Jackson KV2 King V BK USA

Jackson KV2 King V BK USA review

The Jackson KV2 King V BK USA is a USA-made, V-shaped electric guitar with a black finish and a specification centered on stable construction and high-output rock tones. Its alder body is paired with a continuous, quarter-sawn maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. A 24-fret layout, Seymour Duncan humbuckers, and an original Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo round out a design built for players who want a familiar, performance-focused setup.

The listed price is 3999, with no currency specified in the supplied product information. The model has been available since August 2004. It ships with a Deluxe Jackson SKB case and a certificate. For a guitar in this price range, the case is a useful inclusion, particularly for a V-shaped instrument that benefits from a properly fitted hard case during transport.

Construction and playability

The continuous maple neck runs through the body rather than attaching as a separate bolt-on component. Jackson pairs it with an alder body and an ebony fingerboard. The supplied specifications do not state the neck profile or fingerboard radius, so those details should be checked in person if they are important to your preferred setup.

The scale length is 648 mm, and the fingerboard carries 24 jumbo frets. That combination gives players two full octaves on each string and room to work higher up the neck. Jumbo frets can make bends and vibrato feel direct, though the feel depends on fret dressing and setup. One owner described the workmanship as highly precise and reported finding no scratches or defects. That is a positive individual report, not a guarantee that every example will arrive in identical condition.

The V-shaped body makes a strong visual statement and affects how the instrument sits compared with a conventional double-cutaway guitar. Players who spend most of their time standing may find the shape suits their stage setup. Those who practice seated should try the guitar in their usual playing position before buying, since V-style instruments can require a different leg position than more conventional body shapes.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

The pickup set uses a Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucker at the bridge and a Seymour Duncan Jazz humbucker at the neck. The bridge pickup is specified in the wider trembucker format. Together, the two passive pickups provide a familiar bridge-and-neck pairing, with a three-way toggle switch for selecting the bridge, neck, or both pickups. There are two volume controls and one tone control. The controls are straightforward, with separate volume adjustment for each pickup.

The original Floyd Rose is a two-point, double-locking tremolo. Its locking design is intended to hold tuning through substantial arm use when the strings, locking points, and setup are correctly maintained. It also requires more involved string changes and tuning adjustments than a fixed bridge. Players who rarely use a tremolo may prefer a simpler bridge, while players who rely on pitch effects will likely value the locking system. The hardware is black, matching the instrument's finish.

Sound and ownership

One owner praised the sound and described the overall guitar as excellent, while also calling out the high price. That feedback aligns with the product's premium positioning, but tone remains dependent on the amplifier, effects, playing style, and setup. The specification confirms the pickup models and switching arrangement, but it does not provide measured output levels or a detailed tonal profile. A hands-on audition is the best way to judge how the JB and Jazz pairing responds to your own rig.

The black finish gives the King V a restrained look against its sharply angled outline. The supplied owner feedback mentioned only a fingerprint that had not been fully wiped away, rather than a visible scratch or finish defect. Small cosmetic marks can occur during handling, so inspect the finish and hardware on arrival, especially at the edges and around the tremolo.

Verdict

The Jackson KV2 King V BK USA combines a continuous quarter-sawn maple neck, an ebony fingerboard, 24 jumbo frets, a Seymour Duncan humbucker set, and an original double-locking Floyd Rose. The included hard case and certificate complete a substantial package. Its V-shaped body, tremolo upkeep, and 3999 listed price make it a deliberate purchase rather than an all-purpose choice. For players seeking this specific shape and hardware configuration, the reported build quality and positive sound feedback make it worth trying. Confirm the price currency, setup, and instrument condition with the seller before committing.