Jet Guitars - JS 850 RLC FR

A guitar that already bears its scars even before its first live performance – that’s the idea behind the JS-850 RLC FR. The Distressed Red finish suggests an instrument that’s been through a lot, much like those legendary Stratocasters that have been dragged from tour to tour for decades. The aged chrome hardware extends this illusion right down to the smallest details.

Beneath this patina, the alder body provides a balanced tonal foundation: warm without being muffled, dynamic without unnecessary harshness. The torrefied Canadian maple neck, with a Modern C profile, is paired with a fingerboard also made from torrefied maple: the torrefaction process stabilises the wood against fluctuations in temperature and humidity, a real bonus for those playing back-to-back gigs on the road.

The 22 frets on a 241.3 mm radius allow plenty of scope for generous bends as well as tighter runs, whilst the 647.7 mm scale length maintains a familiar tension for those accustomed to the ST format. The dual-action truss rod allows for fine adjustments to suit the seasons or playing preferences.

As for the pickups, the HS Custom JET configuration combines an Alnico V humbucker with a single J-87 pickup in an Aged Parchment/Zebra finish, available since 2024. One volume control, a 3-position selector switch: the controls remain minimalist, letting the instrument speak for itself rather than the knobs.

The Wilkinson double-locking vibrato stays in tune even during intense dive-ins, supported by a locking nut at the headstock. This allows you to chain together vintage riffs and modern solos without fear of the slightest detuning.