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Grover Jackson
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Grover Jackson (born July 17, 1949) is an American luthier best known for designing and making various guitar models at Jackson Guitars, such as Jackson Rhoads and Jackson Soloist during the 1980s.
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Jackson has been making guitars since 1973. In 1978, he started working at Wayne Charvel's guitar repair shop in Covina, California (while using a PO Box in neighboring San Dimas). Since Charvel's shop was almost bankrupted, Charvel eventually sold his interest to Grover Jackson on November 10, 1978, which gave Jackson control of the business and the Charvel brand. In 1980 he also launched the Jackson brand with the Randy Rhoads model.
Although Jackson and Charvel Guitars became popular with the rise of hard rock and heavy metal music in that era, Grover Jackson sold the Jackson/Charvel brand to the Japanese manufacturer IMC (International Music Corporation) of Fort Worth, Texas, in 1989, and eventually left the company in 1990.
From 1993 to 1996, Jackson worked for Washburn USA in Chicago. During this time he designed and supervised the "Chicago MG" and "Mercury" guitar and "Bantam" bass series.[1] These models were advertised as "Grover Jackson's design" along with his photo. He also worked with Dimebag Darrell to design and build his signature guitars (Washburn Dime series). Then he moved on to run the factory and supervise guitar designs for Rickenbacker from 1996 to 1999. This is also the same time Rickenbacker started adopting CNC router operation (late 1996-1997).[2] He also worked with several other manufacturers, such as G&L Musical Instruments, Tacoma Guitars and Sadowsky, throughout the late 1990s to 2000s. In around 2010, he worked for B.C. Rich to design and handcraft "Gunslinger" series guitar model.[3]
In from 2014 to 2015, there was an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a documentary film about him. However it failed to reach its $250,000 goal.[4]
In 2018, Jackson starts working with Friedman Amplification and manufacture Friedman brand guitars including pickups based on David Friedman's spec.
GJ² Guitars
[edit]In 2011, Jackson co-founded GJ² Guitars in Orange County, California."Premier Guitar: GJ2 Shredder Review". Retrieved May 20, 2014. His partner in this venture was former Fender Senior Vice President Jon Gold.
"Grover Jackson" guitar brand in Asian market
[edit]In the 1990s, many models were produced as Japanese market exclusives under "Grover Jackson" brand name. However, in this period of time Grover Jackson had nothing to do with the brand name. This was due to "Jackson" brand already being trademarked by another company in Japan and having to have a different name for the market. The "Grover Jackson" line was produced in Japan, in the same factory as the "Jackson Professional" series. There were also some low end models marketed as "Team GJ". "Grover Jackson" brand was later renamed "Jackson Stars". "Jackson Stars" was essentially the same as "Grover Jackson" brand with the same purpose of being a Japanese exclusive line of Jackson guitars.
There were, however, "Grover Jackson" guitars which were made in the Jackson USA Custom Shop. Examples of these were the Artist signature line, which included the Marty Friedman signature Kelly, which was renamed "The Kelly".[5]
Date of these models are identified from headstock as follows;
- From 1991 - 92: Jackson (R)/Grover Jackson (where "Jackson" is large toothpaste logo and "Grover Jackson" portion is attached small letters)
- From 1993 - 94: Jackson /Grover Jackson (R) (same letter configuration other than placement of (R))
- From 1995 - 98: Grover Jackson (R) (where all of it is large toothpaste letters)[6]
References
[edit]- ^ The Wild & Weird History of the Electric Guitar, p. 208, at Google Books
- ^ Paul D. Boyer "The Rickenbacker Electric Bass 50 Years as Rock's Bottom" p.64, Hal Leonard, ISBN 9781476886800
- ^ "Premier Guitar: B.C.Rich Beginnings". Retrieved May 1, 2014.
- ^ "The Grover Jackson Story – IndieGoGo Campaign". Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
- ^ "audiozone.dk". Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ^ "Player Online archive (Japanese)". Retrieved November 3, 2013.
External links
[edit]- GJ2 Guitars official website
- Grover Jackson Interview at NAMM Oral History Library (2008)
- Jon Gold Interview about Grover Jackson at NAMM Oral History Library (2012)
- (2014)
Grover Jackson
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Tennessee
Grover Jackson was born on July 17, 1949, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.[5] He grew up in Tennessee in an environment rich with musical influences from the region's burgeoning country and rock scenes during the mid-20th century.[4] The proximity to Nashville, a hub for live performances and recording studios, provided early exposure to professional musicians and the evolving sounds of rock 'n' roll emerging alongside traditional country music.[4] From a young age in the 1950s and 1960s, Jackson cultivated a deep passion for music, engaging in early hobbies such as playing instruments with local groups and school bands.[4] He performed in noted bands during his adolescence, honing his skills amid Tennessee's dynamic music culture that blended Southern traditions with the rising tide of rock influences like those from early pioneers such as Elvis Presley and local Nashville acts.[4] At around age 11 in 1960, Jackson undertook his first guitar repair for a friend, an event that ignited his fascination with the instrument's construction and sound.[1] He attended Tyner High School in Chattanooga.[6] This formative period in Tennessee, surrounded by accessible live music events and a community alive with sonic experimentation, instilled in Jackson a creative drive that extended beyond performing to envisioning innovative guitar designs.[7]Musical Background and Initial Interests
Grover Jackson developed a profound passion for music during his high school years in the 1960s, growing up in Tennessee, where the vibrant local music scene profoundly shaped his interests.[4] As a dedicated guitarist, he immersed himself in playing electric guitar, drawing inspiration from the emerging heavy rock sounds of the era. His involvement in noted local bands allowed him to hone his skills through live performances, fostering a deep appreciation for instruments that could deliver aggressive, high-gain tones essential to the genre.[4] Jackson's playing style was characterized by its power and intensity, reflecting the heavy rock influences that dominated his early musical experiences. Self-taught, he drew inspiration from key influences including pioneering rock guitarists like Jeff Beck, whose innovative work with the Yardbirds and subsequent solo efforts profoundly impacted Jackson.[7] This period marked his transition from casual listener to active performer, as his band activities exposed him to the limitations of standard instruments, sparking an initial curiosity about repairs and customizations.[4] By the late 1960s and into early adulthood, Jackson's engagement with heavy rock extended beyond playing, laying the groundwork for his later expertise in luthiery. His early rock influences, including bands like Cream and Led Zeppelin, further motivated his interest in instrument construction.[7]Entry into Luthiery
First Guitar Repairs and Builds
In 1973, following his move to California to pursue a career as a guitarist, Grover Jackson began repairing and building guitars for local musicians as a means of financial support. This initial foray into professional luthiery built upon his childhood interest, which had prompted his first guitar repair at age eleven in 1960 while living in Tennessee. Jackson's early work emphasized custom repairs and the assembly of complete instruments using sourced components, gradually transitioning from hobbyist modifications to more structured builds. Around this time, he started experimenting with guitar designs featuring thin bodies, progressive colors, and graphic images to appeal to the emerging rock musicians in the Southern California scene. These efforts laid the groundwork for his reputation in the local music community, where he addressed demands for enhanced playability and tonal modifications, such as hotter pickups and faster necks, though specific early client names remain undocumented in available records. Challenges included operating with limited professional tools and relying on ad-hoc part sourcing from suppliers, which he navigated through resourcefulness and connections in the regional guitar trade.[1]Move to California and Charvel Shop
In 1973, Grover Jackson relocated from Tennessee to California, drawn by the expanding opportunities in the rock music industry and guitar craftsmanship on the West Coast.[1] After arriving, he worked for several years as a salesman at Anvil Cases, where he gained exposure to the guitar industry and made connections such as with luthier Travis Bean. He later worked briefly at Westwood Music in Los Angeles during the summer, gaining further exposure to the local scene before seeking a more specialized role.[7] In September 1977, Jackson began working at Wayne Charvel's guitar repair shop in San Dimas, California, after visiting to purchase a guitar body and discussing business challenges with Charvel over lunch.[7] Recognizing the shop's financial struggles amid growing demand from touring musicians, Jackson proposed working without pay in exchange for a 10% ownership stake, focusing on streamlining operations and managing repair orders; this arrangement formalized his partnership in 1978.[7][2] The shop handled high-volume repairs and modifications for prominent rock acts, transforming stock Fender and Gibson instruments into high-performance models suited for the era's aggressive playing styles.[7] By late 1978, as Charvel sought to exit due to mounting pressures, Jackson acquired the business in November, assuming control to stabilize and expand its services.[7][2] In January 1979, with his wife JoAnn Pieroth, he hired Mike Eldred as the first employee, initiating a period of growth that included hiring additional staff and broadening offerings to custom modifications, particularly for heavy metal guitarists seeking enhanced speed and sustain.[7] This shift built on Jackson's prior repair experience, positioning the shop as a key hub for innovative luthiery in Southern California.[7]Career at Charvel and Jackson Guitars
Acquisition and Expansion of Charvel
In November 1978, Grover Jackson acquired Charvel Guitars from its founder Wayne Charvel for approximately $40,000, which included absorbing around $33,500 in outstanding debt, marking the full transition of the business from a repair and parts operation to one focused on guitar manufacturing.[8] By early 1979, Jackson had relocated the operations from the original San Dimas shop to a larger facility in Glendora, California, enabling the shift toward limited production runs of complete instruments rather than custom modifications.[7] This acquisition allowed Jackson to capitalize on the growing demand for high-performance guitars in the Southern California music scene, where repair work had previously outnumbered builds.[8] To support the expansion, Jackson hired his first employee, luthier Mike Eldred, in January 1979, followed shortly by Tim Wilson and Mike Shannon, both experienced woodworkers who helped establish an initial team dedicated to production.[7] This core group was soon augmented by additional luthiers including Todd Krause, Pat McGarry, and Steve Stern, enabling Jackson to streamline workflows by dividing tasks such as body shaping, neck construction, and finishing for greater efficiency.[8] Within 8 to 12 months, the team had mastered in-house neck production, reducing reliance on external suppliers like Boogie Bodies and DiMarzio, while the facility expanded from 1,200 square feet to 2,400 square feet by mid-1980 to accommodate the increasing output.[7][8] The early Charvel models produced under Jackson's leadership emphasized superstrat designs, featuring bolt-on maple necks with 22 or 24 frets, compound-radius fingerboards, and humbucking pickups for enhanced sustain and tonal versatility suited to rock playing styles.[8] These guitars, often equipped with modern innovations like Kahler or Floyd Rose tremolo systems, debuted as complete instruments at the June 1979 NAMM show in Atlanta, where several prototypes were displayed and the first sales were made to retailers such as Veneman Music.[7] Representative examples included Strat-style bodies with contoured finishes, priced around $880 to $955 for standard configurations by the early 1980s, reflecting a focus on customizable yet production-oriented builds.[8] The market response in Southern California's vibrant rock scene was immediate and enthusiastic, with the shop attracting visits from prominent musicians such as Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck, who sought out the hot-rodded designs for their speed and playability.[7] High demand surged following the success of local acts in the late 1970s, leading to rapid sell-outs at key retailers like Guitar Center and Musician's Friend, and establishing Charvel as a go-to brand for the region's shred-oriented players before the first full catalog was issued in 1981.[8] This grassroots popularity in the SoCal hot-rod guitar community underscored the guitars' reputation for superior craftsmanship and innovation, setting the stage for broader national recognition.[9]Founding and Growth of Jackson Guitars
In 1980, Grover Jackson founded Jackson Guitars as a distinct brand in Los Angeles County, California, separating it from Charvel Guitar Repair, which he had acquired in 1978, to focus on high-end custom and production guitars tailored for professional musicians.[10][9] This launch capitalized on the burgeoning demand for high-performance instruments amid the rise of heavy metal and shred guitar styles, with Jackson establishing operations initially in Glendora to produce innovative designs for touring artists.[7] The expansion at Charvel provided the foundational infrastructure for this new venture.[9] Throughout the 1980s, Jackson Guitars experienced rapid growth, driven by targeted marketing toward shred guitarists and the development of a streamlined production process with a team of skilled luthiers.[10] The company expanded its Glendora facility from 2,400 square feet in 1981 to 4,800 square feet by 1982, reflecting surging orders from the metal music scene.[7] In 1985, following an alliance with International Music Corporation (IMC), operations relocated to a larger 28,000-square-foot factory in Ontario, California, enabling increased output while maintaining U.S.-based manufacturing for premium models.[7][9] Jackson's business strategy emphasized exports to international markets, particularly Europe and Asia, where the shred guitar phenomenon was gaining traction among heavy metal enthusiasts, broadening its global distribution network.[9] By the end of the decade, this focus on high-performance guitars for virtuoso players had solidified the brand's reputation, leading to its sale to IMC in 1989.[10][7]Key Designs and Musician Collaborations
One of Grover Jackson's most iconic contributions during the early years of Jackson Guitars was the design of the Randy Rhoads V-shaped guitar, developed in collaboration with the Ozzy Osbourne guitarist in late 1980, with the prototype completed in December 1980 and delivered to Rhoads shortly thereafter. Rhoads approached Jackson with a rough sketch on a cocktail napkin, envisioning an angular, shark-fin-like body inspired by his flight on a Concorde jetliner, leading to the prototype's nickname "the Concorde." The resulting model featured an asymmetrical white body with black graphics, a reverse headstock for improved string tension and aesthetics, ebony fingerboard with pearl shark-fin inlays, and enhanced upper-fret access, setting it apart from traditional designs like the Gibson Flying V. This guitar became the foundation for the Jackson RR series and symbolized the brand's shift toward high-performance metal instruments.[11] Building on this success, Jackson developed the Soloist and Performer series in the early 1980s, introducing neck-through-body construction for superior sustain and stability, paired with Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo systems to enable aggressive whammy bar techniques without tuning issues. The Soloist, launched around 1984, adopted a superstrat body shape with a pointed dual-horn design, 24 frets, and high-output humbuckers, optimized for speed and shredding as endorsed by artists like Def Leppard's Phil Collen. The Performer variant complemented it as a more accessible bolt-on neck model, maintaining similar ergonomic contours but emphasizing affordability for working musicians while retaining the Floyd Rose bridge in select configurations. These series established Jackson's reputation for playability in the rising thrash and glam metal scenes.[12] Jackson's collaborations extended beyond Rhoads, drawing influences from Eddie Van Halen, whose custom Charvel builds by Jackson in the late 1970s—such as the iconic "Bumblebee" Strat-style guitar—inspired the brand's emphasis on hot-rodded, high-gain designs with reinforced necks and custom graphics. Custom orders proliferated for emerging metal acts, including guitars for Mötley Crüe members like Mick Mars, who received personalized Jackson models with natural finishes and signature modifications to suit his raw, blues-inflected style during the band's 1980s tours. These artist-driven projects highlighted Jackson's role as a go-to luthier for rock and metal icons seeking tailored instruments.[12][13] A key innovation in playability came in the mid-1980s with the introduction of compound radius fretboards on Jackson models, starting at a tighter 12-inch radius near the nut for comfortable chording and flattening to 16 inches at the upper frets for fluid solos and bends. This design, pioneered under Jackson's oversight, addressed the limitations of uniform-radius boards prevalent in earlier guitars, enhancing speed and intonation for virtuoso players and becoming a hallmark of the brand's professional series.[9]Later Professional Ventures
Work at Washburn Guitars
In 1993, Grover Jackson joined Washburn USA in Chicago as head of the custom shop, a position he held until 1996.[14] During this period, he focused on expanding the company's lineup of American-made instruments, emphasizing high-performance designs that balanced quality craftsmanship with affordability for working musicians.[15] Jackson oversaw the development of the Chicago MG series, a line of superstrat-style electric guitars handcrafted in the Chicago facility and marketed as his personal designs.[16] These models, such as the MG-94 and MG-120, featured bolt-on maple necks, alder or ash bodies, and versatile pickup configurations including humbuckers and single-coils, tailored for rock and metal genres with enhanced playability and tonal clarity.[17] The Mercury series, produced from 1992 but significantly refined under Jackson's direction starting in 1993, included guitars like the MG-401 and MG-100, known for their ergonomic contours, thinner neck profiles in later iterations, and components such as Seymour Duncan pickups and Wilkinson tremolos.[14] These instruments prioritized consistent construction and modern aesthetics to appeal to shredders and performers seeking reliable stage tools without premium custom pricing.[18] Complementing the guitar offerings, Jackson contributed to the Bantam bass series, including models like the XB-200 and XB-900, which featured compact mahogany bodies, active electronics with Bartolini pickups, and pro-level ergonomics for upright posture and extended play.[19] Designed for versatility in rock and fusion contexts, the series highlighted Jackson's expertise in scaling down traditional designs while maintaining structural integrity and tonal punch.[20] A notable collaboration during Jackson's time at Washburn involved developing signature electric guitars for Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell, resulting in the Dime series with bold graphic finishes evoking Pantera's imagery and high-gain capabilities suited to heavy metal.[21] These models incorporated set-neck constructions, licensed Floyd Rose tremolos, and custom aesthetics to capture Darrell's aggressive style, marking a key endorsement that boosted Washburn's presence in the metal scene.[22]Tenure at Rickenbacker International
Grover Jackson served as Director of Manufacturing at Rickenbacker International from 1996 to 1999, where he was responsible for all day-to-day operations of the guitar factory and quality control measures in Santa Ana, California.[6] During this period, Jackson introduced CNC routers to the production process, significantly improving precision and consistency in manufacturing both semi-hollow and solidbody guitars.[23] This modernization effort, initiated in late 1996 or early 1997, allowed Rickenbacker to maintain high standards of craftsmanship while scaling output without compromising the hand-built feel of their instruments. Drawing on his prior experience in guitar design from Washburn, Jackson focused on integrating technology that supported rather than replaced traditional techniques. Jackson also oversaw subtle updates to iconic models such as the 360 semi-hollowbody guitar and the 400 series basses, refining internal components and finishing processes to enhance playability and durability while strictly preserving the original aesthetic and tonal characteristics that defined the brand.[24] These changes helped Rickenbacker adapt to contemporary demands without alienating its loyal customer base. One of the key challenges Jackson encountered was balancing the preservation of Rickenbacker's storied heritage—rooted in vintage-inspired designs and meticulous handwork—with the need to increase production efficiency in a competitive market.[25] By prioritizing quality control and targeted technological upgrades, he ensured the factory operations evolved to support greater volume while upholding the company's reputation for premium, distinctive instruments.Independent Projects and Collaborations
Following his departure from Rickenbacker International Corporation in 1999, Grover Jackson founded his own company, GJ² Guitars, in 2000 and shifted focus to freelance luthiery and selective collaborations, pursuing custom builds and design consultations. In 2010, Jackson partnered with B.C. Rich to revive and modernize the iconic Gunslinger series, originally introduced in the 1970s. This project involved handcrafting USA-made models with a solid mahogany body, flat top design, and updated hardware such as Floyd Rose tremolos for enhanced playability and stability, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance features.[26] The Gunslinger line, produced in limited runs, featured options like natural oil finishes and gloss colors, appealing to players seeking high-end, Jackson-influenced superstrat guitars.[27] Throughout the early 2010s, Jackson continued independent work, including one-off prototypes and advisory roles for boutique luthiers, though details on specific commissions remain sparse due to their custom nature. By 2018, he entered a notable collaboration with Friedman Amplification, co-designing a series of premium electric guitars such as the Vintage T and Cali Vintage-S. These models incorporated Friedman’s proprietary pickups for signature tone, with Jackson overseeing construction details like neck-through-body designs and ergonomic contours to optimize sustain and comfort.[28] The partnership highlighted Jackson's expertise in hot-rodded guitar engineering, resulting in instruments praised for their build quality and sonic versatility.[29] In 2023, Jackson collaborated with Morgan Amps on the Morgan Electrics line, producing an initial run of 20 high-end guitars including the MVS Pro and MVT models, inspired by classic Fender designs with features like compound radius fretboards and vintage-spec pickups.[30]GJ² Guitars
Founding and Business Model
GJ² Guitars was co-founded in 2011 by luthier Grover Jackson and Jon Gold, former vice president of international sales at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, in Laguna Hills, Orange County, California.[31][32] The venture marked Jackson's return to independent guitar making after his tenure at larger companies, emphasizing the creation of boutique custom electric guitars tailored for discerning players and collectors.[33] The company's business model centered on limited production runs of high-end instruments, prioritizing hand-built craftsmanship over mass manufacturing. Nearly all components, from wood selection and shaping to pickup winding and final assembly, were produced in-house to ensure superior playability, tone, and durability using premium materials like basswood bodies and maple necks.[31] This approach allowed for customization while maintaining exclusivity, with guitars sold directly through the company's website and select retailers to a niche market of enthusiasts.[33] By focusing on small-batch output, GJ² differentiated itself from Jackson's earlier mass-produced lines, appealing to those seeking artisanal quality reminiscent of early custom shop builds.[34] The workshop operated from a compact facility in Laguna Hills, initially spanning several units that expanded to over 10,000 square feet by 2013 to accommodate growing demand following the popularity of models like the Glendora at the NAMM Show.[31] A small team of skilled luthiers handled the entire production process, from design prototyping to quality control and shipping, fostering a hands-on environment that emphasized precision and innovation in solid-body electric guitar construction.[34] This setup supported the boutique ethos, enabling Jackson and Gold to oversee every stage personally while keeping operations lean and responsive to custom orders.[33] GJ² Guitars ceased operations around 2021, after which Jackson continued his work through Grover Jackson Engineering, providing OEM services and consulting in the musical instrument industry.[35][3]Signature Models and Innovations
GJ² Guitars, under Grover Jackson's direction, introduced the Shredder series as a flagship line designed for high-performance playing, featuring premium tonewoods such as basswood bodies often topped with flame maple, bolt-on maple necks, and bound rosewood fretboards with 24 frets for extended range.[36] The series incorporated ergonomic contours for enhanced comfort during aggressive techniques, along with custom inlays like mini-bullseye patterns on select models, targeting professional shredders seeking speed and precision.[37] Equipped with Habanero Special humbucking pickups and a Floyd Rose 1000 series tremolo bridge, the Shredder delivered high-gain tones with clarity and sustain, while Hipshot locking tuners ensured tuning stability under heavy use.[38] The Inspiration Series expanded GJ²'s offerings with limited-edition models like the Shredder and Concorde, blending 1980s-inspired aesthetics with modern enhancements such as carbon fiber reinforcements in the neck for improved stability and resonance.[39] The Concorde model, a neck-through-body design with an asymmetrical V-shaped basswood body, featured proprietary Habanero pickups optimized for balanced, articulate tones in high-gain settings, complemented by in-house crafted ergonomic headstocks for better balance and playability.[40] These innovations emphasized Jackson's focus on boutique craftsmanship, using high-quality, hand-selected materials to appeal to vintage enthusiasts and modern players alike.[41] Additional lines, such as the Arete series in 3-Star, 4-Star, and 5-Star configurations, showcased further advancements with bodies typically made from mahogany, sapele, or basswood in neck-through construction, and fretboards of rosewood or ebony, along with custom pickup wiring for versatile high-output performance, priced starting around $2,200 as of 2013 to cater to discerning collectors and performers.[33][42] The Glendora model introduced variations like birdseye maple fretboards and gold hardware, incorporating locking tremolo systems tailored for reliable dive bombs and chord clarity in shred-oriented setups.[43] Overall, GJ²'s signature models prioritized durability and tone through proprietary components, setting them apart in the boutique market for musicians demanding both historical nod and contemporary reliability.[44]Grover Jackson Brand in Asian Markets
Licensing Agreement and Origins
The licensing agreement for the Grover Jackson brand in Asian markets began in the mid-1980s as a means for Jackson Guitars to expand into Japan via localized manufacturing, thereby avoiding high import tariffs and unfavorable exchange rates that hindered direct shipments from the United States. In 1985, International Music Corporation entered into a licensing deal with Chushin Gakki Co., Ltd., a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1948, to produce Charvel and Jackson models; production commenced in spring 1986 at Chushin Gakki's facility in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture.[45] This partnership, facilitated through distributor Kyowa Shokai from 1986 to 1994, enabled the creation of affordable, high-quality guitars mimicking Jackson's signature designs—such as pointy headstocks and superstrat bodies—for the domestic Japanese market without fully extending the core Jackson trademark.[46] After the primary contract expired in 1994, Chushin Gakki independently continued production under the "Grover Jackson" branding, leveraging founder Grover Jackson's name to differentiate these licensed instruments and comply with Japanese trademark regulations that restricted direct use of "Jackson" for certain models.[46] The Grover Jackson line, often featuring licensed Floyd Rose tremolos and Seymour Duncan pickups, targeted budget-conscious Japanese consumers seeking premium features at lower prices, preserving the integrity of Jackson's global premium positioning. This branding persisted through the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, with examples like the Super Dinky and Soloist models crafted to near-U.S. standards.[47] In the early 2000s, the branding shifted toward "Jackson Stars" as Chushin Gakki adapted to evolving market dynamics and trademark nuances, phasing out "Grover Jackson" around 2001 while maintaining the same production ethos and factory quality.[46] Production continued until Chushin Gakki's bankruptcy and closure on December 5, 2011.[48] The overall purpose remained providing cost-effective entry points to Jackson-inspired instruments, supporting regional growth without risking brand dilution in international markets.Market-Specific Adaptations and Production
The guitars under the Grover Jackson brand for the Japanese market were manufactured in Japan by the Chushin Gakki factory, utilizing local components and assembly techniques to reduce costs while maintaining high build quality comparable to U.S. models from the 1990s through the 2010s.[45] Production emphasized efficiency through the use of regionally available hardwoods like basswood for bodies and imported maple for necks, allowing for competitive pricing in the domestic market without compromising structural integrity.[49] Adaptations for Japanese players included ergonomic tweaks such as slimmer neck contours and lighter overall weights to suit smaller hand sizes and extended playing sessions, alongside integration of J-custom hardware like Gotoh locking tuners and licensed Floyd Rose tremolo copies for enhanced stability and tone.[50] The core model lineup featured Soloist variants, notably the SLD and SDL series, which incorporated neck-through construction, Seymour Duncan pickups in HSS or HH configurations, and 24-fret ebony or rosewood fingerboards with sharkfin inlays for a shred-oriented design tailored to Japanese rock and metal preferences.[51] These instruments were distributed primarily through Japanese retailers, achieving strong popularity in the local scene with steady sales from the mid-1990s until around 2011, when production wound down amid shifting licensing dynamics.[52]Legacy and Personal Life
Influence on Modern Guitar Design
Grover Jackson pioneered several defining features of the superstrat guitar during the 1980s, most notably through his work at Jackson Guitars, where he introduced neck-through body construction and locking tremolo systems.[53] These elements, first showcased in models like the 1984 Soloist, enhanced sustain, resonance, and tuning stability while providing superior access to higher frets for technical playing.[54] The locking tremolo, often a Floyd Rose unit, allowed for aggressive whammy bar use without detuning, setting a new standard for high-performance electric guitars.[55] Jackson's innovations profoundly influenced other major brands, including Ibanez and ESP, which adopted similar superstrat aesthetics and functionalities in their flagship models.[53] For instance, Ibanez's RG series incorporated compound-radius fretboards and Edge locking tremolos inspired by Jackson's designs, while ESP's Horizon model echoed the contoured body shapes and neck-through builds for comparable playability.[55] This cross-pollination helped establish the superstrat as a versatile platform beyond niche markets, shaping the evolution of production guitars in the competitive "hot rod" era.[56] His contributions extended to popularizing shred-oriented guitars specifically for heavy metal, with designs emphasizing ergonomic contours, 24-fret necks, and high-output humbucking pickups to deliver the saturated tones and speed required for the genre.[54] These features influenced lasting standards in metal instrumentation, prioritizing extended range and comfort during intense performances by artists like Randy Rhoads.[53] In manufacturing, Jackson advanced the adoption of CNC (computer numerical control) technology through his engineering firm, offering prototyping, design, and production services that improved precision and consistency for multiple companies.[3] Post-2000 examples of his enduring impact include evolutions like the Schecter Hellraiser, which builds on Jackson's superstrat blueprint with modern refinements in body ergonomics and tremolo stability.[53]Awards, Recognition, and Current Activities
In 2008, Grover Jackson participated in an oral history interview with the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation, where he detailed his career in guitar design and luthiery, highlighting his early influences and innovations in custom instruments.[4] This interview serves as a key archival recognition of his contributions to the music industry, preserving his insights for future generations of luthiers and musicians. In 2012, GJ² Guitars, co-founded by Jackson, received a nomination for Best New Manufacturer in the Music & Sound Awards.[57] While Jackson has not been inducted into a formal hall of fame, his work has earned widespread acclaim among guitarists for pioneering high-performance designs tailored to rock and metal players. Jackson's guitars have received notable endorsements and praise from prominent musicians, including designing custom instruments for Randy Rhoads of Ozzy Osbourne through Jackson Guitars, whose polka-dot Flying V—built by luthier Karl Sandoval—became an iconic symbol of 1980s shred culture.[32][58] Other artists, such as Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake and Bad Company, have credited Jackson's personal luthiery for influencing their signature sounds during his time at Jackson Guitars.[59] His innovations are frequently referenced in authoritative accounts of guitar evolution, underscoring his role in shifting from repair work to production models that prioritized playability and speed. As of 2025, Jackson continues his professional involvement through Grover Jackson Engineering, a consultancy offering design, prototyping, and OEM production services to musical instrument manufacturers.[3] In recent years, he relocated to Tennessee—his home state—to facilitate collaborations, including a 2023 partnership with Morgan Amps for a new line of custom electric guitars built under the Morgan Electrics banner.[60] This move aligned with ongoing projects, such as contributing to Rockett Guitars' builds announced in 2024, allowing him to maintain active roles in innovation while drawing on his Nashville-area roots.[61] Jackson balances these endeavors with family life in Tennessee, where he enjoys proximity to relatives and the region's musical heritage, though he keeps personal hobbies secondary to his luthiery passion.References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Chushin_Gakki