Somehow THIS Became My #1 Guitar! *Honest (unpaid) review and showcase

[@cederickforsberg5840]

Any guitar that checks following points, no matter price range: 1. Stays in tune 2. Is setup to your own preference Is a GOOD GUITAR. I never understood elitists about "only expensive guitars is good enough for professional use". I have both a bunch of different high-end, mid-range and starter kit guitars and I'm happy with all of them

[@bradhienzachary]

Yeah I agree! I have Ibanez JS1000 and I love it and it was over $2K AUD! Then I just picked up a $40 Squire Affinity and sure it’s not as good as the Ibanez but not it not that far behind! It needs a set up new strings and if I spent money on new pickups and locking turners it be great!!

[@charleswettish8701]

Agreed. In all my many recordings (all unheard of of course), the most, by far, compliments I have gotten on tone, is from a 3/4 size Squier Strat through a tiny Fender practice amp through an SM57.

[@TheShinyShow]

Does anyone think this though? If anything people take their cheap guitars out to gig and leave the expensive one at home. Just because people like or aspire to have more expensive guitars doesn't mean they think cheaper guitars are bad.

[@DurtyWhatsHisName]

Eh, to each his own. I don't lose sleep over it.

[@iloveitall]

Then you belong to the vast majority of guitar players who just can't recognize tonal quality.

[@SuperStrik9]

Jackson's are solid guitars. Been a fan since I saw Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman playing them in the early 90s.

[@djay6651]

Def Leppard was the first band that I saw play Jackson guitars and from that point on, I always wanted to get a Jackson. I got two in the mid-90s.

[@anonymouspubliccitizen5000]

I had the Japanese made V, Mustaine series in mid-90s, holy solid power chords and fast solos, couldn’t sit and play it too well but that is any V lol😂

[@franckauger9490]

and the Megadeth historical bassist david Ellefson was endorsed by Jackson.

[@alexlaw1892]

Just got my first Jackson, A Soloist. It's very hard to find decent Left Hand guitars that aren't custom shop and the Soloist is about perfect for me. Might swap out to a real FR in the future when the knock off one it comes with starts to wear out but other than that it's pretty great right from the factory

[@_ProTrax]

@@anonymouspubliccitizen5000 I think Vs are actually very easy to play sitting, I almost exclusively sit with mine

[@skeeter197140]

I never understood why more players don't use angled guitar cables. I understand they don't work on ALL guitars, but they don't protrude when they're plugged in, so they have a nice, low profile, and you don't have to worry about damaging the plug, or more importantly, your output jack. I love 'em!

[@jimandskittum]

I put the 90 end out of my guitar. If it gets pulled on, the outer jacket takes the strain and not the soldered connections inside.

[@TheYellingIdiot]

Agreed, I always use an angled cable. Don’t have to worry about catching it on anything.

[@luukderuijter1332]

straights just look neat

[@zoomosis]

Some angled cables won't fit into a strat-style recessed jack. There's also the issue of damaging the jack or having a guitar fall off its stand with an angled cable, if you ever trip on the cable. Sometimes they work well though.

[@randymiles904]

Yep. Angled cables are a must for my ml's.

[@codeunited5905]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎸 Overview of the favorite guitar* - Introduction to the favorite guitar from the speaker's collection. - Personal experience with the previous version of the same guitar. - Initial impressions and backstory of acquiring the current guitar. 01:10 *🎸 Features and build of the guitar* - Description of the body and neck material and design. - Weight and comfort considerations. - Detailed discussion on neck, frets, inlays, and finish. 03:01 *🎸 Bridge, pickups, and electronics* - Evaluation of the bridge type, including preferences and potential upgrades. - Assessment of stock pickups' performance and plans for replacement. - Discussion on pickup selector, knobs, output jack, and tuners. 05:24 *🎸 Personal preferences and modifications* - Personal preferences regarding headstock orientation and pickup configuration. - Explanation of modifications made to suit personal playing style. - Discussion on desired features for a custom signature guitar. 08:23 *🎸 Additional considerations and conclusion* - Remarks on reliability and preference for non-active pickups. - Summary of the speaker's priorities in guitar selection. - Final thoughts and gratitude to viewers. Made with HARPA AI

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

I had this exact guitar also, back in the 90's. Mine was blue, and I absolutely loved it. To this day it was my favorite guitar I ever owned. I played many shows in my cover bands with that guitar. Unfortunately mine was also stolen. I went to work one morning, and while I was gone my apartment was broken into. They stole my guitar and my Marshall JCM 800 50 watt half stack. I was absolutely DEVASTATED! Nearly 30 years later, now 56 years old, and I'm STILL heartbroken over it. To this day I still play guitar, but I've never been able to replace the guitar nor the Marshall amp. I was a single dad, making very little money, so I couldn't justify spending it on myself and not on things my son and I needed to survive. I saw this video it is just brought back all those awesome memories, and all of that devastating heartbreak at the same time. I totally swear by my strap locks, and have been using them for over 35 years. I've tossed guitars over my shoulder Cinderella style hundreds of times, and I've never had one come lose. However, I have ONLY ever used the JIM DUNLOP Straploks, so maybe that's the difference.

[@standard_tuning]

Cool! I also play a Soloist. You talked about how overtightening the hex head screws on the bridge can strip the threads on the saddles or the screws themselves. Try this: remove the screws and string locks from the saddles. Keep the ball ends on the strings and insert the OTHER end (the pointy end) in where the screw goes, but when you get to the saddle, instead of going into the screw hole, go up into the saddle through the rectangular hole underneath. Then reinsert the string lock and screw. You'll only need to tighten it a little bit and your strings will NEVER pop out of the saddles, no matter how aggressively you pull the whammy bar. The ball end fits snugly right under the screw body and is barely noticeable. Works great for me!

[@AlexMasonGuitar]

Hey Mike, just wanted to let you know your channel has become my favorite guitar channel on KZbin. Love the unique and motivating topics that you discuss that other teachers don’t seem to talk about.

[@BLFactor]

I still use the rubber washer off of a bottle of Grolsch beer for a strap lock. Works great never had a problem out of them. Plus, you get a free beer with your strap lock!

[@kristopherkrahl1597]

#EPIC

[@jfo3000]

And that straplock noise doesn't come out of the amp that way either.

[@rosskrause3926]

Damn Grolsch beer will get you very drunk..I've had my share and a terrible hangover too !

[@dvrapant]

That is………AWESOME😂

[@stanstanly3812]

28 years back I picked up a DK-2 (Japan) from guitar center and fell in love right away. I've got 3 other Jacksons now and I love all of them. The necks are really nice for metal/rock playing.

[@aceclapton5655]

I own a white Jackson JS32 Dinky with a maple fretboard and bolt on neck. Bought it off of Amazon for ~$350 last May. I did replace the pick-ups with a set of Seymour Duncan’s: a JB in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck. I love the feel of the compound radius neck. It’s so easy to play, stays in tune, and sounds great! I am really shocked by the quality of these so-called “lower end” guitars.

[@Linkaara]

I bought a purple Jackson JS32 Dinky 2 months ago and I have been in love with it since lol Super comfortable to play, I think it actually improved my playing

[@RockyMountainBear]

I was playing one of those at guitar center. I loved it. Especially the feel of the neck. I haven't felt a neck I like better. The salesman have me a word look everytime I went back to that guitar. It was like he hated me, the guitar, or he was hoping he would be able to buy it first. It was a very awkward experience. He showed me more expensive guitars, cheaper guitars... I really don't know what his problem was. I didn't make a purchase, because the whole situation just had a weird vibe (mostly due to the sales guy). I have regretted not snagging that Jackson ever since. I should've told that friggin guy to "F off" after that first weird look. Oh well.

[@TobogonXero]

All of my experiences at GC have been less than stellar. Guitars are never in good shape, it seems as if they are not taken care of. The sales team are always pushy while being woefully uninformed about the product and without fail always seem to feel the need to show off their skill for a minimum of 5 minutes when you ask to see a guitar. So a few tips for dealing with GC 1: You need to understand that employees work for minimum wage with a fucked up commission. Before they even earn commission they have to sell enough to cover their base salary. Thus the push on higher priced products. 2: Don't ever buy from GC. Use it as a resource to physically handle what you are thinking of buying, then go to a certified dealer, preferably a non chain store, and order what you want, ir order direct. 3: Never make direct eye contact. 4: ???? 5: Shred

[@kmatax9237]

I had a similar experience with a Dick sales guy and walked out even though was ready to buy. I emailed the store manager for help and got the guitar I wanted for $10 after my trade ins. It was a great Korean lp custom, it was used and was a hell of a lot better than new Chinese made one on the wall by far

[@Hiro.the.God.]

He was probably saving up for it lol

[@Art-zs6sl]

You should have bought the guitar you liked and told him he wasn't very good at his job.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

I think you should have bought the guitar and not worried about the sales guy. But you’ll find one that you like eventually.

[@jfiery]

I got my wife at Jackson Dinky and I have to confess repeatedly that it is the easiest guitar that we have to play. I have a Gibson lp, a fender Telly and Strat but that guitar is just easy to play. I tell her when we have grandkids that's the guitar they're going to learn to play on.

[@SantoshKumar-wl7yb]

Ibanez guitars are the easiest to play. Bar none.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

⁠@@SantoshKumar-wl7yb You ever play an 80s Kramer?

[@SantoshKumar-wl7yb]

@@TylerJohnstonGuitar Nah bro. Are they better?

[@I-HAVE-A-BOMB]

NOOO. Start them on a Les Paul. If you can shred an LP you can do anything. Dont make it easier, theyll be weaker player as a result.

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

I just bought a Jackson JS22 Arch Top Natural Wood Finosh, it's on the way, for my first proper guitar. Glad to know I made a good decision. Thanks!

[@HardRockHeavyMetal]

You´re so right about eveything on this guitar but you are more right about the heastock, I don't like reverse headstocks and Jackson Guitars look beautiful with the pointed down heastock, they look simetrical. your channel is a gold mine, I love it, thanks for sharing your knowledge, excuse my english, I'm not a native speaker.

[@sairaleblanc5329]

Great review! I love your excitement and sheer joy whenever you talk about playing.

[@KamikazeAdam]

i’ll never understand why people hate on Jackson’s, they give you a bang for your buck! even the $300 models. i currently have 4 lol my favorite is the DK2XR

[@mylogify]

Oo DK2XR looks very nice! How is the neck on it? comparing to Ibanez for example? I mean I know they all vary, but in general? You and Mike will make me want to get one day Jackson!

[@t1naftore]

I bought a kelly for around that price for a first guitar. Jackson rules

[@BrianRRenfro]

Most people I know who bitch about Jacksons are older, or are just bitching cause brand loyalty runs deep in guitars and they just like another brand. On the older people complaining it's often because like when I was a kid Jackson didn't make anything even remotely affordable. They were the metal guitar that like ESP ONLY made expensive stuff. Then they came out with their import guitars that were like $600 90s dollars so still kinda expensive. They didn't make any cheaply made, starter style guitars. Most people were still okay with it but the cache was being lost. Then $200 starter pack JS guitars happened, and Fender owning them, and the magic was just kinda lost. They still make plenty of good guitars but your comment sums it up, they are great for the money! They used to be aspirational guitars. Now they are seen as a way to get a lot of guitar for less money. I have 4 myself, 1 USA made and 3 MIJ guitars that I bought BITD. I love my Jacksons but I am kinda sad at times that if I walk into a pawn shop and see one I don't immediately know it's something special like I used to. Some of those JS ones are serious shit buckets. Walmart Xmas starter pack quality. It sullied things.

[@BrianRRenfro]

The short version. A lot of people just got soured on the name when they went from a company that ONLY made amazing guitars to a company that make SOME amazing guitars.

[@iainthepict55]

Im learning bass and i so badly want a white jackson js bass,saving my pennies towards it.

[@fatboysgarage7984]

My backup guitar (which I also use for rhythm tracking) is an SLXT. When I bought it like new, the tuners had been switched out for locking tuners and the old owner had installed Jim Dunlop strap locks. Both are things I would do on any guitar. I swapped out the pretty good Duncan Designed pickups for a set of Invaders. Now, it's competing for the number one spot with my modded SE. All in all, I think Indonesian made guitars are the way to go. I haven't had or played one that was pure junk... unlike some US made guitars.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

My first electric guitar was a Peavey Tracer back in 1995. Which looks exactly the same as your Jackson save for the inlays and a through neck. I still have that guitar to this day and is about to be on it's 3rd paint job. To this date is is the most comfortable and favorite guitar I have ever owned.

[@podoz]

After years of playing $1000+ guitars, I now love cheapies. I have around a dozen guitars which i paid $200 or less for 2nd hand. I've set them up real good and they are awesome. I don't hesitate to use them on stage (i play lead in rock and blues). Some of them i like MORE than my much more expensive guitars.

[@Themonist]

I asked you about it some time ago and then went out and looked out for a similar one, I got a very used old MIJ DK2 that I found locally and no one wanted for like 150€/$. Coming from more classic guitars it felt almost too comfortable, too good to be true. Incredible guitars. Some Gotoh replacements and it became my #1 guitar as well, so thank you for that!

[@thepatterpatrol26]

I got a randy Rhodes v it's called an RX10D made in Japan, 1997 floyd rose, emg pickups in the neck and bridge, shark fin inlays, its an amazing guitar I got it for 200 pounds off Facebook Market place the pickups alone are £150

[@PonderosaSoundStudio]

I've done a similar thing with my Ibanez JS 140W - just an $1100+ (Can) guitar but I've upgraded the pickups to DiMarzio Satchtrack (neck) and Satchur8 (bridge), and then had it re-fretted with stainless frets and the neck and fretwork put through a Plek Station. Plays beautifully now.

[@joshuaH75]

I have played Ibanez Prestige and Premium models for years and then I recently tried a Jackson SL2 MAH Soloist. The Jacksons were such great guitars, I bought three. So, I totally agree with you about Jackson guitars, they are excellent quality!

[@rockytrail3893]

You gave a really great guitar review. Your genuine enthusiasm really comes out, and you get into specifics about features that work for you. This may be one of the few reviews I've seen that didn't come off as being a commercial.

[@davidvest7170]

Glad you got a replacement for your favorite, happy for you! Liked that you kept coming back to how so many of the features are right for you... might not be for someone else, but this has what you value in a guitar. A beauty, enjoy it!

[@skidrow1800]

Funny… I went into guitar center and played this guitar in the silver color (my favorite) and it played amazing - on par with my Ibanez Jem. I ended up buying it that day for $800. It’s literally my go to guitar now

[@robertaugustine5350]

@the-art-of-guitar. I own three Jacksons. One is a 2003 SL1 USA Soloist I bought new back in 2003. I dont play it out anymore because I don’t want it damaged or stolen. I replaced it with two [Indonesian] Pro Soloists (one HSS and one HH) and I do play those out regularly. Whenever someone asks me about “what guitar should I buy…” after you find out the type of music, etc I almost always steer them to a intermediate priced guitar. There are some incredible instruments out there between $750 and $1200 that play great, sound great, look great and stay in tune. So different than the 1980s…I since have purchased a bunch of Charvel Pro Mods and Dinkys. Absolutely amazing for the $. They really stepped up their game since about 2015.

[@Briansgate]

4:50 THANK YOU!!! You're one of the few that actually abuse the trem so we can actually see how it responds. Most everyone else merely gives it a little wiggle at best.

[@chrisdigital]

I have a 2013 DK2M pro in silver burst. It's my number one. Mine came loaded with American made Seymour Duncan. JB and a 59. It's even got the full access heel joint that utilizes three bolts.Took the place of my charvel DK24.

[@vpapakon]

That Jackson solid growl.... The sl1 is second to none. Great video, great channel!

[@flarenial11]

I just picked up a 250$ (expensive for me) Jackson monarkh sc js22. It's my first "les paul" style, and has definitely been time learning how to hold it comfortably, but other than that, I was really impressed. Coming from using an Ibanez grg131dx, with the same exact price tag, the jackson sounds much cleaner but also heavier, just better sound, better action, come with better setup, (both guitars were ordered, ibanez from amazon, jackson from sweetwater) basically the jackson was the same price for a 100% better, but less comfortable to hold guitar

[@MehdiS-music]

The Jackson Necks are perfect, i have many more expensive guitars but my go to is a cheap Jackson JS32Q DKA HT, its so comfortable to hold and play + sounds really good in a mix with the stock Jackson pickups, minimal EQ:ing needed!

[@assafnrose]

I own several guitar, and by far, my Jackson kelly is the best, even it’s a mid praced range guitar. Everything about it just feels right.

[@JJvienneau]

Fender Highway One HSS that I put a Burstbucker in the Bridge. 12 years and going workhorse, never let me down once! It's that one that you know you can go to war with and win! Cheers!

[@SlowerIsFaster139]

I love listening to people talk about their favorite instrument.

[@Demiglitch]

I’ve just bought a Jackson Dinky, my first free floating tremolo system or whatever you’d call it. Even though I’m not playing live I went and ordered one of those screw in Allen key holders because it’s a hassle having to unfold the flimsy pocket the stock ones came in and a hassle to get my actual tools out and a hassle to make sure I have them with me all the time anyway. Just makes my life easier and keeps me playing.

[@messagedeleted1922]

Also mid range or lower end guitar with good parts, modded with new pickups is a WAY better deal than a higher end guitar. Friend has a mexican strat, got some nice seymour duncans put into it, and the thing sounds soooooooo f-ing good.

[@tf2andtalk897]

You lose out on higher quality frets with the low end guitars. If you're looking to upgrade a cheap guitar make sure the neck is quality. MIM strats are fantastic out of the box though so theyre definitely an outlier

[@DurtyWhatsHisName]

Depends on the situation

[@216trixie]

My best built guitar is still a 1987 Charvel model 6. The Japanese version of the Jackson soloist. After all these years it is perfectly straight neck never a bad note never goes out of tune.

[@jimmymichaud8227]

The model series were great guitars, I have a '87 model 2 and love it...currently my no.2 guitar

[@orion681]

Well come on lol that's the flagship Chu Shin Gakki made Charvel lol. I have had a 1987 Model 3A since 1995 and it's still probably my favorite guitar ever. Previous owner swapped out the Jackson bridge and put in a Floyd original with a big brass block and I replaced the pickups with a SD JB/59 set and it works very well. Two years ago I walked into GC and there was an 87 Model 6 hanging on the wall without a case for $500. I didn't buy it because I thought my wife would be pissed. I'm still mad I didn't get it.

[@jswazz9264]

I agree - buying a solid mid range priced guitar and doing tweaks to customize it into your version is where it’s at.

[@jackshittle]

My younger brother is endorsed by ESP & when he got his first guitar that comes standard with the Evertune bridge his mind was blown. I never saw anyone so excited about a bridge. He's got a whole quiver of LTD's & his last one that just came has the Evertune bridge & Fishman pups in it which sounds amazing.

[@tracyd1175]

My Jackson is my favorite guitar I have. Fits me like a glove. Got it at guitar center. Love it.

[@skirwan78]

I just bought a MIJ Jackson Soloist (white) and I love it. I had a cheaper Jackson years ago but I loved the neck. Jacksons are a dream to play on and have a very minimalist old school 80's vibe that I love the look of. I love my EBMM and Fender but the Jackson is a dream to play.

[@djay6651]

I love my '95 Jackson PS-4 and '94 Rhoads EX. Definitely mid-range, both made in Korea and play really well. Both are bone stock, with the exception of new nut locks on the EX. To take the gloss off the neck, just use some #0000 steel wool to give it a satin type finish. It's what I use to scrub my rosewood fretboards with Kyser Lem-oil.

[@idealmethod]

Heres a tip for the strap lock issue on the jacksons. You remove the strap pin, take it off- put on your strap on via the bottom not the wide top, the take a screw driver and screw it back on the guitar. This way the guitar strap remains in mint condition having not forced it over the top of the pin as you normally do with all guitars. and It has no chance of ever coming off ( untill you unscrew it)

[@esotericsoundlab]

I play a Jackson Pro Series DK2M Dinky made in Japan with a black body, binding, and shark fin inlays. I added some carbon fiber graphic Air Force stickers to the body, EMG pickups, and nicknamed it Stealthy. 🔥🎸🔥

[@larryletts682]

I own 5 electric guitars, 2 of which are Jacksons, one Dean Dave Mustaine signature V, an Ibanez 7 string, and an old LP copy. My go to guitar is my vintage modded Jackson ps-4, the neck is absolutely amazing, I installed an SH-8 invader in the bridge, and a hipshot tremsetter for the floyd rose, she plays like a dream!

[@thedr.zeroultrazone984]

My favorite qualities: 1) 24 frets 2) anti-gravity modules 3) Floating Floyd Rose trem bar 4) humbucker in the bridge 5) single coils in the middle and neck for sweet clean tone with 5 way selector switch - or just two humbuckers is good too, depending how crisp you want he clean tone 6) the right wood and other components to produce a thick tone 7) Hyperspace 8) internal tasing with song instruction program 9) reflective pick guard 10) a cool rockin' look Hyperspace is a nice option if people rush the stage or you're late for a gig or have a performance blunder and you would like to reverse the space/time continuum. My Hohner Les Paul copy had it. Hohner normally makes harmonicas, but they have a few nice guitars and the Hyperspace feature was definitely a solid selling point. It's sensitive though so you have to be careful. I found myself circling downtown Phoenix once before wizzing back to Chicago during the Crazy Train solo. Ibanez used to make an RG with a reflective pick guard which was nice for fixing your hair. The anti-gravity modules are perfect for levitating during key guitar solos. This came stock in the official Jackson Randy Rhoades V as featured in the Crazy Train Official Animated Video. The internal tasing unit that comes with a song instructional program called 'OO-Ow-Ah-STOP IT!' zaps you whenever you make a mistake while learning songs and is available on most Model 83-1BXJ57-9/?$+93# electric guitars by Lawrence Farquart of Long Island. That Jackson is perfect by the way. I brought one of my adult students to the guitar store and handed her that one along with a several others to try. She is in her mid 40's and likes Ed Sheehan and Fleetwood Mack and that's the guitar she picked. She said 'I love it' and I said 'me too, it has everything you could ever want.' That shirt is so awesome. My first blank video tape that I had movies recorded on had 1) John Carpenter's 'The Thing,' 2) Alice in Wonderland (Why, I see what's wrong with it! This watch is full of wheels!), and 3) the 1984 Police Synchronicity live concert

[@michaelj3959]

I did the exact same thing. I bought an X Series Soloist in Dec 2018. It has an H H configuration. The guitar itself was made very well. There are no flaws whatsoever in the guitar. The "Duncan Designed" pickups were kind of lame. I replaced them with real Duncan's. I put an SH-1 in the neck and a JB-TB4 in the bridge. The Floyd Rose Special actually worked pretty well for about 3 years, until I started having issues with the strings popping out of the saddles. This is a common problem with the Special, due to the zinc alloy construction as opposed to the Schaller OFR which is hardened steel and brass. I replaced it last year with a Schaller OFR. The guitar is awesome now and also my favorite.

[@corporalclegg914]

I remember the ads for Jacksons in ‘80s & ‘90s Guitar World & Guitar Player mags. I’ve always been a Fender & Rick Snob, but an older cool dude who showed me Kill’em All -> …Justice licks loved his Jackson & would pass it to me, after I’d unlocked Metallica licks on Strat. I’ve never owned a Jackson, but they’re iconic.

[@drew3865]

I have a white Jackson Dinky with Fishman Fluence ceramic pickups and a Floyd Rose that I LOVE.

[@NuMetalDad]

One of my favorites is a 97 Jackson Dinky Reverse. I have had so many guitars since getting it, but there's just something about it that I like. I got it years ago off a kid who had no idea how much it was worth for $150, so its definitely my cheapest buy, but its just "that" guitar for me.

[@markscott1599]

I had one from that era. Totally agree.

[@GODHATESADOPTION]

I had a Jackson ps4 and a dinky that were at a pawn shop

[@tankdarla637]

willing to bet its not a 97, Serial number has nothing to do with year

[@Hiro.the.God.]

Dude I’m not kidding, I have seen your Jackson on reverb. I clearly remember that decal on the backend!

[@tythompson4794]

Oh my god. A few months ago, I picked one of those up and played with it for an hour. I told my mom I loved it and she bought it for me as a Christmas present.

[@jmabs5096]

6:00 ddario straps with built in lock system are hands down are so nice, no need to get strap locks for every guitar and it's easy on and off

[@orion681]

Been playing an '87 Model 3A since I was 14 and it's one of the best feeling guitars I've ever played. Jackson and Charvel are the real deal....even the imports

[@Ausdoerrt]

I have a JS22, Jackson makes some fantastic guitars

[@LockRocker]

These changed my opinion of Indonesia, mine's been tweaked over time, I deleted the middle single, adding a guard to hide the mod. I use a 1984 Floyd and currently have a Duncan Full Shred in the bridge and a fender fat 60's in the neck. Just a 3-way and new wiring and I think it's finally complete.

[@landmind666]

I love the feel of jackson necks, they make want and enjoy playing them

[@guitarzan2979]

I totally agree with Mike about the Allen wrench access. I have the magnetic one, so I can move it to whichever guitar I’m playing with a trem and I only need one. I also lower that eyesore middle pickup on my Ibanez because my pick catches it. One of these days I’m going to remove it and cover the cutout of the pick guard with something creative.

[@caseylee12]

This last week I found a neon orange one at a pawn shop for $250. Not a scratch on it. And whoever owned it has already swapped out the bridge pickup for a Seymour Duncan...so win-win! Awesome guitar! And it came with a raodrunner hard case. Thanks for the video!

[@CR3271]

It's funny how sometimes a piece of gear can surprise you. Not a Jackson, but along the same idea of surprise...21 years ago I bought an RG7420 sight unseen out of a catalog to serve as a backup in case I busted a string on my RG7620 during a gig. Turns out I liked the feel of the 7420 better. It has become my main guitar for the last 20 years, and I sold the more expensive 7620 somewhere around 8-9 years ago.

[@julianortiz4151]

Awesome video. I also have an Indonesian made Jackson Soloist but mine is black with 2 humbuckers, 2 knobs, and a 3 way selector switch. I also bought a set of decals that mimic the ones Jeff Hanneman had on his soloist from the mid-late 80s. It’s the. It’s the most aggressive sounding of all my guitars, perfect for Thrash. I agree the mid range guitars are the way to go. Sprucing them up with a few mods becomes less expensive and sometimes you hit the jackpot and really don’t need to modify anything, which was the case with this particular one. My second favorite Jackson of mine is a King V with a Floyd Rose trem. That guitar is also a mid range model. I’ve had quite a bit of luck with them.

[@1969plato]

I got a Jackson custom shop super strat model with stop tail a couple years ago, and it plays better than any high end axe I've ever known.

[@asherplatts6253]

I have two JS series jackson guitars, they are both amazing. The necks are killer. The pickups aren't great, but I replaced one set with Seymour Duncan Black Winters, and it is absolutely amazing now.

[@babysmurfable]

Use a green scotchbrite pad on the back of the neck to give the gloss a more satin style feel and if you ever want it gloss again just buff it with car polish till its shiny again

[@jimmymichaud8227]

My #1 is a 90's made in Indonesia BC Rich warlock I bought for $100 from some guy standing outside a closed pawn shop. Sounded like crap but felt great to play. Swapped out all the electronics, sanded the neck pocket smooth for a tight fit, and took the gloss off the neck.

[@raventheis4630]

I have the Dinky Arch top in white. It was quite cheap $200 brand new. This is my favorite guitar i ever owned. Cheap guitars can be great.

[@benstanfill363]

I recently started playing my Taylor solidbody classic that I was given years ago, and while it's not a guitar for metal, you can get a fat sound out of it. Feels awesome to play and a great sound. I'm very thankful to have it as my other guitar is dirt cheap and while its not terrible is not great either.

[@chadnikolaus8793]

Okay. I was at the guitar shop recently, randomly picked up a Jackson dnky and was like "WHOA" I might need this thing. Been looking at them recently. And now... you put up this video. I'll take it as a sign that it's time to order, lol.

[@virgiliovaden2142]

I have one of the least expensive Jackson guitars available and it plays beautifully. The neck play smoothly and the action is excellent.

[@ericvandruten]

5:56 - check out the Ernie Ball polylock straps. (not affiliated in any way).

[@INVERTEDBUKAKI]

Awesome man, for some reason I prefer bolt ons so I went with the js32 model. The only set neck strat type I really bonded with was a ESP Ltd kh602. Most others feel like a dead body but that's me . Anyway I put a j90c pickup from the 80s in the bridge of the j32q and it slays.

[@lasombra_br]

That's a very good review, thanks! It sucks to have your stuff stolen 😩 I would love to see what you'll upgrade this guitar with :)

[@bojangles6444]

I have an Alan wrench that’s magnetic. If you have metal tuners you never lose it sticks without any mods- I never take it off my guitar with a Floyd. Forget what it’s called but it looks like a big handle, the wrench part is very small but perfect for locking the nuts.

[@ericprincen3345]

That looks exactly like an Epiphone HSS from the mid/late 80s that was stolen. Same color, headstock, and shark fins. Neck through. I had a Floyd put in it about a month before it was stolen. Loved that guitar. Replaced it with the Ibanez 770 in my picture on the left.

[@ProudFilthyCasual]

Recently traded for the same guitar in Highlighter Orange, and it's immediately my favorite guitar I've ever owned. I no longer understand why every guitar isn't neck-through.

[@michaeldavis3139]

Noice! I got one in Fluro yellow it looks sick on stage cause under blue lights it glows that plus a smoke machine playing punk rock with shreddy solos. People go nuts

[@s60416]

I have a similar guitar, Jackson DK2, a Pro Serise Dinky. it has smooth maple neck and Seymour Duncan pickups. it's very easy to play and it sounds good...own it for over 10 years,and it's still my fav

[@DavidBrownTheTechDjinn]

16" compound radius necks makes a MAJOR difference. I've never owned a Jackson (I have played them though), but that is a major reason my favorite guitar to play is an Ibanez RG series with the Wizard neck. I have several different guitars and different brands, but the RG with the Wizard neck are my favorite.

[@kotogray8335]

I have an older 1990 Charvel with a humbucker and a single spaced humbucker that is a dream to play and sounds amazing. Sometimes you just get a good one. I also have a 2010 Jackson RR1 USA custom in dark blue that has an original Floyd Rose and super hot pickups. Has the lowest action of all my guitars

[@michaeleaster1815]

2:48 re: slick. Thank you for _not_ saying "plays like butter" (pet-peeve, as that phrase makes me want to wash my hands... ha ha)... great video!

[@scotticidal]

I have 3 of the 300 Jackson Kellys... I change pups in bridge, strings, and get it set up by a pro. I love them and he is blown away but how solid they are.

[@Bozochelly]

Mid range (Indo, Mex, China) can usually vary in quality and getting a "lemon" is definitely a factor in my experiences. The X series have always caught my attention but new import Fender/Jackson's scare me a bit seeing nowadays everything is cut costs, corners and QC. Thanks for the video, and adding "unpaid", thats very important. I will definitely check one out. The cost of the new flat, bland USA Soloist is redonkulous.

[@jsl21]

Considering you have LP Custom and a Jem it's pretty cool you're no.1 is a mid-range Indonesian model, just a testament to how good import guitars have gotten. Also a testament to you as a player that you're good enough not to need the most expensive gear, you can just rock with anything. More guitar rundowns!

[@chairmankaga101]

The midrange guitar is the way to go. For most players, something in the $800-1,000 range is fine. It’s a Soloist, a Wolfgang Special, an RG, or in my case a PT Pro. Upgrade if you want, but for most of us, that’s the sweet spot.

[@retrocny5625]

I have a couple Jacksons, both a dinky and a soloist and they're my favorite guitars to actually sit down and play. Not my favorite looking guitars or even the most sentimental guitars I own, but actually playing them is so much fun. Both have floyds, incredibly fast necks but the thing I've always loved about them is the string spacing compared to other floyd loaded guitars I've owned. Not the bridge's spacing, but the locking nut width is a little wider I guess? Basically the end result is the space between the strings feels a little bigger than some of my other guitars like ESPs. Whatever it is, it feels better to play for my particular hands.

[@Woelan]

my $500 epiphone LP is my favorite out of the bunch i have. A quick setup and it was golden out of the gate. You dont have to break the bank for a great sounding and comfortable guitar!

[@Romeo_Blake]

10:19 use it to your advantage on a hard tail guitar without a trem system. Bend a string (b is the easiest imo) then a pluck the low e and it acts as a dive bomb without the trem. Random but as you mentioned it I wanted to put it out there 😂

[@lloydgreen4091]

Thanks Mike-- I really appreciate all the info. Means a lot to me coming from a Guitar Guy with 3/4 of a Million Subscribers. Keep pushin' On

[@Tee-Jayyy]

Jackson’s at times can be pretty nice. My Jackson as nice as it is tends to have major technical issues, especially with its cord Jack. I tend to really gravitate toward guitars like Hi Fliers and Jaguars mostly because of not just their sound, but also I just happen to find the body to be the right comfort I look for out of a guitar

[@wasteddude9387]

Hey man. We’re such different people. And you’re a more capable player than me. But wow, we agree on SO MUCH about the guitar. It’s awesome to meet you, dude. It’s like you’re my brother. Unbelievable.

[@eddominates]

I'm a fan of the little magnetic allen key that sticks to the tuners in the same spot. Convenience of always having your allen key, without having to drill any holes in your headstock

[@newgunguy4176]

Some Lizard Spit fret polishing pads on those frets will keep it nice!

[@Xaion6]

Had an SL4X, loved the Vintage Hot Stack I put in the neck

[@tacob69]

During the lockdown I bought myself a Jackson Flying V that I've wanted my whole life(at the time I was 48)and even though I've played Jackson's at the store I realized I hate the shredder necks.Thank God my wife talked me into getting the middle price one because I would have lost more money if I would have gotten the most expensive one.I like chunky necks but not flat necks.

[@erizzle67]

I used to have a blue Jackson. Stock. It was always very solid. Very good guitar. But my main is an Ibanez RG T - yes T. Through neck RG! Swapped out the pickups for Seymour Duncans and the final package is just incredible. Double locking, always in tune no matter what. The only thing I don’t like is the volume knob doesn’t really function like my other guitars. You can’t back off and get a Van Halen type sound - it’s all or nothing for the best sound. So, not a versatile guitar but for metal it’s great.

[@toddkoenig426]

Looks like a great piece of gear, I have a number of the Jackson Dinky DK2M's. A little narrow on the neck, but nice size for transport when in a case. Have to modify them now, for tools on the neck! Thanks for the review! Rock on! 🤘

[@tankdarla637]

I have a couple, top notch guitars DK2M

[@earlgreybandit]

I've got the hard tail version of that guitar in satin transparent purple burst finish with spalted maple top. It's a discontinued model so it was hard to find one that wasn't used.

[@GearGasms]

My neon pink one had issues like uneven frets apparently so I moved it on. Hated the pups too. Played great other than the fret issue so it was fixable

[@canadianbacon3410]

5:34 I find that problem a lot to with my picking hand knocking the volume and turning the volume down. Unfortunately I don’t notice that my sound has been affected until the volume is on 1.

[@eddiejr540]

I agree….the volume knob has to be out of the way…and deck that middle pickup….rock on my brother!!!!

[@paulbaglio6295]

I'm 53... been kicking around a while lol... I've never found a better shredding guitar than my USA Jackson's. I've tried plenty but always circled back to Jackson's. I don't like playing them too often because the value on them has skyrocketed so I've been playing Pro series Jackson's like the Dave Davidson WR7. Amazing necks and killer tone with Imperium pickups... great for hi gain