Jet JS-400 (More Than You Pay For?)

Jet JS-400 (More Than You Pay For?)
Today we're checking out the Jet JS-400, a very affordable Strat type guitar. I went a bit above and beyond with this review, and played the guitar live, without seeing it first. That was interesting.
Anyway, let's see how the guitar holds up, feels, and sounds.
Enjoy!
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[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out some really good alternatives: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6SooWCvhbmFjdEsi=2X0QFoDTKBUd8_rj Or check out my lesson channel: youtube.com/@ElmoKarjalainensGuitarLe-rd5tb?si=nRQIz9WmNpdZRBO8

[@Ari_Calamari]

I bought this guitar for myself last December. It had a bunch of issues right out of the box with it; nothing I couldn’t fix but still worth mentioning. The pros I had was that the Rosewood fretboard on mine was really dark and beautiful, the strings aligned well with the neck and bridge, the polyurethane finish was flawless, the heel felt great for a strat, the neck felt amazing, and the pickups, despite being really cheap ceramic, they sounded respectable. At least the bridge pickup. But the not so great: The frets were mega scratchy. They seemed fairly level, but the scratchiness was pretty bad. Took more than some polishing compound, I actually had to sand them a bit with some higher grit papers. The tuners were super loose, and wobbled a lot even under tension. I actually called the store and got some cashback, and got some affordable locking tuners. And honestly the worst, was the trem. Just would not stay in tune. Very similar to your Chapman review, where the trem would have different pitches depending of whether you pulled forward or back last. I took it out and found that there were no knife edges at all. Both the notches on the pivot screws and the knife edges were completely flat. It wasn’t even close. Seems from this video that these newer batches have improved a lot. Really glad to see that. Even with all the issues I had, I think they’re great guitars for the price. Mine just needed some tender love and care, and a new trem. 😅

[@cylonhibrid]

Brilliant, excellent review. Looking forward to see the gig.

[@MrPolevaulter]

It's up on Patreon.

[@2817well]

Just grabbed a JS 300 last night. Got me a gold guitar. For a 160 bucks I just coudn't say no

[@gabrielberns93]

I bought first the JS 650, and after a great impression about this one I went to a JS300 , and I continued adding a JS 450 Bicolor & finally a JS 450 QTBR. They are awesome guitars, very well constructed and balanced. Finally I decided to upgrade them with tuners Gotoh Lock and installed Gotoh 510 series bridges. With these improves they put in the shadows my Suhr and Fender American Ultra, no doubts about that, and when you think in the whole value of all the work in every guitar, finally you must to think if you are maintaining the expensive guitars only by the logo on the headstock.....

[@Old_Geezer]

I bought my son one of these - it only cost me £164.00 delivered. It's the only Strat style instrument I've ever purchased so I don't really have anything to compare it to directly but for the money it's a really nicely made guitar, plays well and sounds excellent. I don't think I could have found much better for him as a beginner guitar at the price point. His teacher was so impressed he went out and bought one too and that's a guy who owns several high end and custom US Fenders and has a lot more experience with them than I do.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, great beginner guitar.

[@veikkoleppanen6765]

Kyl tolla kitaralla kehtaa soitella..alottelija ja miksei kauanki soittanu😮..ee ne tarvi aina miljoonia maksavii kaikki olla🙄💰💰💰💰💰 vedit elmo niska takaa tosi taitava tilu jutu..huh huh😮 👏👏👏

[@sirzembla4512]

This teacher is a clever guy , they sound as a Fender Strat ...

[@Vkiller711]

Awesome name and awesome story😎

[@mikedonnenberg2805]

So after this video. I subscribed. Immediately. The whammy bar part was my favorite. Very sincere and you jam!! Damn dude.

[@John_2Much_Coffee]

Great video. Awesome playing. Cheers

[@PooNinja]

Nice behind the back playing Sir looked like a fun show!

[@stephenhedger5178]

Superb playing Elmo, especially liked your behind the head stuff, the standard of which is probably the best I have seen. Totally agree with your conclusions on the Jet JS400. I have a 300 and a 400 and love them both. I kept the 300 standard but upgraded the pickups in the 400. The 400 is now my go to guitar for higher gain stuff and I prefer it to my HSS Strat!

[@csumme7]

Awesome to see you on stage.

[@guloguloguy]

....WOW!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, ELMO, FOR THE DEMO, AND REVIEW, AND RECOMMENDATION!!! AWESOME !!!!!

[@berryj36]

Enjoyed watching you play live!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@jody7214]

Love my Jets. Easy to play. Have 4 of them and they all stay in tune and the trems work great.

[@UseAndGo]

Good playing mate, behind the head was damn fun addition =) propably got few smiles after that =) ... guitar sounds good, havent had my hands on one yet..

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@RickMichaelis63]

Thanks for the review Elmo🎉 🙏✌️❤️

[@MrPolevaulter]

No problem 👍

[@christophermannmanno6318]

Not bad for $180 US dollars. In fact, it sounds really good! Thank you so much for this great review! And your playing is absolutely amazing!

[@miamivice966]

I have one of these and it's a great guitar not just for the money, but just great overall. It's an exciting time in the guitar industry with many really nice guitars at a price point where guys like me can afford them.

[@mercery13]

Great playing! 🤘

[@stevecassidyguitar]

That's some of the best behind the head playing I've ever seen! 😎👌 So glad you picked one of these up and came to the same conclusions as I 👍. I've reviewed the JS400, JS300, Fazley's, the EART NKC3, Harley Bentons... The JS400 is my hands down favourite. And... I just uploaded a vid where I've did £300 worth of mods to the JS400! 🙈 Potentially a bad idea? Well.. It's my number 1 Guitar these days. My Fender US strat has been gathering dust 😬

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Steve!

[@MashaT22]

Steve, there needs to be a Jet vs. Farley head to head lol. Also agree that Elmo’s playing is badass! Wish I could do tricks that!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@MashaT22 Hey Marsha! 😀 I've got "another" Jet Vs Fazley shootout in the works 😁👍 Unfortunatley there won't be any "Elmo level" chops though 😜

[@savvavoloshin4713]

"behind the head playing" - the guitar is playing you

[@Michael-jv2cn]

I just subbed this guy the other day after watching his Jett vs Fazley review. I was going to ask you your opinion on the Fazley as well. @@MrPolevaulter

[@jimmyjames2022]

Awesome performance piece! This JS400 sounds great and has your stamp of approval. I wish I could find an excuse to buy one, there's a Jet dealer really close to me and this is only $350CAD in Canada. Jet has some nice tempting Tele models too. But my rack is full for now.

[@bengibson3955]

That's an amazing live performance, Elmo. Beautiful tone and feeling. I've been living with the negatives of a couple of S-style replicas which have the standard 3-knob layout (which puts the volume knob right where I always bump it down) with the stock neck/heel joint. These are the 2 aspects of Strats that I hate the most. I think one of these JS-400s is in my future. Again though, killer playing at the live gig. Two thumbs up mate.👍👍

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you 😊

[@GabrielNacu]

Ah Jet Guitars ; nice to see you rock one out Elmo as they are bloody good for the money! Plus shell pink is a propa' colour ;)

[@thenovicenoisemaker]

Amazing playing!!

[@user-rw7op1zt4y]

Interesting guitar might have to look at one of those....awesome bolero footage kicking ass...

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@kgeddes7356]

Great review, great guitar….superb live performance and sound - what’s not to like?👍👍👍

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you :)

[@dragan4658]

Great playing as usual and made me laugh at the middle of the video. Sonic blue with a maple fretboard would cause me to hit the buy button. Thanks for the review Elmo, always enjoyable!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattsikes919]

Killer video Elmo!! Dang man, you can wail!! That guitar has me sold. Im in the market for a solid modding platform and I think you just showed me what i was looking for, so a big thank you! Id been leaning towards an Eart but with the cost savings between the two i can afford to put a bit more into the pickups. Awesome!!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@danielphillips8416]

£169 in the UK at the moment. Marvellous. Thanks for the in depth review.

[@vitahamin]

Paid 130€ second hand for mine. Pickups are a bit microphonic, tuning stability when using the bar is not good and the tuners are cheap. But the guitar is light, very resonant and the neck is hard to beat. Action is low without any fret buzz. I had cheap guitars, i had 700€ guitars. I like this one the most. Just for the playability.

[@metalsoso5460]

Thanks Elmo. I already own that guitar and I agree that it is good. I like the 9 1/2 radius and normal (not tick or thin) C profile.

[@gigmandrew8975]

Thanks so much for this. Now I need to go buy one!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! :)

[@LeifPalmin]

I been looking at those earlier. Those seem very good. And they have nice colors to. But those a come to my attention,🙂 And thanks for your work!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@pforpancetta4492]

Great playing 👍, great hair 😎, and the guitar is not bad at all either!

[@norseman61]

Yet another outstanding, low-priced guitar brand. They’re on their Reverb shop for $199.00! You made it sound great. Loved your song and performance at the music store gig, too! You are a talented dude. Oh, and the pink? EXCELLENT choice!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@peskypesky]

Not only are you a killer guitarist, but I value your reviews because you give your honest opinions. Thank you!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@jaunianise4172]

I paid 179€ for it 2 years ago. It's a great deal! Pickups aren't so bad in hi-gain for ceramic. I changed them for a more vintage output. It's very pleasant to play. It's not a Fender, but who cares? This brand is worth considering for beginners as well as for adding guitars to your collection. If you like upgrading guitars, this is a good candidate!

[@LeifPalmin]

Wow! your playing! realy realy good!! Just had to leave one more comment and say that!

[@TonyStir]

I think that im going to be in the market for one of the Jet 400 been watching a few of channels about the Jet i bought the Eart sss standard after watching your blistering demo and after getting it it is as Advertised expect for the wang bar it needs tighten up i have a guitar Dude happily can say no fret sprout 😅 Keep Jamming Ellmo I'll keep watching

[@stevewilson7146]

MAN.,WHAT A GREAT GUITAR 🎸 PLAYER OMG THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR US FROM DAYTON OHIO PEACE ✌

[@chrisgmurray3622]

Loved your playing on the gig. Sounded to me to be somewhere between D Gilmour and J Beck. Sounds like a very nice strat-type axe, but probably too expensive by the time it gets to New Zealand.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@jaywells5283]

Damnit elmo, do I have to get my passport and come out there so you have a permanent bass player!?!? Awesome sound!!! Peace and love to you and your bro!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Jay!

[@franciscoortega6291]

Interesting versus between jet js400 vs fender player (strat). just like the one on the harley benton te62 vs fender player tele. Good video !!!

[@colinohare]

Crazy for the money. Showing again that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great guitar . Great review and awesome playing as always Elmo. I always enjoy your video's.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you!

[@skintslots]

I have a Jet JS 400 in Sea Foam Green and it's a brilliant guitar. I am primarily an acoustic player but I love my Jet Strat a like. I also have a Jet Tele but I am not a heavy player of that in all honesty.

[@adrian_V99]

Now I get it- Steve Vai is the Elmo K. of USA!❤

[@smithfield06]

Wow, ok will check this out and maybe put some fender Texas pickups in it 👍

[@Vigilius60]

I have the same guitar in vintage white and the maple fretboard and it's very good for the price, perhaps mine it's not so brilliant with the tuning keys but I chose the best among about 5/6 of them and they all still had a good standard.

[@Dreamdancer11]

These guitars are stellar for the money...of course i put stainless steel frets on mine and scalloped it but that was mainly for my stupid vices...that guitar(both js 300 and 400) all it needs is a fret polish and off you go....that neck is the biz....deserves the price of the guitar alone....

[@Tiborg69]

You are an amazing player! Hard to believe what I saw. Woooww!... Thank you! I will buy this guitar. Do you plan to make review stagg ses-60? I only believe in your review...

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you! No plans at the moment, but you never know.

[@REd-ru5ce]

Nice vid. once again, keep it up! I would like to ask, what is your opinions on which are the factors that contribute to a good tuning stability after a tremolo use? Im asking cause im thinking of building a crappy tremolo bridge guitar i have. I know there are a lot of factors that contibute to a good tuning stability but since im on a budget i would love some informed answer about the subject!

[@seangraetz7602]

Have the relic JS 400 in green the neck is one of my favourites. I have a few US Strats for comparison. Would definitely buy more

[@ianjamieson3985]

What with the hint in the intro, when I saw you start to take the guitar off in the performance I thought you were going to smash it up! Or set a little fire on it. Maybe next time. Great playing Elmo.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Maybe 😆

[@friedrudibega6384]

Full sized tremolo block. Nice. Definitely a candidate for a pickup swap. Can’t beat that price.

[@daniellarson3068]

I looked up the price. They are almost as inexpensive as the kit guitar I got from Solo. Good playing as always.

[@christiantaylor4027]

That was eailin.over the wailing.entertsining and still really good.yeah Rock on!

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Wonderful...love the live stuff...very Beck ish

[@gstmusic69]

I have several JET models, including the JS400 in Vintage White w/ maple board. They have all been great right out of the box.

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

That's the one I want! Do you know if there's any shielding? I'm lazy and don't want to do it myself.😅

[@gregorytranchita2676]

@@LonePigsyAndCub There is NO shielding. I just got done doing mine.

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

Thanks for the confirmation and rock on!

[@christian-van-e]

I like cheap guitars next to my main Charvel and Schecter guitars, so I bought an Eart, and now I’m curious to this Jet as well😅😅😅

[@peskypesky]

I would love to see you do a comparison video of a guitar like this with one of your Malmsteen Strats. Just for comparison's sake.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Maybe at some point.

[@outermarker5801]

After weeks of going around in circles I came back here and settled on the JS400 as my first electric. Can't wait to have something easier than my old steel string acoustic Fender. Now I'm still going around in circles over an amp. SO many choices for home use - from headphone amp/modellers to 50w combo modellers

[@gandalfthemaroon1684]

What amp did you end up buying?

[@outermarker5801]

@@gandalfthemaroon1684 Howdy. A while back I picked up a Boss Katana GO to dip my toe into the Boss/Tone Studio ecosystem. No rush on a combo as I only play for fun. And this little thing opens up a vast world to explore both as an amp and as an audio interface.

[@gandalfthemaroon1684]

@@outermarker5801 Oh wow hadn't even seen that one before. I personally don't like headphones and wires so probably might get a combo amp

[@VictorKoval]

I'm a classical guitarist. I decided to try new sensations. Your review finally convinced me to order jet-js-400. Does it make sense to change Machine head? I'll play at home. Thanks for the honest reviews.

[@Evilcolonel]

I have a JS-400 in vintage white. I immediately swapped out the saddles for some cheap slotted stainless ones from Amazon. Shortly after, I got dropped in a used USA Wolfgang humbucker. Overall I’m quite happy. It’s not perfect, but plenty playable and it stays in tune okay. The finished is chipping away very quickly, but for $220 who cares?

[@heyjackson3128]

would you recommend this or the cort G110, looking to get my first guitar so trying to narrow down my options.

[@thelolguy007]

Couldn’t agree more. Amazing guitars for the money. I bought Two this summer. I’d put them up against a Mex Fender Strat that costs maybe 3 times the price, any day. Btw if you look around you can get them for even cheaper (my first one cost €177 🤷‍♂️)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool bananas!

[@thelolguy007]

@@MrPolevaulter I’ve heard of cool beans before. But cool bananas? I must put them in the fridge so haha 👍

[@StreekMusic]

Ha cool. I told you to get one of these on your Jet JS300 vid. Had mine for a year... put new tuners on it. Its no USA fender strat obviously, but it a Fucking great axe for €190

[@MrPolevaulter]

Sure is 😊

[@sirzembla4512]

You are lucky with the tuners .....In fact i think it's the first thing to change on it , the pickups are good , of course you can put some high end ones on it but they don' really need it ... Their twins at Fazley were even cheaper , i can' t even say the price here ... I've made a comparison with a Vintage Icon V6 ( not the one you tried of course , it wasn't perfect at all ) and there's no winner , same kind of straty sound , but of course the tuners on the Vintage are WAY better ..... It's important to mention that some guitarists put the same pickups as the VIntage V6 in their US Strats : as cheap as good ....Less than 60 euros , THREE single coils , and the Duncans i've had on an other guitar weren't better : very neutral , no personnality at all .... Super video Elmo anyway ....

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@TheUlesifah82]

I have the yellow js400 and a sunburst jt300 …. These guitars are awesome! I threw better pickups in both (electro animals-Kazakhstan) and I love them !! Amazing value

[@ottolofstrom3896]

I have this exact model but have some tuning issues when using the bar. Any tips? Should I maybe change the springs in the back? Thanks!

[@kepa1301]

Отличный обзор, спасибо большое!!! 😊😊😊

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@Chonism]

Great honest review as always. ps. Can I set up this guitar 1st string action to 1 mm. hieght without choking when bendding upper frets? Thanks.

[@richardjones2811]

High E string should be 1.5mm and Low E 2.0mm

[@cylonhibrid]

Amazing

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

I saw one of these opened, and there didn't appear to be any shielding paint. Anyone know for sure? The necks sure look sweet.

[@canadianintheukbrian]

checking the price here in the UK £169 wow it does not sound great, is that a full size trem block ? Ceramics sounds fine , but I would personally look at Tonerider HSS Alnico 2 Set for just £90 as decent upgrade but the stock ones sound fine, for me just my personal choice and as always Elmo honest review no bs ,

[@rmcaudio7041]

Am wondering how you would rank this guitar against the Cort G110, as you were also very happy with that one. Need to decide between those two ;-)

[@nicolasdacci8913]

Hola Elmo, vi los 2 videos tuyos sobre la Jet js400 y la Yamaha Pacífica 112v y no logro decidirme por cual comprar. Muchos me dicen que compre la yamaha pero en tus pruebas veo cosas muy buenas de la Jet. Me ayudas a decidir por favor? Gracias.

[@alejandrog.5691]

Estoy igual que tú, entre la js400 relic y la Yamaha 112VM ICE BLUE.

[@muhammadrofick]

Elmo.. Pilih cort g115 atau jet js400? Salam dari indonesia Terimakasih

[@JJames666male]

I tried one and it felt as solid and well-made as my Mexican strat

[@GirlBandNerd]

can i play Periphery tuning on this guitar??? an epic live too, bro can share what modeller n effects were used???

[@barters8124]

Nitro finished guitars too which is cool.

[@conor3178]

would u recommend getting this over a pacifica 112 as a first guitar? The pacifica costs about 110 euro more.

[@akumusi556]

didn't know you could make the guitar meow

[@coolercool9802]

please could you try to remove the guitars plastic volume cap? i really want to change them to a different color but i don't know if it's possible.

[@LuminousSoliloquy]

I own 3 jets now

[@Uncle_Gray]

The good one The only thing I'd change is a roller tree instead of that stock strings tree just cuz it will cost almost nothing

[@MrPolevaulter]

👍

[@newoization]

Hi. Did you play it off the shelf?? Or did you set it up first please? On a side note. Has enyone ever told you that you look very much like the white death?

[@prabhatjha3572]

What would you chose between yamaha pac 012 , squier sonic and ibanez grx40 ? Im really confused between them and jet is not available here

[@MrPolevaulter]

Ibanez

[@georgerumija1806]

I have the Jet JS-400 and Katana Boss Mini but no matter on the setting i use, there is wayyyy to much reverb and it doesn’t stop ringing how do i fix it.

[@MrPolevaulter]

If I remember correctly, the Katana mini doesn't have reverb.

[@robwestrose5304]

Hey! Just bought the Guitar :) question tho... is it recommended to tamper with the action or should I just look at another guitar? It feels too high. Considering changing, maybe look at a YT tutorial on how to lower the action, or handing it in to guitar service.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Sure you can mess with the action.

[@robwestrose5304]

Tried it and felt instantly better. Have to hook it up to an amp to tell if there will be too much rattle 🙌

[@rpmland]

Unfortunately in Australia a jt400 cost the same as a squire strat affinity! Would you buy the jet 400 over the squire strat????

[@MrPolevaulter]

Absolutely.

[@Krywicz]

What do you think, is this guitars better than corts?

[@hellcob]

Good affternoon from Spain!!!!!! Jet JS 400 or Sire S3 Larry Carlton? I need help choise my new guitar. Thank you so much Elmo. The best guitar channel

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! Jet, but just because it's almost half the price.

[@Blumencomusic]

I think jet is a better option. Sire S3 for me the output is too high for s type guitar.

[@MatthewDuminy]

I love everything on my one except for the pickups. Somehow they sound thin and muddy at the same time. But the neck justifies the guitar for me so I’ll swap the pickups out for something decent. Anyone else experience this with the pickups?

[@tringamonga2024]

13:00 What amp , guitar and effects do you have¿?

[@targa44wt]

Does the Jet JS-400 come with bigger frets than the blue Player Strat you demoed?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Can't remember. The Player Strat I tried was a couple of years ago.

[@AdiPutra-uw9uf]

Why crafter modern sera stratocaster ??

[@crash1do]

Hi, is this guitar better than the ibanez grx40?

[@EncinoFilmsmedia]

I had this babe, i an aagree it's a super strat!, i had also a player strat series and the jet was quite superior in quality.

[@matibrandrock]

Does it have a push in trem arm?

[@robertclinger7351]

Let's see you do the whammy bar test with your favorite strat.

[@MrPolevaulter]

😊

[@brankahamersmit6419]

Hallo, how much does the Jet JS 400 weigh ?