What makes a Jackson a JACKSON?

[pro-fusion]

USA Jacksons have a totally unique neck profile, and that's what makes Jackson for me. Other companies (ESP...) have copied all the other formerly unique features of Jacksons, but that neck profile is still alone for me.

[DonP]

Which GC Don?

Nashville. Still working down here, still live in Cinci, still drive by you twice a week

[Matt_B]

It's the name on the headstock.

[DonP]

USA Jacksons have a totally unique neck profile, and that's what makes Jackson for me. Other companies (ESP...) have copied all the other formerly unique features of Jacksons, but that neck profile is still alone for me.

Agreed. I have two real ESP's, and M-1 Custom from 1989 and a Horizon with Jackson headstock from 1988. The M-1 hasn't been painted yet, and I'm tempted to have the neck shaved down to a Jackson profile.

The 2005 SL2H I have is ok, but damn that 1991 Snakeskin I tried at GC was awesome. It was one of those when they carved the neck heel on soloist for just a few years.

[wetrx95]

The pointy and the label always bring a smile. However, the first time I held my Jackson, saw the custom paint job, felt the smooth maple neck and then hit a chord through a Marshall with the Full Shred...instant dirty shorts. The way the frequencies vibrate through the wood...make me smile. The power of a Jackson is intense. Mine is an '88 USA and other than another Jackson, there is no competition. Also, Jackson owners seem to be treated differently when they tell others they own one (mostly in a positive way). The name in itself is legendary. Kinda dragged on...;-)

[D-EJ915]

Well regarding the neck-throughs the piece of body wood they slap on the back of the neck blank is pretty exclusive to Jackson

[Tekky]

The whole chalupa!

It's not one thing that makes a Jackson a Jackson, it's several things. It's the sum of it's parts. It's how it's constructed. It's the feel. It's the tone. It's the flash. It's how the end user uses, abuses, modifies and ultimately loves his or her Jackson guitar.

[Cygnus X1]

More than anything (in my opinion), it is the neck profiles and the compound radius.
Secondary but notable above Ibby, ESP etc. is the tone.
Body wood, quality of assembly make Jacksons resonate in a good way.
The stock pickups from the 80's were outstanding as well.

[Nezgual]

probably wood

[wilkinsi]

The serial number?

[j4vice]

the manufacturer

[TreeFitty]

The whole chalupa!

It's not one thing that makes a Jackson a Jackson, it's several things. It's the sum of it's parts. It's how it's constructed. It's the feel. It's the tone. It's the flash. It's how the end user uses, abuses, modifies and ultimately loves his or her Jackson guitar.

Agreed. There should be a word for that... Jacksonicity?

[katjo]

its the freedom to do what ever you want with it ,giving it another paintjob or airbrush ,other pickups even a simple sticker or drawing.
it will still play great (possebly)look better for you and its still a JACKSON
not like some fender, gibson gitaars that have to stay new or "vintage"
so for me its freedom and statement you will get!!!!!!!!

[hwnd]

As an 80's guy on these topics I'm on the neck-thru primarily. It's gotta be a fast profile neck w/original pointy, and it's going to sound a little "compressed" no matter what pups are in it. Guitar tops need to be flat IMHO but that's a little negotiable. It has to make a statement visually.

Bolt-Ons are "out" for me, but I'm a purist that way. If it's a USA bolt-on (to me) it's a Charvie w/ a different decal. Still valid, but to me a 1988 Bolt-On Dinky is a naturally-evolved Charvel. But that's me.

Couldn't said it better myself.. Now please excuse me while I post more photos of my '84 SD in the other thread! :-)

[Mikey2201]

its the total package -not just the individual components.

Its not just the wood, neck , fretboard, electronics, vibe, tone etc

its the total package