Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$1,099.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$1,099.99
Amazon
4.0 (5)
$1,099.99
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$1,099.99
zZounds
3.0 (2)
$1,099.99
Thomann
4.5 (11)
$977.00 $968.00 $9.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£899.00

Average Price: $1,078

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Jackson King V". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Jackson King V is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, designed for guitarists who crave a bold and commanding presence. This electric guitar combines aggressive aesthetics with high-performance features, making it ideal for shredders and metal enthusiasts alike. A maple through-body neck ensures stability and sustain, while the ultra-smooth oiled back finish enhances playability. The bound ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and alumiloid sharkfin inlays offers a seamless playing experience, allowing you to navigate complex solos effortlessly.

At the core of the King V's sound are the Seymour Duncan Distortion humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and articulate tone that cuts through any mix. The three-way toggle switch provides versatile tonal shaping, while the Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo offers precision tuning stability and expressive dive-bombs. Complemented by sleek black nickel hardware, this guitar not only sounds great but looks the part of a true rock weapon.

Whether you're unleashing blistering leads or laying down thunderous riffs, the Jackson King V stands as a symbol of sonic dominance, ready to take center stage in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Maple through-body neck with ultra-smooth oiled back finish
  • Bound ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and alumiloid sharkfin inlays
  • Seymour Duncan Distortion humbucking pickups
  • Three-way toggle pickup switching
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo
  • Black nickel hardware

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Jackson King V best suited for?

The Jackson King V, with its Seymour Duncan SH6 Distortion humbuckers and aggressive body shape, is ideal for metal and hard rock genres, providing powerful, high-output tones perfect for heavy riffing and shredding.

What is the neck profile of the Jackson King V like?

The Jackson King V features a Speed Neck profile, designed for fast playing and smooth transitions, making it an excellent choice for lead guitarists who prioritize speed and precision.

Does the Jackson King V come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Jackson King V is equipped with a Jackson-branded Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo bridge, providing excellent tuning stability and allowing for expressive dive-bombs and pitch shifts.

Is the Jackson King V suitable for beginners?

While the Jackson King V offers advanced features that appeal to experienced players, its playability and iconic design can also inspire beginners who are serious about pursuing metal or rock guitar playing.

How does the compound radius fingerboard on the Jackson King V affect playability?

The 12" to 16" compound radius fingerboard on the Jackson King V allows for comfortable chord playing near the nut and effortless soloing higher up the neck, offering a versatile playing experience.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Jackson KV2 King V USA Electric Guitar, Blue Ghost Flames

Video thumbnail for Jackson KV2 King V USA Electric Guitar, Blue Ghost Flames by Musician's Friend

Jackson KV2 King V USA Electric Guitar, Blue Ghost Flames

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Jackson King V JS32T - Demo by Metropolis Guitar MX

Jackson King V JS32T - Demo

Metropolis Guitar MX

Metropolis Guitar MX

Video thumbnail for New Guitar Day: 2021 Jackson Pro Series King V by Matthieu Roussotte

New Guitar Day: 2021 Jackson Pro Series King V

Matthieu Roussotte

Matthieu Roussotte

Video thumbnail for Unboxing of a Ferrari Red Jackson King V by Lady Bug

Unboxing of a Ferrari Red Jackson King V

Lady Bug

Lady Bug

Video thumbnail for Jackson King V JS32T Ferrari Red - Metallica Medley by German Mencia

Jackson King V JS32T Ferrari Red - Metallica Medley

German Mencia

German Mencia

Video thumbnail for JACKSON USA KING V BLUE GHOST FLAMES FLYING V GUITAR FLOYD ROSE SEYMOUR DUNCAN PICKUPS UP CLOSE by Essex Recording Studios

JACKSON USA KING V BLUE GHOST FLAMES FLYING V GUITAR FLOYD ROSE SEYMOUR DUNCAN PICKUPS UP CLOSE

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for 10 YEARS Later - Jackson King V Guitar Review by Mitch Avedon

10 YEARS Later - Jackson King V Guitar Review

Mitch Avedon

Mitch Avedon

Video thumbnail for Jackson USA King V KV2 ghost flames blue demo by Mile 5

Jackson USA King V KV2 ghost flames blue demo

Mile 5

Mile 5

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson King V.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace the stock tremolo with a Gotoh GE1996T for better durability, using Floyd Original bridge studs without needing extra drilling.

    Source
  • Upgrading from a Floyd Rose 1000 to an Original Floyd Rose (OFR) significantly improves tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Floyd Rose system on the JS32 is prone to tuning instability, with some users replacing it after about a year.

    Source
  • A hardtail version is recommended to avoid tuning frustrations associated with budget Floyd Rose systems, particularly for beginners.

    Source
  • A loose locking nut issue can be resolved by applying super glue to the end grain where it attaches to the neck.

    Source

User experience

  • Players accustomed to a classical style find the King V comfortable despite its reputation for awkward sitting posture.

    Source
  • Despite minor finish flaws, owners find the Pro Series King V to be a dependable 'workhorse' for its price range.

    Source

Build quality

  • The JS32 line has inconsistent quality control, particularly with the tremolo system and smoothness of pots and tuning pegs.

    Source
  • Licensed Floyd Rose systems in this price range are prone to wear and tuning issues, highlighting concerns about the longevity of certain components.

    Source
  • Some owners report minor paint issues on Indonesian models, but note that the neck, fretboard, and electronics are generally reliable.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The jumbo frets, while initially challenging, are appreciated for their playability once adjusted to.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At the $370 price point, better options exist but the King V's aesthetic appeal can be motivating for new players.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In this price range, the JS series is considered good, but other brands offer better quality control and components.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Locking tuners combined with a good string setup maintain tuning stability, eliminating the need for nut upgrades.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Jackson King V Review (KVXMG) | Electric Herald

electricherald.com

Jackson King V KVXMG impresses with its aggressive design and exceptional metal tone. The EMG 81/85 pickups deliver sharp attack and definition, perfect for high-gain music. Its neck-thru construction ensures excellent sustain, while the compound radius fretboard enhances playability. Despite using more affordable materials, the X-Series maintains quality, offering fantastic value. However, the difference in materials means some players might prefer the Pro Series. Overall, a potent choice for metal enthusiasts.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 32 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sesamemefrog

Great

It's a pretty good guitar. The main reason why this is better than a Gibson and Epiphone Flying V is quite simply the fact that it has a place to put a whammy bar. That's honestly my only real complaint with Epiphone's guitars.

fleshwound

My Number One Guitar

I at first wasn’t fond of the King V and I was hesitant to buy it because I already had a Rhoads and a Dinky, but I am so glad I bought it because it became my number one pretty fast. Jackson really knows how to make good guitars for a decent price.

walk1net

Very good guitar for metal

I use this guitar mainly for recording stuff. I have myself swapped the bridge pickup to EMG H4 which I think was a good choice, since the stock pickups sound a bit too "fuzzy" and muddy.

M

MasterKingV

My fifth guitar and I think it´s best guitar. Jackson guitars forever.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Silenoz uses Jackson King V

Silenoz

Guitarist

Dimmu Borgir

...
Verified via Photo

used a King V in the middle of 2000's

See how Infernus uses Jackson King V

Infernus

Guitarist

Gorgoroth

...
Verified via Pinterest

Infernus, of the band Gorgoroth, is seen using a Jackson King V guitar during live performances, as documented in a photo by Wayne Lawson on Pinterest.

See how Eric Hoffman uses Jackson King V

Eric Hoffman

Guitarist

Deicide

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Eric Hoffman can be seen using this guitar 00:42 into the video

See how Robbin Crosby uses Jackson King V

Robbin Crosby

Guitarist

Ratt

...
Verified via Secondhandsongs

Crosby's custom Jackson, "King" being his nickname because of his 6'5 frame.

See how Brian Hoffman uses Jackson King V

Brian Hoffman

Guitarist

Deicide

...
Verified via Photo

Brian Hoffman is seen playing a Jackson King V during a live performance, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

See how Morgan Lander uses Jackson King V

Morgan Lander

Singer, Guitarist

Kittie

...
Verified via Solar Guitars- Website
Color/Finish: Black Open Pore Year: 2022

Morgan Lander is known to use the Jackson King V guitar, as confirmed by the Solar Guitars website, which describes its premium features and high performance.

See how Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik uses Jackson King V

Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik

Guitarist, Composer

Sodom

...
Verified via Photo

Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik was seen playing a Jackson King V guitar during the 1980s, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Twimg.

See how Roger Tiegs uses Jackson King V

Roger Tiegs

Guitarist, Composer

Gorgoroth

...
Verified via Photo

Roger Tiegs, performing with Gorgoroth at Summer Breeze 2010, is pictured using a Jackson King V guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Laut.

See how Zach Huston uses Jackson King V

Zach Huston

Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Verified via Photo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sDVnsAN4v/ you can see Zach having 3 king V's 1 in a 3 tone burst, one in black, and one in snow white

R

Ralph Santolla

Guitarist

Deicide

...
Verified via Photo

Ralph Santolla is seen using a Jackson King V guitar with an inverted headstock in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Prika Amaral uses Jackson King V

Prika Amaral

Guitarist

Nervosa

...
Verified via Photo

In this Image, Prika Amaral can be seen playing her Jackson King V. Second source: http://hmbreakdown.blogspot.com/2014/04/prika-amaral-forca-por-tras-da.html

See how Craig Wells uses Jackson King V

Craig Wells

Guitarist

Metal Church

...
Verified via Getty Images

In this photo Craig Wells performs with a Jackson King V in white, recognizable by its fret markers, Floyd Rose trem, and slight difference in body shape compared to the original Flying V.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Jackson King V, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Seymour Duncan Invader SH-8 Electric Guitar Pickups
1
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Electric Guitar Pickups
1
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1
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Gibson Les Paul Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
qman39

qman39

Gear IQ 53

P

pickslide777

Gear IQ 64

max_metal

max_metal

Gear IQ 229

petter_hernroth

petter_hernroth

Gear IQ 100

1 alternative for Jackson King V, curated by the Equipboard community.

Jackson Pro Series King V KVTMG Electric Guitar

$989.00 - $1,249.99

newer similar sound

Looks almost the same, except for the pickups, knobs, inlays, and headstock text color.

More Jackson Solid Body Electric Guitars

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Gear Guides

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    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227