Jackson is digging deep into its history for the new Legend Series, a collection of four limited-edition signature instruments based on iconic guitars and basses originally built for Randy Rhoads, Scott Ian, Marty Friedman, and David Ellefson.
First up is the $2,499.99 Limited Edition Legend Series Randy Rhoads CD1, which revives a V-shaped model previously exclusive to the Custom Shop. It features an Ivory finish with black pinstripes, gold hardware, an Alder body, graphite-reinforced Maple neck, bound Ebony fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets, and a 12- to 16-inch compound radius. A Seymour Duncan JB/’59 pickup combination handles the electronics, while a vintage-accurate six-saddle tremolo rounds things out.
Scott Ian’s $2,199.99 Rhoads RR22 recreates his famous “NOT” guitar, a custom Jackson that became a major part of Anthrax’s sound and image during the 1980s. The new version retains the “NOT” graphics alongside neck-through construction, an Alder body, three-piece Maple neck with graphite reinforcement, and a top-mounted Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. Ian says the original has been used on every Anthrax record and served as the main guitar on the band’s first five albums.
The $2,299.99 Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1 brings back Friedman’s late-’90s signature model, complete with its distinctive white “1” marking. It’s built with an Alder body, three-piece Maple neck-through construction, 24-fret Ebony fingerboard, Seymour Duncan JB pickup, and Kahler 7330 fixed bridge.
Finally, the $2,499.99 David Ellefson CB V Concert Bass recreates the first Jackson five-string built for Ellefson. It features an Alder body, three-piece quartersawn Maple neck, Ebony fingerboard, EMG 40DC and CS pickups with a three-band EQ, Jackson HiMass five-string bridge, and Hipshot open-gear tuners.
Shop all four models right here.
“My Jackson Concert basses have always been the sleek, high-octane version of what I consider to be a great bass,” said David Ellefson. “Their slightly smaller body and fast action made them perfect for my aggressive playing style. My original 1987 Concert bass gave me the freedom to fully develop my playing without limitations from the instrument. Jackson basses have become an integral part of who I am and the music I’m known for.”
“The KE-1 represents living the dream to me,” said Marty Friedman. “When I had the opportunity to create my own signature guitar, I went all out with Jackson to build the ultimate heavy metal guitar. No expense was spared, from the pickup and bridge to every detail and dimension. After thousands of concerts and countless recordings, the KE-1 remains a huge part of my journey and an iconic instrument that people associate with me.”
“The Rhoads family is so pleased to see this new Randy Rhoads CD1 model from Jackson,” said Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio, Randy Rhoads’ sister. “Randy’s historic legacy has remained in the spotlight for over 40 years. There is no doubt Randy would be so honored to know the impact he has had on Jackson Guitars and on the world of rock and metal guitar.”
“My Not Rhoads was such an important part of my journey,” said Scott Ian. “I discovered my tone with it. It’s been used on every Anthrax record — it was the main guitar on those first five albums in the ’80s. It’s the guitar that kind of made my life. I love that people connect with it.”
