Hipshot bridge modification to Jackson Dinky JS22-7 | Making my inexpensive guitar play like a primo

Do you love your inexpensive guitar so much that you want to give it nice things? Here, I will show you just how easy it can be to make modifications to your instrument that can make a night and day difference to its sound and/or playability.
If you own a Jackson JS22-7, and want to make this modification, please check what bridge you have before you order this particular bridge. If it is an open bridge with no side walls, you WILL need to drill new anchor holes for your new bridge. If you have the bridge with side walls, this hipshot mod is “drop in”.
If you have the bridge with no side walls, I recommend this video here from sniffer customs:
• Jackson Dinky JS22-7 M...
Please like, share, and subscribe for new content. I will be trying to do 2 videos a week for now. Thank you for the support.
Check out my band on Facebook @The Herd Offensive, new music coming soon
Cinematography: Sarah Parsons

[@stinky_lizard]

for those wondering, the hipshot bridge is a 41075G, and if you're having trouble finding gold locking 3x4 tuners ToneNinja makes a set that are affordable but have proven to be outstanding like all the other big names for tuners. my js22-7 mods came out awesome and i'd totally recommend a project like this to anyone looking to get into guitar mods and stuff

[@gaminuraz5656]

Thanks for this man, this was super informative. I am installing this same bridge on my jackson js32-7, this pretty much cleared up any concerns I had in doing it.

[@KentQuickstad]

Thanks for making this video, very informative to those of us who are new to bridge swapping. I saw a video with the satin version of the JS22-7 that involved drilling new holes for this bridge, but it looks like the glossy version should be a direct drop-in for this specific hipshot model. Going to put a chrome hipshot in!

[@IndependenceGuitar]

No problem, glad it helped. that’s the main thing I hope to do with my channel is show people ways to maintain and modify their instruments so that they don’t have to pay certain stores an arm and a leg to do a subpar job. But heads up, something I didn’t know when making this video is that Jackson (fender) changed the design of the js22 and js22-7 bridge in 2018. Mine is a 2017 model with the bridge that has sidewalls. You’re guitar will be either one of two designs. It will either be a 4 screw design with all the screws being placed under the saddles, or it will be a 5 screw design with 2 screws at the front of the bridge toward the pickup, and 3 screws under the saddles. So check your bridge and see which setup yours has. Both hipshot and gotoh make bridges that will fit (drop in) to either setup, you just have to see which one you have and find the right model with hipshot or gotoh. If you have the newer 5 screw setup, the bridge that i used will have to be drilled in. I believe the video you’re referring to when it was drilled is the one from Sniffer Customs. He used the bridge that I did, but his was a 5 screw setup so he did indeed have to drill. Hipshot and gotoh both offer the 5 screw setup as well. Anyway, sorry for the long comment, i just didn’t want you to buy the wrong one and be disappointed. So be sure to check which setup yours takes, and you can get the correct one pretty easily on reverb.

[@KentQuickstad]

@@IndependenceGuitar Thanks man, good tips. It turned out to be a direct replacement even though my guitar was a 2020. One more question, do you happen to know what size string ferrules would fit (rear ferrules)? I don't have an accurate measuring tool unfortunately.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

@@KentQuickstad Oh man, lol. That is like the most frustrating question ever because I’ve been down that hole and pretty much no one on the internet labels their ferrules right. I used 11.3mm for mine because i replaced them with metal ones, and those were correct for my guitar, same as the factory. So I imagine you will be good if you land between 11-11.5mm, and get lipped ones. The problem is be careful when you order because many people sell all kinds of sizes like 6mm 8mm etc... and label them wrong. Pretty much, you are going for the longer ones. Lipped and >10mm. But yeah, again, 11-11.5mm should do, at least if you’re is like mine.

[@pat1012]

@@IndependenceGuitar I just a js22-7 in trans black and seems to be a 2021 model and the bridge has 4 holes in the back. So seeing this vids is a direct drop in atleast.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

@@pat1012 yeah, if yours has the 4 holes in back with sidewalls that keep the saddles in place, this particular hipshot should be a drop in. But even if your bridge was the 3 in back and 2 in front, hipshot makes other bridges that are drop in as well. I’ve spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what determines the setup of the bridge and I haven’t been able to find others like mine since I bought it. I assumed they just changed the style of bridge, but if yours is a 21’ and has the same style bridge as mine, then I have no idea what the difference is lol. Just double check your screw setup, because there’s quite a few people that ordered that bridge thinking it was the same screw setup. It will either be 4 in the back, or 3 in the back 2 in the front. If it’s the 4, then yes it will be drop in.

[@crowdkillproductions.]

HA!! Literally just looked up hipshot bridge and your vid was the first to pop up bro lol.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Lol i know right? If I would have known, I would have put out a little more effort into it. I think this was literally the first video I ever made.

[@Nikorettegum]

Thanks for this vid man, neat hipshot replacement and it sounds great. 👍

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Appreciate the feedback. Thanks man!

[@andersonlane54321]

Thanks so much for the resources! 🙏

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Hey, i just posted a video on how to replace the nut, so it’s there whenever you need it. Glad i could help man. Let me know how it goes. Here the link, let me know what you need help on next. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHjHYX5ne9SGhbs

[@briancooke5532]

To each his own, but I would just put a black Hipshot bridge to continue with the black theme.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

I’m that would have been cool too. If i remember right, the matte black was out of stock at the time, so I just went with black and gold because it went with the locking tuners and knobs. It turned out pretty sweet in the end.

[@amazingthingsfromaroundthe2057]

Im wanting to put a Hipshot on my Jackson 7 string. It's a JS22 but it's 2021 model with a transblack quilted maple top. Jackson JS Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT Transparent Black Burst. It's got the HT7 bridge with the side rails like yours. That side rail bridge is interesting. I see that Jackson also puts that exact same bridge on the low end Misha Moonsor models and the JS32 7 string. This JS22 I got has neck binding like a JS32 would. Mine was a floor model special. Other than a couple of tiny, barely noticeable scratches it is brand new. The string height at the nut was way way too high, so rather than trying to file down the nut slots, I don't have a set of proper files and don't plan to buy then either. I put a brand new Graphtech tusq nut on it. I have to file down the bottom of the nut to get it just right but now it is about perfect string height at the nut. It was was perfect fit in the nut slot too. Im getting some buzzing at the bridge saddles on the high strings. It's not bad but I can hear it so it's bothering me. These JS22 7's are something else. Get one and spend a few $$ on some easy upgrades and you will have yourself a damn nice playing guitar. The frets on mine are great. No fret buzz and not sharp fret ends. Fret board itself in just fine. Neck is smooth and flat. Pickups ain't too great though.

[@FUGLY-RUGLY]

which model number nut did you put it i have the same js22q-7 dinky

[@IndependenceGuitar]

PT-6748-00 graphtech.com/products/black-tusq-xl-schecter-7-str-nut-48-x-6?variant=7055096217633&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwuIWHBhBDEiwACXQYsf-E3aIBAZE0WMAWwqLfDmE6Ip3W6vNHDk7vTc5GJyCIxtqEKE7PVBoCbmIQAvD_BwE

[@IndependenceGuitar]

the PT-6700-00 I believe also works

[@FUGLY-RUGLY]

thank you

[@charlesalmero331]

Good idea on marking it with tape! I will do that when I swap mine out

[@IndependenceGuitar]

For sure, it helps to know you got it perfect straight. Even if you don’t tape it, it would come out straight enough just because of how the screws are placed, but helps to make sure you get it just right. Let me know if you got any questions, here to help.

[@h3lio5]

Nice job! I have a blue one with a maple board that has the flat plate style bridge. Hipshot 4IBF07B should be a drop-in like yours was. I've got a set of gotohs on the way too.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

If you have the flat plate bridge, it might not be drop in. Look up Sniffer Customs JS22-7 mod. He has a flat plate bridge, and he shows how he did his. It wasn’t drop in though. But yours might have a different screw setup than his. The sidewall bridge and the Hipshot will be a 4 in the back setup, where the flat plates i think are 3 screw with 2 up top. Anyway, he drilled new holes, moved it back a hair for better intonation, and filled the old holes in with toothpicks, then put the new bridge over it. Either way, it’s possible. Let me see what the final result looks like when you’re done.

[@LandsOfDespair]

Hi! Did you remove the spring from 7th low saddle to intonate it properly?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Actually no, I bought a shorter spring at the hardware store. If you take the spring completely off, it can cause tuning instability as your saddles can slide backward. But you can usually find a shorter spring inside of some ink pens or various other places. I don’t remember exactly what spring I bought, but I would go to Home Depot or Lowe’s (any hardware store) and look for a spring assortment like this that has a shorter size you can use. www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Spring-Assortment-Kit-84-Pack-13554/203133714?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D25H-025_004_BUILDER_HARD-NA-MULTI-NA-SMART-4070533-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-BuildersHardware&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D25H-025_004_BUILDER_HARD-NA-MULTI-NA-SMART-4070533-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-BuildersHardware-71700000097018949-58700007901752696-92700075198173398&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UfmKbakXc2E7XB6J9BFTsA15&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UfmKbakXc2E7XB6J9BFTsA15&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwLKC54GE_wIV-c3jBx167ABeEAQYASABEgKSpPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@indytheshredder]

Hey man, first off thanks for the vid and info! I want to replace the bridge on my X series 7 string soloist. It has the same HT-7 bridge (with the side saddles) that comes stock on low-mid ranged Jackson 7 strings. So I know the Hipshot will work, just wondering if you used the .125 or .175 version?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

The one I have is the .175, which was recommended to me by sniffer customs. However, the consensus that I’ve seen recommended on credible sources is .125 I would go with the .125 i can tell you for sure the .175 works fine, but the saddles sit kind of low. Not in any way that they hinder, but just a little bit. Sniffer customs had the flat bridge, so i think he needed the .175 because he had to move and redrill. So that’s what he recommended and it works, but i am pretty sure the correct height is .125

[@indytheshredder]

@@IndependenceGuitar just ordered the .125 bridge! measured myself and pretty sure the .125 is correct. are the gotoh tuners you got drop ins also?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Yes they are. Make sure you get the proper post height. The post height on mine are pretty short, but since they are locking and there is no need to wrap the strings, it doesn’t really matter. Just pointing out that if you get them and the posts seem short, don’t freak out because you don’t have to wrap them anyway. But yeah, drop right in, even the wood screw is in the same spot. I don’t remember what the correct post height is off the top of my head, but either way they work great. Especially in combination with the hipshot. Once the strings are stretched, thing doesn’t fall out of tune at all. Would also recommend getting a graph tech TUSQ nut. Only like $12, and they come precut, made from graphite, also helps tuning stability. I have a video on how to file it down if you ever do. Anyway, beats the hell out of the plastic nut.

[@goobon]

@@indytheshredder did the .125 end up working well for you??

[@Proadobo]

Hello mate,where did you buy your gotoh tuners 3x4

[@IndependenceGuitar]

I got them on reverb from a store called “guitar hey” here is a reverb link to some nice 3x4, hope this helps! reverb.com/item/30381929-new-gotoh-sg381-07-l3-r4-mgt-locking-tuners-7-string-small-keys-3x4-cosmo-black

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Here are the exact ones i got, but they have several colors and styles reverb.com/item/29842716-new-gotoh-sg381-07-mgt-locking-tuners-7-string-small-keys-l3-r4-set-3x4-black

[@MrMusicopath]

sounds great, what pickups are that?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

MrMusicopath those are Seymour Duncan pegasus/sentient. They’re super clear and crunchy. Not really hot though. Kind of a medium output. If you like your stuff super saturated, might not be for you. but they’re great when it comes to being able to hear every string ring out equally. Only downside to them is you have to be really precise because they won’t cover up anything. If you miss even a little, you can hear it clear as day lol.

[@MrMusicopath]

@@IndependenceGuitar i've put the distortion 7 in mine, everyone loves it but i was never convinced about the tone they deliver, starting with in high gain it is not so different comparing it to the jackson stock bridge... or maybe i'm deaf

[@IndependenceGuitar]

MrMusicopath no you’re right. They are VERY similar. I like the jackson stock bridge pickup, it was just kind of noisy as it’s cheaply made and not shielded in any way. The distortion set is very similar except it’s much higher quality in that it gives you a much clearer signal, so way less noise and feedback in higher gain. I found that with the distortion set, i don’t so much like them full on, but if you turn the volume knob down about an 1/8th of a turn, and then bump the gain up a touch to compensate, it gives a really good tone without so much of the abrasive high’s try it, you’ll see what i mean. You still might not like it, everyone’s taste is different, but i think you’ll at least hear the difference. A lot of people i know swear by the nazgul/sentient sets, but I’ve never played through them myself. Maybe those might be more your thing. But yeah, i can vouch for the pegasus, they do have a great sound to them. Clear and crunchy. Another really good set that is a little pricey, is the Instrumental Pickups sfty-4. You have to custom order them from their Facebook site with PayPal. 1 runs about $150 usd, or $250 for a set, but they are great. Perfect balance of clarity vs output vs versatility. And they’re splittable as well. Might be a little cheaper than that now that i think of it because mine was for a multiscale. I’m actually working on a video as i write this where you’ll be able to hear it. They’re pretty damn awesome. As much as I love SD, I’d take the instrumental over them any day.

[@pedrotupatupac3809]

Hey, man. I'm planning on doing this exact same mod. I just want to know if you had to drill the body for the new screws.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Let me know how it goes! Make sure you check your bridge setup. You bridge will either be 4 screw or 5 screw. Mine was the 4 screw. I guess they changed to a 5 screw setup in 2018. Hipshot and gotoh make bridges for both, you just have to make you get the right model. Anyway, just giving you a heads up because I’ve seen a couple people get the wrong one, then starting drilling to make it fit, and turned into a horror story.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

So basically no, you won’t have to drill, just check your screw setup and make sure you order the right bridge. Your bridge will either be 4 in the back, or 3 in the back and 2 upfront. The older version of the bridge (2017 and before) use the 4 screw. The newer ones are 5 screw. Hipshot (and gotoh) makes bridges for both setups, just be sure to get the right one, and then no, you won’t have to drill.

[@pedrotupatupac3809]

Thank you, man. Your comments, aswell as your video were verte helpful. Cheers, from Mexico City.

[@nuadasilverlance9761]

What is floor height in a bridge ? Would anyone explain? I mean I want to buy a multiscale hipshot bridge & thera are options of floor height 125 & 175... M confused

[@IndependenceGuitar]

So, the floor height of the bridge is basically how thick the bottom plate is. It determines the base level of how high your saddles will sit up from the guitar. Depending on your neck angle, and how it is set in the body, you will use either a .125 or a .175. But it is the measurement in inches of the thickness of the bridge. Truth is that there is not a huge difference, and usually you can get one or the other to work either way. Your saddles just might sit higher or lower. On some guitars, if it is too thick, you might not be able to get the saddles low enough for proper action. In the case of this Guitar, a .175 worked just fine. Although a .125 might have worked as well. Hope that helps.

[@nuadasilverlance9761]

@@IndependenceGuitar thanks a ton 🙏

[@jayz6008]

Hows the fret work ?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Jay Z for a $200 guitar, it’s outstanding. I’ve seen $5-600 guitars with worse. Visually, not amazing. Functionally, pretty great. I used a fret gaurd and some fine steel wool, taped off the pickups, and they cleaned up really well. Got rid of any imperfections. One of those things where if you take care of it, it’ll take care of you. Neglect it, they’ll wear out in a few years. Hope that helps.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

I forgot to mention when I left that comment, i actually have a video up that i posted a couple days ago where I go into detail about all the stock hardware on the js22-7. Check that out if you’re looking into getting one of those.

[@stinky_lizard]

I've got the same model jackson on the way, which hipshot bridge have you got there? Seems like there are a few hipshots that look like that and I want the exact same gold one

[@stinky_lizard]

Also, have you changed the nut? I'm thinking graphtech but again I don't know which one to go for

[@stinky_lizard]

41075G?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Hey man, here is a listing to the exact bridge that I have, however this is not the seller I got mine from. reverb.com/item/8417078-brandnew-hipshot-7-string-string-fixed-175-guitar-bridge-gold I got mine at quite a bit less of a price, around $80 if i remember right, from Guitar Hey Parts on reverb. I checked and as far as I can tell, they don’t sell hipshot bridges in gold anymore, just tuning machines. However, I would suggest emailing them on reverb. They do however have Gotoh bridges in gold listed on their reverb page for around $70-$80, and those are just as nice as the hipshot ones.but before you order your bridge, check your screw setup on the new guitar. JS22-7’s come in 2 different style bridge types. One has sidewalls and a 4 screw in the back setup, and the other is a flat plate bridge with no sidewalls that have 3 screws in the back, and 2 at the front. If your guitar is equipped with the flat plate bridge with no sidewalls, neither the gotoh or hipshot will be drop in as they were with mine. Sniffer Customs has a mod video where he shows how he did his, as he had the flat plate bridge. But yeah, i don’t know the model number of the bridge, just that it was a .175. The link up there is the exact model though. Hope that helps man. Would love to see it when it’s done.

[@stinky_lizard]

@@IndependenceGuitar i got the flat .175 straight from hipshot with a few extra pieces, I know there were a bunch of js22-7's but there's only the 1 with the maple neck and gloss finish as far as I've seen. That would be weird if the exact same guitar was shipping with different parts huh. Either way, I'll revisit this post when it's done. I got the duncan custom jupiter & rail sentient 😈

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Ok, so if you got the exact model, with gloss black and maple, it should have the bridge with sidewalls. The setup is 4 screws in the back, and the drop in will be the hipshot with side walls which is also 4 in the back. The flat bridges, even the hipshot, are 3 in the back, and 2 in front. So if you have my exact model of guitar and you got the flat hipshot bridge, you might want to cancel the order and switch it, otherwise you will end up having to drill new holes. You won’t really know for sure until you get the guitar. but i am pretty sure you are right, there is only one model in the gloss black with maple, and it has the 4 screw setup which is a drop in for the hipshot or gotoh with the sidewalls.

[@josuep329]

Did you change the pickups or those are the stock ones?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Yes sir, I did a full upgrade on the js22-7. Those are the pegasus/sentient set which set me back about $180 (USD). They’re medium output, really crunchy and clear, perfect for progressive stuff and older rock n roll, but do metal exceptionally well.