Jackson JS22 Dinky Review – Introduction
As an avid guitarist who thrives on testing out a wide range of instruments, I recently had the chance to spend some quality time with the Jackson JS22 Dinky electric guitar. Known for its affordability and solid performance, the JS22 Dinky aims to provide a high-quality playing experience without breaking the bank. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the JS22 Dinky, focusing on its key features, performance, and any areas where it might need improvement.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Jackson JS22 Dinky makes a strong impression. The model I tested came in a sleek Satin Black finish, which gives the guitar a modern and stylish look. The arched top and contoured body are classic features of the Dinky shape, providing both visual appeal and ergonomic comfort.
The overall build quality is quite impressive for a budget-friendly guitar. The finish is smooth and even, and the attention to detail in the construction is apparent. My first impression was that the JS22 Dinky looks and feels like a much more expensive instrument.
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Playability
Playability is one of the most critical aspects of any guitar, and the JS22 Dinky does not disappoint. The neck is made of maple and has a one-piece construction with a scarf joint, providing both stability and comfort. The neck profile is a fast, slim shape, which is typical of Jackson guitars and ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
The fingerboard is amaranth, a wood that is smooth and durable. The guitar features 24 jumbo frets, which are well-finished and free of sharp edges, making bends and slides effortless. The 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard is another great feature, providing a comfortable surface for chording near the nut and flattening out towards the higher frets for easier soloing. Straight out of the box, the action was set up perfectly, facilitating complex chord shapes and fast soloing with ease.
Sound Quality
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is equipped with Jackson high-output humbucking pickups in both the neck and bridge positions. These pickups are designed to deliver a wide range of tones, making the guitar versatile enough for various musical styles.
Clean Tones
In clean settings, the JS22 Dinky provides bright and articulate tones. The neck pickup offers warm, smooth sounds that are great for clean chord progressions and jazz-influenced playing. It has a rounded character that adds depth without becoming muddy. The bridge pickup delivers a brighter, more defined clean tone, ideal for funk and pop styles.
While the clean tones are not as rich as those found in higher-end models, they are quite impressive for a guitar in this price range. The JS22 Dinky’s clean sounds are clear and well-balanced, making it suitable for a variety of genres.
Distorted Tones
When it comes to distortion, the JS22 Dinky shines. The high-output pickups handle high-gain settings with ease, delivering powerful, aggressive tones that are perfect for rock and metal. The bridge pickup provides a tight, punchy distortion with excellent note definition, even at high gain levels. It excels at palm-muted chugs and fast riffs, providing the clarity and aggression needed for heavy music.
The neck pickup offers a smooth, creamy distortion that’s perfect for soloing. It has a rich, full-bodied tone that cuts through the mix beautifully, making it ideal for lead playing. The combination of these pickups provides a versatile tonal palette that can cover a wide range of heavy music styles.
Hardware and Features
The hardware on the Jackson JS22 Dinky is reliable and functional. The guitar features a Jackson-branded double-locking tremolo bridge, which provides excellent tuning stability and sustain. The tremolo system is well-designed, allowing for dive-bombs and other vibrato effects without compromising tuning stability.
The tuners are Jackson’s own sealed die-cast models, which offer reliable tuning stability. They perform adequately for most playing styles, but players who require more robust tuning stability might consider upgrading to higher-quality locking tuners.
One of the standout features of the JS22 Dinky is its compound radius fingerboard. This design enhances playability by providing a comfortable surface for chording near the nut and flattening out towards the higher frets for easier soloing. This feature is typically found on higher-end guitars, making it a significant value addition for the JS22 Dinky.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of the Jackson JS22 Dinky is impressive, especially considering its price point. The poplar body is lightweight yet sturdy, providing a good foundation for the guitar’s tone. The maple neck is securely attached, and there are no noticeable flaws or imperfections in the construction.
The satin finish is durable and resistant to minor scratches and dings, which is essential for a guitar that’s likely to see some aggressive playing. The hardware is robust, and the electronics are well-installed, with no loose components or wiring issues.
Overall, the JS22 Dinky feels like a well-constructed, durable instrument that can handle the rigors of regular use, whether in the studio or on stage.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is designed with player comfort in mind. The body contours fit comfortably against the body, and the guitar’s weight is well-distributed. The slim neck profile and contoured body make it easy to navigate the fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience.
The deep cutaways provide excellent access to the upper frets, which is essential for lead playing. The compound radius fingerboard ensures that both chords and solos feel comfortable and natural. The guitar balances well when sitting or standing, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
Versatility
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a highly versatile guitar, capable of covering a wide range of musical genres. While it’s designed with rock and metal in mind, its clean tones and responsive controls make it suitable for other styles as well. The ability to achieve both tight, aggressive tones and rich, resonant clean sounds makes this guitar a valuable addition to any guitarist’s collection.
The combination of high-output pickups, a compound radius fingerboard, and a double-locking tremolo bridge allows for a broad spectrum of tones, making the JS22 Dinky suitable for everything from jazz and blues to rock and metal. Whether you’re playing clean arpeggios, heavy riffs, or intricate solos, the JS22 Dinky can handle it all with ease.
Value for Money
Considering its high-quality features and impressive build quality, the Jackson JS22 Dinky offers excellent value for money. It’s priced competitively compared to other guitars in its class, and it delivers performance and versatility that rival more expensive instruments.
For both beginners and intermediate players, the JS22 Dinky represents a solid investment. It’s a guitar that can handle the demands of live performance and studio recording, making it a versatile and reliable addition to any guitarist’s arsenal.
Areas for Improvement
While the Jackson JS22 Dinky is an outstanding guitar, there are a few areas where it could be improved. First, upgrading the stock tuners to locking tuners would provide even better tuning stability, especially for players who perform frequently or use aggressive playing techniques.
Secondly, while the pickups deliver excellent high-gain tones, players looking for more specific tonal qualities might consider upgrading to higher-end pickups. This could further enhance the guitar’s performance, particularly for more advanced players seeking a specific sound.
Lastly, offering more finish options could cater to a broader audience. While the Satin Black finish is sleek and professional, additional color options would allow players to choose a look that best suits their personal style.
Conclusion – Jackson JS22 Dinky Review
In conclusion, the Jackson JS22 Dinky electric guitar is a remarkable instrument that combines striking aesthetics, exceptional playability, and versatile sound quality. Its high-output pickups and solid construction make it a powerhouse for rock and metal styles, while its clean tones and comfortable design make it suitable for a variety of other genres. The build quality and hardware are top-notch, ensuring durability and reliability.
Despite a few minor areas for improvement, the JS22 Dinky offers excellent value for money. It’s a perfect choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a versatile and high-performance electric guitar. My time with the Jackson JS22 Dinky has been incredibly rewarding, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a quality electric guitar that can handle a wide range of musical styles.
