How to tell what model Jackson you have

[pianoguyy]

Hi I’m new here, learning a lot. Can anyone tell me what I’m looking at here? Says San Dimas but isn’t it Ontario? Same thing? 86? Or later? Thanks!
https://reverb.com/item/33246808-jac...imas-1986-3675

I don't know that guy, therefore I can't speak to his intentions.
However, certain words, over time, have been become misunderstood due to various uses. For example, his ad does not say it was made in San Dimas. In fact, the opposite is true, it says the model is a San Dimas. Therein lies the problem. The headline is misleading, but is not incorrect... or is it? Was it called a San Dimas in 1986? Or even thru 1989? But the serial plate probably says San DImas (I can't see it), so again it is not incorrect.

What you need to be most concerned with is....
It is a Jackson R Strat (Strat, San Dimas, Vintage Style, etc) with a Kahler and no case.
The R means it was certainly not made in San Dimas (nor the more correct, Glendora). The Kahler means it is most likely an earlier Ontario. And no case means you need to pick it up in person.

[Usbino85]

Hi guys. Bought a Japan Jackson guitar but can't identify. Metallic paint, pearl inscription on the headstack, no marking on the sensors. tell me what kind of model?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9N...w?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DAj...w?usp=drivesdk https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9H...w?usp=drivesdk

[Sunbane]

First off, I don't know what model it is, but based on the features, it's a mid 90's import. My guess would be cirka 95-96. If it is 25.5" scale, it's a Dinky. If it's 24.75" scale, it's a Fusion. The bridge is probably a Jackson JT-580. (I like that bridge better than the JT-580LP, which is more common.)

Secondly, it doesn't look Japan-made. Does it say "made in Japan" anywhere on it? Because the 12th fret dots look off. Chuchin Gakki used to put the dots much closer together. I'd guess it's Korean made, but I can't be sure.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Hi guys. Bought a Japan Jackson guitar but can't identify. Metallic paint, pearl inscription on the headstack, no marking on the sensors. tell me what kind of model?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9N...w?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DAj...w?usp=drivesdk https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9H...w?usp=drivesdk

[Number Of The Priest]

There is something not quite right about the guitar that Usbino85 posted. The upper horn is the wrong shape, the headstock is the wrong shape, the foil headstock logo is something I don't recall ever seeing, the neckplate has the wrong font, and the location of the blade switch is not perfectly situated between the volume and tone knobs.

On the neckplate, the serial number format appears Japanese (9xxxxxx), but like Sunbane identified, the distance between the 12th fret dots is too far (which would be Korean or Indian). That adds to the suspiciousness given the already incorrect font of the neckplate.

I think it's a counterfeit Jackson. I bet if we saw photos of the back of the guitar, the electronics cavity would be the wrong shape or not in the correct location.

[Usbino85]

Please, new photo.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dcc...w?usp=drivesdk https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dor...w?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkBCGztPwE6s_8Fq2qcx0cL8rl5RR7Pg/view?usp=drivesdk

[Sunbane]

Ah, good eyes there NotP!

No, that is not a Jackson body. The back route is definitely wrong. At the very best, it's a playable guitar. But it's not a Jackson.

[Dressing.gown.man]

I know this has been here a while but I'm a bit stumped, cant find any pictures this fret/body finish together, but it is a finish jackson do serial cwj1331075 red burst, floyd rose. Very similar serial to the one on the jackson support page.

[Dressing.gown.man]

Pics

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lzLbwiQwUkTIxxlvr52RIlyba_QmXFzC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lqqCR1VaFErFvDdxv5gTCU7julW8oj86/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lpNwLlLEuEcWkWAr3_8dTpSdIuL5K3KC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1leuQigpOGNHcMKYa4JwLQJjFzsybJ23V/view?usp=drivesdk

[john.w.lawson]

Pics

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lzLbwiQwUkTIxxlvr52RIlyba_QmXFzC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lqqCR1VaFErFvDdxv5gTCU7julW8oj86/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lpNwLlLEuEcWkWAr3_8dTpSdIuL5K3KC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1leuQigpOGNHcMKYa4JwLQJjFzsybJ23V/view?usp=drivesdk

Can't see your pics

[Crumbling]

CWJ is Chinese JS32. They update the colors on them every couple of years, and there's quite a few dealer special models (i.e. the JS30EX with active Jackson PU that's now found on the cheaper X-Series, the JS34 HSS) floating around that don't show up on catalogs

[ScatteredDimension]

I bought a used SLXT in gloss black. Great playing guitar with low action. If the neck binding only was similar to the japanese "ivoroid" style, instead of just plain white plastic etc.oh well...

Headstock says crafted in India, serial in the picture starts with 11, is it made in 2011?

There is plenty of info about these models, but the infamous serial code website could'nt find it, so I'm just curious.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yt750es8ycopgf3/20220327_221312.jpg?dl=0

[risinghawk]

I have a Charvel Jackson bass. serial number C607392 in gold on the back of the head. I can't find anything about it. The front headstock says Charvel in big letters and underneath it says by Jackson Charvel
Does anyone have any ideas on this ?

[pianoguyy]

pictures would help
But I am going to go out on a limb as say -


Model Series
Model 3B
1986

[M73jackson]

Bought a used Kelly. Having real trouble identifying it.
Reverse head. Transparent red maple. Shark fin inlays. Made in Japan sticker on back of neck. Jackson only on head. Volume knob and 3-way pick up switch only. All black Floyd rose special double locked. Custom mustaine Seymour Duncan signature pick ups. Black tuning knobs. Looked in all the annual catalogs and it appears it could only be a KE3R from ‘98-2000 , but the serial number on the anodized black Jackson plate on the back starts with a 1 and is 7 digits. Absolutely gorgeous mint condition axe with no wear nor apparent use whatsoever, but it makes no sense as none of the hardware matches any of the Jackson catalogue avail options for those years. Is it a mutt constructed from a Korean Performer body? A Japanese custom shop? What is this thing? It’s like a MIJ KE2 Pro in a KE3R with the wrong serial plate. Lol. Help! Thx!

[Newc]

Bought a used Kelly. Having real trouble identifying it.
Reverse head. Transparent red maple. Shark fin inlays. Made in Japan sticker on back of neck. Jackson only on head. Volume knob and 3-way pick up switch only. All black Floyd rose special double locked. Custom mustaine Seymour Duncan signature pick ups. Black tuning knobs. Looked in all the annual catalogs and it appears it could only be a KE3R from ‘98-2000 , but the serial number on the anodized black Jackson plate on the back starts with a 1 and is 7 digits. Absolutely gorgeous mint condition axe with no wear nor apparent use whatsoever, but it makes no sense as none of the hardware matches any of the Jackson catalogue avail options for those years. Is it a mutt constructed from a Korean Performer body? A Japanese custom shop? What is this thing? It’s like a MIJ KE2 Pro in a KE3R with the wrong serial plate. Lol. Help! Thx!

Anything held on with screws is easily replaced. This is the most important thing to remember when trying to identify a used guitar.

Remove the neck and see what's stamped on the heel and the pocket. That's the best way to identify it. It's possible the neck is original to the body, but may have a different model stamped on it (DK or RR).