This entire video was completely on point. I have a js22 and literally have to tune every 30 minutes, also the tuning is a pain also because of the tuners. Sometimes you can twist the tuners a whole spin and it doesn't tune at all, and sometimes you do just a slight twist and you fall or rise about 15 octaves. But all the positives are true also, I love the neck and playing on it is just so much fun. The tone knob has excellent range. The stock pickups are pretty good, and They are really sexy guitars.
Amit Sharma , I have one that has a Floyd Rose tremolo with fine tuners and locking nut. If the tremolo doesn’t have fine tuners, I don’t think I would add locking nuts.
@@AmitSharma-kd7rj Remove the cheapo plastic nut and install a locking nut. Remove the trussrod cover and make it smaller so the nut fits on the headstock better. You can get shims of different thicknesses to fit under the nut the get the correct hight.
@@AmitSharma-kd7rj have it set up professionally if you have any issues and just have the tech put on a quality nut, they are cheap. graphtech is good, i am sure there is other quality ones.
bought this one for my bestfriend to replace his pawnshop strat (the neck twisted from heat and humidity it was a sad sight lol) and his dad despite having 12 other guitars just couldnt let go of it haha i definitely recommend 100%
its a tilt back headstock , do NOT put string trees on it, string trees are for flat headstocks like fenders, they compensate for not having a tilt back... if you buy this fantastic guitar just do not use the tremolo if you are having tuning issues it also has a full size heavy tremelo block which is pretty amazing, the electronics are fine, its a freakin killer guitar for $150 or whatever they cost close to that, I got mine for 100 used in mint condition with a killer set up no issues whatsoever
I think what gives me the satisfaction to look at this guitar , it’s the simplicity clean look without the usual shark tooth inlays on the frets which almost all pointy headstock guitar brands have... also you are right on the no locking tuners too, Thanks for doing this wonderful review.👍
I have the JS22. It's the better version of the JS12 you got there. It keeps the tuning pretty well and the body and neck are top quality. If you swap out the stock pickups then it'll perform like a high end guitar.
probably. but you can buy a japanese one (i have 2 of them), they're not much expensive, but has WAY better quality of wood, and setup. look the neck in this video, it is not correctly installed. E1 distance from the neck 1mm, E6 -> 3-4mm.
@@addictedtogear the major difference between the js12 and js22 is that the js22 has an arched top and a compound radius fretboard with 12" in the lower frets and 16" in the higher frets. also the 22 has a white binding around the fretboard and headstock. pickups, hardware etc. are the same.
My JS 22 DKA will arrive in two days...it will be a guitar to tinker around with and mod when I have some spare time and cash but what sold me was my decision to get the natural oil finish - that's something you typically don't see on a shredder style guitar!
What I did. Change the pickups to Seymour Duncan Distortions. Changed the tuners to Charvel Locking tuners. Had to take it to a luthier for them to drill the “Fender type pins”. Changed the Bridge to a Gotoh Wilkinson VS-100. Had to lightly sand where the bridge arm nut was. Totally different guitar. I play this more than my other guitars. I’d like to get a second one and do the same mods. These would be excellent live use guitars.
You can get a Floyd Rose FRX locking nut that slips up behind the guitar nut and it is 3 screws just like the truss rod cover. Might have to drill. It is $49.00. You can also get a floating locking nut that requires no drilling or routing. The neck is compound radius 12 at nut to 16 at the heel.
You get a used Japanese Jackson for pretty cheap on reverb. I would replace the plastic nut and you will probably be ok. You may just have to widen the nut slots a touch but I would put a new bone or tusk nut on it. My initial thought was a locking nut which you mentioned.
@@danielabraham7875 well, it's bound to go out of tune if you go all the way down. But, it can handle everything else pretty well. Simple whammy tricks and stuff, as you'd expect. I've been playing it for over 2 years and I'm currently tuned to Drop A. It's just amazing how well it plays.
Fender does do whammy bars that dont flop around. That's what the little spring is for. Put it in the whammy bar hole in the bridge, screw in the bar and the spring holds it in place.
Jackson makes great instruments from their cheapest to their most expensive actually I've never played any of the expensive ones so I don't really know about them
@@generalawareness101 right on I've never tried the super cheap Ibanez's. I have a mid-priced Ibanez that I absolutely love RG 6003. I am completely sold on Jackson and Ibanez. And I am sure schecter and ESP LTD are pretty freaking dope too.
Hey, im currently concidering to buy one of these (either the 12 or 22 ) This will be my first guitar, although I have already been playing for a while. So my question is, what are your opinions? And what is the easiest fix for the tuning issue?
The headstock is tilted back so you don’t really need string trees. Locking tuners will help a lot but again this vintage style trem is only good for light action
Amit Sharma you wouldn’t need a locking nut unless you want to put Floyd system. Of course it’ll benefit greatly from locking tuners. There are some Korean OEM brands I got off eBay and works really well. A set would set you back around $30-$40
a tusq nut helps with tuning stability and also getting better tuners other than that nothing worths changing besides the pickups if you have the money
Damn the paint or body problem is a shame. My blue Jackson JS11 is 100% flawless. I’d think about trying to get an exchange. Your right about the string angle at the head I find the strings are a little stiff when bending but I have a Floyd Rose and locking nut going on as I’m typing this so that should help some.
locking nut wouldn't work at all since strings go slightly sharp after you lock them at the nut and need fine tuning (impossible with this bridge style)..
Panzerfaust 991 Yeah, locking nut will not help. Better install locking tuners, so the string is wrapped just 1/2 turn, and lubricate the nut with graphite from a pencil. Therefore grind some graphite off wih sandpaper and mix it with vaseline. Also lubricate the contact of the posts with the trem unit. A slightly floating bridge is helpfull after diving, a quick pull up will get the slop out of the strings and get them in pitch. Viceversa if trem was pulled up on a full note floating trem unit😊
Very useful review. I was wondering about the JS11 and JS12 dinkys with the strat duo-fulcrum bridges, and how they compared to the floyd rose system on the JS32 and X series models.
Thanks for sharing this review.. I want one too!, however, the break angle of the strings in the nut really bugs me off... I looked very carefully on the js12 nut pictures in the internet.. I think the work around here is, we roll the tuning pegs for strings 1-4 to clockwise (instead of counter-clockwise), this way the strings will be on the other side of the tuning peg. And it will lessen the steep break angle.. For strings 5-6 pegs, they will remain counter-clockwise because the angle is already good. Do you think this will work? Its just my hypothesis. Thanks
also lube the nut with a pencil, just kind of scribble in or on the nut slots, and the lead or graphite gets down in the slots and lubricates , helps keep strings from binding in the slots
I had ordered a fender electric acoustic mahogany top from them online, the neck had wood knots, took it to a guitar center store to exchange it, they opened three boxes before I found one without neck flaws, and wood knots in the frets. It was a black friday sale and got a decent price, but the factory quality and craftsmenship was horrible!
I just want everyone to know! you probably will have to pay for a setup on the JS series guitar you purchase that happens on a lot of low end guitars now days I've seen this complaint online for years now. I had to do that with my original JS11 purchased in 2014. Example in 1998 I purchased a Chinese made Squier double fat Stratocaster guitar. Double fat means it had dual humbuckers. It had a no setup I could barely push some of the strings through bridge and the bridge pickup was out of alignment. In 1982 I purchase an original Japanese Squier standard Stratocaster it was perfect and came with a case. I don't why they can't setup the guitars right at the factory now day's If anyone knows why? I would like to know the reason for this. It was not like that when I started playing, back then every new guitar came with a case regardless of price and setup at the factory. It is said ''even the best guitar players can do nothing with a guitar that has a bad setup on it". Keep this in mind.
The Epiphones cost more but the JS11 were not available when I purchased the Epiphones sometime the more expensive guitar is not the best option. The JS11 configuration and design is more my style so it became my main guitar I play Classic Rock and JS11 original model with basswood handle everything I play hardrock, heavy metal and other rock n roll applications etc.
I owned JS22 JS32 & PS1. I found no issue with Jackson & Jackson are great guitar. I felt it is much better than my Ibanez GRG121DX & RG320EXZ. Maybe I too wanna get JS11 as in my collection. I love get all this budget guitar & later modified the pick up & the hardware for better tones.
Amaranth fingerboard is actually what is called purple heart wood. As a guitar tech and a former guitar tech and roadie its best to set the trem on the guitar and not use the trem but use it as a hard tail . II have owned and collected hundreds Jackson and Charvel guitars both USA and Japanese made models both floyd equipped and the vintage srat style trems need to stay resting on the guitars body. I did what works out on tour to keep the guitars up and running for the players. The JS line are OK guitars and play great and a great bang for the buck, just remember you get what you pay for. Personally I am not a fan of the Indonesian made Jacksons but if that is all you can afford they work. They are a far cry from an older made in USA or made in Japan Jacksons.
BUYING MY FIRST GUITAR I noticed that the nut on the JS32 is different. Is it the type of upgrade that you talking about?? Or is just the same thing but just looks different. Is a different of 100 so wanna know if it’s worth it.
I recently purchased a Jackson Dinky JS11, and it's going back to the dealer. Don't get me wrong, the neck is beautifully crafted, flat, with big fat shiny frets, and no fret sprout. The humbuckers are great, love the tone and power. The body is fantastic, comfortable, and not too heavy. NOW, here's why it is going back, the machine heads (tuners), are horrible, they just will not hold pitch, coupled with the nut slots that are cut too narrow, and the break angle of the B and high E strings, the strings bind in the slots. The tremolo system is also responsible for the guitar not returning to pitch after even mild usage. I really think you shouldn't have to replace various components in your budget guitar for it to do what it is supposed to do, namely perform as intended.
I have the exact same guitar. The stock pickups are great, the neck is fast. The only drawbacks are as mentioned the angle of the headstock creating an angle from the nut to the tuning pegs reducing tuning stability. The other drawback is the bridge which is fine as long as you never use the whammy bar. As soon as you touch the bar the guitar is completely out of tune. The fit and finish on this guitar is amazing for $250. It's the best guitar out there for less than $300 hands down.
@@dragos1812 well the whammy bar is fine but high E and B string tend to get bound(stuck) in the nut when using the whammy bar. It's because of the angle from the tuning peg to the nut. If you want to use the whammy bar a lot I would suggest spending a little more money and get the Dinky JS 32 with the locking floyd rose.
@@dragos1812 go get your nut checked first, that little investment goes a long way in keeping that thing in tune, even without a locking nut and a floyd. Add lubricant to the nut and bridge saddles if you want to keep if you want to keep the original stuff
For those who don´t know: you can tighten the screws that hold the springs to the body to stiffen the bridge and improve the stability. Lubricate the nut with a pencil´s graphite.
I have had mine for a while , and i am planning to upgrade the tuners to locking tuners and a better nut and also a better tremolo , and maaaybe change the frets some time , not that there is something wrong with them , and it surprises me really that a 180$ guitar with a few mods actually is the main guitar i play and my favorite so far ….. j think Jackson should make a higher end model inspired by this one then i would definitely consider it …
Great vid! I love these Jackson guitars with the 22 Frets and bent 80s style head-stocks. My favorite thing about them isss.... that I LOVE to tear them apart. I have done this a few times, and I may be looking at another project soon. I take the pickups out, and throw them into a strat pickguard. Then I pull the neck off. And I throw the neck and PUPs with the pickguard into a Strat body. maybe a Squier / Monoprioe... whatever. Got what I call a Strat-Jack. Or a Jack-Caster. I've got one in faded Red wood-grain. It's stunning, and all my Buds want to know where the heck I got it. They freak when I tell them it's a parts-caster. Plays just like right out of a factory.... b'c those necks marry perfectly to the Strat body. Also got one set up that way with a (Rondo_ British Flag Strat. Man it's cool too. And then... I've got a Dinky type body that I like to throw Strat necks on. Sort of like a Warren DeMartini type thing. I'm looking to do another one of each... soon. I like this red one a lot.
I have this in 22 frets (JS11) and the B string jumps out of the nut; what i did was to roll the G B E tuners in the opposite direction and don´t use the tremolo and, yet, it goes out of tune sometimes. I guess the low end ibanez is a better choice because of the headstock.
Great video. I have a question. Is the first three digits on the serial number on the plate of your guitar? CWJ if so What is the scale size, could you pull a tape on it from the back of the nut at the neck to the adjustment screws for the string height at the bridge thanks any help would be very much appreciated 👍🤘🎸🎸🎸
That's a pretty honest review about this guitar. I own one, and yes, those are the issues with it. The biggest frustration is the limitations with the tuning stability and the tremolo bar. I'd say this is where I'd spend most time trying to mod it, and invest in lubricant for the points of contact at the nut. Otherwise it's a cool instrument, I like it, it's comfortable, and the sound of the pickups and such is fine enough, though it could be better, I don't think they're bad, and nothing some audio processing with good pedals or plugins in a daw can't compensate for (at least to some extent). To me the bar that stays steady is annoying, I like to let go of the bar and let gravity do the job of moving it out of the way, especially for dive bombs where I want to continue playing immediately.
Hi I have the same model js11 , I know it was cheap, 140 pounds in the UK 🇬🇧 and it's OK I suppose but..... the tuning I find ain't the greatest,and the action is way too high but apart from that it's fine. I might get a little set up done and a restring , and just use it as a second guitar . To me though it sounds great 👍 hope this helps someone. 😃
can anybody pls help? my trem is so loose, and i haven't even used it much yet. it was loose the day i bought it, and i can't find any guides on the internet. it spins around smoothly. i can't figure out how to make it firmer.
No it sits on the body.if you don't want it to move it all you can block it or increase the spring tension on the bottom of the trem. I just leave mine be and it doesn't cause any problems.
Is it then safe to assume that if a jackson with a tilted head doesn't have locking tuners it's bound to go out of tune like this one especially when you use the trem bar?
I am planning to buy this guitar as my first one, but I have read that guitars that have tremolo go out of tune fast. My question is: if I remove the tremolo lever, does this problem go away? Sorry if it is not well written, I do not know English and I do it through google translator hahaha
An electric guitar teacher told me that if don't use the tremolo bar, the guitar would stay in tune, i'm thinking of bought this guitar, and that tip is not a problem for me because i'm more like rythem guitarist than a dive bomb divo haha 😅
I have the same guitar and the tuning instability is frustrating...what can we do to address the problem with the angled headstock? Putting a floyd rose seems the only solution but it costs more than the guitar itself 😂😂 P.s.: I already installed a tusq nut.
I always have USA Jacksons ,bought a pro series made in Mexico "nice" ,then I just bought a low end JS series made in china it's absolute rubbish and was returned to the dealer super disappointed
what u hope from the low end item...dont expect too much...just try to compare with other low end guitar...dont compare with usa strat...gibson...suhr....prs...its like old nissan vs new bmw
I dont know mine is lucky js22 no sharp frets and no issues just put my invaders and kept everything else solid go check my page got a few songs and a evh tribute but with the phone recording not great
Cool look into the JS world. I´ve been dissing these for various reasons. Maybe I should rethink. You can´t find rosewood? That´s odd. As a maple lover it´s all I see! Everyone and their mother have rosewood or similar colour fb. If you don´t find rosewood, you´re not even looking. Agree about the break angle without a locking nut. This headstock is supposed to have one.
i just started playing guitar 3 months ago, i bought a player strat white on white (offwhite), and now i want a solist red crystal jackson. what does this mean!!!?
you should see what they have coming up, I work for a little company in Corona Ca. that, well, lets just say i get a Sneak peek in all things new from a few different guitar brands
@@addictedtogear oh i might get in trouble if i blurt it out, but i can send you a pic through email or something dude neck through, floyd original, and locking tuners, one humbucker, to single coils, all seymour duncan, and the paint schemes, oh dude, they are amazing!!
Would you recommend this to a beginner, I played an Ibanez Mikro and loved the thin 12 radius neck.Is the 12 radius neck on the JS11 similar thin .I have arthritis was looking at 3/4 scale guitars considering the Squier mini strat.The frets arnt as close past the 12th fret like they are on the mikro.
beginner level guitars have come a far way. for 150$ this thing plenty good, for the beginning rock and metal player this would be the perfect instrument (in my opinion). only thing they could improve upon, just get rid of the vibrato system and make it a string through body with a tune-o-matic style bridge. would be way better in terms of tuning stability and less to worry about for beginning players who don't know how to set up their own instrument yet. also for more experienced players it would be a nice backup. i started on a JS series guitar back in 2005, which had a string through body construction. the model name was JS30RR, the randy rhoads style model. it was twice the price of this one here though.
Guitarist are the only ones who insist on old technology, tubes are not better than Solid State if so the entire industry would still be using tubes and if we did you wouldn’t have your computers and cell phones. Size of pots and caps does not equal quality or accuracy, electronics industry always pushes for smaller, lighter and better. You can have a small 1% pot ( this is good) and a giant 10% pot ( this is bad).
Hey I have this same 🎸 guitar Jackson dinky Yes it's red with the shiny sparkle as a matter of fact I'm playing it on some of my videos on my channel here , anyways ..... Mine was actually priced at 350$ bucks which to me that's somewhat expensive bc I got mine on sale for like 130$ I believe , anyways long story short I freaking love this guitar myself & honestly I respect that other guitarist wanna change things on it or add things to it " bc for me it sounds cool just like it is , Of course that's just me I'm a simple person bc I haven't had any issues myself it stays in tune good especially once u use new strings some then naturally no matter if your playing a strat " anyways keep rocking brother hope your enjoying your Jackson to !!!
Damn what this dude talking. Jackson is the shit! They have Floyd Rose versions for a good price. So, whats the fuss??? What these suckers want from Jackson??? LMK!!!!
there is no probs with the guitar, if you have issues just have it professionally set up if you are a beginner especially, its a great guitar regardless of price
In my opinion locking nuts and turners are a matter of choice! All you need is a nut that cut right, good turners and a good setup on the guitar's bridge. Look at how many great guitar players out there that don't use locking systems.
It's a good guitar for what it is. My only issue with it is the tuning stability. The lower strings always detune. I never have that problem with my Ibanez guitars. You best bet is getting a NutBuster for that.
Is this guitar universal or is it mainly for rock/metal? I want to buy it so bad, I love the look, but I'm afraid cleans on this beauty will sound bad.
I didn't watch the whole video but I think he is leading to saying that its made for rock and metal. So good. Translation: No vi el video completo, pero creo que él me lleva a decir que está hecho para rock y metal. Bueno.
If you're having problems with tuning stability put the high three strings on reverse wound then you're set simple obviously
Thanks
What exactly does reverse wound do? The lower end strings tend to go out of tune more than the treble strings.
What if I have locking head tuners
None of you use common sense. I use this therory on all strings and they all stay in tune no matter the guitar. Reverse wind tune any guitar.
This entire video was completely on point. I have a js22 and literally have to tune every 30 minutes, also the tuning is a pain also because of the tuners. Sometimes you can twist the tuners a whole spin and it doesn't tune at all, and sometimes you do just a slight twist and you fall or rise about 15 octaves.
But all the positives are true also, I love the neck and playing on it is just so much fun. The tone knob has excellent range. The stock pickups are pretty good, and They are really sexy guitars.
Just buy Locking tuners
lol have you heard of modding?
Replace your nut, locking tuners won't help
I like the Jackson high output pickups. They blew my former Epiphone Les Pauls alnico pickups away!
Brother I am planning to buy this guitar, so shall I invest in installing a locking nut???. I want to play metal genre.
Amit Sharma , I have one that has a Floyd Rose tremolo with fine tuners and locking nut. If the tremolo doesn’t have fine tuners, I don’t think I would add locking nuts.
@@AmitSharma-kd7rj Remove the cheapo plastic nut and install a locking nut. Remove the trussrod cover and make it smaller so the nut fits on the headstock better. You can get shims of different thicknesses to fit under the nut the get the correct hight.
@@AmitSharma-kd7rj have it set up professionally if you have any issues and just have the tech put on a quality nut, they are cheap. graphtech is good, i am sure there is other quality ones.
I ordered my js12 the other day. I can't wait for it to arrive!!
Congratulations. I am sure you will love it!
Me too dude i am so hiped this will be my 1st el guitar
How do you like it? Going on 10 years owning mine and I love it
How much did it cost ?
bought this one for my bestfriend to replace his pawnshop strat (the neck twisted from heat and humidity it was a sad sight lol) and his dad despite having 12 other guitars just couldnt let go of it haha i definitely recommend 100%
its a tilt back headstock , do NOT put string trees on it, string trees are for flat headstocks like fenders, they compensate for not having a tilt back... if you buy this fantastic guitar just do not use the tremolo if you are having tuning issues
it also has a full size heavy tremelo block which is pretty amazing, the electronics are fine, its a freakin killer guitar for $150 or whatever they cost close to that, I got mine for 100 used in mint condition with a killer set up no issues whatsoever
I think what gives me the satisfaction to look at this guitar , it’s the simplicity clean look without the usual shark tooth inlays on the frets which almost all pointy headstock guitar brands have... also you are right on the no locking tuners too,
Thanks for doing this wonderful review.👍
Thanks for watching!
For what it's worth, these guitars DO NOT have a Rosewood fingerboard, the fingerboard is made from Purple Heart / amaranth. Body is made from Poplar.
As a beginner I have to ask, are amaranth and poplar bad? Or just "not as good"?
@@MoonOvIce dont worry about it
I have the JS22. It's the better version of the JS12 you got there. It keeps the tuning pretty well and the body and neck are top quality. If you swap out the stock pickups then it'll perform like a high end guitar.
I had a JS22 but it had a defect in the body so I sold it and got this one. I can't really see much difference between the two to be honest.
Awesome axes with a good upgrade pickup it will be a beast
probably. but you can buy a japanese one (i have 2 of them), they're not much expensive, but has WAY better quality of wood, and setup. look the neck in this video, it is not correctly installed. E1 distance from the neck 1mm, E6 -> 3-4mm.
@@addictedtogear the major difference between the js12 and js22 is that the js22 has an arched top and a compound radius fretboard with 12" in the lower frets and 16" in the higher frets. also the 22 has a white binding around the fretboard and headstock. pickups, hardware etc. are the same.
My JS 22 DKA will arrive in two days...it will be a guitar to tinker around with and mod when I have some spare time and cash but what sold me was my decision to get the natural oil finish - that's something you typically don't see on a shredder style guitar!
What I did.
Change the pickups to Seymour Duncan Distortions.
Changed the tuners to Charvel Locking tuners. Had to take it to a luthier for them to drill the “Fender type pins”.
Changed the Bridge to a Gotoh Wilkinson VS-100. Had to lightly sand where the bridge arm nut was.
Totally different guitar.
I play this more than my other guitars. I’d like to get a second one and do the same mods. These would be excellent live use guitars.
You can get a Floyd Rose FRX locking nut that slips up behind the guitar nut and it is 3 screws just like the truss rod cover. Might have to drill. It is $49.00. You can also get a floating locking nut that requires no drilling or routing.
The neck is compound radius 12 at nut to 16 at the heel.
Thanks for the information. I will have to have a look at this.
I know this is old. But that sounds really interesting. You have any experience with how it functions? Sure would be an easy install.
You get a used Japanese Jackson for pretty cheap on reverb.
I would replace the plastic nut and you will probably be ok. You may just have to widen the nut slots a touch but I would put a new bone or tusk nut on it.
My initial thought was a locking nut which you mentioned.
This video was very useful in my recent purchase. Thanks, great review!
I had this (reversed headstock) for many many years and still plays great.
Me too bro, i have the red reverse headstock
Is it good cause in india this is a really good guitar but will it stay in tune if I dive bomb with that normal two point trem
@@danielabraham7875 well, it's bound to go out of tune if you go all the way down. But, it can handle everything else pretty well. Simple whammy tricks and stuff, as you'd expect.
I've been playing it for over 2 years and I'm currently tuned to Drop A. It's just amazing how well it plays.
Is it good for beggienr? vs Squier Standard Stratocaster
Graphite on the nut grooves helps with string bind
Fender does do whammy bars that dont flop around. That's what the little spring is for. Put it in the whammy bar hole in the bridge, screw in the bar and the spring holds it in place.
Jackson makes great instruments from their cheapest to their most expensive actually I've never played any of the expensive ones so I don't really know about them
Versus the Ibanez dollar for dollar people say Ibanez. The higher above 300 USD I have no idea but I mean like JS11 vs GRX20 which are both $149.00.
@@generalawareness101 right on I've never tried the super cheap Ibanez's. I have a mid-priced Ibanez that I absolutely love RG 6003. I am completely sold on Jackson and Ibanez. And I am sure schecter and ESP LTD are pretty freaking dope too.
Hey, im currently concidering to buy one of these (either the 12 or 22 )
This will be my first guitar, although I have already been playing for a while.
So my question is, what are your opinions?
And what is the easiest fix for the tuning issue?
The headstock is tilted back so you don’t really need string trees. Locking tuners will help a lot but again this vintage style trem is only good for light action
Brother I am planning to buy this guitar, so shall I invest in installing a locking nut???. I want to play metal genre.
Amit Sharma you wouldn’t need a locking nut unless you want to put Floyd system. Of course it’ll benefit greatly from locking tuners. There are some Korean OEM brands I got off eBay and works really well. A set would set you back around $30-$40
See if it holds tuning first, If no, then replace the plastic nut with something better before going to a locking nut.
ADDICTED TO GEAR good advice but if the guy weasn’t handy a good nut job would easily cost 1/3 of that guitar price tag
a tusq nut helps with tuning stability and also getting better tuners other than that nothing worths changing besides the pickups if you have the money
Just added the Tusq nut and some locking tuners. After 12 months of having it, I can say the tuners don’t hold up quite so well.
@@partsguy850 tusq helps any guitar ,as for locking tuners i personally dont like them, no guitar ever stays perfectly in tune
anyway
picking one up as my backup for my les paul, cant wait
Damn the paint or body problem is a shame. My blue Jackson JS11 is 100% flawless. I’d think about trying to get an exchange. Your right about the string angle at the head I find the strings are a little stiff when bending but I have a Floyd Rose and locking nut going on as I’m typing this so that should help some.
Im still loving my JS22. No tuning issues at all and I have a D-tuna on it. It all comes down to how well you set it up.
how long ago did you buy it?
just wanna know if its good in the long run
1:37 LOL, wasn't expecting that, but cool
locking nut wouldn't work at all since strings go slightly sharp after you lock them at the nut and need fine tuning (impossible with this bridge style)..
Probably correct but now Floyd Rose makes a smaller bridge that would probably work in this case with the fine tuning required.
@@addictedtogear probably? No he is 100% correct lol but nice video anyway.
Panzerfaust 991
Yeah, locking nut will not help. Better install locking tuners, so the string is wrapped just 1/2 turn, and lubricate the nut with graphite from a pencil. Therefore grind some graphite off wih sandpaper and mix it with vaseline. Also lubricate the contact of the posts with the trem unit. A slightly floating bridge is helpfull after diving, a quick pull up will get the slop out of the strings and get them in pitch. Viceversa if trem was pulled up on a full note floating trem unit😊
thank you!
Very useful review. I was wondering about the JS11 and JS12 dinkys with the strat duo-fulcrum bridges, and how they compared to the floyd rose system on the JS32 and X series models.
Different beast. I like the easy of use of the 2 point trems much more.
I have the same Jackson Dinkey and I am planning to install a locking nut.
That red looks amazing
Thanks for sharing this review.. I want one too!, however, the break angle of the strings in the nut really bugs me off... I looked very carefully on the js12 nut pictures in the internet.. I think the work around here is, we roll the tuning pegs for strings 1-4 to clockwise (instead of counter-clockwise), this way the strings will be on the other side of the tuning peg. And it will lessen the steep break angle.. For strings 5-6 pegs, they will remain counter-clockwise because the angle is already good. Do you think this will work? Its just my hypothesis. Thanks
yes, you explained that well and it is very effective if you are having issues
@@tankdarla637 Thank you! Though, I havent tried it yet.. Looking forward!
also lube the nut with a pencil, just kind of scribble in or on the nut slots, and the lead or graphite gets down in the slots and lubricates , helps keep strings from binding in the slots
I use mine strictly for playing 'slide' on.
Open E or G sounds great.
I had ordered a fender electric acoustic mahogany top from them online, the neck had wood knots, took it to a guitar center store to exchange it, they opened three boxes before I found one without neck flaws, and wood knots in the frets. It was a black friday sale and got a decent price, but the factory quality and craftsmenship was horrible!
I just want everyone to know! you probably will have to pay for a setup on the JS series guitar you purchase that happens on a lot of low end guitars now days I've seen this complaint online for years now. I had to do that with my original JS11 purchased in 2014. Example in 1998 I purchased a Chinese made Squier double fat Stratocaster guitar. Double fat means it had dual humbuckers. It had a no setup I could barely push some of the strings through bridge and the bridge pickup was out of alignment. In 1982 I purchase an original Japanese Squier standard Stratocaster it was perfect and came with a case. I don't why they can't setup the guitars right at the factory now day's If anyone knows why? I would like to know the reason for this. It was not like that when I started playing, back then every new guitar came with a case regardless of price and setup at the factory. It is said ''even the best guitar players can do nothing with a guitar that has a bad setup on it". Keep this in mind.
Most mid-level guitars and some high level guitars that I've tires require a proper setup these days.
Just bought one of these for 40 bucks yesterday. Pretty sick guitar.
Where’d you find one for 40 bucks?
40 bucks? Where?
Not around here
100 yesterday
The Epiphones cost more but the JS11 were not available when I purchased the Epiphones sometime the more expensive guitar is not the best option. The JS11 configuration and design is more my style so it became my main guitar I play Classic Rock and JS11 original model with basswood handle everything I play hardrock, heavy metal and other rock n roll applications etc.
Hey Tony, did you ever get around to modding this Jackson? It would be interesting to see how you went and the end result, cheers Mike
I owned JS22 JS32 & PS1. I found no issue with Jackson & Jackson are great guitar. I felt it is much better than my Ibanez GRG121DX & RG320EXZ. Maybe I too wanna get JS11 as in my collection. I love get all this budget guitar & later modified the pick up & the hardware for better tones.
which better? do you ever get the js24?
@@dityaar9 here in Malaysia we don't have JS24 not to I known. But maybe it just might sound the same.
Amaranth fingerboard is actually what is called purple heart wood.
As a guitar tech and a former guitar tech and roadie its best to set the trem on the guitar and not use the trem but use it as a hard tail . II have owned and collected hundreds Jackson and Charvel guitars both USA and Japanese made models both floyd equipped and the vintage srat style trems need to stay resting on the guitars body.
I did what works out on tour to keep the guitars up and running for the players.
The JS line are OK guitars and play great and a great bang for the buck, just remember you get what you pay for.
Personally I am not a fan of the Indonesian made Jacksons but if that is all you can afford they work.
They are a far cry from an older made in USA or made in Japan Jacksons.
BUYING MY FIRST GUITAR
I noticed that the nut on the JS32 is different. Is it the type of upgrade that you talking about?? Or is just the same thing but just looks different.
Is a different of 100 so wanna know if it’s worth it.
The nut is on that one will have the same issue. You will probably want to change it.
I recently purchased a Jackson Dinky JS11, and it's going back to the dealer. Don't get me wrong, the neck is beautifully crafted, flat, with big fat shiny frets, and no fret sprout. The humbuckers are great, love the tone and power. The body is fantastic, comfortable, and not too heavy. NOW, here's why it is going back, the machine heads (tuners), are horrible, they just will not hold pitch, coupled with the nut slots that are cut too narrow, and the break angle of the B and high E strings, the strings bind in the slots. The tremolo system is also responsible for the guitar not returning to pitch after even mild usage. I really think you shouldn't have to replace various components in your budget guitar for it to do what it is supposed to do, namely perform as intended.
Its not the tuners, its the nut. Change it and it will be fine!
I have the exact same guitar. The stock pickups are great, the neck is fast. The only drawbacks are as mentioned the angle of the headstock creating an angle from the nut to the tuning pegs reducing tuning stability. The other drawback is the bridge which is fine as long as you never use the whammy bar. As soon as you touch the bar the guitar is completely out of tune. The fit and finish on this guitar is amazing for $250. It's the best guitar out there for less than $300 hands down.
So the whammy isn't good? I'm also playin Van Halen stuff and I need a whammy guitar :d
@@dragos1812 well the whammy bar is fine but high E and B string tend to get bound(stuck) in the nut when using the whammy bar. It's because of the angle from the tuning peg to the nut. If you want to use the whammy bar a lot I would suggest spending a little more money and get the Dinky JS 32 with the locking floyd rose.
@@craigharrison5406 I think I'll get the JS12 and buy a locking nut after, I'll do some research before. Thanks!
@@dragos1812 go get your nut checked first, that little investment goes a long way in keeping that thing in tune, even without a locking nut and a floyd. Add lubricant to the nut and bridge saddles if you want to keep if you want to keep the original stuff
For those who don´t know: you can tighten the screws that hold the springs to the body to stiffen the bridge and improve the stability.
Lubricate the nut with a pencil´s graphite.
I have had mine for a while , and i am planning to upgrade the tuners to locking tuners and a better nut and also a better tremolo , and maaaybe change the frets some time , not that there is something wrong with them , and it surprises me really that a 180$ guitar with a few mods actually is the main guitar i play and my favorite so far ….. j think Jackson should make a higher end model inspired by this one then i would definitely consider it …
Great vid! I love these Jackson guitars with the 22 Frets and bent 80s style head-stocks. My favorite thing about them isss.... that I LOVE to tear them apart. I have done this a few times, and I may be looking at another project soon. I take the pickups out, and throw them into a strat pickguard. Then I pull the neck off. And I throw the neck and PUPs with the pickguard into a Strat body. maybe a Squier / Monoprioe... whatever. Got what I call a Strat-Jack. Or a Jack-Caster. I've got one in faded Red wood-grain. It's stunning, and all my Buds want to know where the heck I got it. They freak when I tell them it's a parts-caster. Plays just like right out of a factory.... b'c those necks marry perfectly to the Strat body. Also got one set up that way with a (Rondo_ British Flag Strat. Man it's cool too. And then... I've got a Dinky type body that I like to throw Strat necks on. Sort of like a Warren DeMartini type thing. I'm looking to do another one of each... soon. I like this red one a lot.
Great idea. I may have to try that someday!
@1:36…best part of the video…hahahaha…Tony you are the man😁
I have this in 22 frets (JS11) and the B string jumps out of the nut; what i did was to roll the G B E tuners in the opposite direction and don´t use the tremolo and, yet, it goes out of tune sometimes. I guess the low end ibanez is a better choice because of the headstock.
Hello what kind of tuners you could recommend me to put to this guitar and other better accessories? Some link? I have the same guitar exactly.
I would get some locking tuners. Maybe Wilkinson. Change the pickups with some Pariah pickups and you are in business.
@@addictedtogear oh thank you for your answer, and do you recommend to change the bridge also for something better?
@@addictedtogear pariah pickups those you recommend, are they good for playing rock, metal.?
Katherine Velasquez not necessary unless you really want to
Katherine Velasquez yes they are. Tell them I sent you.
Great great review! Thank you Sir!
Glad you liked it!
Fretboard is not Rosewood its a species of Purple Heart
Great video. I have a question. Is the first three digits on the serial number on the plate of your guitar? CWJ if so What is the scale size, could you pull a tape on it from the back of the nut at the neck to the adjustment screws for the string height at the bridge thanks any help would be very much appreciated 👍🤘🎸🎸🎸
Beautiful Axe!!
Thank you!
Need an inexpensive axe for my band so this one a keeper, since it's cheap at leaves money for other gear.
its solid dude
@@tankdarla637 it do be solid
That's a pretty honest review about this guitar. I own one, and yes, those are the issues with it.
The biggest frustration is the limitations with the tuning stability and the tremolo bar. I'd say this is where I'd spend most time trying to mod it, and invest in lubricant for the points of contact at the nut.
Otherwise it's a cool instrument, I like it, it's comfortable, and the sound of the pickups and such is fine enough, though it could be better, I don't think they're bad, and nothing some audio processing with good pedals or plugins in a daw can't compensate for (at least to some extent).
To me the bar that stays steady is annoying, I like to let go of the bar and let gravity do the job of moving it out of the way, especially for dive bombs where I want to continue playing immediately.
@@FlubOtic115 yes, the guitar stays in tune well enough, when you're just playing normally and bending strings
If you put in a better nut, you will have better tuning stability.
The Jackson headstock is tilted that eliminates the need for string trees.
true but it causes tuning issues in models that don't have a locking nut like this one...
Mines doesnt have any issues so maybe the way u putting strings or who knows I own js22 the profile pic shown I do play a heavy set 59to10s drop A
I have the js24 but I got the pickup selector and tone pot upgraded and put new knobs on it the tone is coil tap now
It’s my guarantee. Tightening the machine heads will work 100 %. As for the js11, it’s a good instrument for the price. It needs to be set up
The full trem block made a decide to get one.
Hi I have the same model js11 , I know it was cheap, 140 pounds in the UK 🇬🇧 and it's OK I suppose but..... the tuning I find ain't the greatest,and the action is way too high but apart from that it's fine. I might get a little set up done and a restring , and just use it as a second guitar . To me though it sounds great 👍 hope this helps someone. 😃
can anybody pls help? my trem is so loose, and i haven't even used it much yet. it was loose the day i bought it, and i can't find any guides on the internet. it spins around smoothly. i can't figure out how to make it firmer.
Have you tried to use some teflon tape on the end of the trem arm?
Is the tuning stability issues only with using the trem? Because I never planned on using the trem anyway
I had the same question. No one seems to have an answer for that.
No it sits on the body.if you don't want it to move it all you can block it or increase the spring tension on the bottom of the trem. I just leave mine be and it doesn't cause any problems.
If u dont use the bar youll be fine
with a good nut and a good setup you should be just fine, vintage style trems are not made for extreme use, designed for more subtle or moderate use
if you are not gonna use the trem you should be fine
Can i ask about the screwdriver size to adjust the intonation of this js12 guitar?
Jackson JS12 or Cort X100.. which one is better?
For rock and metal genre
Hi!. I have the Cort X1 and the JS22. It is pretty similar to JS12. For Metal, i would go for the JS12!.
String trees are not necessary on that type of headstock. It’s not cutting corners. And Jackson is a fender product.
Js1x or Harley benton HH or ibanez grx70?
wow.. you scientifically explain the features po it 😮. Good job
Is it then safe to assume that if a jackson with a tilted head doesn't have locking tuners it's bound to go out of tune like this one especially when you use the trem bar?
Unfortunately most will, but you can mitigate that bye putting in a better cut bone nut as I did
I use a Jackson for writing demo songs. But a Michael Kelly for performing
My tremelo bar flops around. I wrapped tape on it to steady it but any better tips?
Try trimming a foam earplug, roll it, and stuff it down. Then put the bar. It should help with the slop in the bar
I am planning to buy this guitar as my first one, but I have read that guitars that have tremolo go out of tune fast. My question is: if I remove the tremolo lever, does this problem go away? Sorry if it is not well written, I do not know English and I do it through google translator hahaha
An electric guitar teacher told me that if don't use the tremolo bar, the guitar would stay in tune, i'm thinking of bought this guitar, and that tip is not a problem for me because i'm more like rythem guitarist than a dive bomb divo haha 😅
I have the same guitar and the tuning instability is frustrating...what can we do to address the problem with the angled headstock? Putting a floyd rose seems the only solution but it costs more than the guitar itself 😂😂
P.s.: I already installed a tusq nut.
I want to learn how to play the guitar, is this one a good 1st guitar?
Yes it is
I have owned this guitar ..since 4 years I don't use it often but I would like to know which will be a better set up for it
Change the nut and tuners and you will be fine!
Is this a full sized guitar?
it comes in full size and small size
I picked the same color guitar yesterday.thought it was nicer than the blue.dont have 1100 more dollars for a fender strat.
I am sure you will enjoy it. Congrats!
its a great guitar dude
Good review here.
how come you did not play it?
Anyone know what thread size the trem bar is on these? Lost mine, no idea if 5mm, 5.5mm or 6mm. Thanks!
How do u put the whammy bar in? I cant get it
I always have USA Jacksons ,bought a pro series made in Mexico "nice" ,then I just bought a low end JS series made in china it's absolute rubbish and was returned to the dealer super disappointed
what u hope from the low end item...dont expect too much...just try to compare with other low end guitar...dont compare with usa strat...gibson...suhr....prs...its like old nissan vs new bmw
I dont know mine is lucky js22 no sharp frets and no issues just put my invaders and kept everything else solid go check my page got a few songs and a evh tribute but with the phone recording not great
I've got a 2007 js30xx, do you know what style neck and what frets are on it cause I can't find anything on that model.
does the guitar stay in tune well if i dont use the whammy bar ?
Cool look into the JS world. I´ve been dissing these for various reasons. Maybe I should rethink.
You can´t find rosewood? That´s odd. As a maple lover it´s all I see! Everyone and their mother have rosewood or similar colour fb. If you don´t find rosewood, you´re not even looking.
Agree about the break angle without a locking nut. This headstock is supposed to have one.
i just started playing guitar 3 months ago, i bought a player strat white on white (offwhite), and now i want a solist red crystal jackson. what does this mean!!!?
You may have gas LOL
you should see what they have coming up, I work for a little company in Corona Ca. that, well, lets just say i get a Sneak peek in all things new from a few different guitar brands
And?….
@@addictedtogear oh i might get in trouble if i blurt it out, but i can send you a pic through email or something dude neck through, floyd original, and locking tuners, one humbucker, to single coils, all seymour duncan, and the paint schemes, oh dude, they are amazing!!
@@Thrashpotato when are they coming out?
@@addictedtogear end of this year, and they are amazing!!!
Hi, Im considering buying a js11, do you recommend it?
Or for the same price, can a cort or other brand have better benefits?
Jo Jose. Yes I do recommend it. It's a very nice guitar.
@@addictedtogear thanks !!
Would you recommend this to a beginner, I played an Ibanez Mikro and loved the thin 12 radius neck.Is the 12 radius neck on the JS11 similar thin .I have arthritis was looking at 3/4 scale guitars considering the Squier mini strat.The frets arnt as close past the 12th fret like they are on the mikro.
beginner level guitars have come a far way. for 150$ this thing plenty good, for the beginning rock and metal player this would be the perfect instrument (in my opinion). only thing they could improve upon, just get rid of the vibrato system and make it a string through body with a tune-o-matic style bridge. would be way better in terms of tuning stability and less to worry about for beginning players who don't know how to set up their own instrument yet. also for more experienced players it would be a nice backup. i started on a JS series guitar back in 2005, which had a string through body construction. the model name was JS30RR, the randy rhoads style model. it was twice the price of this one here though.
I agree a few minor changes in design would make this guitar even better!
How do i use the tremolo? It seems that it has no function.
Press it down
@@Yes-cm1ph it is not moving in any way 😁, seem useless to me
It's pretty stiff, but it should work. Also note that it can only pitch notes down, not up.
Guitarist are the only ones who insist on old technology, tubes are not better than Solid State if so the entire industry would still be using tubes and if we did you wouldn’t have your computers and cell phones. Size of pots and caps does not equal quality or accuracy, electronics industry always pushes for smaller, lighter and better. You can have a small 1% pot ( this is good) and a giant 10% pot ( this is bad).
Im confused on what guitar would be fine for beginners xd
this one is good most issues he is mentioning are not even real problems
the nut does suck a bit but everything else is fine
get this guitar and a good practice amp like fender mustang 25 and you are complete
@@patricknelson1471 Thanks man 🙌
Hey I have this same 🎸 guitar Jackson dinky Yes it's red with the shiny sparkle as a matter of fact I'm playing it on some of my videos on my channel here , anyways ..... Mine was actually priced at 350$ bucks which to me that's somewhat expensive bc I got mine on sale for like 130$ I believe , anyways long story short I freaking love this guitar myself & honestly I respect that other guitarist wanna change things on it or add things to it " bc for me it sounds cool just like it is ,
Of course that's just me I'm a simple person bc I haven't had any issues myself it stays in tune good especially once u use new strings some then naturally no matter if your playing a strat " anyways keep rocking brother hope your enjoying your Jackson to !!!
What if changing strings won't make a difference?
Js12 or js22? Which one is a better deal on your opinion?
JS22 Because of the body. Shark Inlays gives an agressive look
Hello sir my jackson js12 tremolo bar is very loose and i cant fix it is that any problem..???
You can try wrapping some teflon tape around the threads and see if that helps. Cheers!
Damn what this dude talking. Jackson is the shit! They have Floyd Rose versions for a good price. So, whats the fuss??? What these suckers want from Jackson??? LMK!!!!
The tuning and pitch problems is a deal breaker for this guitar it’s a shame
I have a JS11. I have had it for a month now. Haven't had any problems with it.
dont listen to this guy read more comments here and maybe subscribe to a channel like phillip mcknight to learn on any level
there is no probs with the guitar, if you have issues just have it professionally set up if you are a beginner especially, its a great guitar regardless of price
looks standard and its looks amazing. Im trying to get one of those
In my opinion locking nuts and turners are a matter of choice! All you need is a nut that cut right, good turners and a good setup on the guitar's bridge. Look at how many great guitar players out there that don't use locking systems.
I agree
I play an original Jackson JS11 guitar with basswood body black with chrome hardware. I love it.
It's a good guitar for what it is. My only issue with it is the tuning stability. The lower strings always detune. I never have that problem with my Ibanez guitars. You best bet is getting a NutBuster for that.
Thanks for the advice.
What is the least expensive Jackson i should get, what mode? Also what plexi pedal do you recommend
This Jackson is the least expensive one I think? If you want a plexi pedal get the wampler Pinnacle.
mine go out of tune after a dive.. can you help?
Check the nut slots
Is this guitar universal or is it mainly for rock/metal?
I want to buy it so bad, I love the look, but I'm afraid cleans on this beauty will sound bad.
If you don’t like the cleans just swap the pickups out for something else...
Consider exchanging the neck hum for a singlecoil
hello i don't understand english but i would like know if it's a good or "bad" deal if i want play rock, punk. thanks
I didn't watch the whole video but I think he is leading to saying that its made for rock and metal. So good.
Translation:
No vi el video completo, pero creo que él me lleva a decir que está hecho para rock y metal. Bueno.