Jackson Dinky js32 - 5 Reasons To Buy It (and 3 Problems)

[@benpowersguitar]

Watch Next: My JAMS Playlist - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqLZc6Svbs6MnMU

[@caniswolf3394]

Good review ! Never quite understood why they call them a "Dinky" when they are full-size guitars (or at least they seem to be to me).

[@alexanderholden82]

They are called a dinky because the body is actually 7/8 scale to the size of an original Strat... So the body is actually a bit smaller than an original Fender Stratocaster... Hence the name "Dinky"

[@caniswolf3394]

@@alexanderholden82 Thanks for this. I owned one (not sure of the model, might have been a JS 32) and I absolutely loved it. Sold it due to a severe need for bill money. Hated to do that !! Been trying to get another one since.

[@alexanderholden82]

@@caniswolf3394 no problem man, just thought I would chime in on that because it was news to me as well LOL. I am a lefty and I've had the extreme displeasure of playing a lot of low end guitars in my lifetime haha, and these chinese-made Jackson are so awesome... my dinky beats the socks off of my Indonesian Ibanez, Korean Epiphone and even my Mexican Fender Strat.

[@anarchychicken69]

I was like is this full size?... AM I CRAZY WHY IS IT CALLED DINKY! whatever must be the makers name.

[@blackie75]

@@NubsWithGuns Yeah, it used to be smaller in the late 80s and early 90s, but not anymore.

[@jeffgerek6180]

Bought the same exact one 3 years ago been playing 45 years extremely happy with pickups action sound and comfort no complaints at all great bang for your buck 5 stars.

[@NWTMasterWolf]

I have had one for about a year. The tuning machines, nut and the trem. I agree totally. I am replacing all of that. I am a noob to playing guitar but am studying hard.

[@Sooflojoe]

Great review! Thanks for sharing your honest opinions and critiques. Yea, sounds about right for a Chinese made Jackson. No where near the quality of old school USA or Japanese made, but definitely a bang for your buck guitar that will more than get the job done.

[@snoxracr]

i have the JS22, same guitar with a 2pt trem vs the floyd, only paid $199, I haven't had the tuner problems yet but I've been prepared to replace them someday if I start having problems. if you dont want the floyd the JS22 is a cheaper alternative that holds up very well. I've been very happy with mine and recommend it to every I know looking for an inexpensive guitar.

[@lenduckworth99]

They are great guitars. I had the green quilt one. The pickups are decent. I actually liked the Floyd Rose too. I will say the only alternative is one of the 90's Jackson performers which are also amazing.

[@Nolan-JohnstonYT]

Great review straight to the point and no bias

[@HicklerJantlick]

Good honest video, Helped me a lot as I have been thinking to buy one. Fine job straight t to the point. Thanks a bunch - keep up the great work... chow baby !!!

[@thecryptcakestench149]

Got a JS32 Warrior that I refinished, put a Graphtec bridge, Daddario locking tuners and loaded it with EMG’s and holy shit it’s a ripper of a workhorse!

[@CeoWintrz]

I have the js22 and i did have the jumping problems. I changed them to locking tuners and it fixed the problem. I also floated the bridge to do dime bag screams and it fells exactly like the floyd rose on my washburn also stays in tune no matter how much stress u put on it. Only 30 dollars on amazon for locking tuners and did some messing around with the bridge. Love this guitar. And also FILEING THE FRETS makes it play so much better. Sanding the neck a bit for the smoother feel and also spinning the neck pickup with some rewiring for the out of phase tone. 7 gauge strings aswell with silent tone springs for the trem. They are the basic upgrades i have done to make my dinky play 500 dollars better lol. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[@raserapps8230]

I finally found one I could afford today. It came up on a Local selling group marketplace thing. I ended up offering as much as I could beg, borrow and steal and offered £100. The guy seemed just happy it was going to a person who appreciated it and will play it. He’s had some injuries that make him unable to play. I got it for £100. It’s like new other than needing a clean up and new strings and a little tremolo setup. Not a scratch on it, I noticed what you said about the fine tuners though mine are a little bit rough feeling. I wonder if a tiny blob of Vaseline on the thread of each one might make it smoother. I have a spare brass sustain block which I might fit to the tremolo aswell. Good info there about the locking nut, might be worth upgrading that. I am in shock still that I only paid £100 for it, heck of a good guitar for that price. Thanks for the video and advice

[@benpowersguitar]

That's a great deal. Congrats. I never thought to try the Vaseline thing. Thanks for watching.

[@adventuresinzone4205]

This is my main guitar for 15 years now.. my trem is a floyd rose licensed, my pickups are EMG, my tuners work great as do the micro tuners, i agree that the locking nut with its tiny allen screws is a pain sometimes, but never a deal breaker. I play pretty and gonzo with the same axe.. always sounds good. Stays in tune good after trem use.

[@benpowersguitar]

That's awesome. Hey which EMG's are you using?

[@adventuresinzone4205]

@@benpowersguitar silver in the bridge, gold in the neck pos...sound great

[@jondoe2099]

Im a beginner coming from an epiphone LP jr. Looking at this guitar for my 1st strat-style w/ trem & FR setup. Judging by your comment youd probably reccomend. Or would you?

[@benpowersguitar]

@@jondoe2099 I would recommend the Ibanez RG if have a little more to spend. I didn't care for the compound radius on the Jackson and it's Trem is a little lower end. But it's not a bad guitar. I would also recommend the Kramer Striker, for the same reasons I would recommend the Ibanez, though the Ibanez is the better guitar, at least in my opinion. The Kramer Assault is an LP style with FR if you have any interest in staying with the single cut body.

[@jondoe2099]

@@benpowersguitar ty for recommendation. Js32 is about extent of my budget. Love my LP but always wanted to own a strat style. The jackson/kramer/ibanez are what I fancy most. Megadeth 1st ever cd i bought. Van Halen fan at heart. Been playing for about a year and I figure it's time for an upgrade

[@nissansilviakouki]

Nice, I've had a js12 for 5 years and I'll get a 32 in the future. Will upgrade tuners and bridge pickup 🤙

[@scotticidal]

I own 3 of these and i'm super happy with all of them. I was blown away. I have one w/o a tremelo...black matte finish with fixed bridge and that's my go to. The other 2 have a tremelo and when I use it, which is rarely, it stays in tune. On all of mine I changed the bridge pick up, i'm just not fond of the sound of the Jackson pups. I got mine for 299...add 100 or so for pups and had it set up by a pro. So got around 475 in each and I tell you.... other than my KE1 from the 90s these are the best guitars i've ever had.

[@benpowersguitar]

That is great to hear. I have been considering a fixed bridge myself. Your experience is really pushing towards one. Thanks for sharing.

[@scotticidal]

@@benpowersguitar no problem. The fixed bridge is a string thru and the bridge is perfect for palm muting. I started looking up videos on the JS 32 cuz i'm just blown away. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[@toddpf]

I have that exact guitar down to the color. He's spot on when it comes to pros and cons. The trem is not very good but does function ok when it's finally setup and in tune. It's just a lousy experience getting it to that point.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.

[@marcinmcula99]

I'm pretty certain I'm gonna get myself a JS32T kelly since I'm upgrading from a low tier to a mid range guitar. I played one in store and it felt great. The only problems people seem to have with is the tremolo, which is good for me since I would go with the fixed bridge anyway. Thanks a lot for the review

[@benpowersguitar]

Nice guitar. I love the way they look.

[@alexanderholden82]

Thank you for the honest review... I purchased a js32 dinky left-handed a year-and-a-half ago and it's nice to see that people are still praising these awesome instruments. Being left-handed I have had the extreme displeasure of playing a lot of lower-end instruments in my lifetime, and this Chinese Jackson Dinky totally destroys my Indonesian Ibanez, Korean Epiphone and even my MIM fender Strat in terms of sound, playability, fit and finish....Pretty much everything. It took me twenty years to realize that it was a Jackson neck that seems perfect for my playing style and hands. Concerning the Jackson Branded Floyd Rose... I have had similar issues with the fine tuners but mine keeps InTune tremendously well considering, even better than the tune-o-matic on my Epiphone. I also contacted Jackson directly concerning the Jackson Branded Floyd Rose and these bridges are in fact made by the same company in Korea that makes the Floyd Rose specials and this bridge is in fact the exact same thing as a Floyd Rose special, if you look on the sustain block it has a FR logo... this is information directly from Jackson. when you buy a x-series Jackson with a Floyd Rose special you're basically paying for the name to be stamped on the base plate rather than Jackson. I switched out the alpha pots to CTS full size, switchcraft Jack and switch and a Duncan distortion TB-6 in the bridge and now the thing totally screams. Beware that if you switch out the pots to full-size that you will have to bore out the holes with a simple t-handle boring cool but it's very easy to do.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you for watching, I really appreciate it. These really are great guitars for such a low price. Though it has gone up a good bit this year. Once I got the FR level, it actually holds tune well. However, the adjustment screws don't feel anything like my FR Special. It may be made in the same place, but I have them sitting side by side and have tested them many times, everything about the special is just a little nicer. Though I can't say it holds tune any better once the Jackson is set up properly.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

Good info dude! I'm a lefty and trying to buy my 1st guitar.. in Canada... it's a nightmare, but the JS32 seems to be instock in Lefty :) I'm okay with learning to mod, I expect it as a lefty.

[@alexanderholden82]

@@masaharumorimoto4761 indeed... You should totally go for one I believe you will love it. Replacing the electronics is not hard, just a little bit of soldering. Because I put full-size CTS potentiometers in mind you will have to use a T-reamer to pour out the whole just a wee bit but it's very easy and the pool is cheap. Good luck.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

I'm actually very interested in modding, it sounds like a LOT of fun and as a lefty I really need to learn to do it so why not start from the get-go eh!

[@alexanderholden82]

@@masaharumorimoto4761 exactly. It is a lot of fun

[@ViktorRadnai]

Thanks for the review! I've just picked up one of these second hand and I'm actually surprised how well it plays. I've tightened the truss rod, dropped the trem a bit and now it has a nice low action with no buzzing anywhere. I agree that the locking nut blocks are too small could do with replacing and the some tuners are also a bit stiff on mine but not unworkable. And I did notice something which might explain the issue you are having with the fine tuners. I had the trem out and noticed that the ends of the fine adjuster screws aren't flat, they have some burrs on them. This might cause the pitch to change unevenly as you turn the screw. I'm considering filing them flat at some point. Another couple of negatives about the guitar: 1. I've noticed that in the shark fin inlays don't seem to be flush with the fretboard and in places they have what looked like glue that squeezed out from under the inlay. The fretboard and the frets could do with some polishing or just wearing in, they sound scratchy when doing a vibrato in the positions where the former owner hasn't played it much. This is a pretty easy fix, just something to be aware of. The frets themselves appear to be levelled correctly and I didn't notice any high or low ones. 2. The flamed maple top looks great but if I look into the tremolo cavity then the wood there looks rough and unfinished and feels like the guitar was built from a couple of sheets of OSB board glued together with a veneer on top. I wish this wasn't visible from the front but it is if you look under, or run your finger behind the tremolo. It annoys me a bit so I might coat it with some nail polish or lacquer to make it feel smooth. But overall this is a very nice guitar for the money.

[@ViktorRadnai]

Just following up on this to confirm that filing the fine tuners will make them a lot better. I've taken the tremolo out, wrapped a flat file in tape on three sides and pushed it between the tuning screws and the clamp bolts that they press against. I then worked each tuning screw back and forth until they all developed a brass ring on the bottom and now the fine tuning works as well as it does on all my other Floyd Rose guitars.

[@Corgifunni]

Thanks for the upload! If someone is looking for another source to confirm the pionts made in the video, I've been using this guitar for over two years now, I agree with everything said in the review. Overall I love it, it sounds and plays very well.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate the support.

[@DreidMusicalX]

I nearly bought this guitar but ended up with the DK3 Pro for $630 US used. I LOVE IT!

[@benpowersguitar]

I have not gotten a hold of one of those. Checked them out online a while back, nicely spec'd and awesome finishes. You got a nice deal.

[@chrisfelix9009]

Great breakdown video of the guitar. I remember some years ago I wanted some cheap Jacksons like this and wish the guitar store I went to had em in stock because they seem awesome. Good review

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@Snake_67]

Spot on about the nut, mine does the same thing but other than that I love mine. Great bang for the buck. Will upgrade the nut and the bridge pickup soon.

[@thomas.loyens]

Should I go for this one or Ibanez GRGR330?

[@benpowersguitar]

I would say the Jackson unless you have played and like the neck and pickups on the Ibanez. It's not a Wizard neck, and it's not bad, but I think the Jackson is a little more shred friendly. I do like the Jackson pups. Now if you were talking about an RG, it would be a different story.

[@matdeeskbkn]

I Just bought neon orange .. Amarath fretboard.. My first flyod rose tremolo Guitar and really ' thin' fretboard.. Need to do some setup to make it perfect axe.. Maybe upgrading certain hardware

[@benpowersguitar]

I love the neon orange. Congrats, I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

[@matdeeskbkn]

@@benpowersguitar already played it to feel the fingerboard.. Everything is working fine.. No issue found. I hope to have fun with this guitar

[@justanish6966]

My JS-32L Rhoads had terribly sharp fret ends and the licensed Floyd Rose was garbage. Tuners were terrible too. After replacing everything it's a BEAST 🤘🤘

[@benpowersguitar]

So I have considered one of these for a long time. Kind of anticipated the issues you mentioned. How is balance and overall feel of the guitar? I play standing and sitting, and V's aren't always good for both.

[@justanish6966]

@@benpowersguitar Excellent for both honestly. No neck dive whatsoever. I'd also recommend changing the pots, wiring, and input jack. I replaced the pups of course too. I turned a JS-32 into an RR1 basically

[@alexanderholden82]

I have the js32 dinky left-handed... Quite honestly mine came pretty Flawless especially with the neck and fretwork. This guitar totally destroys my Indonesian Ibanez, Korean Epiphone and even my MIM Fender Strat.... I know that sounds like a very bold statement in but I have had the extreme displeasure of playing a lot of lower-end instruments in my lifetime LOL being left-handed, for people like us who are lefties. We don't always have the pleasure of high-end instruments or even testing them out at a music store... I changed out the pots to CTS full-size pot, Duncan Distortion tb-6 in the bridge and a new Jack and switch.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@alexanderholden82 Yeah, I feel bad for lefties when it is new guitar time. I love my Jackson. I replaced the nut blocks and adjusted the tuner screws and it is great.

[@alexanderholden82]

@@benpowersguitar yeah being left-handed sucks. With the modifications that i made with this guitar it easily feels and sounds just as awesome as some of the higher-end guitars I've gotten to mingle with in shops when they're available. I have noticed the issue concerning the bridge blocks as well as the fine tuners on the Floyd Rose, although my floyd otherwise stays in tune great and performs a lot better than I expected after reading reviews. According to Jackson customer service, the Jackson Branded Floyd Rose is made by the same korean facility and is in fact the same thing as a Floyd Rose special just without the name stamped on the bridge plate... But there is a FR logo stamped on the sustain block.

[@rickraydubs]

Nice review! One day I will be good enough to play guitar.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you, I appreciate it. It's about having enjoying it, not being good at it :)

[@edwinstovall3334]

Thanks for the review! I bought a JS22 Dinky early this year and really like it ... BUT I remember that I gave the tuners ONE try - then immediately started exchanging them for a set of Wilkinson EZ-LOKs that I had to hand. The Jackson tuners really sucked badly! Also, my Jackson was a mixed bag in terms of the fretwork. It had and has the best stock "playing surface" that I have encountered on anything cheaper than a PRS core model. It also proved that Jackson put all their fretboard work on that "playing surface", because the fret ENDS were the sharpest I've seen on ANY guitar! I've bought a $50 Glarry guitar that had better fret ends than the Jackson that cost four times as much! I grant that that is an easy fix, but it's disappointing that the fix was necessary in the first place. That's not the big problem, though. No, that stems from the attractive, but problematic, hockey stick headstock. It won't make that much difference on a guitar with a double locking vibrato system like a Floyd, but tuning stability is craptacular without a locking nut. The tuners pull all the strings to one side or the other, causing them to rub against and get caught on that side. I'm trying to figure out a way to deal with that problem before buying a new nut on the theory that I might apply the solution I discover to the new nut if necessary. So far, no go - which is too bad, because I REALLY ENJOY the conical (compound) fretboard radius! The reason I viewed your video is that I am now considering the purchase of a JS32 Dinky in natural oil. I would immediately swap out the vibrato unit and locking nut, because I don't trust stock units in guitars at this low a price point. Also, I would want to put in a unit made of better materials than the stock Jackson unit could possibly have. The replacement would be a unit from GuitarFetish.com, made of steel and brass. I've bought 2 of these and they ROCK! The tuners would go, too, for reasons you and I both know about. I'm on the fence about the pickups; I have been brainwashed to think that I should use only Alnico pickups, but have to admit that I like the sound of my Jackson JS22's pickups. I assume that the pickups in the JS32 are the same as in the JS22. I'll wait until I have the decision to make, but I may not change them out. If I like them well enough, why bother? Again, thanks for the video!🤘

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. I think the pickups in these guitars are great, depending on what you are wanting from your guitar. If I get a second Jackson at some point, I will keep the stock pups this time. As for the tuners, if you get the JS32, they really aren't a big deal because of the locking setup, unless you just have the cash ready to upgrade. I did adjust the screws on the keys to at least have a more uniform feel. Changing out the nut locks for FR locks made a big difference. I am with you on the changes though. If you are going to give this guitar serious play time, you will want those upgrades. I think I am going to see how long it takes this one to have to be replaced, as it's not my main guitar. How does the GFS FR compare to a FR Special?

[@edwinstovall3334]

@@benpowersguitar In my opinion, the GFS Floyd will kick the snot out of anyone's zinc-based unit. Both of the GFS Floyds I have improved both the sustain and the tone of the guitars I put them in. If I ever buy a guitar with a Floyd Special, I will waste little time in swapping in a GFS unit! I put these units in two Ibanez guitars, one from 1991 and one from 2001. They needed wood routed out to install the vibes, and I got ambitious with the 2001 axe. That means that I pulled the old inserts and put in the ones that came with the GFS kit. Those have a crossbar! Spacing was compatible, but I had to route out yet more wood to get that crossbar low enough to permit decent action. It was more work than it was worth, but I did get a smidgen more sustain for my trouble. These are the best Floyds available for the money. I know you can get snazzier parts from other web sites, but you pay more for them. These GFS parts give more bang for the buck than most others! Enough said!

[@benpowersguitar]

@@edwinstovall3334 I will have to give them a try when I upgrade. I have always been happy with their other parts. Been using them about 10 years. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ziofender6699]

Great video Ben 👍🎸

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you Fabio. 🎸🎶

[@Fahol]

Thanks for this review, great one! Also, the guitar looks awesome :) Have fun with It!

[@jakebutler3744]

I agree with plusses and those 3 bads.

[@AdamBurseMusic]

That looks awesome Ben, nice guitar man 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you Adam.🎸🤘

[@justinhart8744]

I’m thinking about getting one just to have it in dropped d ready to go!

[@variansv]

On the fine tuners of the tremlo, a little bit of oil on your original setting up and tuning and turn them in and out fully a few times usually sorts the problem

[@benpowersguitar]

Good to know, thank you. And thank you for watching.

[@RCHeath]

I have the 22 and 32. Tuners should be upgraded and are the same, but a solid value for the money. Certainly not my LP Standard but they cost almost nothing by comparison.

[@yungs6ul495]

hey , is there a difference from this guitar(Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M Electric Guitar White) and the one shown in the video? if so, what are the differences? this is the second guitar i plan on purchasing so im not really sure. great vid btw! subbed

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you, I appreciate the sub and you watching. According to Jackson's specs from their website, they are the same guitar, except of course the maple fretboard. I hadn't seen the DKA-M, that looks nice, especially in the snow white.

[@DunsysGuitarWorld]

Great video, Ben. Every now and then I do fancy another shredder guitar. I might check one of these out.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks man. Yeah, got have one or two around.

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

The one I bought needed a fret leveling right out of the box. Had seven unlevel frets. I didn't have to pay someone to do it because I can do it myself, but when you have that many that are on level your best off to level all of them so you can set the action low. The other thing I did which I've seen before with the ones that are painted black is to carefully blend back the paint on the knife edges, because it chips and causes binding issues. I blocked mine with a trem stopper for dive only so it stays in tune better. Still a nice guitar for the money, imod all of my guitars anyway so having to tweak it was no biggie. Mine has the amarynth fingerboard which feels a little spongy to me someday I think I'll put a maple neck on it!

[@benpowersguitar]

It definitely helps being able to work on these inexpensive guitars yourself. I am surprised more people don't use them to learn how to work on guitars.

[@c0uchsl0uch]

With the 3 negatives you mentioned, is this a good choice for a beginner who doesn't wanna spend more than what this costs, I may not even be able to play ! I do like rock & metal.

[@benpowersguitar]

I honestly don't recommend a Floyd Rose style tremolo for beginners. The JS22 is the same guitar without the FR Trem. Starting out, if you don't want to spend too much and want a Jackson, the JS12 is a great choice.

[@c0uchsl0uch]

@@benpowersguitar thanks, I also have my eye on the Ibanez grgr131EX. DO you know which would be better quality Or more guitar for the buck?

[@benpowersguitar]

@@c0uchsl0uch I love Ibanez, but in the $199 and under price range, the Jackson is the better bang for the buck, at least in my experience.

[@sweetburger2576]

Hi there! I have the same guitar , I have a question, you bought a trembucker or humbucker, I'm very confused about this

[@benpowersguitar]

A trembucker (Seymour Duncan term) is a humbucker with a little wider spacing on the pole pieces. It's called F-Spaced by other companies. The set on this guitar is a standard humbucker. Just because it's what came in the set. www.seymourduncan.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/string-spacing-explained-humbuckers-vs-trembuckers

[@sweetburger2576]

@@benpowersguitar ohh yep, thx

[@robertclarkguitar]

Awesome review!! Very to the point.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks buddy.

[@Linkaara]

I blocked the tremolo because I didn´t even use it that much and I like to alternate between standard and Drop D so it was more of a hassle for me, and it became a 10/10 guitar

[@benpowersguitar]

Very cool.

[@shayh.3556]

Did you block it like a regular strat

[@joshbutterfield9339]

GREAT review, and I found your three points at the end VERY specific. thank you! However, and I don't think anyone has mentioned it, what about that great lookin' hoodie, eh?! I mean.. wow.. :P

[@benpowersguitar]

Ha ha ha. Thanks buddy. Yep, it's an awesome hoody.

[@nolanbudzien2466]

what nut/block did you buy to replace it? and how simple is it to replace?

[@benpowersguitar]

I used just the blocks from a Floyd Rose FR1NR3B 1000 Series / Special R3. The nut was just 2 screws, very simple to replace. The FR nut sat off center, maybe the wrong one. The FR blocks fit perfect in the original nut. Problem fixed.

[@nolanbudzien2466]

@@benpowersguitar thank you!

[@raserapps8230]

I came here when I first got mine, and after a few months I've found you are spot on. I've had worse tremolo setup's and its useable but I find the Edge 3 on my Ibanez better quality. My locking nut blocks creak and slightly shift a bit if I dump or pull the bar randomly. A tiny bit of vaseline on the fine tuner threads made a small improvement. I wanted to know about the replacement locking nut, I'm not sure which one, or the size of it if you get me, do you remember what one you bought? and did it fit perfectly?

[@benpowersguitar]

The one I got was the wrong one, R3. I would try the R2 for a better fit. Though you really only need the blocks from it. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@raserapps8230]

@@benpowersguitar thank you 👍

[@alex-joker5980]

I have this guitar and I hate the tremolo. You can only use 50% of the tremolo. Can you recommend an alternative guitar with a working tremolo?

[@benpowersguitar]

I personally like Ibanez and would highly recommend the new RG470's with the Edge-Zero II trems. I love mine. They also have a white RG450 with the same trem. Only this years models have them. The older ones have a different trem, which is still good. They start at $500 currently.

[@MelaniCholie]

my support Ben! Can not really play I am singer but in my band my mates can use :-)

[@backtothe80s97]

I was about to buy one of these. How thin is the neck? And also not to mention it has 24 frets !! That’s good right ?

[@benpowersguitar]

24 frets is great for a lot of rock and metal, hit those extra octave notes. With it strung I can't give you exact thickness of the neck, but it's thin. Similar to an Ibanez Wizard 3 as far as thickness, but a different profile. It very comfortable and fast.

[@manuelkarimhernandezgonzal9944]

Where did you buy the nut? I mean Can you share us the link to order one? I have the same issue with the same guitar... I bought one online but it didn't match in the height ...

[@benpowersguitar]

Bought it from Sweetwater. But as I said in the vid, the R2 might fit better. Anyhow, here is the link for the one from the video. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FR1NR3B--floyd-rose-fr1nr3b-1000-series-special-r3-locking-nut-42.85mm-width-black

[@Someguy-j9e]

Have 2 Dinkys really like them

[@lexsanchez8554]

if i change al the 3 problems you point, it could be a great guitar?

[@benpowersguitar]

I would think so. The newer ones seem to be a little better as well. It's not a bad guitar as is, but making a few things better would help.

[@lexsanchez8554]

@@benpowersguitar I've been playing guitar for a while now (but full amateur XD), but I've always played with a Squier Bullet that I modified with a HH configuration, and I'd like to upgrade. I have the possibility of buying one of two used guitars, a DKA JS32 Dinky Special in natural color and the other is an Ibanez RG350EXZ-BK. I don't know which one to decide on, honestly, I like to play death metal and heavy metal. Do you think you could advise me on which would be a good option?

[@johnburris3395]

Have you ever tried any of the Donner guitars. I got their LP type guitar. Came and it was completely playable when I pulled it out of the box and I bought the downer Seeker which is a Stratocaster copy HSS and that guitar is amazing at least one I got is it even has put coil in the back the 400 series of that guitar really inexpensive and decent very playable guitars. And now I've heard they want out of the entry-level cars I guess they were actually at NAMM this year and they got a whole line of professionals professional guitars that are due out this year I love Jackson Guitars I don't like Floyd Rose

[@benpowersguitar]

I haven't tried Donner yet. Been staying away from the Strat and LP clones for a bit. I really like what I have seen in reviews of some of the their strat copies. I did prefer my Jackson without the FR.

[@Cameo5150]

Great review!

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you. I appreciate you watching.

[@guitarzan2979]

Hey Ben, thanks for the review! My main concern with bolt on necks on budget guitar’s is can you actually get access to, and play the higher frets. Particularly at the heel/neck plate area and higher which would be I think around the 17th fret and higher. I’m thinking about buying one of these to modify with new pickups, trem, etc. but a 24 fret guitar is kind of pointless if you can’t play all 24 frets. I was gonna go to my local Guitar Center and see if they’ve got one in the store so I can solve the mystery. Thanks for the video!

[@benpowersguitar]

I really only notice the heel for frets 23 & 24, but yeah, at the 17th you will notice it if you are bending or wrapping your hand. It's perfectly playable, but I prefer the contoured heel of my Ibanez, Mitchell & Harley Benton Fusion. The Mitchell can't be had with an FR trem, but the HB and Ibanez both can be.

[@guitarzan2979]

@@benpowersguitar Hey Ben, thanks for the reply! I’m also looking at the Jackson X series Soloist Rocket Red color. It’s a neck through construction and would probably have much better access to the higher fret’s but it’s $729. Also considering the Jackson X Series Kelly Ferrari Red $799 and it’s a neck through construction. There’s a Kelly JS32 bolt on Ferrari Red that I like too and it’s the same price as the Dinky JS32 DKA $369. The Soloist doesn’t have those cool contour’s like the Dinky though. I really like the Dinky JS32 DKA Bright Blue and I love those contours. If I get that I will definitely be upgrading to an original F.R. trem or Gotoh trem and change out the pickups and possibly tuners. I have a few RG’s but I picked up my Jackson Rhodes V the other day for the first time in years and I really liked the neck feel so that got me thinking about getting another Jackson but one I can play sitting down. Now you’ve got me thinking about a H.B. Fusion haha. Actual access to playing all 24 fret’s ergonomically is priority for me. Thanks for the info!

[@ccjmusic]

Great review Ben. Have you changed strings many times on it? I need to do something to make my Ibanez workable, but that will mean new pickups and electronics, which means having to deal with the locking trem. That intimidates me. Wondering how easy you think it is changing strings on a locking trem guitar.

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks Colin. I have changed the strings several times on this one as well as my Ibanez & Schecter. So 7 or 8 changes between the 3 this past year. I think it's easy, if you have the tools and know what you're in for. Loosen the trem screws & nut blocks a bit, set the fine tuners to a good mid setting,a rag to go under the trem to keep it lifted for string removal and initial string install, a block for the trem to be able to tune to pitch without it jumping (I did a video on the Sky Scraper Brand). Tune to pitch and then stretch and tune again 2 or 3 times, bending the G each time...before locking the nut, screw the trem screws back in until block falls out. That pretty much what I do.

[@ccjmusic]

@@benpowersguitar I remember seeing the Skyscraper video now you mention it. I’m sure I’ll get round to it sometime. I haven’t done anything to it since I got it as the pickups sound really bad. It has a mix of two active EMG humbuckers and the stock Infinity single coil middle pickup. The middle pickup is barely audible and sounds like it rolls off around 200 hz. I’m guessing the impedance mismatch is too much for it. I may take it out of the circuit and see if that improves the EMGs before I do anything else. It may not be wired correctly either. I have to investigate more.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@ccjmusic Both of my HSH are actually HH with mid completely disconnected.

[@ccjmusic]

@@benpowersguitar what made you decide to do that? I am looking for the versatility HSH offers.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@ccjmusic I really only use bridge and a little neck except on a strat. They also didn't sound great, especially when I upgraded the humbuckers.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

Thanks, I'm trying to start playing, but i'm left handed and it's hard to find anything, the JS22 and JS32 are in stock and within my budget for a learner, I'm okay with upgrading the nut, I just wanna learn some metal!

[@benpowersguitar]

I think you will be fine with either. If you aren't familiar with a Floyd Rose (double locking system) I would stay with the js22. Also, the js12 may also interest you if you don't mind a little less fancy fretboard. If they have them in LH.

[@neilcampbell4833]

Buy an ibanez or even an epiphone stay away from cheap Jackson guitars.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@neilcampbell4833 Love Ibanez, have 2 sitting here now. But my js11 is actually really good. But for a locking guitar, I would have to say just buy an RG450 or other Ibanez. Also, Mitchell md200 might be your thing.

[@Христосович-ц1ф]

This Jackson or Kramer Baretta Special for first guitar?

[@benpowersguitar]

1st guitar, Kramer. 2nd guitar Jackson

[@Alicia-nd5ov]

i wanna get this guitar but i’m not familiar with making upgrades and changing the nut so i’m not sure whether to get this guitar or not

[@benpowersguitar]

If you aren't in need of a Floyd Rose trem, then you may want to look at the js22. Same guitar, regular trem & nut. You don't have to make changes to this model. I didn't for the 1st year. If you do want a Floyd Rose, but a little better trem & nut, check out the Ibanez RG450 series.

[@vietangbui8742]

May I ask, is it good for small hands? The scale length is 25,5 inches and it’s concern me to buy it.

[@benpowersguitar]

It's a few mm wider than some necks, but a lot thinner than many necks. 25.5 is standard for strats, super strats and more. The small or big hands thing actually makes very little difference, I have small hands myself. It's more about what's comfortable in your hands. You might consider the non locking tremolo version, the js22. Same guitar without the trem.

[@Jason.King.at.your.service]

What's the difference between this and the JS22?

[@benpowersguitar]

The double locking tremolo system. That's it.

[@TomJoad832]

Warning; in my js42 changing the nut made things worse cause new one sat 2mm lower than the crappy original plus it was lenghtwise shorter by 1 mm so now theres a gap showing bare woo next to the nut and i had to rise the nut byt 1.5 mm to make it even playable. And its still doesnt hold in tune witch i think is the most important thing in guitar. Doesnt matter how good its sound or how great neck feels if it constantly drop out unless i completely block the tremolo. For the sam amount of money you can get better gear or add to your savings for something better. I now have something worth 450euros hanging on my wall completely useless.

[@benpowersguitar]

I ended up just using FR blocks in the nut to fix it.

[@sweetburger2576]

Hey man! I have a last question! If I change the stock potentiometer for Seymour Duncan 500k potentiometer, it will change the sound??

[@benpowersguitar]

It may or may not. If you like the roll off of what you have, there's no reason to change them. At 10 they are full open and shouldn't impact the sound at all. As you roll them back, some don't have enough of a change or the pots are just to fast or slow when you spin them, that is just a preference thing.

[@sweetburger2576]

@@benpowersguitar I definitely have not had a problem with them, I just thought if it did something but I will keep the ones he has!, Btw thank very much for solving all my doubts!

[@benpowersguitar]

@@sweetburger2576 Glad I could help.

[@deandee8082]

for teh price of that thing a guy could install the TOL floyd, some good dimarzios and tuners and still be way ahead.. that's what a guy wants to know, did they build it with firewood or is it resonant and snappy, if it is and its fast and comfortable then who cares about a name, I can't see the name when I play anyway, I have several budgets that are upgraded that feel better than say an 82 AVRI strat.. or just as good, it's different, not bad not good just different.. strings make up so much of it then pickups, after that its feel and playability, if its comfy and fast feels good in your mitts then upgrade it, of course well made helps too for the long haul.. but compared to say a USA or MIJ? for an extra $2800 a guy can remove those old funky frets and do some neck work, maybe profile work EASILY then hammer down some nice jumbo stainless frets, roll the edges, no cost there.. your favorite pickups and bridge, MAYBE another $600 if you do the work yourself, so save $2200? why not, if in the end all that's different is the USA decal? look around when trying budgets all guitars are NOT made equally, not even within the batch and or run.. wood just varies too much, if you find a nice balanced, strong as in tight grained maybe even a quartersawn neck at the right weight you might be AHEAD of the USA.. no jokes thena body thats say 2 pc, clear tight grain and they are both resonant as fugg.. its on, why its good to play them first pick out the best one.. hale Charvel made in what was it 16? an HS HT san dimas was it and if you played a hard tail or didn't mind man they put out a good one, the neck wa quartersawn on all of em, GREAT WEIGHT, today you just cannot find one for sale, for $549 whatever no one wants to sell em for that cuz they know they cannot replace it for less than $1500+.. and if you need a floyd then its EASY to route out a hard tail body to accommodate.. then its on boy.. just as nice as the $3400 custom shops

[@benpowersguitar]

I agree my friend. I am a big believer in get what feels good and looks good to you, with a resonance you're happy with. Everything else can be changed. That said, if a high end off the shelf is perfect for you, and you can afford it, that is great as well. As long as your guitar makes you want to pick it up and play, is set up well, and brings you joy...it's the right one for you. Though I personally go the upgrade route more often than not. Thanks for watching.

[@devinendel5512]

Did you replace the entire nut or just the blocks? I have the same problem with my blocks turning whenever I tighten them and it’s very frustrating and they don’t hold tuning.

[@benpowersguitar]

I bought the nut and blocks, as they come together. In the end, I just used the blocks.

[@devinendel5512]

@@benpowersguitar Thanks!

[@Giambis]

3:25 The tremolo system in these are indeed bad with the fine tuners. They feel cheap and donky.

[@stratplayer2]

Nice looking guitar man. Never owned a Jackson

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks man. This is my first one, and I was pleasantly surprised.

[@ArokkhikOfficialAjimRahman]

which locking nut you replaced?

[@benpowersguitar]

It's was an R3 I used, but should have been an R2. You really only need the locking blocks, you don't need the whole nut.

[@ArokkhikOfficialAjimRahman]

@@benpowersguitar i understand what you said. But i need to replace the locking nut on my guitar because the screws are not tighten its loosen 🥲

[@benpowersguitar]

@@ArokkhikOfficialAjimRahman If the mounting screws are loose, replacing it may or may not fix the issue, unless the new screws are a little larger, it might not. They are inexpensive, so I can see trying it.

[@ArokkhikOfficialAjimRahman]

@@benpowersguitar my guitars locking nut screws are okay but my locking nut basement plate screws holes are damaged so that because i have no way to fix this that’s why i ordered new one for replacement. i think R3 locking nut by floyd rose is very strong and have long lasting guarantee.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@ArokkhikOfficialAjimRahman They are great.

[@imvurado2440]

sick video

[@benpowersguitar]

Thank you. I appreciate you watching.

[@davidmartinez927]

how about fret access? i have short fingers and one thing that concerns me is that massive heel in the neck and body union.

[@benpowersguitar]

The block is thinner than say a strat. I have smaller hands myself. I don't find it an issue. Of course an something like an Ibanez with the contoured heel will be even better.

[@davidmartinez927]

@@benpowersguitar nice to read that as a stratocaster is pretty comfortable to me. if Dinky is a lil better that's good news. Thanks for reply!

[@benpowersguitar]

@@davidmartinez927 Sure thing man. My buddy Josh who has been in some videos is about 5'6", small hands, and he loves it.

[@nautilus1753]

What tuners did you put on it?

[@benpowersguitar]

If you're asking me, I never changed them.

[@TheDarkmore]

Use it until it falls apart then buy gotoh floyd+nut, maybe refret to stainless steel.

[@leonmost4988]

Hey Ben what nut do you use ?

[@benpowersguitar]

I am just using the blocks from a floyd rose nut.

[@leonmost4988]

@@benpowersguitar R3?

[@benpowersguitar]

@@leonmost4988 Floyd Rose has an R2 & R3. I bought the R3 and used the blocks, the nut was a little off. But it appears the R2 is the one if you want to use the nut and the blocks.

[@leonmost4988]

@@benpowersguitar alrigh. Thank you, helped me a lot

[@rudobuquadrant]

I like mine except that it doesn't have much sustain compared to my Epiphone LP and Squier Tele. Could it be the size of the body? Is there anything I can do to increase sustain? Thanks

[@benpowersguitar]

Hey Mike. So many things can/but don't always impact sustain. Some guitars are just beasts from day one. Usually: Body size, material, how long it was dried if wood, how thick the paint and clear coat are, is it solid body, set neck etc. can all impact sustain. There is more, but I would start with the pickups. I would time the sustain on the LP and compare with the JS. I would first play the G string 12th fret and let it ring. Count how long it takes to die out. If it's only 4 or 5 seconds, I would try lowering the pickups, 1/4 turn at a time. If too high, they can pull to much on the string and you lose a lot of sustain. You can change the block or the tremolo system entirely. I hear good things about the GFS Tremolos. Make sure you have the tremolo level and the action reasonably low. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@rudobuquadrant]

@@benpowersguitar Thanks for the reply and info!

[@stephane406]

Got a JS32-7, not the same guitar, not the same inlays, no vibrato, are you sure you're talking about js-32 ? Looking to buy a 8 string version, also called js-32, point inlays and no vibrato, are you sure to talk about the right model ???

[@benpowersguitar]

Yes, it is a JS32. I don't know anything about their 7 and 8 string models.

[@miijjk]

What is the issue have on my Jackson js32 I've had it set up twice strings both times have been replaced and I spent let's just say $300 for the electric guitar the one year warranty is like I think $80 the case was about $150 the first time I got to set up was $80 with strains which was I think another $60 then I took it to guitar center and they charged me $179 to restring it with Ernie Ball strings and set it up again and I'm still having the same issue of the a string that wobbles different I just want someone to really please please help me understand what is going on with the guitar is it this garbage and I can just throw it away I mean I'm just really trying to beg for help on this when I can't get a straight answer

[@benpowersguitar]

Hey Michael, let's see if we can figure this out. It could be as simple as your trem is not level. The arch top makes it harder for many to sight level the trem, even on setup it can be off a little. If it's level, make sure the 2 screws are straight. If adjusted while under tension, they can bend. Beyond that, I will need more info. String that wobbles different doesn't tell me anything without more context. What string are we talking about? Is the issue happening when using the trem, after using the trem or during normal play? What gauge strings, tuning (standard, drop D etc.) and roughly how high is the action? Can you clarify what you mean by wobble? Just trying to get a clear picture of what we're dealing with, as double locking systems have their own unique issues. Fingers crossed.

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar when I first got the electric guitar from guitar center of course it was a setup it was that tune up I strummed the strings the a string wobble a little different so in my mind I thought okay it was not set up it had needed new strings basic when you get another guitar my concern is I've already spent $80 I think it was to get it set up plus strings so I took it a guitar center because I had the same issues and I had a buzzing the gentleman said that the action was too low that's causing a buzzing so I just got it today I spent $179 and I'm learning as I'm going but I'm so frustrated at this point my concern here is the return policy I got was for one year so I'll call them tomorrow hopefully I can exchange the electric guitar but my concern is will I have to pay for a new strains and pay for a new setup cuz this would be close to no joke around $1,000 and I'm spending and the other question I got is how do I do this can you make a video about this I apologize if I seem rude but it's so irritating when you spend all this money for electric guitar and you can't even play it

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar it's a Jackson js32 and the a string wobbles and what I mean by that is when you take your pick and you strum down the strings they vibrate will this one is vibrating a lot different than the other ones that's why I'm considered a wobble not like corn wobble and whatever that we've all seen the band corn play and the stranger just way out now they're not detuned

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar just tighten the braids down now from fret 3 to fret 22 the vibration went down a little bit the other frets it vibrates normal I don't want tighten the bridge down too much because to my understanding you can strip them correct now to call the question I got is with guitar center and their warranty and let's say I can replace the guitar what I have to pay to get another setup and strange put on the strings are free anyway with the setup they were like Ernie balls if I were right on top of my head now this is a Jackson dance 32 with their version of a fluid Rose which we know it's not a real Floyd Rose my thought process is if it stays in tune will it still be okay to play all I'm trying to do is rebuild my calluses work on my bar chords and then upgrade to a different electric guitar my theory is in 6 months

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar now the b string is starting to wobble different I am so effing frustrated I spent over $1,000 for pizza junk I'm about to just throw this whole thing away I am literally that pissed off right now fuck frustrates me because I spent over a thousand plus dollars for a crappy piece of junk I am so pissed right now

[@rockman49er]

I just got a js32 and i got noise issues it sounds like wimd and ocean sounds not sure if its a ground issue or the pickups suck not sure

[@benpowersguitar]

Does it stop when you touch the strings? That would be a good indicator of a bad ground. It's rare, but possible you got a bad one. Definitely try your amp in another outlet and also make sure the cable is good.

[@rockman49er]

It doesn't stop when I touch the strings it plays ok and I'm using a wireless system and it works fine on all my other guitars just this one even the Japanese clone Alexi laiho one I got sounds better should I still try a cord instead it has the kinda sound a car stereo with noise has

[@rockman49er]

Also it sounds like the pots are dirty 😳

[@benpowersguitar]

@@rockman49er If it's new I would exchange it. If it's used, may need cleaning or even new pots.

[@rockman49er]

@benpowersguitar it's new wow bummer 😕

[@GlorifyGodInEverything]

My only defense in telling myself the price was worth it is the fact I wanted a Jackson lol. In all reality, the price point doesn't fit for the amount of junk hardware that is on these guitars. The whole jackson floyd, even the posts are zinc which mine ended up getting grooves on the knife edges and digging into the posts. I'm to the point where i've got actual money into this guitar. Out of everything that needed a replacement, I was hoping the floyd base plate and posts were steel and that the locking nut was going to be of decent quality.... I honestly didn't have high hopes for the tuners, but man, even those let me down when my expectations were already low. This has been an overtime process with replacing things. I play it until i'm tired of something and it wears out, then replace it, then repeat. I feel you get a lot for the money because the "a lot" part is a bunch of worthless hardware, it's there but it's toys R us quality.

[@benpowersguitar]

At the time I bought it they were $299, and could be had for as low as $200 on sale, which is what I paid. I still contend that the hardware is no worse than most guitars in that price range. The slim neck feels really good, the pickups better than average, decent fretwork and not to mention a compound radius. Also, they are great looking, which doesn't make it play better, but does make you want to play it more. I would still say at $300 or less, they are good for the money, as long as you understand what you are getting. The current price is way high in my opinion. I would like to try the non FR version. I had been wanting a Jackson myself, and had been looking for a purple guitar even longer. These are great if you plan to upgrade. I replaced the nut and really haven't had any issues since. Though I can see the trem possibly being an issue down the road. At the time of purchase, the only other FR guitar under $400 was a Schecter ($350) and only available at GC, that weren't in stock. I never recommend a new player start with an FR guitar, and really no one who doesn't work on their own guitars....but if you want to learn to work on guitars with a FR, these are good for that as well. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave your thoughts and experiences.

[@GlorifyGodInEverything]

@@benpowersguitar ya man, I agree with you. At the price you got it that's a nice deal, unfortunately at the time of my purchase it was 399.99 so thats why my hopes were a lot higher. Anyways i'm glad you got a nice deal on it which is always super cool. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say worth it under 300, not worth it at 400 haha.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

I appreciate the info dude, I'm a lefty in canada looking for my 1st ever guitar... it's rough! I think the best bet is to save over 1000 and buy a ESP left handed, they seem to know what the fuck is up and all my metal friends have at least 1 ESP or LTD.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@masaharumorimoto4761 ESP makes a nice guitar. I would never recommend buying an expensive guitar until you have some experience and know what you're gonna like. That said, if you have the disposable income to get a $1000 guitar, knowing it's only gonna be worth $650-$800 max if you resale it later. Then I would get you what you like for now, and trade out later if you tastes change. To stay on the less expensive side. Get you a good $200-$500 guitar to start. There are a lot of different neck profiles, fretboard radius, overall weight and other things that impact how you feel about a guitar. I know the LH market sucks and I hear it's worse in Canada. Have you looked at ordering directly from the manufacturer? You can usually do that nowadays. Might give you a little more variety.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

@@benpowersguitar Late last night I found a brand new Left-handed JS22 in my city at a shop, I'm going to go grab that for 299 Canadian this week, it's the sensible option to learn on LOL, If I enjoy rippin, then I'll order a LTD from the dealer so I get what I want. Thanks for the replies dude, I'm going to watch some more of your videos today :)

[@AUBCodeII]

2:30 - the problems

[@jesterraj]

Hi Ben...harley benton fusion 3just a lol more and better components

[@benpowersguitar]

I had one on the channel. Nice guitars.

[@jesterraj]

@@benpowersguitar which do you prefer?

[@benpowersguitar]

​@@jesterraj I liked both, but not enough to keep either. For a more strat like feel, I prefer the HB. For a true speed guitar feel, I prefer the Jackson. The HB is more versatile and offers a little nicer hardware.

[@bluwng]

JS24 👍👍👍👍👍

[@patricknelson1471]

to me floyd rose is like freddy krueger

[@benpowersguitar]

Ha ha ha ha!

[@lfader]

🤣 Doing a string change takes me Abt 3 days (seriously) to dail back in it's fatiguing exhausting back 'n forth but worth all since the horrible noise I can achieve to butcher songs is cool. If it's not a certain way you can't rest. 😱 Khalers terrify me like Texas Chainsaw !!! 😳

[@benpowersguitar]

@@lfader I have to admit, I have stayed away from Khalers. The horror stories out there.

[@lfader]

@@benpowersguitar Being a Jeff Hanneman disciple Jeff had66 a Khaler endorsement BUT outfitted most his Jackson's & ESPs with Floyd's. 🤔💡 Khalers have that stiff vibe like a Bigsby. (+ Documented horror stories) Bigsby's aesthetics '50s cool mojo vibe but Floyd's win to achieve WW9 noise! 😁 ✌️

[@patricknelson1471]

@@lfader i had one and it was like an eternal guilt trip you can do very cool stuff with the bar but i find it complicated i got a hardtail and relaxed

[@xerxces2112]

I have the white and the blue versions of this guitar. They were a bear to get set up right. like they didnt even bother with ANY setup at the factory. Both of them had sharp frets that needed work and the action was atrocious. The tuners are garbage so you aren't alone in that regard. Once set up properly, they both play and sound great. So, I decided to get a JS32-TQ. The string through body version of this model. Bad decision. It was the worst QC I've ever seen. The nut wasnt filed correctly. Sharp frets, horrible buzz and impossible to intonate because the saddles couldnt move far enough. I discovered the bridge actually had a dip in the center and so that had to be replaced. Had to have the frets filed and all sorts of stuff to even get it to where it was playable. Point is that it seems its a bit of a gamble on these as to whether you'll end up getting a decent guitar out of the box or whether you'll end up having to pay $100 or more for a luthier to fix it.

[@benpowersguitar]

It seems like you take a gamble these days on any sub $400 guitar. Even some of the higher priced ones have some worsening quality control issues.

[@screm_reys]

Now in Russia, the new JS32 costs ≈ 59000-60000₽ ≈720$

[@benpowersguitar]

Ouch, that seems pricey.

[@junkazama9149]

locking tuners ,better than the locking nut

[@benpowersguitar]

Would be interesting to try with a locking tremolo. I wonder how well that would work with a properly cut nut? Know of any out there from the factory?

[@ce152capt100]

Is it Chinese?

[@benpowersguitar]

No. Indonesia.

[@ce152capt100]

@@benpowersguitar Thanks. That makes it more desirable in my opinion.

[@benpowersguitar]

@@ce152capt100 Glad I could answer your question.

[@neilcampbell4833]

Fret buzz, really dry fretboard, fret wire too high. Volume and tone knobs poor quality on top of the other issues you mentioned. It's Not that great. Westfield, ibanez gio,, Benson and guitars from Ali express are better value than this, you could even buy an epiphone for this kind of money. It's really piss poor for £250 .

[@benpowersguitar]

Thanks for watching. For perspective, at the time this video was made, there was little on the market with a locking trem in the $300 price range. Now without a locking trem, every name you mentioned, plus Mitchell can produce a better, or at least equal guitar for the money. Though, this model without a locking system, the js22, is $200 vs the $300 of this js32, at the time of filming. Now it's up to $370, which is nuts. I do love Harley Benton, but the shipping takes the price way up, at least here in the states. Though I did just get a Fusion-III to replace this js32. The issues you are talking about.. fret buzz, dry fretboard, low end electronics are pretty common, even up to $400 guitars across the brands, check out some of my other reviews. Not all, but very common place. The fret buzz almost always ends up being action or truss rod adjustments. Not sure what you mean about the fret wire. I have 18 guitars sitting here right now, most of them had those issues. Including 2 of the Harley Bentons. But my HB Fusion-III was great. Ibanez Gio I have had one good one (just got GRG121), and one that wasn't playable out of the box. Any my newest Jackson js11 is great. Even has a large trem block. So it really seems to be an issue across the companies, that is getting fixed at different rates. Firefly has really taken their game up with this last round of guitars. I think companies are having to get their act together with all the competition, KZbin exposure and players knowing more about the gear than ever before. Sorry it was so long, thank you again for watching.

[@zeekmx1970]

Reasons not to buy it. 1. You'll have to move your hand way back to hit the desired pinch harmonics. 2. Quality Control doesn't give two spits about it and you can't bend the High E string over to the low E string side of the neck. 3. No top bar, because it's a cheap ass Jackson.

[@benpowersguitar]

Interesting, I didn't have the issue with the pinch harmonics, though I did feel like everything was a little shifted towards the body of the guitar. Same with Sterling. Quality on both mine were great. As for bending E to E, I don't what tuning you're in or what thickness strings you use, but with standard and Eb tunings with .9s, I have never seen anyone accomplish more than a 2.5 step bend. Which doesn't take you E to E, and most plays can't nor have need of a 2 step bend, so E to E bending is 100% irrelevant. Also, Plenty of good guitars don't use the top bar. I have 2 almost identical Ibanez RGs, one with Maranti body and one with ash. The ash one has a bar and the other doesn't. Both hold tune exactly the same.

[@lukoil4966]

What do you mean you have to move your hand way back to hit a pinch harmonic?

[@christineblack4654]

If you like the way it looks, the rest is all fixable.

[@benpowersguitar]

For the most part I would agree. If you don't like the compound radius fretboard, that can't be fixed, which is why I sold mine recently. Everything else, no big deal.

[@christineblack4654]

@@benpowersguitar oh well, I dont care myself about the radius, I can play any guitar fine. as long as it's set up with low action, I wont complain.

[@miijjk]

Do not buy this electric guitar because it's going to be a waste of money I spent over $1,000 to purchase the guitar get a setup and the strings are wobbly they vibrating incorrectly and it's past 45 days so the warranty means absolutely nothing a guitar center

[@benpowersguitar]

You had a bad experience, REALLY BAD.... I had a good one, I don't think it's fair to say the guitars are all junk. Sounds more like your local GC did you wrong. I would contact Jackson directly, they have their own warranty. Explain what you went through already.

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar no I just threw the guitar away I'm not going to get in the guitars because this whole community is just not to hear it to help anybody I'm never going to get into electric guitar I gave it up over $1,000 and nobody wants to help anybody

[@benpowersguitar]

@@miijjk Literally been trying to help you since yesterday, but do what you want. So you know, a double locking trem guitar, is much more difficult for most people to work on. Imo, you really need to know how to set up your own guitar if you're using a FR style trem, or know that your guitar tech is good with them. It's easy info to get online, but better for people who already can do a setup. And if you really threw the guitar away instead of contacting Jackson or just selling it on Reverb,, then the guitar is only a part of the issue. But I hope things go better for you moving forward.

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar I'm going to take it to guitar center today and see if I can return it because I've had an issue with this one string from day one and I do apologize for the inconvenience it's just frustrating

[@miijjk]

@@benpowersguitar there are two possibilities that came to my mind it is a Jackson js32 so it's basically a generic guitar with a generic floyd rose I'm thinking a it was defected from the manufacturer or be someone played the guitar at guitar center and hit something so again I apologize if I'm saying like I'm frustrated and I'm taking it out on you you've done nothing wrong you have been a tremendous tremendous help I'm just getting aggravated cuz I'm spending all this money and I'm just trying to learn a new course in my life you have been a tremendous help so I'm going to call guitar center today and see if I can exchange to guitar for another one I would like to get some personal information from you so we can do a video chat or something like that that way I can say hey this is what's going on again it is a Jackson js32 a generic guitar you know but those are my two possibilities manufacturer issue or someone has hit it in the store by accident but I would like to talk to you personally when you get a moment