Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads Deep BK

Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads Deep BK review

The Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads Deep BK combines the brand's V-style body with a neck-through construction, a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers, and a recessed double-locking tremolo. Its specification is aimed at players who want a guitar built for assertive electric tones and stable pitch during tremolo use. The listed price is 1299, with no currency specified in the supplied details.

The guitar has been available since March 2024. Its Deep Black, high-gloss finish, black hardware, and pointed body shape give it a distinctly dramatic look. The body is made from okoume, with no separate top. A Jackson gig bag is included, but a hard case is not.

Neck-through construction and playing feel

A three-piece maple and walnut neck runs through the body, with maple, walnut, and maple layers. This construction is paired with a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale and an ebony fingerboard. The neck-through design is a major part of the guitar's build, while the compound fingerboard radius transitions from 304.8 mm (12 inches) to 406.4 mm (16 inches). That change gives the fingerboard a rounder curve near the nut and a flatter profile farther up the neck.

The fingerboard has pearloid sharkfin inlays and 24 jumbo stainless steel frets. Stainless steel is a practical choice for players who want a fret material designed for long service, while the jumbo size provides a substantial fret surface under the fingers. The nut measures 42.86 mm (1.6875 inches) wide and is a Floyd Rose 1000 Series locking type.

One owner's feedback describes the neck as very smooth to play and praises the stainless steel frets. The same comment mentions reflective dots on the neck that are visible in darkness. That detail comes from the owner's report and is not separately listed in the supplied specifications. The owner also says they wanted this iconic shape and would not change anything about the guitar.

Pickups and controls

The pickup set is a Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 humbucker at the bridge and a Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6N humbucker at the neck. Both are passive, rather than active. The control layout stays simple: one volume control, one tone control, and a three-way blade switch. Players can select the bridge pickup, neck pickup, or a combined position using the switch.

The Distortion models give the guitar a high-output pickup pairing suited to forceful electric playing. The specification identifies the models and locations, but does not provide measured output, frequency response, or a detailed tonal comparison. One owner describes the sound as impressive, though the feedback does not say which pickup or amplifier settings were used.

Double-locking tremolo and hardware

A recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo is fitted at the bridge, with the matching Floyd Rose 1000 Series locking nut at the head end. Locking at both points is intended to help keep the strings in position when the tremolo is used. The bridge is a significant part of the instrument's setup, so players should expect a more involved restringing and tuning process than with a simple fixed bridge.

The machine heads are sealed Jackson die-cast units, and the hardware is black. The guitar ships with nickel-plated steel strings in.009,.042 gauge. The tremolo is described as Floyd Rose style in the general specification and identified more specifically as a recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series unit in the detailed list.

What stands out

• Construction: Okoume body with a three-piece maple and walnut neck-through design.
• Fingerboard: Ebony, with a compound 12-to-16-inch radius and pearloid sharkfin inlays.
• Frets: 24 jumbo stainless steel frets.
• Electronics: Passive Seymour Duncan Distortion humbuckers, volume and tone controls, and a three-way blade switch.
• Bridge: Recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo.
• Included accessory: Jackson gig bag, with no hard case.

Verdict

The Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads Deep BK is a specific package: a recognizable V-style shape, neck-through construction, ebony fingerboard, stainless steel frets, and a double-locking tremolo. Its controls are uncomplicated, while the two passive Seymour Duncan Distortion humbuckers provide a clearly defined pickup setup. The owner feedback supplied is strongly positive about the sound, neck feel, and overall satisfaction, but it represents one player's experience rather than a broad comparison.

At the listed price of 1299, buyers should weigh the included gig bag against the absence of a hard case and consider whether they want the setup demands of a locking tremolo. For players seeking this body shape and this combination of hardware and pickups, the specifications make the guitar's priorities clear. The main practical trade-offs are its distinctive V-style form and the additional care involved in maintaining a double-locking bridge.