Hey there! Ever come across a guitar that just looks like it belongs in a rock museum rather than being played? Well, let me introduce you to a piece from our collection that fits this bill perfectly—the Jackson RR3 Crimson Swirl, a model that’s steeped in history and no longer up for grabs in the current lineup.

Not a Fan of Exotic Shapes—But This One’s an Exception

I’ve never been much of a fan of exotic guitar shapes. A while back, a buddy lent me a Gibson Explorer, and honestly, I wasn’t impressed. It was cumbersome, heavy, and just a pain to play while seated. Since then, I’ve steered clear of these wild shapes—until now. My youngest son, who’s really into the likes of flying Vs and Explorers, sparked his interest in something a bit more out there. When a friend moving abroad offered to sell his Jackson Randy Rhoads RR3, I was intrigued, especially since it was made in Japan—known for excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.

How a Napkin Sketch Launched Jackson Guitars and Made Rock History

Alright, so check this out—this is how the Jackson guitar brand was born, and it’s actually a pretty wild story. So, it’s late 1980, and Randy Rhoads, who’s shredding with Ozzy Osbourne at the time, decides he needs a new axe.

But he’s not just looking for any old guitar; he wants something that’s gonna stand out, something sharp and aggressive, kinda like his playing style.

So, Randy rolls up to Grover Jackson’s workshop in San Dimas, where they’re working under the Charvel brand. They sit down, and Randy literally sketches out his idea on a napkin. It’s this crazy, pointy, V-shaped guitar—totally unlike anything else out there. Grover’s into it, but here’s the thing: he’s a bit worried that slapping the Charvel name on this wild design might not be the best move, since Charvel was known for more traditional guitars at the time.

Instead, Jackson decides to put his own name on it. Boom—just like that, the first Jackson guitar is born. They called it the “Concorde,” and it had this slick, offset V-shape and some killer black pinstripes. Randy was all about it, but he still wanted to tweak the design a bit, which eventually led to what we now know as the Jackson Rhoads model.

This guitar blew up once Randy started using it on tour, and it quickly became a symbol in the rock and metal world. Unfortunately, Randy passed away in 1982, but the guitar—and the Jackson brand—lives on. It’s now an icon, all because Grover Jackson took a risk and put his own name on that napkin sketch. And that’s how Jackson Guitars became a big deal in the world of metal. Cool, right?

Specs That Speak Loud

This guitar isn’t just about looks; it packs a serious punch in terms of features:

• Body & Neck: It’s built with an alder body and a flamed maple top, covered in a captivating crimson swirl finish that you really have to see in person to appreciate. The bolt-on maple neck and compound-radius rosewood fretboard ensure smooth playability.
• Hardware & Pickups: Equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups—JB™ TB-4 at the bridge and ’59 SH-1N at the neck—and a Floyd Rose-licensed double-locking tremolo, this guitar is ready for some serious whammy action. The classic sharkfin inlays are quintessentially Jackson.

Living With the RR3

Playing this guitar is an experience. It’s not the most comfortable for casual jamming, especially when you’re standing, as it’s easy to knock into amps or mic stands. However, it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. The neck is silky smooth with a satin finish, and the Seymour Duncan pickups deliver a powerful sound that can really fill a room. Though it’s not our go-to daily player, my son loves showing it off, and honestly, it looks stunning hanging on the wall.

Why This Guitar Matters

I picked up this beauty for about $500 in mint condition, and it’s been a fantastic addition to our collection. It’s a testament to Randy Rhoads’ influence and Jackson’s commitment to quality. While you won’t find this model in the current Jackson lineup, there are plenty of other guitars by Jackson that capture the spirit of Rhoads’ style. And to get that crazy Randy Rhoads vibe, you might spend as little as $300 Jackson JS32T or as much as $3,000 on a luxurious Jackson MJ Series Rhoads RR24MG.

Collecting Guitars: More Than Just an Investment

Collecting guitars like the Jackson RR3 isn’t about breaking the bank. It’s about the joy of finding pieces that add variety and history to your collection without costing a fortune. Every guitar has a story, and part of the fun is discovering them, especially when they can bring a smile to your face without emptying your wallet.

So, whether you’re an avid collector or just starting out, keep an eye out for these hidden gems in the second-hand market. They’re often just as capable and special as their brand-new counterparts, and they come with a history that’s priceless.