Jackson Custom Shop Korina King V

I own a Jackson King V (KV-2) Korina
It features the famed tremolo and the factory placed pickups (Jeff Beck's sound baby, and whatever neck pickup it has)The electronics are passive.

The V features 24 frets, with a nice binding. The problem with the neck and the binding is that the neck feels larger and that may be my only complaint about this wonderful guitar. I would prefer a thinner neck. (More like the Wizard neck Ibanez produces, but Jackson quality).

I believe the V was made in the year 2000. It hung at a local Jackson dealer here in Phoenix and only a handful of people were allowed to test play it (due to the price).

The tuners and locking is super quality Sperzel, which is a great combination for the Floyd Rose trem. Changing the strings is a bitch of course but that's ok.

The V does not have any fancy virtual guitar configurations or anything like that. It has what it needs to perfrom metal well. That's what it's supposed to do and it does it very well.


The Jackson hard case was included of course and you don't want it any other way.
You've seen Mr. Mustaine play the Korina in the past so I won't go into too much detail here.

The guitar was made according to Dave Mustaine's specs (Megadeth) and plays accordingly well for metal that relies on melody-driven guitars. You will find it easy to actually use the guitar for playing anything and everything, including Jazz. Metal is what is is made for, as the look will tell you.
The pickups are noisy, indeed. I thought about replacing them with EMG 81's for the active controls (and the resulting humm cancellation)

The sound is fat yet does bring out the mid- and higher frequenzies nicely. You'll want to play around with your effects settings and equalizer, however, to get that sweet spot.

I am especially pleased with how the V sounds way down the neck: if you like the signing lead-guitar attack of Megadeth, this guitar is a must.
Most guitars whimp out after the 12 fret but this baby is simply awesome for both lead and rhythm. If you are into playing leads, get this guitar.

The Korina V is probably one of the most beautiful guitars in the world. I've been after it for years and finally was able to snag one (with the help of my credit card... it's worth the interest!)

The only thing I'd change is the neck: it's a bit too bulky for me due to the binding and the thick layer of finish. However, many players prefer it that way and it's not terrible, you'll get used to it. For some reason the guitar helps you play a bit more accurate too.

It's Jackson quality. Treat it well and it'll last you forever. The mechanics are Sperzel, which means good quality but they will wear off the black finish after a while. Be careful when you use the wrench keys on the neck - do not over-tighten them. Everything on this guitar is solid, no rattling, no snarling and it feels like a weapon you can rely on on stage.
I would use it on a gig without backup. Strings have not broken so far, no matter how fast or hard I played. This is a good sign.

I've had the V for about four months and I do not regret buying it. I was able to reduce the price from about $1800 because the owner has been sitting on it for two years because of the market in general and the fact that noone has two grand to put down on a metal guitar these days.
I don't give the V a perfect 10 b/c of the neck issues (desribed above). This is only my personal preference. Many other players will give a 10 BECAUSE of the neck.

Year 2000 USA Jackson custom shop bought from drumcityguitarland.com. 24 fret bound ebony fret board. 2 volume, one tone 3 way switch. String thru and neck thru. 2 Duncan JBs: SH4 & TB4. Clear finish w/ black hardware. Jackson case (like a tank) included. I give it a 10 because it's everything I WANTED, no useless stuff.

I play mostly Ozzy, Megadeth & Guns n' Roses. Bridge pick up is great clean or distorted. The neck pick up is great clean, but lacks a bit of power distorted. I would NOT change the neck pick up though, I'm very happy with them. I don't us any crazy effects, just distortion (Boss MT-2) and amp reverb on 10 which most people don't like for metal...but I do.

It's new, so I can't talk about long-term stuff, but it seems like it will last. I got the clear finish so it won't show dents. No flaws in the wood or anything. Action is very low and has no buzz at all.

Very reliable. I don't trust tremelos, which is why I got this string-thru. Finish should last, as I said it won't show dents since it's clear finish over the wood. No strap buttons, it has dunlop strap locks INSIDE the guitar. So if you take the strap off, there are no button, but actually metal holes...did I describe that right? Well maybe you'd have to see it. I don't have a backup, but I don't need or want one. I trust this guitar.

I haven't needed it yet.

Not much more to say. I've used Epiphones up until I got this. I still like Epiphone/Gibson but IF I got another guitar I'd go with Jackson again.

This guitar was made in june of 1998 at the Jackson Custom Shop in Ontario calif.I ordered it with all personal options based on the King Vee (KV-1)Dave Mustaine model. it has a 24 fret ebony fingerboard and dunlop custom fretwire.It is a neck thru solid korina body and neck.Binding on the neck and headstock along with mother of pearl Jackson logo and shark fin inlays on the neck.It has two volume pots (one for the neck and bridge pickup...and one tone pot. The pots are c.t.s. solid shaft.(1-meg in value...instead of the standard 500 k that most guitars come with.the tone pot is 500 k.)The bridge pick-up is a seymour duncan jb and the neck is a jb also.The single toggle for the pick-ups is the same type found on the Randy Rhoads original(w/brass tip)Both pick-ups are passive.Korina is also known as limba or african mahogany. This guitar weighs 5 3/4 pounds...! No kidding,and it is a solid piece of wood. No sound chambers or hollowed out sections.the tuners are anodized black l.s.r. locking tuners.the nut is made of real ivory,and the neck has a radius of 14" .the bridge is a Kahler non Trem model apm 1310 with fine tuning knobs like on a floyd rose...but is not a tremolo.all the hardware is anodised black,with the exception of a stainless steel jack input,and stainless steel recessed dunlop straplocks(flush in the side and back of the body.a calzone flight case came w/it.it also has solid brass (anodised black pick-up rings.)

This guitar is made to play METAL and thats what i play.I use a Bogner Ecstacy 101-b head and two 4x12 cabs w/vintage 30s in them along with a Bradshaw Custom Audio Electronics Preamp and a sonic maximiser(422-a) a Bradshaw Switching System,a Furman line regulator ,a Furman 20 amp power conditioner,a boss rv-3 delay and reverb pedal,a dd-3 boss delay,a VHT 2150 power amp,a Rocktron Pro Q E.Q. and enhancement unit,a Hush System (built into the Bradshaw 2-rack space "brain",a Bradshaw custom loop buffer-splitter box),and a sony concert series wireless w/ awhirlwind multi selector system to switch between the 4 wireless i have for my live guitars.The system is the best in my opinion.Jackson makes the best guitars on the planet . If you dont agree w/ me I couldn't give a shit...!

These guitars are the best on the planet .....go play one and then save your money and get a REAL GUITAR.The workmanship and quality from the custom shop is un equalled in the REAL GUITAR ARENA......!

GO BUY A JACKSON CUSTOM SHOP GUITAR AND BE BLOWN AWAY............1

BEST IN THE WORLD IN EVERY CATEGORY........!

I cannot say enough good about this guitar....i'm gonna stop writing about it and go play it.......METAL RULES>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!