Jackson has unleashed another weapon-grade take on the iconic V with the American Series Rhoads RR24 HT.
If only the heaviest of Heavy Metal is your style, the buck stops with Jackson Guitars. For over 45 years, the Fender subsidiary has been creating some of the most consistently revered builds and shapes in the world, supported by the most famous Heavy Metal guitarists and bassists in the business, including Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Mark Morton (Lamb of God) and Lee Malia (Bring Me The Horizon).
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However, if you were to ask these luminaries or virtually any heavy metal guitar player about Jackson, the first thing everyone would mention would be the late Randy Rhoads and the iconic Jackson Rhoads Flying V. With this, Jackson Guitars has just added another jewel onto their already prestigious crown with the latest take on this classic design. The new American Series Rhoads RR24 HT is a sleek, expertly crafted model brought to life inside Jackson’s Corona, California factory, using only the finest materials and components available.
Out of the box, this thing is crazy. For a design that is this well-known and still widely used by guitarists, professional or otherwise, this latest take on the Rhoads V is a genuinely intimidating sight to behold, not in the least because it looks like you could cause some serious damage with its infamous sharp edges.
Adding to its ultra-metal credentials is the gnarly-looking reverse headstock, which I think always helps exude a classic heavy metal power and basically screams, “No Posers Allowed”. Indeed, a guitar of this magnitude requires an experienced player to get the most out of what it has to offer and make the best use of its myriad details. The satin black finish on this particular guitar is absolutely immaculate (other finishes are available), as are its mother-of-pearl inlays and three-piece maple neck. This is a professional-level guitar, and there is no doubt that it not only looks the part but is likely already gracing large stages around the world.
Besides looking supremely cool, the American Series Rhoads RR24 HT boasts high-class components and materials, which ensure it also walks the walk in terms of sound and playability. In addition to its smooth and fast neck, the alder wood body helps give the guitar a balanced tonal character; bright, resonant and comfortably lightweight, useful for playing longer periods of time. Electronics-wise, Jackson has gone with a Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 in the bridge and a Seymour Duncan ’59 SH-1N in the neck. This setup has become a staple among rock and metal players, offering tight, articulate distortion as well as warm, vintage-style cleans if desired.
A simple three-way pick-up switch with volume knob and single tone control keeps the layout streamlined and stage-friendly. The Hipshot 6 fixed bridge provides excellent tuning stability and sustain, while Gotoh MG-T locking tuners make string changes fast and reliable. All hardware is finished in black, which adds to its menacing aesthetic, and it arrives strung with nickel-plated steel strings (.009–.042).
The American Series Rhoads RR24 HT plays exactly as you’d hope: fast, smooth and precise. The neck is thin and comfortable, and movement up and down the fretboard is quick and easy, with the satin finish adding to the feeling of effortlessness in playing across the neck. Sitting down with it takes some getting used to. I didn’t find the Rhoads shape particularly ergonomic in a seated position, and it took a moment to find the right angle. Once settled in, the guitar body feels balanced and supportive, but it really feels best when in a standing position.
The sound is huge and commanding, with plenty of weight behind every note. The Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup provides a tight, aggressive bite with strong mids, while the ’59 neck humbucker brings a rounded warmth that balances the overall tone when required (if you’re like me, you’ll tend to play your most biting riffs using only the bridge pickup) and is particularly useful when crafting a cleaner tone. It’s a versatile guitar that can handle classic and modern metal tones with ease, but is also rewarding when playing with clean tones, providing clarity and control in multiple settings.
The RR24 HT sounds powerful, focused, and after a quick tune-up using the fine-tuning pegs on the bridge, this serious player’s instrument is ready for all things hard rock and heavy metal right out of the box. From the stage to the studio and just playing at home, this guitar can take all you’ve got!
For local enquiries on the American Series Rhoads, head to Fender.
