Jackson Guitars: Behind the Factory Doors

Jackson Guitars is an iconic name in the world of heavy metal and hard rock. Established in the late 1970s, it quickly became synonymous with shredding solos and aggressive tones. However, while the guitars themselves are legends on the stage, the factories that birthed these instruments have their own storied histories. From the early days in San Dimas to the international expansion, Jackson’s factories have played a pivotal role in establishing the brand’s reputation for quality and precision. Let’s traverse the journey of these facilities, where raw materials are transformed into iconic instruments.

1. San Dimas, California: The Genesis

The San Dimas period is often revered as the golden era for Jackson guitars. It was a time marked by innovation, collaboration, and the birth of designs that would become iconic in the realm of electric guitars. The San Dimas factory, situated in California, was the crucible where the foundational identity of Jackson guitars was forged.

1.1. The Beginnings: Charvel Guitars

• Foundation: Before becoming synonymous with Jackson, the San Dimas factory was the birthplace of Charvel guitars. Grover Jackson bought the Charvel brand in 1978 and began operations in San Dimas, California.
• Custom Endeavors: Charvel’s initial emphasis was on producing guitar parts and offering repair services. They quickly garnered attention for customizing guitars, especially Stratocaster-style instruments with unique finishes and configurations.

1.2. The Jackson Transition

• Randy Rhoads Collaboration: The San Dimas facility became pivotal when Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist, Randy Rhoads, walked in with a distinct vision for a guitar. This meeting led to the iconic Jackson Rhoads V-shaped guitar, marking the beginning of the Jackson brand.
• Branding Evolution: Following the success of the Rhoads model, Grover Jackson decided to launch the new designs under the ‘Jackson’ brand name, while still operating Charvel out of the same facility.

1.3. Features of the Factory

• Boutique Production: The San Dimas facility was not a mass-production powerhouse. Instead, it maintained an artisan approach, focusing on handcrafted instruments. This meant limited production numbers but exceptional quality.
• Skilled Luthiers: The factory became a gathering point for some of the best talents in the guitar-making industry. Their collective expertise contributed to the high quality and distinct sound of the guitars produced.

1.4. Iconic Guitars

• Birthplace of Legends: Beyond the Rhoads model, the San Dimas facility was responsible for the creation of several iconic guitar models. The Jackson Soloist and Dinky were all products of this era.

1.5. Legacy and Collectability

• Highly Valued Instruments: Guitars stamped with “San Dimas, CA” on the neck plate are highly sought after in the guitar-collecting community. Instruments from this period are considered to have a certain magic about them, embodying exceptional craftsmanship and a unique tonal quality.
• Transition: By the end of the 1980s, operations were moved from San Dimas to a more spacious facility in Ontario, California, marking the end of the legendary San Dimas era.

2. Ontario, California: Scaling Up

When the legendary San Dimas period drew to a close, Jackson transitioned to Ontario, California, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The Ontario facility was not just a new location, but a sign of the brand’s expansion, maturity, and an evolving approach to guitar manufacturing.

2.1. The Move to Ontario: Reasons & Implications

• Need for Expansion: The demand for Jackson guitars was growing exponentially by the late 1980s. The San Dimas facility, though iconic, couldn’t keep up with the production requirements. Ontario, with its spacious facility, was chosen to meet this demand.
• Modernization: Moving to Ontario meant more than just additional space; it was an opportunity to introduce more modern manufacturing techniques, allowing for efficient production without compromising on the brand’s quality.

2.2. Factory Features & Production Process

• Advanced Machinery: The Ontario factory incorporated state-of-the-art machinery that enabled more consistent production runs. This meant guitars produced here had the same renowned quality but with greater consistency across multiple units.
• Skilled Workforce: While machinery was upgraded, the human touch was not abandoned. Many artisans and luthiers from the San Dimas days transitioned to the Ontario facility, ensuring the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship continued.
• Enhanced Workflow: The factory was designed for streamlined production. From wood selection and treatment to final assembly and quality checks, the workflow at Ontario was systematic and efficient.

2.3. Product Lines & Quality Control

• Diverse Offerings: The Ontario factory facilitated the production of a wider range of models. While flagship models continued to be produced, newer models were introduced to cater to a broader audience.
• Stringent Quality Control: One of the hallmarks of the Ontario facility was its rigorous quality control process. Every guitar went through multi-point inspections, ensuring that instruments, whether custom or standard models, met the brand’s high standards.

2.4. Legacy & Continued Production

• Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The Ontario facility managed to strike a balance between maintaining the legacy of the San Dimas era and embracing modern production techniques. This balance is a testament to Jackson commitment to their roots while also looking ahead.
• Collectability: While San Dimas models are often more sought after by collectors, Ontario-era guitars have carved out their niche. Known for their consistent quality and diverse range, these instruments are appreciated by both players and enthusiasts.

3. Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico: The Global Pivot

Just south of the U.S. border, in the bustling city of Ensenada, Baja California, lies a facility that has become synonymous with producing some of the most esteemed instruments in the music world. The Ensenada factory, while not originally designed for Jackson or Charvel, has played a pivotal role in the larger tapestry of guitar manufacturing. The collaboration between Jackson Guitars and Fender’s Ensenada factory in Mexico has been a significant development, enabling Jackson to tap into Fender’s vast manufacturing prowess while maintaining its unique identity.

3.1. A Fender Foundation

• Origins: The Ensenada facility is predominantly recognized as Fender’s primary manufacturing hub in Mexico. Established in the early 1990s, it was designed to produce high-quality instruments at a more affordable price point, expanding Fender’s reach to a wider range of musicians.
• Strategic Location: Its proximity to Fender’s main U.S. operations in Corona, California, allowed for seamless integration, communication, and shared expertise between the two facilities.

3.2. Expanding the Jackson Footprint

• Diversifying Production: Although Jackson’s roots and flagship models originated from the USA, the decision to manufacture select models in Ensenada was strategic. It allowed Jackson to cater to a wider range of customers, offering quality instruments at a more accessible price point.
• Strategic Synergy: By leveraging Fender’s established infrastructure in Ensenada, Jackson could swiftly upscale production without the logistical challenges of setting up a new facility from scratch.

3.3. The Ensenada Advantage

• Consistent Quality: The Ensenada factory is renowned for maintaining rigorous quality standards. As Jackson models started rolling off the production line here, they inherited the facility’s reputation for consistent and top-notch build quality.
• Technological Edge: With advanced machinery and production techniques at its disposal, Jackson guitars produced in Ensenada featured precision engineering, ensuring that they met the brand’s high standards in every aspect, from fretwork to finish.

3.4. Jackson Models from Ensenada

• Diverse Range: Over the years, a variety of Jackson models have been produced in Ensenada. This includes versions of their popular Dinky, Rhoads, Soloist, and Kelly models, among others.
• Special Editions: Occasionally, the factory has also produced limited-run or special edition models, offering unique finishes, hardware, or specifications not commonly found in standard Jackson lines.

3.5. Training and Craftsmanship

• Shared Expertise: One of the benefits of producing Jackson guitars in a facility already seasoned with Fender’s production was the shared knowledge and training. Luthiers and technicians at the Ensenada plant already had years of experience crafting high-quality instruments, which easily translated to Jackson’s specific requirements.
• Balancing Automation and Handcrafting: While modern machinery played a role in the production process, certain aspects of Jackson guitars, especially those that define their playability and tonal character, were crafted with a human touch. This blend of automation and handcrafting ensured efficiency without sacrificing the soul of the instrument.

3.6. Feedback and Evolution

• Close-knit Communication: Jackson’s core team and the staff at Ensenada maintained a close-knit communication channel. Feedback from musicians, artists, and the market was regularly relayed back to the factory, ensuring continuous improvement in production practices and design tweaks.

The partnership between Jackson Guitars and Fender’s Ensenada facility has been a shining example of how two iconic brands can collaborate for mutual growth. For many guitar enthusiasts, having a Jackson guitar with the quality assurance of the Ensenada factory means owning an instrument that embodies both the rebellious spirit of rock and metal and the meticulous craftsmanship of seasoned luthiers.

4. Global Facilities: The Asian Chapter

Jackson Guitars, like many other major guitar brands, has leveraged the production capabilities of Asian factories to cater to various segments of the market, especially the mid-range and entry-level sectors. This move not only allows for more cost-effective production but also broadens the accessibility of Jackson guitars to a global audience.

Jackson Guitars began producing guitars in Asia primarily in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The “Professional” series, which started in the late 1980s, was one of Jackson’s initial lines produced outside of the USA, specifically in Japan. These guitars were well-received and provided players with a more affordable option while retaining many of the quality features Jackson was known for.

As the years progressed and market dynamics evolved, Jackson further diversified its production to include other Asian countries like Indonesia and China. This was especially true in the 2000s and beyond, as the brand looked to cater to both mid-tier and entry-level segments of the market.

4.1. Indonesian Factories

• Core Production: Over the years, Indonesia has emerged as a primary hub for Jackson’s mid-tier models. With a strong woodworking tradition and an established network of skilled craftsmen, Indonesian factories have produced a wide range of Jackson models with consistency and quality.
• Key Models: Some popular Jackson series, like the X Series and JS Series, have models produced in Indonesia. This includes variations of the Soloist, Rhoads, Dinky, and other signature shapes.
• Quality Control: While these factories are third-party operations, Jackson maintains a stringent quality oversight. Regular inspections and collaborations ensure that the instruments align with Jackson’s standards.

4.2. Chinese Factories

• Entry-Level Production: China, being a massive manufacturing powerhouse, has facilities that produce Jackson’s entry-level models. These guitars are primarily aimed at beginners or guitarists looking for budget-friendly options without compromising too much on quality.
• Affordability & Volume: Chinese factories can produce at large volumes, allowing Jackson to cater to the global market effectively. Economies of scale and more automated processes contribute to the affordability of these models.
• Models and Series: The JS Series, particularly the lower-end models, is often produced in China. These guitars provide a taste of Jackson’s signature playability and aesthetics at a more accessible price point.

4.3. Quality Assurance and Brand Identity

• Maintaining Standards: While Asian factories allow Jackson to offer cost-effective solutions, the brand is conscious of its reputation. As such, rigorous quality checks and periodic inspections ensure that the instruments, regardless of their production location, uphold the Jackson name.
• Collaboration: Representatives from Jackson often collaborate with these Asian factories on design refinements, ensuring that production techniques and materials used are in line with brand expectations.
• Feedback Mechanism: Jackson values feedback from its community. Any insights or issues highlighted by users are often relayed back to these factories for continuous improvement.

Jackson’s collaboration with Asian factories reflects the brand’s commitment to making its iconic guitars available to a wider audience. While the production landscapes and price points might differ, the core ethos remains: to deliver instruments that resonate with the legacy and spirit of Jackson Guitars. Whether it’s a high-end USA model or an entry-level guitar from Asia, the brand’s distinct identity is evident in every instrument.

5. Integration into the Fender Infrastructure

After Jackson Guitars was acquired by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) in 2002, the production dynamics for Jackson underwent several changes to leverage Fender’s expansive infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of where Jackson guitars have been produced post-integration:

5.1. U.S. Production

• Corona, California: Many of Jackson’s high-end and custom shop guitars shifted to Fender’s main U.S. facility in Corona, California. This allowed Jackson’s Custom Shop to benefit from Fender’s advanced resources while retaining the brand’s distinctiveness and craft quality.
• Specialized Teams: Even within the Corona facility, Jackson guitars are made by specialized teams well-versed in Jackson’s unique design elements and specifications.

5.2. Mexican Production – Ensenada Facility:

• Accessible Models: To cater to a broader audience and offer more affordable options without compromising on quality, Jackson began producing certain models at Fender’s Ensenada facility in Baja California, Mexico. This enabled Jackson to offer a range of guitars that melded quality with a more accessible price point.

5.3. Overseas Production:

• Indonesia: Many of Jackson’s mid-range models have been produced in Indonesia. These factories, while not owned by Fender directly, work closely under Fender’s guidance and specifications to maintain quality control.
• China: Some entry-level Jackson models, especially those aimed at beginners or those seeking budget-friendly options, have been manufactured in China. As with Indonesian facilities, quality control and production standards are overseen by representatives from the parent company to ensure consistency and quality.

5.4. Stringent Quality Control Across Facilities:

Regardless of where a Jackson guitar is manufactured, it undergoes a rigorous quality check. Fender’s acquisition ensured that Jackson guitars, whether made in the USA, Mexico, Indonesia, or China, adhered to stringent quality standards.

5.5. Continuous Feedback Loop

Post-acquisition, one of the priorities was to maintain Jackson’s identity and essence. To achieve this, a continuous feedback loop was established. Inputs from musicians, Jackson enthusiasts, and market feedback were regularly incorporated to refine production processes and design elements.

In summary, after the integration into the Fender infrastructure, Jackson guitars have been produced across multiple locations worldwide. Each facility caters to specific market segments, but all share a common goal: to produce guitars that uphold Jackson’s legacy and meet the expectations of musicians worldwide.

Conclusion

The story of Jackson’s factories is a tale of growth, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Each facility, whether in California or overseas, stands as a testament to Jackson’s commitment to quality and its legacy as a premier guitar manufacturer. Through these factories, Jackson has consistently delivered instruments that resonate with the brand’s ethos, all while navigating the challenges and demands of a global market.