epiphone Studio LT. DONT DO IT!! IT'S A GREAT GUITAR!!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Well, it looks like Guitar Center is selling it on sale, brand new, for about $240, so maybe you could pick up another one. (Today is November 17, 2023.)

[@mango7736]

@@carlbaumeister3439They are currently $209 as of 12/15/23. Even better deal.

[@joshstroven8284]

Bought one in January this year while it was on sale. Just sold it back today. Frets weren't filed properly and cut my finger. And the pickups sounded pretty thin even for a humbucker. Decided to upgrade to a better model Rhoades.

[@aaronvasquezmma]

I'm getting it at 8pm tonight. Had Guitar Center hold it they already adjusted the neck it plays great. Now I just need an 8 string fanned fret.

[@overkillsnake]

I bought one about a year ago, put some Seymour Duncam Black winter pickups in it and upgraded the pots. I also put some Gotoh locking tuners on it and did a set up on it. Man, this thing shreds.

[@mariovillalobos276]

The black winter pickups are awesome! I have one in my guitar too! Congrats man!

[@overkillsnake]

@@mariovillalobos276 thanks, man! Keep on shredding! 🤘🏼

[@eddie1griffen]

Which pots did you decide on for your build?

[@overkillsnake]

@@eddie1griffenTwo Seymour Duncan 250k pots. 👍🏼

[@Lil_vara]

you gave it a wammy bar?

[@andrewawakened628]

Amazing to think that you can actually get a great playing, good sounding and cool looking metal guitar for under $300! Back when I first picked up guitar anything in that price range would have been absolute garbage with fret action 1 mile high or a buzzing unplayable mess! Kids nowadays have no idea how good they have it.

[@notfound379]

I received one for Christmas and I was stunned at how great the neck felt. I was really impressed with the fretboard material. It's low friction and bends fly.

[@nategin9009]

It's a Jackson neck lol but it's crap. Stupid buying from china

[@phillipholt6005]

I've never bought a ff but when they came out with the airtroncis I'm taking the dive

[@phillipholt6005]

Max you still don't have that guitar because you've replaced just about every conceivable thing on it.

[@jmorbid7319]

​@@phillipholt6005no he didn't I got one and I can see the Jackson pickups.

[@jmorbid7319]

​@@phillipholt6005nevermind my bad bro I didn't wait till he put the first one away🤘😉

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Hi, I’m a luthier, you can use either 00 steel wool or 300 to 500 grit wet sanding paper which won’t let it scratch. Get a couple pieces of the grey wet sand in starting at 250 finishing 500 to 600. Dry off done. You can even do this with gloss necks though you Night work a little harder in the beginning. I’ve had tons of customers come in asking what they could do cheap. I’d go back where I keep wet paper soaking, I’m back in 5 minutes. Charge 10 bucks and they are very happy. Gloss can be smooth but your hands need to be baby powder dry.

[@chunkyyetfunky0098]

I’ve played this exact model for a while now , been waiting for it to show up here. Jackson isn’t easy to beat for the quality it packs into that low price range. Wonderful guitar

[@Nasia_Cron]

I found this in a small guitar shop and my dad bought it for me spur of the moment, one of the best purchases ever, it’s so versatile and has an amazing sound.

[@terrygore115]

Yep, Jackson guitars have the best necks. So comfortable and fast. I do love a modern C shaped neck, but the Jacksons are the best necks I've played.

[@BazonBlades]

I have one of these and like it pretty well. It's one of the most resonant solid body guitars I have played in 35 years. Down side is generic but usable pickups, borderline tuners and a very sticky nut. And every JS series guitar I've ever played needed a complete set up. Which should be a given at this price point.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

sticky nut? did you try graphite on it? but anyway maybe it needs string trees.

[@BazonBlades]

@@superblondeDotOrg, graphite is the first thing I did. Nut stick has always been a problem with fixed bridge Jacksons with their 6-inline headstock. The string break angle is so extreme that it causes sticking with the JS plastic nut. I just budget for a Graphtech nut when considering a JS guitar.

[@imjustvibing2018]

I agree 100% on that resonance! I was actually pretty surprised by the stock pickups but they definitely need an upgrade. The neck is fantastic but tuning sucks

[@shadowviper957]

I changed my tuners to grover non locking, Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis pickups. Still looking for a bridge and nut to swap. Seems like so many but hard to find what's a better upgrade. So many nuts that it's hard to find the exact drop in replacement. Looking to use graphtech bridge and nut on the Kelly.

[@tacotacotacobajablast6821]

i heard you love sticky nuts

[@josephdennany2634]

I've been super impressed with these guitars...ive had mine for almost a year now and still rocks..no complaints...keep rocking these videos max always a pleasure.!!!

[@chrisellenback6210]

Perfect Randy Rhoades guitar!! And the price can't be beat. I have a strat model I got for about the same price. Way cool

[@brianmako7108]

I have a the king V in drab green. It's now being fitted with emg 81/85, gotoh 1996t bridge and locking nut, military themed airbrush paint job and routed the jack to the opposite side. Planet waves locking tuners for string changes( had them laying around ). It's already had a full fret job. Fu-tone big brass block. That being said besides the licensed fr the guitar was very good. But I can leave anything alone.

[@johndrake1100]

Hey Max, I have the JS32 Rhoads like yours and I bought the JS32 Dinky Archtop with the floyd rose-ish bridge in natural oil. The frets on both needed a little work but after a good crown, end dress and polish...the neck plays better than my Ibanez prestige. I just wish Jackson would release a soloist in the natural oil finish. I love your channel! I watch every video you put out...even backed your album (cannot wait to see the shirts). You are an extremely valuable resource in the ever expanding realm of affordable guitars. Thank you for all of the wonderful content you create.

[@michaelthomas9991]

Badass review, Max! Of course your great playing makes the guitar shine! Thanks for posting this review.

[@bcsimpilot3497]

Oh, so YOURE the GuitarMAXX guy that played with Dovydas! It all makes sense. Great rips dude. Guitar stills seems like voodoo to me.

[@timmyhelton1236]

I just bought one from guitar center and brought it home and plugged it in and recorded a Cattle Décapitation cover with it... I didn't do anything but tune it and rip. I've been playing for 33 years and I have nothing to say bad about this axe for the price it's amazing and as stated you can get down on it right out the box. Good video bro your the reason I picked one of these up.

[@jasonkidd1689]

I've seen this in person, and the videos don't do it justice. It's very nice 👌

[@doomcrewoutdoors1613]

I love your guitar playing Max! I feel like you’re very underrated among KZbin guitarists, I’m always hoping you’ll get in on the “shred wars” videos someday!

[@WalkMannMusicOfficial]

FINALLY! I have seen this in the background of your vids. I have been waiting to see if you were gonna do this! Thank you! The perfect review!!!!!!!!!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Hope you like it!

[@WalkMannMusicOfficial]

@@GuitarMAXMusic I do very much! I will save up for this guitar and then I won't need another! Thanks!

[@commissardanilovsky5174]

Max always speaks to us budget-minded folks! His usual awesomeness here! Any guitar sounds great in Max’s hands

[@AdventureswithJack453]

Picked one up about a year ago. Great looks and with some minor adjustments it plays as well as anything else that I own.

[@MaxPower-uq4sz]

great review. I bought a Rhoads entry level left hand few month ago, totally agree on everything. Great value, great guitar. Have a good one!

[@franckauger9490]

Only 279 $ ! Jackson's is doing great guitars.

[@randymiles904]

Ive been considering one of these. I always thought they seemed to have good bones. I think after this review, I know what my next mod project is. Thanks Max!

[@DavidThull]

I picked that one up about a year ago as well on sale for just about $200.00 at Guitar Center. I love V shaped guitars, and this is a fun affordable guitar.

[@phihelix8777]

Such a great channel. Thanks for your efforts.

[@jamesosterberg2510]

Last week, I just bought the same type of guitar, but it's a 1994 Made In Japan Jackson Rhoads Performer PS 37 in black with a Floyd ! I got it only for 200€ (I live in France), but with a big Gator case, an EMG boost in it, and a J90C pickup in it !! What a great deal !! It's a very cool and beautiful guitar !!! I always wanted one of these among my others guitars. Cheers from France !!!!!

[@okayestguitar66]

I bought one of these last year, still have it. I was very impressed with the build quality of it, especially the pickups. I wonder if the high quality and attention to detail is a result of it being an FSR (Fender Special Run) guitar. The fret work on mine was great, and I'm so blown away by the pickups! They just seem to have "it" without throwing a blanket over them! Thanks Max!

[@danielshafer3227]

A hard tail Jackson Dinky should be the go to beginner guitar for any metal head.

[@mcarlosnewby]

Had an original JS32T from 2010 when Jackson was celebrating their 30th anniversary. These are much nice than the first run. I just picked up this same model, it's killer. Gonna change the bridge and tuners for QoL.

[@markmarino3750]

I just bought my second JS11 yesterday in blue , great budget guitars and sound and look great imo

[@mastahpoland]

I have recently bought the Jackson JS32T Warrior NAO. Absolutely great sounding guitar and surprisingly comfortable (although you have to get used to strap button situation). I also had the issue with 1st fret being kind of high and buzzing a bit. Besides that it is awesomely made. Great value for the price.

[@JnJsw18]

i have that guitar and i love it got it used for 170 used and i put a lot of upgrades on it still love that neck so much its my d standard guitar

[@jamesmartin9740]

Max I own this exact JS model. Love the feel and the simplicity of it. Nice slim neck, light weight with a strap on the shoulder. I own another 92 Jackson pro dinky with a locking trem. Japanese model, so wanted a easier set up Jackson and love the natural wood look as well. Nice with the gold hardware. The case was a little tricky to find, but is available in a hard style affordable gig bag jackson branded.

[@IronandWire]

I picked one up for $200 used and it's the most comfortable neck I've ever played. Pickups are a bit crackly but I like the tone on the bridge pickup. It's light as a feather and there's very little neck dive. I would highly recommend this guitar for anyone looking to increase their shredding speed and tone.

[@vivalafonz1]

Nice sound nice riff love it. They have a few at my local g center gotta pick me up one..

[@Clintthecoolguy]

I have the Jackson Warrior JS32T, which is very similar. I also got it for that unbelievably cheap price. I love that guitar! Jackson knows what they are doing.

[@J3ss3.V]

I have the white one with black bevel, Mine came a little wonky visually, like just some paint errors but that’s just mine, But I can 1000% say I love everything about this guitar ! IT FEELS AMAZING PLAYS AMAZING AND LOOKS AMAZING, I put Emgs into mine, If ur thinking of getting one of these do it ! it’s worth it 🤘🏻

[@pedraw]

I currently have a KE3 Kelly with the pile O skulls graphic. Duncan designed invader pickkups, Jackson low pro bridge. I've had other Jacksons also and never been disappointed with them.

[@mymotheris4sale]

Great video thanks so much for posting

[@fabrizionormantino3699]

Im still learning how to play guitar but that thing sounds unbelievable when you did the dropped D tuning sinister ass hell i wouldn't change a thing nice one Max thank you 👍👍

[@ryanembree8885]

Only complaint of the demo is that all the distorted sounds had that flanger thing going on. A little delay/verb is fine, but would have been nice to hear it with less effects going on under a drive signal. Otherwise, solid review as always Max!

[@MichaelShumate-ij7nx]

I just bought this yesterday! I love it !

[@I.am_Groot]

More and more great options for under $500 I love those inlays and the to e is pretty solid

[@davidconnelly]

I don't usually like Vs but that is beautiful. You certainly know how to pick em.

[@mht525]

Like the string through and inlays. Looks good and sounds verynice. 🤘✌️🇦🇺

[@lolh4867]

The tone is sounds amazing!!

[@syx9986]

Last year I saw a guy busking with one of these. I was at a stoplight, but I saw enough to become enamored with the guitar. I'm excited to know that a Rhodes in natural existed in it's value line!

[@uticacrib1664]

I had to bring a fret down from buzzing too. Third fret on mine. But for 170 bucks as a level 3 scratch and dent. It is a great guitar. Your video help me make the choice to get it. Thank you!

[@skullndguns]

Yet another great review Max! Love the JS32 Rhoads as it's one of the few lefties out there in an atypical design. Also modded the hell out of mine as it's a great guitar at the core, comfortable neck and formidable use of materials. Could also recommend the Ibanez GIO series (especially the GRG170DX), great necks on those aswell and very diverse pickup sellections. Thank you for all the content you make!

[@Danboi.]

I'm looking to do the same, which JS model is better in your opinion?

[@skullndguns]

@@Danboi. As lefty I only had the choice to get a Floy Rose equiped Rhoads. A string trough is essentially more stable and easier to set up and also gives a plethora of upgrades as you can upgrade the saddles or even tryout a wraparound bridge (to name a few), a Floyd Rose is a love it or hate it situation, I love it as I know how to set it up and installed a few upgrades to make it more stable. Soundwise a stringtrough should resonate more but a FR gives more technical abilities (flutters, divebombs, etc.). TLDR: Go with a FR if you like them (or to try it out) as it's a decent unit on these guitars, go with the stringtrough as they're (generally) easier to deal with. Good luck and have fun!

[@drfrawnkmusic]

Bought one @ GC for $229 on sale last year and modded the hell out of it with EMG Bonebreakers, repainted with a black matte and green splatter, and threw some new Grover tuners on it. Absolutely love it now.

[@Beautiful_Evil]

I have had a few cheap guitars in my life that played awesome, I feel like if you put a good set up on your guitar and you're inspired by playing it then it's a great guitar. Some of the cheaper instruments have some shortcomings but usually can be corrected. I think once you get into a certain price level it's a diminishing return and you're basically just paying for the way it looks. I'm not a big Jackson fan but I am a big Ibanez fan and I have a $200 RG that plays absolutely amazing and I also have an $1800 version that is amazing so that's why I know that the $200 version is awesome because they're near identical. The $200 version doesn't look as nice and needed better tuning machines and a good set up but after that they both play basically the same. I can do what I need to do on either. Great video brother.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

I want one to play jazz and blues in a dark jazz club on a Sat night. It would undoubtedly stand out.

[@waynesmith537]

Hi max I bought two recently a js32 and king v in white with black bevels they both didn’t need a set up out the box both sound great the frets on mine were smooth the only thing I had to do was tighten the nut on the headstock very interesting video by the way.

[@thejusticeization]

I have the js22 strat version without the floyd rose(I don;t like tremolos). the neck is perfect, slim d shape and 12 to 16 flat radius. something you get on charvels and for less money. I changed the tuners for locking tuners and gutted the electronic and changed the pots and threw a dimarzio super distortion in the bridge and it is just as a good as a charvel

[@brycep8571]

Got the warrior used plus the previous owner upgrade the pickups to emg for $200. Killer deal

[@tristand5461]

I have the JS22 Dinky which has the same neck as whats on this Rhoads and its not only one of the best in its price range but on the market in General. So fast and comfortable.

[@dakotagarcia1462]

Im glade this came to my attention. I love the Jackson vs but could really get my hands on one but I could see me easily getting this

[@josephdaniel911]

I played one at guitar center and I was surprised that for inexpensive pickups they are surprisingly versatile and have some really good blues tones not what you would expect from an inexpensive metal guitar but they have great playability for the money.

[@greekpapi]

I've owned many, many, MANY guitars in my life, but there is just something special about those Jackson necks. All my other guitars, are now wall decorations......

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Hi brother. I had some Js32 and a js32t. The stock Floyd sucks, besides that, as you say, they are excelent. Currently i have an even cheap one, the JS11, and its ridiculously good. Awesome! Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@jesseparrish9198]

Same goes for the js bass guitars too. Great necks!

[@plecogod]

Picked up that same one used for $150. Great guitar. Mine is still stock.

[@jesseparrish9198]

I have a few JS Jackson's myself and they are great especially for mod projects.

[@yung_doood]

im thinkin about buying a js32 kelly....but im kinda thrown off by the jackson pick ups. are they alright ? or did you change them straight up ?

[@jamesmartin9740]

If you try and find one used. Make sure the corners arent dinged up or has chipped points. I also looked first at used before buying it new instead.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

This fret bevel tool is the main tool I use for re frets. Totally flushes them out. Then you need to dull one side of a thin file to put a small side bevel on, then finally your rubber sanding block is fine be careful on maple fret boards, finish to a thousand grit.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I have a JS32t Rhoads in black with white bevels, new $240. It's a great guitar, even better considering the price. I have two JS32 warriors with the FR

[@metal8940]

Planning on getting one pretty soon

[@BunkMasterFlex77]

The white one with black bevels looks killer.

[@HauntaskhanHYPNOSIS]

I got one and the electronics were all effed up and guitar center was gonna charge me to get it fixed. So I gave it to a buddy of mine who's more patient than I am.

[@chrisb8997]

I cut the top off of mine and added a flamed maple one. Then I recut the V part. It’s truly one of a kind.

[@DoritoPope003]

Bro you have any idea how hard it is to find a half decent review of one of these from someone who isn't playing through a line 6 spider 2 10 watt and recording via a Bush's baked beans can??? Thank GOD someone with some chops actually uploaded a decent video. THANK YOU!!!

[@michaelthomas9511]

New guitar player, I went to my local Guitar Center yesterday and asked about the JS32T, after some discussion with the tech. I actually didn't purchase it and went with a Jackson Dinky JS22 archtop instead. I used to play bass and loved the feel of the S type. The tech and I saw this video and thought it through. He didn't like the lack of finish, and I had never played a V. I had certain specs in mind, $300ish or less, humbuckers only, and no tremolo, and must be a full-size guitar. Even though the JS22 comes with a 2-point tremolo, it's easy to hardtail convert it.

[@honigdachs.]

All the JS32s I've played (Warrior, Kelly, Dinky) had awesome feeling necks.

[@mikeposavic9646]

Jackson ,LP,and strat each one changed the way I play. I play the Jackson more as I get older.

[@loydthabartender5794]

Guitars like this are awesome. I have an Ibanez RG that's really similar. Naked ash body, two humbuckers, fixed bridge, great neck. Cost me $300 and not only do I still have it 10 years later but it's used in pretty much everything drop tuned. That's all you need. Guitars built like that will outplay and outlast guitars that are 2, 3 and 4 times the price because they aren't overengineered and underbuilt. They're also very easy to work on and replace parts for. Want to learn and fail miserbly at soldering? get a guitar like this. Who cares if you burn it you can always just paint over it later.

[@metalhead7181]

That second part you were playing sounds a lot like Kk downing. ,🤘🎸 I'm guessing you're a huge Priest fan like myself.

[@Nadinetherescuehound]

That is one heck of a chassis for the price. Jackson speed necks are my favorite too.

[@Pegdrag]

Ola's freaking out I'll bet, this sounds way better than the S. Thanx Max, now I want one.

[@justinmallery716]

Had mine about a year now and yes it’s that good

[@rockinick]

I am pretty picky about my guitars and I picked up a new warrior js32t for $250. It plays better than my last $800 schecter. I’m replacing tuners and throwing in guitar fetish pickups. So for around $375 I have a guitar I believe is comparable to a $1000 guitar. They nailed it with this series!

[@KwadSquadFPV]

Love mine, picked it up new for 180, 2 yrs.ago.

[@timgoetz9166]

I have the woodgrain and the black js32,,,,I have many guitars,,over 50 guitars,,,I play only two,,, a black and white js32 and a united abominations dean,,,love the Jackson js32s,,,great guitars

[@jamesmurphy981]

I got this same one. Love it was playing it last night. The first one I mean. I got mine used for $150 I believe

[@doctoribanez]

Looks nice. By the time I upgraded everything I could just get something a bit better. I learned that by buying a Harley benton

[@joshhammond2515]

I love mine and got it on sale for 219$. Total recommend

[@chrisellenback6210]

The tone is pretty awesome too

[@donaldinnewmexico]

Hi, Max. New sub here. I just saw you play with Dovydas and came here to subscribe. I'm looking forward to hearing more from you. *TYU* (Thumb You Up)

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Welcome aboard! And thank you. The jam with Dovydas was a total blast.

[@greevar]

I have a Jackson RR3 MIJ from 1999/2000. It's a sweet axe to play. I have no doubt that this RR would be nice to play.

[@demian113]

I have one and the only negative is that I don't think the pickups are potted so they feedback a ton in live settings. I plan on swapping those and adding locking tuners. Aside from that, it's a steal for the money!

[@mrodriguezangel1]

Mine is one the way thanks for the info sharing man you the best ,god bless u man

[@commonsensehill372]

I have the satin black version of this same guitar. It's a poplar body but is sounds great.

[@joachimlindback]

Thx. Jackson pickups used to be really great and sought after, have a T90C from the 80's.

[@tobyhubler9902]

I got the Jackson/Floyd Rose model. & u r correct. Mine is great.

[@0Nafod0]

I have been wanting to get my hands on one of these since I bought my JS32Q DKA HT. Just have to wait for one to show up in my price range, these things are about $500 - 600 in Canada.

[@Gin132456]

I love the old necks on the Jacksons. They switched to a thicker neck on some of the models, kinda chonky

[@marioastburysykes]

very nice guitar, Max

[@sentforth5]

My wife has this axe...it's INCREDIBLY good especially considering the price! The neck and the pickups are superb.

[@sentforth5]

WAIT my wife's has stock Seymour Duncans!

[@dryguys2]

Could it be that it was a b stock that someone modded and then sold it back it’s not the most likely possibility but it could happen.

[@sentforth5]

@@dryguys2 Maybe so.

[@freedomfighter5845]

Good licks. I have a Ibanez PGM short scale. Won't stay turned. Cheap tuners they tell me.

[@Mick.Fitzmaurice]

Dude, I bought the black and red JS32T rhoads special edition on sale for like 250 bucks. I can't actually remember the price. But right out of the box, it was awesome. No issues whatsoever. I absolutely loved the neck, but hated tuning it with the Floyd bridge. Today, I decided to get the natural oiled mahogany with the black and gold hardware because it was on sale for 229 bucks. Once again, the neck feels amazing! That's where the good stops. Right off, I noticed the fret edge are razor sharp. Like every one of them. The neck doesn't fit tight in the pocket and was so crooked that the strings don't even line up with the pickup poles. Also a couple of the ferrules were sticking out of the body 3/16ths of an inch. Now having said that, I did see several bad reviews concerning the craftsmanship of this guitar and decided to give it a chance anyway. I honestly expected to have to do work on it before the purchase. I mean what would you expect for a $230 guitar. I'll take a day off work this week to reset the neck, set the neck relief, file the frets, and set the intonation, string height, and pickup height. I will say that I actually bought this guitar to mod anyway, so none of the issues are beyond repair. But in my opinion, it should have never left the factory in this condition. Jackson's quality control has really gone to hell over the last few years.