6 Best Alternatives to the Jackson Rhoads JS22 HT 7-string Electric Guitar (2026)

How alternatives compare to the Jackson JS22 HT

Jackson King V JS22 HT 7-String

The Jackson King V JS22 HT 7-String shares the same standard scale length and humbucking pickup configuration as the original JS22 HT. You get a similar poplar body and maple neck construction, keeping the weight at 12.1 pounds. The primary difference is the King V body shape, which offers a distinct aesthetic compared to the traditional Rhoads silhouette. This model retains the familiar playability of the standard scale but changes the visual profile. It is a suitable choice if you want the same tonal foundation and hardware specs but prefer the aggressive look of the King V design over the classic Rhoads style.

Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale

The Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale differs significantly by using a multi-scale fingerboard ranging from 25.5 inches to 27 inches. This design improves string tension and clarity on the lower strings, which is beneficial for modern metal and djent styles. Unlike the original JS22 HT, which uses a standard scale, this guitar prioritizes extended range definition over traditional familiarity. It also features active pickups for higher output and tighter low-end response. You should choose this alternative if you need precise intonation across a wider range and prefer the tonal clarity that a multi-scale layout provides over the standard scale setup of the Jackson.

Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string

The Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin offers a premium multi-scale design with active pickups, contrasting with the passive humbuckers of the original JS22 HT. It weighs 10.7 pounds, making it lighter than the 12.1-pound Jackson. The multi-scale neck provides improved clarity for complex chords and low tunings. You give up the familiar standard scale feel and the specific poplar/maple construction of the Jackson for a more modern, high-output active system. This guitar is better for players who prioritize tonal clarity and neck comfort in extended range playing over the traditional build and weight of the original model.

Ibanez Iron Label 7-String Black Electric Guitar

The Ibanez Iron Label 7-String Black is a right-handed model that shares the standard scale length preference of the original Jackson JS22 HT. However, it is significantly lighter at 8.82 pounds compared to the Jackson's 12.1 pounds. The dimensions are more compact, with a length of 44.1 inches versus the Jackson's 50.6 inches. It uses active electronics for a tighter low-end response. You should pick this alternative if you want a lighter, more portable instrument that still offers standard scale familiarity. It sacrifices the specific poplar body and amaranth fingerboard of the Jackson for a different tonal character and reduced weight.

ESP LTD EC-1007 Baritone 7-String EverTune

The ESP LTD EC-1007 Baritone 7-String EverTune features an EverTune bridge for superior tuning stability, a feature absent in the original JS22 HT. It uses active pickups for high output, differing from the Jackson's passive humbuckers. The guitar weighs 11.4 pounds, slightly less than the Jackson's 12.1 pounds. It is designed for baritone tuning, offering precise intonation for heavy tones. You choose this model if you demand exceptional tuning stability and active tone clarity. It gives up the standard scale familiarity and passive pickup warmth of the Jackson in favor of a specialized bridge system and modern active electronics suited for precise, heavy playing.

ESP LTD Arrow-1007 EverTune 7-string Baritone

The ESP LTD Arrow-1007 EverTune 7-string Baritone also utilizes the EverTune bridge system for tuning accuracy, unlike the standard bridge on the original JS22 HT. It weighs 11.3 pounds, which is lighter than the Jackson's 12.1 pounds. The mahogany body construction differs from the poplar body of the Jackson, offering a different tonal profile. It is designed for baritone players who value stability and a specific body material. You should select this alternative if you prioritize the EverTune bridge system and mahogany warmth over the standard scale and passive humbuckers of the original Jackson model.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Jackson Rhoads JS22 HT 7-string

Best for: Standard scale 7-string players

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Amaranth

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

solid body

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Jackson Rhoads JS22 HT 7-string Affiliate link

This Jackson JS22 HT is a seven-string solid body electric guitar finished in satin black. It features a poplar body and a maple neck for structural stability. The amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface. With two humbucking pickups, it delivers high-output tones. This model suits players seeking a versatile instrument for heavy genres.

Pros

• Seven-string configuration for extended range
• Poplar solid body construction
• Maple neck with amaranth fingerboard
• Dual humbucking pickups

Cons

• Heavier at 12.1 pounds
• Large physical footprint
• Standard fixed bridge

Good fit if

• You need a seven-string guitar for modern metal
• You prefer a maple neck feel
• You want a durable poplar body

Skip if

• You require multi-scale fretboards
• You need a tremolo system
• You prefer lighter instruments under 10 pounds

Verdict: Jackson JS22 HT 7-String Satin Black offers a solid build for players needing extra range. It fits those who prioritize standard scale length and humbucker output over advanced hardware features.

2 Best budget

Jackson King V JS22 HT 7-String

Best for: standard scale 7-string players

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Amaranth

Pickup Configuration

2 Humbucking Pickups

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

Solidbody

View on Amazon: Jackson King V JS22 HT 7-String Affiliate link

This 7-string solidbody guitar features a poplar body and maple neck. It uses an amaranth fingerboard and two humbucking pickups. The satiny black finish and classic King V shape offer a familiar look. It weighs 12.1 pounds and measures 50.4 inches in length. You get a straightforward setup for lower tuning styles. It suits players wanting a standard scale length.

Pros

• Seven strings for extended range
• Poplar solidbody construction
• Maple neck with amaranth fingerboard
• Two humbucking pickups

Cons

• Standard scale length limits low-tuning clarity
• Heavier build at 12.1 pounds
• No multi-scale design for tighter string tension

Good fit if

• You prefer standard scale length
• You want a classic King V shape
• You need a straightforward 7-string setup

Skip if

• You need multi-scale intonation
• You want a lighter instrument
• You prefer rosewood or ebony fretboards

Verdict: Jackson King V JS22 HT 7-String is a solid choice for players who like the classic shape and standard scale. It works well if you do not need extended range clarity from a multi-scale design.

3 Also great

Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale

Best for: Modern metal players needing extended range clarity

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

5pcs Maple and Purple Heart

Fretboard Material

Macassar Ebony

Pickup Configuration

Fluence Modern Humbucker Set

Number of Strings

7

Scale Length

25.5"- 27"

View on Amazon: Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale Affiliate link

The Cort KX507MS is a 7-string electric guitar featuring a multi-scale design ranging from 25.5 to 27 inches. It combines a mahogany body with a pale moon ebony top and a macassar ebony fingerboard. The instrument uses a Fluence Modern humbucker set and a five-piece maple and purple heart neck. This setup offers extended range and tonal clarity for modern players.

Pros

• Multi-scale fingerboard from 25.5 to 27 inches
• Fluence Modern humbucker pickup set
• Macassar ebony fingerboard
• Mahogany body with pale moon ebony top

Cons

• Multi-scale design requires adjustment if you prefer uniform fret spacing
• Five-piece neck construction may feel rigid compared to traditional one-piece necks
• Limited color options available in black

Good fit if

• You want extended string tension and clarity on the low end
• You prefer the tonal characteristics of mahogany and ebony
• You need active pickups for high-gain clarity

Skip if

• You only play standard 6-string repertoire
• You dislike the feel of a multi-scale fingerboard
• You require a traditional one-piece neck construction

Verdict: The Cort KX507MS Multi-Scale 7-String delivers precise tonal definition for modern metal and djent styles. It suits players who value extended range clarity and active pickup output over traditional vintage aesthetics.

4 Also great

Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string

Best for: Multi-scale 7-string players seeking active tone

Body Material

Swamp Ash

Neck Material

Maple/Walnut/Padauk

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Pickup Configuration

2 Active Humbucking Pickups

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

Solidbody

View on Amazon: Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string Affiliate link

This Schecter C-7 is a 7-string solidbody guitar built for extended-range playing. It features a multi-scale neck design with a swamp ash body and an ebony fingerboard. The instrument uses two active humbucking pickups to deliver high-output tone. Weighing 10.7 pounds, it offers a substantial feel. This model suits players seeking a premium build with specific tonal characteristics.

Pros

• Multi-scale neck design for improved string tension
• Swamp ash body for resonant tone
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
• Two active humbucking pickups for high output

Cons

• Heavier at 10.7 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
• Active pickups may require battery power
• Limited to black finish only

Good fit if

• You want a multi-scale neck for better intonation
• You prefer active pickups for high-gain tones
• You value a swamp ash body for resonance

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar for long performances
• You prefer passive pickups for vintage tone
• You want multiple color options

Verdict: Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite offers a premium multi-scale design with active pickups. It fits players who prioritize tonal clarity and neck comfort over lightweight portability.

5 Best right-handed

Ibanez Iron Label 7-String Black Electric Guitar

Best for: Right-handed players wanting standard scale

Body Material

Nyatoh

Neck Material

Roasted Maple

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Number of Strings

7

Hand Orientation

Right Handed

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Ibanez Iron Label 7-String Black Electric Guitar Affiliate link

The Ibanez RGDRB71 is a right-handed 7-string electric guitar. It measures 44.1 inches long and weighs 8.82 pounds. The body is 16.5 inches wide and 4.53 inches high. This black model offers a standard scale length. It suits players who want a traditional 7-string layout without multi-scale complexity.

Pros

• Right-handed orientation
• 7-string configuration
• Black finish

Cons

• Standard scale length limits low-tuning clarity compared to multi-scale options
• Heavier build at 8.82 pounds
• No EverTune bridge for tuning stability

Good fit if

• You prefer right-handed play
• You want a 7-string guitar
• You like standard scale lengths

Skip if

• You need left-handed orientation
• You require a multi-scale design
• You want a lighter instrument

Verdict: Ibanez RGDRB71 Iron Label 7 String is a solid right-handed 7-string choice. It fits players who value standard scale familiarity over extended range clarity.

6 Also great

ESP LTD EC-1007 Baritone 7-String EverTune

Best for: players needing stable baritone tuning

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

solid body

Color

Black

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1007 Baritone 7-String EverTune Affiliate link

The ESP LTD EC-1007 is a 7-string baritone solid body guitar. It features a mahogany body and neck with an ebony fingerboard. Active humbucking pickups provide high output. The EverTune bridge maintains tuning stability. This black model weighs 11.4 pounds. It suits players seeking reliable intonation and heavy tonal clarity.

Pros

• EverTune bridge for consistent tuning stability
• Active humbucking pickups for high output
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
• Mahogany body and neck construction

Cons

• Heavier build at 11.4 pounds
• Baritone scale length limits standard tuning range
• Active electronics require battery power

Good fit if

• You need tuning stability for drop tunings
• You prefer the tonal character of active pickups
• You want a durable mahogany and ebony build

Skip if

• You play standard 6-string repertoire
• You prefer passive pickup warmth
• You need a lighter instrument for long gigs

Verdict: The ESP LTD EC-1007 Baritone 7-String is ideal for players who demand precise intonation and heavy tones. The EverTune bridge and active pickups make it a solid tool for modern metal.

7 Best premium

ESP LTD Arrow-1007 EverTune 7-string Baritone

Best for: Baritone players needing tuning stability

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

solid body

Color

Black

View on Amazon: ESP LTD Arrow-1007 EverTune 7-string Baritone Affiliate link

The ESP LTD Arrow-1007 is a 7-string baritone electric guitar with a mahogany body and ebony fingerboard. It features active humbucking pickups and a maple neck. The EverTune bridge system helps maintain tuning stability. This instrument is designed for players seeking a solid build with consistent intonation. It suits those who need reliable performance in heavy music styles.

Pros

• Mahogany solid body construction
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
• Maple neck for stability
• Active humbucking pickups
• EverTune bridge for tuning stability

Cons

• Heavier at 11.3 pounds
• Baritone scale length limits standard tuning
• Active electronics require battery power

Good fit if

• You need consistent tuning during heavy playing
• You prefer a mahogany body tone
• You play 7-string baritone music

Skip if

• You prefer passive pickup tones
• You want a lighter guitar for long sessions
• You play standard 6-string repertoire

Verdict: The ESP LTD Arrow-1007 EverTune 7-string is a stable choice for baritone players who value tuning accuracy and a mahogany body. It fits those who prioritize the EverTune bridge system over passive electronics.

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