Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF

Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF review

The Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF is a Phil Demmel signature guitar with an angular EX-style body, active EMG humbuckers, and a recessed Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo. Its Red Tide Fade finish gives the instrument a vivid look, while the mahogany body and maple neck establish a substantial platform for high-gain playing. Listed at $769, it is aimed squarely at players drawn to thrash and death metal, though owner reports suggest its appeal extends beyond those styles.

The model has been available since May 2019. Its 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale, 42.86 mm nut width, and 24 jumbo frets provide familiar dimensions for many electric guitar players. The laurel fingerboard carries small pearloid shark-fin inlays. There is no included case or gig bag. A compatible case is listed separately as item 208583.

Build, finish, and feel

Owners frequently praise the finish and overall presentation. The red fade can appear darker and more metallic in person than in product images, according to one report. The Explorer-style outline is imposing, and the mahogany body gives the guitar a noticeable weight. Players planning long rehearsals or performances may want a broad, supportive strap. One owner reported being comfortable through an hour-long show but found extended practice sessions tiring.

Neck preferences are more divided. The maple neck has graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint, and its substantial profile suits players who like a fuller grip. One owner described the neck as thick, with broad shoulders, and found the glossy finish less comfortable for fast movement than a satin surface. Others called the guitar comfortable to play, with easy slides, bends, and access to the upper frets. Reports also praise the fret ends for feeling smooth rather than sharp. These differences underline how much the neck's feel depends on hand size and personal preference.

One player noted minor residue around the 14th fret and a small amount of glue visible near a couple of frets. Other reports describe clean finishes and solid construction. Fingerprints and dust are easy to see on the glossy finish, so a microfiber cloth is useful for keeping it tidy.

EMG pickups and controls

The active pickup set pairs an EMG 60 at the neck with an EMG 81 at the bridge. Two volume controls and a three-way switch handle pickup selection and level. There is no tone control, a detail worth noting for players who regularly shape their sound from the guitar. The two volume knobs can also provide a quick way to cut the signal by switching between pickup positions with one volume turned down.

Owner feedback describes the EMG 81 as forceful and clear, with prominent upper frequencies and lower mids. It is especially well regarded for high-gain metal, including thrash and death metal. Some players found the lower mids excessive with certain amplifiers, particularly Mesa/Boogie models, and adjusted the amp's bass or resonance settings to keep the sound defined. The pickup's strong output can also push a clean amplifier toward distortion.

The neck EMG 60 receives more varied reactions. Players report usable, smooth clean tones, though some find its voice a little flat or prefer a brighter amplifier setting. One owner compared it to a ZZ Top-style sound. These are subjective impressions, but they point to a guitar with a distinct pickup character rather than a neutral starting point.

Floyd Rose Special: strong tuning, with caveats

The recessed Floyd Rose Special is a major part of the guitar's design. Several owners reported stable tuning during regular or aggressive tremolo use, including one who said the guitar stayed in tune for long stretches between string changes. Another found the bridge worked reliably after setup. These accounts are encouraging, though results can depend on adjustment, string choice, and playing habits.

There are also practical caveats. One player reported that a large pitch drop could leave the guitar out of tune until the bridge was brought back to its stop. Another heard occasional clicking past a particular point in the tremolo's travel, sometimes accompanied by slight string movement. Reports differ on how well the locking nut holds its tuning, and some owners needed to tighten or adjust components. The tremolo arm may also loosen over time, according to one account.

Verdict

The Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF makes a strong case for players seeking an aggressive-looking guitar with active pickups and a double-locking tremolo. Owners particularly value its bridge EMG 81, distinctive finish, smooth fretwork, and comfortable upper-fret access. Its weight, substantial glossy neck, lack of a tone control, and potential need for careful tremolo setup are the main considerations. For metal players who like a full neck and a powerful, focused sound, the feature set is compelling at the listed $769 price. Players should check the setup and controls on arrival, and budget for a case if they need one.