Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA: 1-Year Review

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Nice video. You made some great points about the Jackson Floyd Rose. Definitely the weak link of these guitars. I have a Rhoads V from the same series where I swapped the bridge and nut and it is a dream to play now.

[@zsaxeshed5743]

That's a good idea dude,I just got the XSeries dinky,same Floyd by Jackson, so I'll probably change that out too,I do absolutely love this x series very versatile smooth neck and fretwork

[@AuntAlnico4]

@@zsaxeshed5743 I got the same guitar in this video and it's awesome ! The Floyd rose tremolo is awesome once properly setup it's flawless !

[@Jeymez]

@@zsaxeshed5743 did they actually put the same floyd on the X Series that's on the JS version, that's a little weird if they did. you would think the X Series would be better, but i hear mixed opinions about floyds on Jacksons in general. im guessing only the good one's are on the MJ Series, but the Pro Series usually gets pretty good reviews. i have an Ibanez, but mine doesn't have a floyd just a normal trem. i had a LTD that had a floyd, i ended up selling it after awhile.

[@cooties]

What did u swap it out for?

[@tjborekvideo]

@@Jeymez I'm two years late to the party, but to answer your question, Jackson X Series guitars ship with an actual Floyd Rose Special. Don't know if there's any difference between the Special and the Jackson-branded one. The 1000-Series Floyds in my experience are big improvement over the Special and any licensed Floyds.

[@FlyingV555]

Last year I bought one of these B Stock for $220. Took it completely apart, repainted it, replaced all the electronics except the pickup selector, and put strap locks and locking tuners on it. Sounds great and is pretty light so I can still jump around with it.

[@alexanderholden82]

What was the body of the guitar like once you strip do to repaint it? Was it solid wood or laminate Poplar? I seen a post on a Jackson owners forum where a guy took a Jackson Kelly with a maple top and sanded it to repaint it only to find that the laminate was glued onto a piece of particle board which is then glued onto a piece of Poplar. I purchased a left-handed Jackson Dinky last year and replaced the pickups, potentiometers, switch and Jack and it is indeed more solid than my Korean mahogany Epiphone and my Indonesia basswood Ibanez both in build quality and overall tone... This Jackson has more sustain and resonates more than any guitar I've ever owned personally.

[@MaximusAdonicus]

Was it also this amazing pavo purple? 🤩 And don't say u repainted it ultra boring black? 😭 Did changing all the electronics actually make any meaningful difference to the sound? 🤔

[@mapt235]

Great review nice to see someone talking more about playability and structure as oppose to just tone and sound

[@suetruett3812]

I have this guitar just in trans red. Love it beyond explanation. It is my least expensive guitar but it plays like a dream. I would not let it go for anything. My other guitars are Schecters and more expensive but to me this Jackson is my favorite. Great video.

[@matthewbradshaw1810]

If you hate taking that cover off to adjust the bar tension drill a hole in the cover so you can fit your Allen wrench through to keep adjusting it

[@alexanderholden82]

Or you can just do what Steven vai's guitar tech does with all of vai's guitars... he glued strips of velcro to the plate and to the guitar body so that you can quickly take it on and off to make adjustments on the fly when playing live, since then I have done this to all of my guitars as well.

[@matthewbradshaw1810]

@@alexanderholden82 I usually just take the back cover off and leave it off.

[@alexanderholden82]

@@matthewbradshaw1810 in the past I have as well

[@MichaelHenderson-c6d]

Can I get a maple neck lefty

[@MichaelHenderson-c6d]

A maple neck lefty and either metallic purple or metallic hot pink

[@jefferybradford5936]

This reminds me of my old DK2 that I had in the early 2000s. That Floyd Rose licensed term held it back from its True Tone I got once I had it swapped out. Next those muddy Jackson humbuckers got swapped for a Duncan custom custom in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. And man that guitar was a tone monster

[@alexanderholden82]

My father-in-law said the same thing when he first checked out my left-handed blue js32 dinky, he owned a old Charvel model 3A from 1985 regretfully sold it, he loved the js32 dinky so much he went out and purchased one because he exclaimed that it played and felt just as good as his old Charvel 3A with the exception that is charvel had a Khaler Bridge.

[@asofotida443]

Excellent review, detailed, to the point, useful insights.

[@stanblackburn700]

I love that you don't waste time with the tones which, as you say, are easily manipulated via software.

[@json5004]

I built a custom dinky during 2020 lockdowns. Used a new-ish, bound dinky sharktooth inlay, non reversed neck and a 2000' alder Jackson dkmg gunmetal grey body from eBay (socal area even🤘🏻). Went cloud white/clear with custom white headstock over the stock black. Did new 'made in usa' Jackson decals under the clear coat and swapped out blade switch for 3way toggle and relocated the volume to have more picking hand room. Locking tuners, all new electronics, official Floyd w/large brass trem block and tone zone/air norton DiMarzios... Best guitar I've ever played. My fav over my modified American Fender Gilmour black strat and 78' Gibson LP custom. It plays better and sounds better. Truly amazing and versatile guitar. (Not that you should play anything other than metal on it 🤘🏻)

[@Motionmagic]

I have a JS24 one of there newer models. It has a 2 point trem that stays in tune. The whammy bar is press in in stead of screw in. It works great. The body is mahogany and the neck and fret board are roasted maple. The body is red satin stain. Love it. I bought mine at a local dealer and I was able to check it out in person. It’s was pretty much perfect. Paid $249 for it. Better quality and setup compared to my Squire bullet. It’s held up well after a few months.

[@filipelamont5157]

Been lookimg at the same model myself. Know of anyone who has put a locking nut and floyd rose on one or if you can?

[@Motionmagic]

@@filipelamont5157 no, the only upgrade I looking at are locking tuners. It does not hold tune very well. Other wise it’s been good for a reasonably priced instrument. I don’t like the angle of the strings from the headstock but the strings are well fitted to the nut. I may upgrade the nut when it wears out. A locking nut may be a good idea.

[@MaximusAdonicus]

@@Motionmagic Wait, u just said "It has a 2 point trem that stays in tune" and now u say "it does not hold tune very well"!? 😆😭 Which is it?! Usually, the culprit IS the trem, which makes it go outta tune. Without using it it should be okay. Also, switching to locking tuners should be the last thing to do if u got tuning problems! It won't probably make any difference in ur case 'cos the culprit is most likely the trem or the nut!

[@crypticreality8484]

Really impressive, informative review. thX!

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

Great video and idea ( one year later). You talked me into getting one.

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy your new guitar :)

[@Gomie.]

Do I have to change the strings when I get the guitar or can I just leave them on and play it with the stock strings

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

You should definitely change the strings with any new guitar, then change them again, every 3-6 months if you're playing consistently.

[@kicot777]

I miss a 5 way switch in my Jackson, like some ibanez with 2 humbacker

[@AverageGabriel]

Hello 👋 New subscriber here and fellow musician... err musician in progress more like lol. I love your channel name! ❤ Two days ago I bought my first Floyd Rose guitar and this exact one except mine is blue. Also NEVER touched a whammy bar before either and man is it crazy! I'm excited to watch this video and see what you have to say about this amazing guitar and I agree that it's the most comfortable guitar I've also ever played and now it will be getting more attention than my Schecter Hellraiser C-1.

[@fullmetalfunk]

you might wanna try some blue loctite on that internal screw. you might still have to tighten it every now and apply some more loctite then but it should keep it from loosening as often.

[@shining.force.shadow]

Great vid. And you seem like a cool, unique dude. Keep rockin in the free world! 🤘

[@chapalivre]

I have a 7 string JS and my only complaint is the pickup selector placement. I can't get used to it, the volume knob is in its way ahhh

[@captainchaos8701]

i have the green burst dinky. number one complaint is that damn pointed headstock. i have stabbed walls, chairs, my dog (he sits next to me when i play). i LOVE the guitar but hate having to fix all the damage from my carelessness. Exodus' Gary Holt said he hated Rick Hunolt's Jackson because he used to get stabbed too. I guess it aint just me.

[@N.E.U.R.O]

Just saw a green one of these tonight without the floyd rose setup and I think I'll get it

[@JulioSerrano2015]

Cool review! Thanks! 😎👍

[@bluwng]

Love the purple

[@Matthew750-4]

So dose the dinkys and the king v js32 series all have the same floyd roses?

[@_unknown.format_]

Use this guitar in drop c with the original resorts is ok?

[@DonEnra]

I own the wood body and the only problem I've had is the whammy bar but I can't seem to find where to get a new one any suggestions

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Stewmac sells the genuine replacement. It works for me. www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/bridges-and-tailpieces/bridges-and-tailpieces-for-electric-guitar/floyd-rose-tremolos/floyd-rose-special-series-tremolo-arm/

[@4l3kis]

should i get this guitar or the ibanez RG370ahmz which im looking into aswell

[@jackallred8228]

Honestly man I’ve never owned a Floyd rose but I’ve never had a single problem with the js34q that I have. I’ve changed the strings and tunings multiple times and never had any problems with the FR. used home mad tremblocks that are slightly under level so the tension of the strings when pulled all the way in tune makes the trek block fall out and the trem falls in level. I absolutely love mine, and I’m definitely buying a second js34q so I don’t have to change tunings and can have multiple guitars just for fun lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@dausblack2585]

I had to put a string bar on mine,it wouldn't stay in tune until I did.The fine tuner wheel's are loose and are had to keep it from going just a little sharp or flat'and the headstock tuners are cheap are loose,but do work.I love it though.I will be doing some upgrades,she's worth it.Pickups,I think sound great.The neck is way different from all my others'but I really like it.Daus Black Hollywood East N.C.

[@chrisfelix9009]

Nice review of the guitar

[@chillbro2275]

Very good review. thank you

[@kongking4088]

Great review thanks for this.

[@ModePhaser]

Great Video! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Danthehorse]

If they did that colour in an hss config...

[@jeffgerek6180]

I have the same exact guitar great quality great pickups and tremolo plays as good as my expensive guitars.

[@PedroPabloVillamarin]

I have same guitar same color! Great vid i bought it sep!!

[@Jakkiwho]

Great video! I actually watched this before getting my JS32 Q which is slightly different from the Dinky but overall has the same body. I fell in love with the way it feels and looks too! Thank you so much for making this video. It helped me out a lot! Also, your fretboard looks really dry....do you perhaps not oil your fretboards? If so, I would recommend you to oil your fretboard once every month at least.

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

That's great to hear! Thanks so much, I'm glad the video helped you! Yes, I do oil my fretboards D'addario Lemon Oil, but not quite as often as I should. I probably oiled it the next time I changed strings after making the video.

[@ImThe5thKing]

That's still a Dinky. The Super Strat-style body shape that Jackson makes is called 'Dinky.' For the Q, it's just a quilted maple veneer over the same body

[@AUBCodeII]

What's the name of the background song?

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

It's an unreleased song I made. You can check out my royalty free album "Emerald" here: wolfstarsoundscapes.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-royalty-free

[@AUBCodeII]

@@wolfstarsoundscapes Thanks bruh, I'll check it out

[@redddogg2461]

I love my JS 32 man. I also have about 10 guitars a Gibson Les Paul a Fender Strat a late 80s BC rich warlock and my JS. I find myself playing my JS 95% more than I play my expensive Gibson and Fender. If someone is thinking about buying one to just jam with go for it won’t be sorry.

[@alexanderholden82]

Indeed this is a very true statement now I have found the exact same sentiments... I am left-handed and I've had the extreme displeasure of playing a lot of lower-end instruments in my days... my cheap $300 Chinese js32 dinky blows away by Korean mahogany Epiphone, Indonesian Ibanez and even my Mexican Fender Strat terms of overall Tone, playability and even build quality... once I replaced the pickups, potentiometers, switch and Jack none of my other guitar stand a chance now it feels and sounds just as great as guitar twice it's priced that I have tested out at Southpaw guitars.

[@rockr9270]

Does it stay in tune after you have dumped the bar?

[@idealmethod]

hope you have oiled your fret board my friend. love ur guitar hurts to see it so dried out.

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Yes, I've oiled it a few times :) it does seem to dry out very quickly though.

[@PhntmShdw]

I have basically the same guitar it’s the green maple burst one, the floyd rose never stays in tune and I do one dive bomb it just goes out of tune, Don’t make the same mistake I did thinking it would be an actually useful floyd rose bridge

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

The current models of this guitar are not made in green, so you're probably having a hard time with a different guitar. www.jacksonguitars.com/gear/shape/dinky/js-series-dinky-arch-top-js32/2910138557

[@alexanderholden82]

That's definitely interesting... While I have had a lot of other people slam the Jackson branded Floyd Rose, I personally have not had a single issue with my Lefty js32 dinky since I purchased it in January. In fact I have seriously only had two completely retune it only once in the past 6 months and I seriously beat the hell out of the bar quite often. I actually wrote Jackson customer service with a few questions and had Fender reply to me back concerning the tremolo system. The Jackson Branded tremolo systems are in fact just a Floyd Rose special with the Jackson name on it... the sustain block actually has the FR logo stamped on it. The fine tuners and Saddles are indeed the weaker part of this bridge because they are made of zinc alloy but are easily replaced by FR original pieces if needed. I guess only time will tell... but honestly my js32 actually stays in tune better then my hard tail Epiphone Special and I am using nine gauge strings and am very heavy-handed.

[@GTDDR]

​@@alexanderholden82 Same for me. I have the same guitar and stays in tune almost perfectly. I really wasn't expecting the Floyd on this guitar to be that good. I Think what most people don't understand is that the way you set the strings up on the headstock tuners is what makes the difference, and also the brand of the strings , I always go for Ernie Ball's, those strings really don't break with anything. And I think what's even more important, is the care you put into the guitar, I mean clean your guitar every time after playing, strings, the bridge, don't let your sweat stay there and dirt accumulating and I think everything will be fine. Considering this is my first guitar with a floating tremolo, I'm more than satisfied with its perfomance. I've been having some real fun with Dive bombs!. Hope this helps anyone that is considering this guitar for purchase.

[@alexanderholden82]

@@GTDDR having the right setup definitely makes a difference, and the type of strings used in making sure that they are stretched it's definitely a big part of it.

[@thelazyreefer]

Thanks for posting dude :)

[@madmonkey7411]

I had to replace my volume pot after about a year but I think that comes from playing every day

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Could be. I don't really aggressively roll my pots up and down (though I should probably get into that habit), but considering the price of the guitar, they might wear out a bit more quickly than others. I haven't had any issues yet.

[@PanteraEnjoyer]

what amp are you running? I'm a beginner trying to get this and an amp

[@PanteraEnjoyer]

Also my favorite band is pantera, will the floyd rose help me play their songs? exact model I want is the Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32 DKAP Transparent Black Burst

[@rubengoya8154]

Same here but I got black. Awesome video👍✌️

[@themusicexpresswithrobertl8816]

Thinking about getting a white one, does it stay in tune using the whammy?

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

It does a decent job. I think thicker strings have it stay in tune a bit better. I haven't had an issue with it being noticeably out of tune after a whammy-heavy song.

[@rodolfomisao123]

Are the saddles made of zinc or steel?

[@BonesofGoldSkateboarding]

Hey yo what’s this sweet colour ?? Is this a mod ?? In Europe only got white , wood , black and blue for that price . Oh and biohazard orange

[@potqtoe]

Nice video :)

[@Wurmt0ngue]

I bought a jackson dinky about a year ago too....I found out I HATE floyd roses...

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

XD yeah they can be a bit frustrating.

[@indradnyuts8417]

Made in ?

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

China, unfortunately.

[@alexanderholden82]

At this point I honestly think the country is origin is becoming less and less of a thing, any manufacturer can have quality control issues. I am left-handed and have had the pleasure of playing a lot of cheap imported guitars over the years simply because a good left-handed guitar is not cheap and most manufacturers do not have many options unless you go custom shop. I own an Indonesian Ibanez and a Korean Epiphone and I will tell you quite honestly... the build quality, playability and sound from this chinese-made js32 dinky seriously outperforms every guitarist that I have ever owned or own presently. I used to own a made in Mexico Lefty Strat and this chinese-made guitar honestly blows the socks off of it as well. I have to say... Whatever China is doing, they're doing a good job. My father-in-law owns a 1986 Charvel 3A from Japan... he sold it a few years ago regretfully and decided to buy himself one of these because it reminded him so much of that guitar after seeing and holding mine. He even said himself that this js32 feels more solid new than his Japanese Charvel did when it was new in 86.

[@jonathanong4538]

@@alexanderholden82 yeah my made in China G&L rampage really one of my favorite guitar and my epiphone slash anaconda burst plays better that my gibson les paul tribute. Just have a jackson dk2m recently and now I think jackson is now my favorite so I think I need to have at least 3 jackson guitars. I'm thinking of buying the sl4xdx soloist next

[@giveuponurdreams321]

would you recommend it though?

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Heck yeah I would!

[@WahyuEPNgeYoutube]

Wow.. It's stabil🎉🎉

[@Alicia-nd5ov]

im pretty much a beginner, but i’m trying to learn some harder stuff, do you recommend? i’m also a bit nervous about the neck being too thick

[@if6wuz9]

The neck is very fast and thin. You won't be disappointed.

[@Briandk1702]

Thank you!!

[@fivinh0]

Have you ever touched a JS22? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth investing around 400$ on it (it's a 200$ guitar so... Not sure).

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Unfortunately, this is the only Jackson guitar I have experience with. However, Jackson has a good reputation for their lower-end instruments.

[@johannessilver8653]

I do not need a FR bridge and therefore bought JS22 dinky. I think it is the same as 32 except bridge...having simpler trem system. I like the guitar and works so well for me as almost beginner and price was 200€ as new. No any problems with it so far and pups are surprisingly good.

[@ello_ello_]

the part about not talking about the sound and why is smort

[@tawfiqzaidan4087]

Did you have problems with tuning or adjusting the bridge? I'm thinking of buying the same guitar but I don't know how good that bridge is, I've never had a guitar with a floating bridge

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

The bridge is fine for the price of the guitar. Adjusting the action and springs works well. The fine tuners work alright; they just get a little stuck sometimes. It's also a bit tough to adjust the intonation - you might want to get a tool that can hold the saddles in place for you.

[@tawfiqzaidan4087]

@@wolfstarsoundscapes thank you so much

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

@@tawfiqzaidan4087 Thanks for watching!

[@neycklyz]

Hi mate ! I really need a secondary guitar for drop tuning songs, is this one accurate or nah ? Is the strings tension strong enough ? And if so, which strings should I use ? (for drop c, drop c#, drop d,... tunings) Thanks !

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

I use this guitar in Drop C! Though, I did need to get higher-tension springs for the floyd rose. Floyd Rose FRTSNGNP Noiseless Tremolo Springs (The green ones) I use Ernie Ball "Not Even Slinky" strings.

[@billybat5790]

If you want this guitar, you have to upgrade the Floyd at some point. I put a gotoh on mine but I’d recommend an original Floyd rose for better fitment Ppl would say it’s not worth it but any guitar with a real floyd rose is going to be 1500$+ if you rlly want one. I rather stick with my upgraded dinky

[@robertb67]

There is one guitar that I know of that has an original German FR for around $500-600 bucks. It's a Sawtooth Michael Angelo Batio signature series ST-M24.

[@mattfoster9741]

Sick color. 10 out of 10 cause i took my wammy bahh off i have the blue one

[@imjustvibing2018]

Good info! I’ve been looking at the rr or the dinky js32s for purchase. That Pavo Purple is stunning. Was curious if you felt like the compound radius of the neck makes a difference in your playing. What’s your thoughts?

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

Yeah I love the purple too! As far as the neck, I mentioned in the video how my thumb felt weird. Basically, the only change I've noticed is that when playing this guitar, instead of putting the tip/middle of my thumb against the neck while I play, I put the first "joint" or whatever it's called against the neck, so the tip of my thumb is pointed at me instead of the guitar. I guess that means my left hand technique is a bit different, but this guitar felt pretty comfortable to play right away. I find that getting a new guitar gives you a bunch of motivation/inspiration, so you may notice your playing improve once you have a new instrument to express yourself. Hope you choose a great guitar!

[@ereimul1444]

@@wolfstarsoundscapes i noticed in the video you said the neck is rounder and thicker than your other guitars. is it the same with Gibson round baseball neck or more to fender 50's C-shape? usually super strat would have U-Shape. Just curious. btw, really like your video. i hit the like button too.

[@wolfstarsoundscapes]

@@ereimul1444 I honestly have no idea how to answer that question haha. I don't really know too much about neck construction, but I own 3 other super-strat style guitars, and I immediately noticed the neck was thicker upon picking up the Jackson. I think...C-shape? Not sure, sorry. Thank you for watching and liking though!

[@ereimul1444]

​@@wolfstarsoundscapes i see. i might buy those guitar.

[@villalazalejandro]

@@wolfstarsoundscapes wow i thought the neck on this guitar was thin and fast , i dont like round and thick necks for metal, for acustic and classic guitars is great.

[@no_onein2024]

Is this recommended for someone who knows NOTHING about the physicality of a guitar??? I know nothing of tremolo or Floyd whatever was mentioned lol

[@robotsword]

Tip with a Floyd rose just leave the back plate off

[@KeshavPachpande]

Why would u do that?

[@robotsword]

@@KeshavPachpande easier to adjust mainly and I’m not the only person to do this

[@megatron8490]

I just got one for $155 used

[@srshreck627]

Me la recomiendas?

[@backtothe80s97]

Ibanez rg550 kicks the shit out of this thing

[@youaresoft-ee4ub]

RELAX

[@ahmadshani6682]

Love Jackson

[@frettingitforward]

That’s Gorgeous and Kill Licks 🤩

[@PhntmShdw]

If you want an actual functioning floyd don’t buy anything that isn’t at least a floyd rose special, or it’ll go out of tune with one use and the parts will wear easy

[@alexanderholden82]

I own this exact same guitar... A js32 dinky Lefty. I was interested in knowing more about the Jackson Brandon Floyd Rose bridge on this guitar so I contacted their customer service directly. Fender replied to my email simply stating that the Jackson branded Floyd Rose bridges are in fact made by the same company in Korea that build the Floyd Rose special Bridges and confirmed that the Jackson branded Floyd Rose is in fact a Floyd Rose special with the Jackson brand stamps on it. If you look at the sustain block on the fridge it actually has the FR logo stamped on it. I understand that certain parts of these bridges are made with zinc alloy and that some people have had issues with them, but I honestly have not had any issues within the past 6 months that I have owned it... and have only had to retune it entirely once in the past 6 months... it stays in tune better and longer than my hardtail Epiphone.

[@ezrhino100]

Fortunately I don't use a whammy. Half of these videos becomes irrelevant.

[@normalwhiteguy1555]

Never bought one because of the fruity name

[@dembele5447]

Made in?

[@jasujokelainen5073]

Thank you for informative video!