Jackson Rhoads JS32T - Satin Black Reviews

After a few months of play and kickin' around . . . This Monster Guitar is holding up very well. Tuning stability is probably 8-1/2 to 9 stars out of ten — as it takes some rough chording and string bends - and still stays in tune! Sound is pretty good too and I've learned to tweak amp settings and my playing to maximize the good vibes. Yeah, I still wish the stock pickups were a tad hotter . . .however, they "rock" as they are. The only annoyance with this guitar is one that's an easy fix: The input jack bolt tends to unscrew - but you can fix that with some of that plumbers sealing tape or even a drop or two of SuperGlue and any good roadie or guitar-tender could fix this if you're on the road. Some will say the JS-series six-strings aren't roadworthy or durable, and that their tuning stability is subpar. However, I beg to differ. Basing my judgements on the particular specimen of the Rhoads JS32T that I own, I would say that this guitar can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

I received my Jackson Rhoda's JS32T nearly two weeks ago . . . And I can't put it down! For the price Sweetwater's asking and with the free shipping and 55-point check - you'll be getting a quality and great sounding guitar. First of all, this axe is def stylin' with it's distinctive body and headstock shape. The guitar is light and nimble and the maple neck is superb with those huge, meaty frets - I think it's the neck that makes it so awesome to play. I would recommend pairing this with the Kramer KRVGCS hardshell case which is a steal at the asking price of $69 (I'm rating the Kramer case separately). Many of the other ratings faulted the Jackson Rhoads as being uncomfortable when playing seated: I beg to differ on the one — as I've found the Rhoads one of the best "playing-while-sitting" guitars I've ever had! Seriously. I use a guitar strap and just put my right leg between the horns of the guitar and . . . Voila! - I'm in the perfect playing position. Playing while standing is an absolute breeze as well, since the guitar is so light. Now this is probably a good time to seque over to some of the "cons" of this guitar: Like a lot of guitars with light bodies - this one does have some neck dive - but it's manageable. Since the guitar is a bit neck-heavy, you'll notice that when you let go of the neck while playing from the standing position, gravity will bring the neck down to horizontal with the ground or just a bit lower - so it's not a severe neck dive. Next: Because the body of this particular model is made with a less-dense tone wood (Poplar), I don't get the rich and smooth tone I'm accustomed to getting with my Les Paul Junior double-cutaway. Next, the stock pickups in the JS32T are a bit on the lame side of the power output curve - I just wish the pickups were a little hotter - especially given the style of music this guitar is associated with. This is not to say that the combination of the Poplar tone wood and the less-than-hot rod pickups make this a weak sounding guitar . . .on the contrary . . . This guitar has a pretty good sound! I've also noticed that this guitar seems to record well - especially if recording using the old-school miking an amp method. As far as neck stability and action right out of the box: It was pretty good too. The only thing that was required to have a luthier friend of mine do a half-turn tightening of the truss road to make the neck straighter. Also noteworthy is the tuning stability. This guitar - between the awesome neck and the tuning keys - seems to stay in tune very well. The bottom line is this: For the beginner - this is an awesome heirloom quality guitar IMHO that you'll want to keep forever. It's easy to play, the build quality is high, the guitar is comfortable and fun to play, the looks of this axe are totally rockin', and the price is low! For more advanced players, gigging musicians, and musicians who compose, record, and distribute - this axe has a lot of advantages. For one, if this guitar is gets lost, ripped off, or wrecked (like Pete Townsend or the famous Jimi Hendrix onstage guitar torching) - well, at least it's not one of your vintage Les Pauls!

I love the feel! I love the look! Can't believe I never owned a Jackson until I turned 30 and I have been playing since I've been 13!

If you are on the ropes with getting this guitar, don't be. Get it.
I was a little hesitant at first. But believe me, it's great.

The Satin Black Finish is amazing. The pearl inlays look great and the Amaranth fingerboard is very nice and dark, so close to Ebony. The binding on the neck and headstock really makes everything stand out. The pictures do not do it justice. The pickups are very hot, but you can also dial your amp back and get very nice clean tones. Been playing a lot of Priest, UFO and Metallica on it, if you have a decent amp and some good distortion, it sounds fantastic and can easily handle dropped tunings.

Super smooth and fast neck, great craftsmanship again from Jackson. The sanded/satin finish on the back of the neck is how I prefer all my guitars, it's super fast, your hand glides right over it. Can't say enough, this is one of the best guitars I've ever played, for a guitar considered "low end." And getting it set up by Sweetwater before they ship it out is just awesome and it shipped fast. Just tune it and it will play perfect right out of the box. If you end up getting it you will not be disappointed. Going back to jammin'. \m/

Really amazing guitar!! First Jackson ever owned. Didn't pay much either! Can't go wrong with it. Love as is!

Just got one of these recently and was skepticle because of the new price on these. I was very shocked after plugging in and riffs started flowing! I'd say it's very hard to beat in its price range, the guitar sounds good stock no matter what you throw at it! I may have to have another!!

super light, super fast neck and looks great.

Out of the box this thing felt great. The distortion and clean tones are pretty good with a decent amp and it's just overall a good guitar to play standing up or a a gig. From what you get with the current price, I'd recommend this to anybody that wants a really decent guitar. The plastic covering on the pick guard was annoying though as a there is still a small chunk stuck in my pickup switch, but overall its a 9/10

I got this guitar about seven months ago on reverb (Sorry Sweetwater!), and it is really great. The pickups are incredible and sound like they are coming from tone heaven. I didn't expect to like the Amaranth Fingerboard so much. it is so fun to play.

However, there are a few caveats to be wary of.
It has a whole mess of neck dive. My assumption is the tonewoods, as maple doesn't balance well with an uneven poplar body.
The case is a massive load to carry. I have a case, but I rarely use it due to how hard it is to move. the gig bag has become my go-to for storage
The tuners need wearing in, and I am worried that it may be problematic for a younger guitarist to reach. The Jumbo frets really don't make it any better for kids.

I know those might turn some people off, but I really would Give this six-string a shot. If you don't like it, you can always return it because of how well sweetwater helps you return Items.

Keep Rocking!

Be careful when adjusting the truss rod. I've never stripped the hex on a truss rod and this thing stripped the first time I adjusted it. Pulled the wrench out and there was just a pile of aluminum dust. I understand cutting corners on an inexpensive guitar but something as vital as a truss rod should be made out of decent material.