Anyway, Randy christened his Jackson prototype “The Concorde”, basically because he’d flown on its aviation namesake after the UK tour. That’s why the guitar isn’t a true signature model. That obvious affiliation didn’t happen until after Randy’s death when his design became a production model. The first guitars Jackson built for Ozzy’s shredder weren’t designated “the Randy Rhoads”. Some brands, like Jackson, employ a compound radius from say 12” over the first few frets - for stress-free chording - to 16” at the dusty end of the ‘board for slick action and bending. Most modern rock and metal guitars run from 14” to 16” and have big ass jumbo frets for ultimate playability. Gibson guitars are 12” with a lower string tension than Fenders, hence a low action and easy string bending. Modern Fenders run from 9.5” to 10” and even 12” radius depending on model, and whether Eric Johnson was involved in the guitar’s development. A vintage Fender has a 7.25” radius which can make a low action hard to achieve. For shredders, the flatter the ‘board the lower you can get the action, and the less likely you are to get buzzing and string choking while widdling above the 12th fret. Built by fellow guitarist Karl Sandival, the black V, acne’d with white dots established some of the features later found on the Jackson-built RR: a slim neck, two humbuckers and a vintage, so non-locking, Fender-style vibrato.Ĭrucially, the fingerboard had a ultra-flat 17” radius. The lineage of his iconic Jackson RR can be traced back to the “Polka Dot” V he’s grasping on the cover of the Ozzy Osbourne/Randy Rhoads Tribute album that was released in 1987, exactly five years to the date of his death. Just look at Randy and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols Customs for evidence… The result actually looked cooler than stock. In the case of Alpine White Customs, the finish would yellow to a creamy aesthetic. Gibson had problems with white finishes fading and staining with nicotine sometimes the lacquer would pick up the colour of the furry fabric inside their guitar cases. That exalted slot in his arsenal goes to his ‘74 Gibson Les Paul Custom in a yellowed Alpine White finish. While we fully intend to tell its story, the road to the Rhoads is a long and winding one, and the kid’s guitar history is fascinating… so bear with us while we set the scene.ĭespite its legacy, the Jackson RR wasn’t the guitar most associated with Randy during his lifetime. Yes, the Gibson Flying V came first, it first appeared in 1958, and BC Rich had already spawned “shape” guitars like the Mockingbird… but the Jackson Randy Rhoads was the first pointy guitar specifically tailored to a metal virtuoso. He also helped create possibly the most “metal” guitar ever. **All photographs shown are ACTUAL PHOTOS of the item listed and are taken at our shop.Rhoads’ skill as a guitarist, honed with his passion for classical music, isn’t the only thing he left behind for those who followed. Please check out our reviews and feedback. All of our instruments are thoroughly gone over and set up by our luthier. We at Guitar Chimp have been selling guitars in Salt Lake City and online for over 13 years now and have developed a reputation for delivering a quality product. Unfortunately, we do not have the book and CD that came with these. The original frets are in excellent condition with no wear. The neck is straight with no issues and plays great. Overall, I would rate the condition a solid 9.5 out of 10. The backplate has been autographed by Zakk Wylde. There are some light scratches and a few very small dings. This guitar is in excellent condition and in perfect working order. For sale is a 1998 Jackson USA Custom Shop Limited Edition Randy Rhoads Tribute Polka Dot Flying V #53 of 150 with the original case.