Jackson RRX24 Rhoads Black

Jackson RRX24 Rhoads Black review

The Jackson RRX24 Rhoads Black is an X Series electric guitar built around the angular RR body shape. Its all-black finish, black hardware, and black sharkfin fingerboard inlays give it a stark, stage-ready appearance. Under the finish, the design focuses on a maple neck-through construction, active Seymour Duncan Blackouts pickups, and a recessed Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo. The listed price is 759.

That specification points toward players looking for a guitar suited to heavy rock and metal, especially those who want a locking tremolo and high-output active pickups. Owner feedback is generally enthusiastic about its looks, tuning stability, and powerful sound, but reports on quality control and pickup character are mixed. The instrument's distinctive outline also calls for some thought about safe handling and storage.

Construction and playability

The body is poplar, with no separate top, and the maple neck runs through the body. A laurel fingerboard carries 24 jumbo frets and black sharkfin inlays. The scale length is 648 mm, or 25.51 inches. Jackson specifies a compound fingerboard radius that changes from 12 inches to 16 inches, along with a 43 mm locking nut. These dimensions describe a familiar fast-playing setup, though comfort will still depend on personal preference and setup.

Several owners describe the neck as quick and easy to play, and some report that the frets and neck feel good out of the box. Others mention specific finish and assembly issues, including a raised inlay, marks on the binding or inlay material, a damaged fret, a loose inlay, and a tone knob that did not stay in place. One owner also received a small cosmetic mark on the headstock. These are individual reports rather than proof that every instrument has the same problems, but they are a reason to inspect the guitar carefully on arrival.

The Rhoads body is visually distinctive, but its lower point can be vulnerable if the strap slips off. One owner recommends strap locks and reports that the point chipped after the guitar hit the floor. A secure strap connection is a sensible precaution with this shape.

Pickups and controls

The electronics consist of a Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-1B humbucker at the bridge and an AHB-1N humbucker at the neck. Both are active. The control layout includes two volume knobs, one tone knob, and a three-way switch. The guitar uses a battery to power its active pickups, so players should keep a fresh battery available and check the battery connection if the output becomes intermittent.

Reports on the Blackouts vary. Some players praise their strong, precise output and find them well suited to heavy riffs and lead playing. Others expected a more responsive or dynamic sound and found the pickups sterile compared with passive pickups in their other guitars. One reviewer preferred the neck pickup but rarely used it. Knob resistance also varied between controls on one reported instrument. These differences suggest that the pickup voicing and control feel are worth evaluating in person where possible, rather than assuming every player will favor the same sound.

Tremolo and tuning

The recessed Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo pairs with a Floyd Rose Special locking nut. Owners report that the guitar can hold tuning well, including during expressive tremolo use. The locking system can make stable tuning easier once properly set up, but it also makes string changes and adjustments more involved than on a fixed bridge. Changing string gauge can require a careful setup, and one owner describes that process as frustrating. The tremolo is a Special model, not an original Floyd Rose, a distinction some buyers may consider important.

Verdict

The Jackson RRX24 Rhoads Black makes a clear visual and technical statement. Its neck-through maple construction, 24 jumbo frets, active Blackouts, and double-locking tremolo offer a focused package for players drawn to the Rhoads shape and high-output sounds. Positive owners call it comfortable, powerful, and good value at the listed price. Critical feedback centers on inconsistent setup or cosmetic details and a pickup sound that does not suit everyone.

Before buying, check the fretwork, inlays, controls, and finish closely, and make sure the neck and tremolo are set up for your preferred strings. Budget for strap locks if you plan to play standing. For a player who likes the shape, wants active humbuckers, and is comfortable maintaining a Floyd Rose-style bridge, the RRX24 can be a compelling option. It is less convincing for someone who wants a fixed bridge, an original Floyd Rose, or a consistently passive, highly dynamic pickup response.