44 years today. Unbelievable.
That’s how long it’s been since the great Randy Rhoads was taken from this world so abruptly.
His influence from just a few albums and a handful of live recordings is immeasurable. And, his influence on the gear we still buy is astounding.
Jackson guitars only exist because of Randy Rhoads. Truth.
Grover Jackson was running Charvel by that time – and Randy approached Jackson and employees of Jackson (Karl Sandoval) about his ideas for what would eventually become the Unbranded Polka Dot V, the Jackson White Concord V and the eventual offset black Jackson Randy Rhoads V. Grover Jackson wanted to keep it separate from Charvel since it was their first true ‘artist’ project, and possibly in case it wasn’t well received. So the first branded ones were adorned with a hand painted Jackson logo. We got to see and hear the Polka Dot V painted by built and painted by Karl Sandoval, The White Concord built by Grover Jackson, and one version of the black offset RR V – a model which Kirk Hammett would eventually bring to the attention of even more masses. Randy died before the second white version of the offset model could get in his hands.
And Les Paul Customs…
Randy’s love for his ’74 White Custom helped drive a resurgence in the model, especially the Norlin era, heavy pancake body flavors. That year and model is still likely the most expensive and sought after of the Norlin era fare. Gibson eventually made a limited run tribute with most of the same specs and Randy’s customizations that sold out quickly and now command big dollars on the used market.
How does this matter to a shop like Music Go Round St. Louis?
Just walk the floor – there is almost always a good selection of Jackson owing their existence to Randy and Grover. And, Les Pauls – always. Les Paul Customs – often.
Browse the site – look at the Jackson flavors, the Gibson flavors – old, new, reissues etc…
But most importanyly, for Today March 19th, 2026 – We honor the man, the genius, the player – the Maestro, Randy Rhoads.
MGR RR STL
