Willis Music Oxmoor Product Profile
Jackson Randy Rhoads RR5 Artist
Neck-thru-body construction, Seymour Duncan ‘JB’ pickups, compound radius Rosewood fretboard, jumbo fretwire, adjustable bridge, gold hardware
Just mentioning Randy Rhoads to most guitarists starts a conversation that can literally go on for hours. During his short time in the guitar spotlight, Randy Rhoads made an impact on so many levels he was destined to enjoy the legendary status of Hendrix, Van Halen and Clapton. The guitar he designed just prior to his death has also become legendary, and that status is equally earned. When the Randy Rhoads model was introduced it shook the guitar world. The extreme wings, incredible neck and combining of classic and modern features revitalized guitar building. Though the 80’s are truly gone this Jackson model continues to inspire players and companies alike. The RR5 is the top of the line production model Rhoads built in Jackson’s outstanding Japan factory, and while there are players who will insist that the only notable Jackson is USA made, I personally consider the Japan built instruments to be equal, and at time, superior, to the USA ones. While the RR5 is not a Custom Shop guitar it is without doubt one of the finest guitars available.
The Rock Maple neck that runs from the top of the headstock to the bottom of the wing joint is both dense and strong. Tuning issues rarely arose since this is regarded as the most stable neck wood used by builders. The wings attached to the sides of this neck that create the unique shape of the Rhoads models are made of Alder. This allows the weight to be manageable and overall tone to be lively rather than stifled. The neck-thru design is often used in upscale basses today, but for some reason not found on as many upper end guitars. That’s a shame as this is one of the best feeling guitars you’ll ever hold.
To call the neck amazing does it no justice. Grover Jackson pioneered a compound radius fretboard in the early 80’s that allowed players to chord and solo more comfortably than ever before. That radius puts a 12 degree arch on the neck towards the first frets and increases to 16 degrees at the bottom. When you hear someone say an instrument plays like butter it’s because top to bottom the strings feel great under their fingers. This guitar feels like a lot of butter! Bending is effortless and chording through even the most extreme patterns is comfortable; a main reason many of the more technical rock and metal groups have played Jackson so faithfully for so long. The phenolic nut allowed easy string passage even when going from standard to half-step down tuning which was wonderful. There’s no excuse for using plastic nuts on guitars, especially expensive ones, and I was glad that Jackson spent a few pennies more.
While the whole world seems to love Duncan JB pickups I find them un-exciting. The tone they give this guitar is fine, but I’d really like to hear it loaded with Alnico Pros or 59s since those pickups seem to be so much more responsive. That said, this guitar sounded great. I dropped the neck pickup down a bit lower than it arrived for a buttery (there’s that word again) sustain that cries out Power Ballad. The bridge offers up equal amounts punch or shred depending on the amp setting, but it was through a Peavey 6505’s clean channel Crunch mode that I spent most of my time.
I spent my youth staring at pictures of the Jackson Rhoads models determined to one day own one. If you share that same desire the RR5 is an absolute winner at a great price.
Reviewed by: Mike McAfee
Contact reviewer at: oxmoorstore@willis-music.com
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About the Contributor:
Manager Mike McAfee is a 13 year plus Willis veteran who has hand picked each employee on his floor because they excel in providing a superior experience to every customer. The confidence, knowledge and courtesy you encounter lives up to an environment tailored for each department of their store. The home-like piano experience alone is worth a visit, and no other store in town carries the stock or selection of Willis’ Oxmoor location. Please accept Mike’s personal invitation to see first hand how hard we’ll work to make sure you’ll always come back home to Willis Music at Oxmoor Center.
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