The Jackson/Charvel Forum ("the JCF" for short) has a Limited Collector's Series for their members. In a nutshell, it's a series that is meant to pay tribute to the historic guitars and players of Jackson/Charvel guitars.
Not many know that the Jackson King V was named after Robbin; most people associate the guitar with Dave Mustaine, and that was a small thorn in King's side. In a move to "right the wrongs," and to remind the world who put the "King" in the Jackson "King V," the JCF Administration chose "Big Red" as the model to have made for the second installment of their series. It made perfect sense to choose Big Red, as it is certainly one of the first guitars that come to mind when you think of him.
As part of the JCF Administration (past and present), we had asked Robbin if he was interested in participating in the project. Of the 30 guitars that was to be made, Robbin was to receive one of the guitars as a gift, and his was to have its own serial number of RKC - 00. Robbin's original reaction when he was asked to participate in the series was pure King; he quickly said "Fuck Jackson! I'm sick of selling guitars for them!" When he learned that these guitars would be pre-sold and bought by some of his biggest fans, he had a total change of heart.
I can say with no doubt in my mind that Robbin was touched by the idea of the project; he was amazed and moved that people not only still cared about him, but so much so that a limited series based on one of his beloved guitars was to be made. He was proud of this tribute, and the only thing that he asked in return was to have a letter drafted and sent to his parents, letting them know about the series.
Curt and Robbin drafted the letter, and armed with a silver paint pen, Robbin signed the plates that would cover the tremolo cavity. The plates have a brushed metal texture, and Robbin preferred signing the back of the plates, because of their smooth surface. I know that he jokingly gave Curt a hard time about how he'd rather sign the backs of the plates. Robbin's signature was also to be on the face of the headstock as well.
I can recall many phone calls with Robbin during our friendship, and he'd often ask if they started on the construction of the guitar yet. This was something he really cared about. No matter how he was feeling, he'd always perk up and start talking about Big Red; things like how he wound the original pickups at Seymour Duncan's factory, and how he changed the Floyd Rose Tremolo from black to chrome because he thought the chrome one sounded better.
Sadly, King passed away before the construction of the guitars would begin, and the series was cancelled during Jackson's buyout by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in October of 2002. Thankfully, the project was resurrected a year later, and at the time of this writing (Sept. 2004), the 30 guitars are 95% completed, and will soon be shipped.
Here are some progress pictures of the two prototypes that were made; you'll notice the difference between Big Red, and the first (painted) prototype. The headstock was painted red, and the knob layout was a bit different. The unpainted prototype was sent to ensure the correct knob layout before resuming construction. I hope you enjoy the photographs, and this page will be updated with the finished result soon.
My only wish was that King was still here to receive his.
