Jackson RRT Rhoads Black

Jackson RRT Rhoads Black review

The Jackson RRT Rhoads Black is built around a distinctive V-shaped body and a specification set aimed at players who want a direct, high-output electric guitar. Its mahogany body, three-piece maple neck-through construction, ebony fingerboard, and pair of Seymour Duncan SH-6 humbuckers give it a clear identity. The fixed bridge and body-through strings keep the design straightforward, while the black high-gloss finish and gold-plated hardware emphasize the Randy Rhoads look.

Listed at $925, the RRT has been available since July 2014. Its core measurements include a 648 mm scale, 44.45 mm nut width, and 22 jumbo frets. The neck has graphite reinforcement and an oil finish. Pearloid shark-fin inlays mark the ebony fingerboard. There is no tremolo system, and the supplied information does not list a case or gig bag as included.

Construction and setup

The neck-through build is a major part of the guitar's appeal. The maple neck extends through the body, with mahogany wings forming the V shape. Players report a smooth-feeling neck and a comfortable playing surface, though preferences for neck profile and V-body ergonomics are personal. Some owners find the shape works well both seated and standing; others may need time to settle into its playing position.

Feedback on fit and finish is mixed. Several owners describe clean workmanship, an attractive finish, and a good setup straight out of the box. One reports needing no adjustment beyond changing strings. Other buyers describe assembly and setup problems, including a damaged headstock tip on one delivery and a misaligned high-E tuning machine on another. Those reports do not establish how common the faults are, but they make an inspection worthwhile. Check the tuners, frets, neck alignment, finish, and setup when the guitar arrives.

The glossy black finish looks especially striking with the gold hardware, though, as owners note, fingerprints show readily. The instrument's relatively light feel is another recurring positive. That can make the angular body easier to manage during practice, although the shape still calls for a comfortable strap and a little adjustment to seated posture.

Sound and controls

The listed pickup configuration is two passive Seymour Duncan SH-6 humbuckers. Their high-output character suits distorted rock and metal, with enough clarity for defined riffs and lead lines. Owners also report using the guitar for clean tones, describing the sound as clear and controlled. The fixed Jackson Tune-O-Matic-style bridge has compensated saddles, and the strings pass through the body. This is a simple, stable arrangement rather than a tremolo-equipped setup.

Reviews differ on the exact pickup models, so the SH-6 specification here follows the product details provided. Individual impressions of tone can vary with amplifier settings, strings, pickup height, and playing style. One practical criticism concerns the volume knob's position, which a player found close enough to the picking area to turn down unintentionally. If you pick aggressively, check whether the control placement suits your hand.

Who should consider it?

The RRT Rhoads Black makes the most sense for players drawn to the Randy Rhoads silhouette and a fixed-bridge, high-output setup. The 648 mm scale and 22 jumbo frets offer familiar proportions, while the neck-through construction and ebony fingerboard give the instrument a more substantial specification than its bold appearance alone suggests. Its sound can cover heavy, distorted parts and cleaner passages, though players seeking a tremolo or a more conventional body shape should look elsewhere.

At this price, quality control deserves attention. The positive reports describe a guitar that feels comfortable, sounds strong, and arrives ready to play. The negative accounts point to occasional shipping or assembly concerns and setups that may need refinement. Buy from a seller with a clear return process, and inspect the guitar rather than assuming every example will arrive in identical condition.

Verdict

The Jackson RRT Rhoads Black combines recognizable V-style looks with a mahogany body, maple neck-through construction, ebony fingerboard, passive Seymour Duncan SH-6 humbuckers, and a reliable fixed bridge design. Its strongest case is the combination of distinctive styling, a comfortable feel for many players, and a forceful sound suited to rock and metal. The main reservation is inconsistent owner feedback about setup and small construction details. For a player who specifically wants this shape, it is a compelling option, provided the individual instrument passes a careful check.