Jackson JS22 Dinky
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is built for speed demons on a budget. From the compound-radius fingerboard to the hot ceramic humbuckers, this thing screams metal but also cleans up better than you’d expect. If you like thin necks, low action, and high-output growl, this Dinky gets you there fast without draining your wallet.
Guitar Details
Type of Guitar:
Solid Body
Best For:
Metal, Progressive, Rock
ELECTRIKJAM Rating:
★★★★★
Pickups:
Dual Jackson High-Output Humbuckers
Scale Length:
25.5"
Editor’s Thoughts
I didn’t even have to crank the amp, this thing came alive as soon as I hit a power chord. The neck feels almost unfairly fast for this price point, and once I got used to the 12″-16″ compound radius, runs and legato felt effortless. You’re not getting boutique appointments here, but what you do get is a focused, aggressive guitar that begs for distortion pedals and tight palm mutes.
Chris Horton
ELECTRIKJAM, Founder
Author
Date
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Notable Features & Testing Notes
I’ve been following this one for awhile now; Jackson’s Dinky range has a proper good reputation, and initial reviews of this model didn’t disappoint. I managed to get a session in on the Jackson JS22 Dinky and my immediate impressions were good. The first thing you’ll notice is the neck; it’s lightning fast. If you like or want to learn to shred, you are going to love it.
Here’s some quick notes from my time with the guitar.
There’s a lot to like about the JS22 Dinky but here’s what stood out most, the things that stuck with me after I’d played it:
It’s an entry-level guitar, so there’s always going to be things that aren’t quite right out of the box. Nothing that a good setup can’t sort out but it does feel and play nicer in its stock-state than the last beginner model I tested (Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Maple Fingerboard).
It’s mostly very good. But if you do buy this guitar, here’s some things to look out for:
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a shredder’s dream on a budget. No, it’s not going to dethrone a $2K Ibanez Prestige but it doesn’t have to. For around $200, you get a fast-playing, brutal-sounding guitar that’ll hold up whether you’re woodshedding riffs at home or hitting your first show. A proper gateway to metal mayhem.
Here’s some quick notes from my time with the guitar.
Pros
There’s a lot to like about the JS22 Dinky but here’s what stood out most, the things that stuck with me after I’d played it:
- Fast Neck with Jumbo Frets: Effortless shredding. You’ll fly through scales and arpeggios without fighting the neck.
- Ceramic Pickups Are LOUD: Perfect for high-gain tones. You’ll get tight lows and searing highs, great for modern metal.
- Looks Way Cooler Than Most Budget Guitars: Satin black finish, sharkfin inlays, arched top—this thing has legit stage presence.
- Compound Radius Makes a Real Difference: Feels flat enough for speed but still comfy for chords. That’s a rare combo at this price.
Any Caveats?
It’s an entry-level guitar, so there’s always going to be things that aren’t quite right out of the box. Nothing that a good setup can’t sort out but it does feel and play nicer in its stock-state than the last beginner model I tested (Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Maple Fingerboard).
It’s mostly very good. But if you do buy this guitar, here’s some things to look out for:
- Setup Needs a Touch of Tweaking: Out of the box, it was close—but the nut and bridge needed a quick once-over before it played its best.
- Fretwork Isn’t Perfect: A few frets needed a little love. Not unplayable, just something to watch if you’re picky.
Why You Should Be Looking at This Guitar
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a shredder’s dream on a budget. No, it’s not going to dethrone a $2K Ibanez Prestige but it doesn’t have to. For around $200, you get a fast-playing, brutal-sounding guitar that’ll hold up whether you’re woodshedding riffs at home or hitting your first show. A proper gateway to metal mayhem.
- Killer tone for metalheads without breaking the bank
- Speedy neck and jumbo frets make it ideal for solos
- Looks and feels more expensive than it is
- A great first step into high-gain guitar styles
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I didn’t even have to crank the amp, this thing came alive as soon as I hit a power chord. The neck feels almost unfairly fast for this price point, and once I got used to the 12″-16″ compound radius, runs and legato felt effortless. You’re not getting boutique appointments here, but what you do get is a focused, aggressive guitar that begs for distortion pedals and tight palm mutes. -
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