Randy Rhoads remains an undisputed legend in the realm of hard rock and heavy metal guitar. Though his career was tragically cut short, his innovative and technically brilliant playing style, particularly on tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” with Ozzy Osbourne, cemented his place in guitar history. Beyond his groundbreaking musical contributions, Rhoads also left an indelible mark on guitar design through his collaboration with Jackson Guitars, resulting in the iconic Rhoads Jackson Guitar.
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1956, Randy Rhoads’ musical journey began early. Influenced by his music teacher mother, he picked up the guitar before the age of ten. His teenage years saw him delve into the burgeoning hard rock scene, leading him to co-found Quiet Riot. Even while achieving local fame in Los Angeles clubs, Rhoads honed his craft as a guitar teacher, showcasing his dedication to both performance and the instrument itself. His exceptional talent soon caught the attention of Ozzy Osbourne in 1979, marking the beginning of his international stardom and further solidifying his legendary status. Even on his final album, Diary of a Madman, Rhoads’ expanding musical horizons, incorporating classical and jazz influences, hinted at even greater innovations to come, making his untimely passing all the more poignant.
The story of the Rhoads Jackson guitar began in late 1980. Seeking a unique instrument to match his distinctive style, Rhoads approached Grover Jackson with a vision. The pivotal meeting between Rhoads and Jackson occurred just before Christmas of that year, sparking a creative partnership that would revolutionize guitar design. In a truly organic and innovative fashion, the initial design for the guitar was sketched out on a simple paper napkin. This first iteration, known as the “Concorde,” was a striking white guitar featuring an offset V shape and neck-through-body construction. Crucially, it was the first guitar to bear Jackson’s own name on the headstock, signifying a new era for the company.
While the Concorde holds the distinction of being the first Jackson guitar and was indeed played by Rhoads, it was ultimately refined into a second version based on Rhoads’ further input. This evolved model, capturing Rhoads’ specific preferences and design ideas, is immortalized as the definitive Jackson Rhoads guitar. Seen in only a few photographs of Rhoads shortly before his death, this second iteration became the blueprint for the globally recognized and revered Jackson Rhoads model that continues to inspire guitarists today. The Rhoads Jackson guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a testament to the innovative spirit of Randy Rhoads and his lasting impact on the world of guitar playing and design.
