Demmelition King V Review

The Demmelition King V has the line’s classic sharp V-shaped alder body, with a more aggressive edge thanks to its additional cutouts and set up for the low-tuned brutal player.

Features:	9
Sound:	9.5
Action:	9
Reliability:	9
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9.2
Users rating:	9.3
Comments:	58

Featured review by: unregistered, on july 29, 2008

Price paid: € 1345

Purchased from: Music Schmidt

Features: A new model just arrived from Jackson. Manufactured at 2008 (Jackson started manufacturing this model this year) at Japan. It is the well known King V model with two extra cutouts so it looks more fearsome. It offers 24 jumbo frets in a quite fat fretboard that it is neck-thru body quartersawn made from maple. Also the back of the fretboard is made of a shiny black wood that it makes hand slide really easily. The top of fretboard is made out of ebony. The body is also shining and it is made out of solid alder. As I noticed it is also difficult to get scratched despite it's luxurious and delicate texture. It comes equiped with a floyd original tremolo with 4 springs setup that it is really easy to change tuning without bridge floating up or down(that is really strange and I don't know why). Tremolo is originally set up for droped B tuning (that same tuning Phil Demmel uses) but you won't have problem changing tuning as I mentioned before. It came from the factory with GHS strings 0.11 that are quite strong if you aren't use to them since more popular are 0.09 or 0.10. The best part of me it is that it comes with a pair of EMG 81-60(81 bridge 60 neck) that is by far the best combination for a King V guitar. Electronics are really smooth despite some times hand is caught on them and turn them off accidentally but not in level to be disturbing when you play. Electronics consist of two knobs (1x volume 1x tone) and a 3-way switch. Guitar is really well soldered and there is no excess noise. Tuners are made of Jackson and they are locking quite good. Only con is that it came without bag but for the amount of money I paid that it is quite normal and I don't take it as a serious trouble. // 10

Sound: The sound of the guitar is just amazing. The combination of 81-60 makes guitar perfect for metal. EMG 81 offers a crunchy bright tone perfect for solos (I found the sound perfect for thrash metal) while EMG 60 offers a more dark sound perfect for rhythm. My style is melodic death, thrash and speed metal. That guitar is perfect for all three mainly due to the combination of original floyd rose, EMG set and fast fingerboard. I am running the guitar through a Zoom G2.1U multieffect board and a Laney Hardcore Max 15w amplifier on both crunch and clean modes. The only problem I faced is that it misses the wonderful cliping action of EMGs but that is a problem of the amp not of guitar. EMG are totally noiseless pickups. When you remove your hand from fingerboard there is no at all buzz. The combination of alder wood and EMG is just perfect for making a totally boomy dark sound that it is perfect for playing songs of In Flames, Dark Tranquility and also some of Trivium and bands like these .I think the sound of that guitar is just brilliant. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Guitar came from factory at a medium action since that is prefered by Phil Demmel. Lowering the action was piece of cake thankfully to floyd rose original. Factory default action was just perfect since it contained no buzzing neither dead notes but on the same time it was low enough for fast playing. Guitar came at an excellent condition. It was all shining and strings were changed just before guitar was shipped so they were Brand New great work by the shop I baught it. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I have the guitar only a week so I don't know the durability but it seems very good construction and everything was fine tuned for long lasting play. Wood is really sturd and the finishing is hard to scratch. Headstock logo of Jackson and inlays are made of mother of pearl so they will last for sure. Strap buttons are really sturdy and they won't break. Guitar fell with it's weight on it and it didn't either move neither got a scratch on it. I totally depend on it the construction of it shows the majesty of Jackson they are famous for their well made guitars after all. // 10

Impression: Since my style is metal and Jackson make the ultimate metal guitars (both in shape and sound) that guitar fits me 100%. For me it is even better than King V American Series despite it is made in Japan the quality of the guitar is unbeatable. I am quite a begginer (I am playing 3 years though 8-9 hours per day) and this is my second guitar after an ESP M-50. I think it is the best choice I could do really I don't have words describing how wonderful that guitar is. If I got it stolen I would buy another one blind eyes. My favourite features on it are the EMG set, original Floyd Rose and the fast fretboard. The only con of guitar is that it is quite difficult to play sitted but that is a problem of all V-shaped guitars. It is really uncomperable to other guitars. Only to Randy Rhoads or original King V but these guitars aren't so much cost effective. They are really expensive and you take the same quality and playability with less money. You pay another grand just to have written on the headstock "made in USA" and that is totally unacceptable by Jackson. Closing I would wish to have a hard case because cases for Jackson especially hard cases are really expensive they reach 200 euros. // 10

overall: 8.4

Reviewed by: Ventor, on august 12, 2008

Price paid: $ 1250

Purchased from: Matts music

Features: This is the new Jackson Demmelition V. I bought it in white because I already own a black King V, and I didn't like the red one. It has 24 jumbo frets, maple neck with ebony fretboard, perloid sharkfin inlays (not real MOP but looks like it) and black binding. The neck is thin, but not as thin as the KV2. It's still quite fast however. The Jackson logo is painted, the struss rod cover is signed by Phil Demmel and is plastic. The body is alder (not quatersawn), and comes with EMG 60 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) pickups. The bridge is an Original Floyd Rose, but doesn't feel or handle as well as the one on my KV2. The pickup selector is 3 way and there are 2 volume knobs (no tone as opposed to the KV2). Still the guitar is great value for money. There is a battery hole forseen which makes it easy to replace the battery without the need for a screwdriver. All the back cavity covers are plastic as well. The guitar is a bit lighter than the KV2, and feels less expensive. The guitar does not come with a case, but I got one with it. It fits in the same case as my KV2. // 8

Sound: This guitar is made to play metal and fits it perfectly. The pickups are quiet, and the volume knobs do their job in keeping the guitar silent when turned down. I've only used it on a Marshall VS65W combo amp, but will try it later with my Bogner Uberschall to make the guitar come to it's right. So no real opinion on this yet but I'm sure it will sound killer. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: When I got the guitar it was out of tune, which is normal because of the international shipping. It was a still tuned to B with GHS strings even though I asked to shop to tune it to E. The action was very low, as it's the case with most Jacksons. It comes with 2 allen wrenches and a truss rod Tool to easily adjust & replace strings. However there was no place forseen on the guitar to put the tools as was the case with the KV2 (on the back of the headstock). When a string snaps during Live playing you will need to search for the tools somewhere instead of just taking them from the guitar. The guitar was balanced well enough, but it's not as perfect as the KV2. There is a very slight neckdive but a good strap remedies this easily. Nothing to worry about. The pickups were a bit low but that's easily adjusted. I haven't detected any other flaws, besides the Floyd Rose tremolo bar that is a bit rough to handle (it's not very smooth to turn around). // 8

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is ofcourse perfectly fit to play Live, and it is built with top craftmanship. It does not feel like a Jackson USA, but the difference in built quality is negligable. The straps are decent and the same ones found on USA models. I haven't played it enough to say anything about the paint but I'm positive it will last long with proper care. // 8

Impression: I play death or thrash metal and this guitar will do it all. I do prefer the KV2 to play but the Demmelition comes really close in terms of playability, balance and feel. There was some unclarity whether it came with real MOP or not but that wasn't very important to me. Also the black binding seems to have put off a lot of people, but I prefer any binding over no binding. I also own a Jackson KV2 and to me this is still the best Jackson I ever played. The Demmelition V comes in as a close second though. // 9

Comments

[Hoodoo Child]

you're a very lucky person.

[Blackening]

Hoodoo Child wrote:

you're a very lucky person.

hellyeah :

[HighwayHawk]

is it made of alder or maple? the first paragraph is not very clear. the review seems a bit childish.

[Pantera87]

sorry it is my first review i am not so much good at writing also i am not that good at english sorry.Body is made of alder neck out of maple

[jmag]

HighwayHawk wrote:

is it made of alder or maple? the first paragraph is not very clear. the review seems a bit childish.

Neck-thru maple neck with alder wings.
It seems like a great guitar. Shame you're running it through a 15 watt solid state practice amp.

[Pantera87]

indeed now i plan to buy a Krank Rev Jr that amp is kicking asses.Also i plan to buy a Distortus Maximus by far the best distortion pedal for me.Do you think it will be good combination?

[RenegadeDave]

If you get a rev Jr you shouldn't need a distortion pedal, you'll be able to swap channels via footswitch. If you pick up the Rev Jr and don't care for the onboard distortion, then you might entertain a pedal, but I would at least give it a shot, then you can look at putting the money to better use that you would have spent on a pedal.

[s-o-u-l-f-l-y]

on guitar centre this things $1,250 thats nearly £650.

Which is better Jackson DK2, DK2M or RR3?

[Serjem]

not really a fan of jacksons however this guitar seems to be great

[Brendan.Clace]

Back of the fretboard is made out of shiny black wood so it makes it slide easier? WHAT?

[Pantera87]

I mean the texture of the neck is made of a soft and smooth wood and it helps your palm slide easier

[Brendan.Clace]

Do you mean the neck is made out of maple, and then oiled and stained over top of with a nice coat of paint and clear coat?

[Pantera87]

yes sorry once again for my english and being incomprehensible

[Guitarandbass]

How much is this in US currency?

[Pantera87]

1345 euro=2,095.29$ though in usa it has different price

[mr. ...]

thats one sick guitar

[Multiplayerjon]

Pantera87 wrote:

1345 euro=2,095.29$ though in usa it has different price

That doesn't sound right
1USD=1.25Euro Last time i checked... in 5th grade... 4 years ago

[Disposable-Hero]

HighwayHawk wrote:

is it made of alder or maple? the first paragraph is not very clear. the review seems a bit childish.

It's not bad for someone who I would assume English is their second language.

[Lancefloyd]

Multiplayerjon wrote:

Pantera87 wrote:

1345 euro=2,095.29$ though in usa it has different price


That doesn't sound right
1USD=1.25Euro Last time i checked... in 5th grade... 4 years ago

Read the news, its not that ratio anymore.

[washburn0c03]

dude quite bashin this guys review. I've seen UG's top guys write worse than this.

[Pantera87]

For the currency conversion i just did it via the site www.xe.com/ucc.As for the review i try just to immitate the style of Total Guitar magazine i am not intended to go as a review editor.Thanks for the support both to disposable hero and washburn0c03

[Thienskater]

very nice guitar, i already own 3 Jacksons, JS30RR, KE3 and DKMGT

[steel337]

It just costs around $1200-$1400. But its a REALLY REALLY nice guitar. Jackson has really outdone themselves with their instruments falling right under their USA ones. Superb quality and hardware, a decent price, considering that they are made in Japan. I love the RR24 as well, and theres now the new RR24M and the RR5FR. Cant wait for more new guitars to come out. I'm expecting a KV5!

one question, are the inlays and logo really made out of mother of pearl? I would believe that the inlays are made out of MOTO and the logo just in there with the finish, like all the non-usa Jacksons.

[Fender_Tele'71]

i want it

[Pantera87]

inlays are made out of real mother of pearl it is really shining on light and it has really smooth texture

[DukeFame]

whos phil demmel?

[Pantera87]

One of the guitarists from the band Machine Head

[DukeFame]

k they're straight

[Ventor]

steel337 wrote:

It just costs around $1200-$1400. But its a REALLY REALLY nice guitar. Jackson has really outdone themselves with their instruments falling right under their USA ones. Superb quality and hardware, a decent price, considering that they are made in Japan. I love the RR24 as well, and theres now the new RR24M and the RR5FR. Cant wait for more new guitars to come out. I'm expecting a KV5!

one question, are the inlays and logo really made out of mother of pearl? I would believe that the inlays are made out of MOTO and the logo just in there with the finish, like all the non-usa Jacksons.

As stated in my review the inlays are not Mother Of Pearl but MOTO, and the headstock logo is painted.

[Jesstaa]

This is like my dream guitar atm.. I love V's and this guitar just has it all... I AM IN LOVE =P

[mafropetee]

Phil Demmel FTW. Jackson FTW. Awesome looks, specs, and price FTW.

This guitar is just made out of FTW. I want one. FTW.

[Sixp0under]

i hate to do this to you all....but...im getting one in 6 days time.
XD

[PoP N FresH]

wow i freaking worship phil demmel....live in concert this thing caught ,my eye and ive been waiting fro like a year for this...looks awesome. MACHINE HEAD FTW

[emo-rock-13]

omg i could have won this at the download festival in donington

[mosherhamish]

i entered total guitar competition for this guitar XD

[roosterfx1]

a guitar fit for a king... sorry, that was a really bad joke

[Menza_]

do want

[xXChimairaXx]

this guitar is a beast. Next album better be as good as the blackening guys...might be hard to do.

[Skuzzmo]

HighwayHawk wrote:

is it made of alder or maple? the first paragraph is not very clear. the review seems a bit childish.

Nice one, you don't sound like a complete twat at all.

[iTzMaTT]

I have the KVX10.
Since this came out I think I should've waited.
Now I'm stuck between getting a Rhoads or this...
I want both different guitars and cool styles + great sound.

[mattgab1]

You play 8-9 hours a day and consider yourself a beginner? Perhaps a change in practice routine is in order. Since you like Megadeth, perhaps you could heed the advice of former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. He holds that 1 hour a day is more than enough practice--even a half an hour is sufficient if one stays focused on their material. He admonishes us not to spend 6 hours a day "wanking off".

If you really think you need to play much more, I tend to divide it into 1 hour sessions, perhaps 2-3 a day. Typically, if I go for too long for any continuous period of time, I start to lose focus and start to play silly melodies. Otherwise, if it is that gradual, maybe choose a different hobby (as I did with both drums and chess).

[Ventor]

Brendan.Clace wrote:

Do you mean the neck is made out of maple, and then oiled and stained over top of with a nice coat of paint and clear coat?

Ofcourse not, it's a maple neck with an ebony fretboard on top.

[Pantera87]

@mattgab1:
Dude of course i don't play 8 hours consequently.Thanx for your advices though.I am considered a begginer not of hours but of years.Strange but i feel anyone below 5` years is a begginer perhaps i am mistaken

@Ventor:
Perhaps there are differences between the product in countries?In the official site of Jackson it sais it is Mother of Pearl and also mine is for sure mother of pearl i double checked in shops with good technicians.Headstock Logo isn't painted it seems that it is molded

[Ventor]

@Pantera87: Trust me, the Jackson site is wrong. I got mine in the States and I don't think they'll make 2 versions.
My KV2 has real MOP and it looks very different from the one on the Demmel. The way to check it is that if you take a picture of it with a flash, some parts should be highlighted more than others because of irregularities in the MOP.
Also when you look at real MOP some inlays will be bright while others will be darker (or less shiny). This is not the case for MOTO where all the inlays look the same from any angle.

[Ventor]

Also Jackson will never put real MOP on import guitars because they need a way to distinguish the USA models from the imports. Same reason they use plastic coverings and black binding.

[Ventor]

And even on the site of the shop where you bought it you can see that the Jackson logo is not MOP, but just paint: http://www.musik-schmidt.de/osc-schmidt/catalog/images/Jacks on-Demmelition-Black_4.jpg

Sry for the spam (wtb Edit button :P)

[Ventor]

http://www.musik-schmidt.de/osc-schmidt/catalog/images/Jacks on-Demmelition-Black_4.jpg

[Ventor]

Grr why does it put a space between 'Jacks' and 'on'

[metalhead887]

cann u have normal tunings on this axe?
on the jackson site it says its factory set up from drop c#

:S

[Pantera87]

Actually it came from factory in drop B.As i stated though in my review changing tune is a piece of cake due to the 4-spring setup instead of the usual 3 springs.It needs only a few screw turnings and you are done.Of course it is a floyd rose you need a bit of time for changing tuning but it isn't that big of a trouble.I changed from drop B in A#FA#D#GC(In Flames tuning) in only 20 minutes

[MonihantH]

pleas tell me how much does it weigh and what size is it?i mean whole package
tnx

[Pantera87]

Mine came in a carton package of Takamine guitars(i don't know why not of Jackson) and the guitar was fiting perfectly into without empty spaces into it the package was around 1.80 in height.For weight i don't know i didn't calculate it but the package was 3 or 4 kilos and the guitar i speculate around 6-7 to kilos but i am not at all sure

[A Bad Guitarist]

Ventor wrote:

Grr why does it put a space between 'Jacks' and 'on'

Because too many people were jacking off to this sexy guitar... Lol, JK.

[nathan549]

can i change the strings to 10's and tune it to standard???

[Pantera87]

sure you just have to setup up again the floyd rose despite i think 10's for this guitar is a bit small

[Fistu]

The floyd rose is not an Floyd Rose® Original, is an Floyd Rose® FRT 02000, it's seems to be the same but made in Korea. The Original Floyd Rose® is made in Germany by Schaller.

[Pantera87]

no dude it is an original floyd rose above it has engraved floyd rose and behind into the cavity it has clearly written Made by Schaller

[texasthrasher]

[quote]DukeFame wrote:whos phil demmel?
blasphemy!!he's the lead guitarist for Machine Fucking Head