Jackson Guitars and metal veteran Phil Demmel have reunited to launch a limited-edition Pro Series Phil Demmel KV King V signature model. This new guitar is a direct tribute to one of Demmel’s greatest heroes and a pivotal figure in Jackson’s history: the legendary Randy Rhoads.
While the King V shape differs from Rhoads’ iconic asymmetrical model, its striking black-and-white polka-dot finish immediately evokes his legacy. The gloss finish, which continues up the neck for a seamless look, is a nod to a custom Rhoads V and a previous collaboration between Jackson and Demmel in 2009.
A Guitarist’s Journey
Demmel, a founding member of thrash titans Vio-lence and long-time guitarist for Machine Head, has a deep connection to Jackson that dates back to the 1980s.
He recounts a captivating story of how he acquired his first Jackson—a Rhoads model—through a “sketchy” trade. That guitar was later seized by police at a show, but the incident only solidified his bond with the brand.
“The Jackson name and model has been a part of my DNA over these years,” Demmel says, noting he’s been playing them since 1983. This new King V is a testament to that enduring relationship, blending his personal preferences with a design that pays homage to metal’s past.
Unapologetically Metal: The Specs
The new Pro Series KV King V is built for performance and “endless sustain,” featuring a mahogany body with a maple neck-through-body design. The three-piece maple neck is reinforced with carbon fiber rods for stability and carved into a super-fast profile. It’s topped with a 12″-16″ compound radius ebony fingerboard, complete with pearloid sharkfin inlays and 24 jumbo frets.
Floyd Rose & EMGs
For hardware, Demmel has equipped the guitar with a recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking vibrato, a go-to for serious players. The electronics are equally uncompromising, featuring a classic pairing of active EMG 81 and EMG 60 humbuckers at the bridge and neck, respectively.
This combination is a staple of thrash and modern metal, delivering the aggressive, high-output tone Demmel is known for.
Price & Availability
The limited-edition Pro Series Phil Demmel KV King V is available now for $2,099, including a molded foam-core guitar case.
Available at Sweetwater
Available at Thomann
More Information
#Jackson Guitars #Phil Demmel
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