Jackson Pro KV King V Gloss Black

Jackson Pro KV King V Gloss Black review

The Jackson Pro KV King V Gloss Black is built around a familiar hard-rock and metal recipe: a pointed V-style body, two high-output humbuckers, and a double-locking tremolo. Its black gloss finish and black hardware keep the look stark, while the mahogany body and maple neck provide the core construction. The listed price is $949, and the model has been available since February 2018.

On paper, the specification is focused rather than elaborate. The neck runs through the body and includes graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint. An oiled finish is used on the neck, with an ebony fingerboard, 24 jumbo frets, and Shark Eyes inlays. Scale length is 648 mm, with a 42.8 mm nut width. There is no top layer and no case or bag included according to the supplied specifications.

Construction and playing feel

Owner feedback is sharply divided on build quality, which is the most important qualification for this guitar. Several buyers describe their instruments as well made, comfortable to play, and finished to a high standard. One reports a light, well-balanced guitar with no neck dive, while others praise its feel and the smooth, fast neck. Those accounts suggest that a well-finished example can make a strong first impression.

However, one detailed report describes substantial factory issues on a new instrument. The owner found a rough, uneven-feeling neck, poorly buffed lacquer, small chips and dents near the pointed edges, and a large buildup of black finish by the locking nut. That same report noted sharp fret ends and frets that needed leveling. Another buyer mentions small cosmetic inconsistencies around the neck binding, fingerboard, and finish transition. These are individual experiences, not proof that every guitar has the same problems, but the contrast makes a close inspection worthwhile.

The V body is part of the appeal, but its shape is less convenient than a standard double-cutaway design when sitting. The available feedback does not describe major balance problems, and one owner specifically says the guitar sits comfortably without neck dive. Check how the V rests against your leg and whether its pointed body suits your playing position before buying.

Pickups and controls

The electronics use a Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 humbucker at the bridge and an SH-6N humbucker at the neck. Controls are straightforward, with one volume knob and one tone knob. Owners commonly describe the pickup sound as forceful, bright, and especially suited to rock and metal. One reviewer praises the output for heavy music, while another says the pickups can sound aggressive enough to require a controlled picking hand.

That strong voice is a feature if you want tight, assertive distortion, but it may be less appealing if you prefer a softer or lower-output sound. There is no active pickup system listed. Feedback on reliability is mixed: one buyer reports crackling potentiometers that improved after contact cleaner, while another says the volume and tone pots failed soon after purchase and had to be replaced. Those reports warrant testing the controls carefully, both before purchase and during the return period.

Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo

The Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo is a major part of the guitar's appeal. Owners report that it can return to pitch reliably and perform cleanly when set up well. The double-locking design suits players who use the arm heavily and want tuning stability during expressive pitch changes.

Setup and geometry deserve attention. One owner reports a saddle-height mismatch and uncomfortable string heights, attributing the problem to the bridge and fingerboard radius not working well together. That is a specific report, but it highlights why the bridge should be checked rather than assumed to be correctly adjusted. A floating tremolo also takes more time to restring and set up than a fixed bridge, and changes to tuning or string gauge can require balancing the system again.

Verdict

The Jackson Pro KV King V Gloss Black offers a distinctive V shape, a through-body maple neck, an ebony fingerboard, Seymour Duncan Distortion humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. Its sound and visual design clearly target players looking for a high-output rock or metal guitar. Positive owners praise its playability, balance, and tremolo performance.

Quality-control reports make this a guitar to inspect carefully rather than buy on specifications alone. Check fret ends and level, finish around the sharp body points and locking nut, control operation, saddle alignment, and tuning stability. If the example in front of you is clean and properly set up, the package has plenty to recommend it. If buying online, confirm the seller's return policy and arrange a setup check promptly after delivery.