The Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is a powerhouse seven-string electric guitar that caters to modern guitarists seeking extended range capabilities and exceptional playability. Renowned for its sleek design, versatile tone, and reliable performance, this instrument has become a go-to choice for players across various genres. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the features, construction, sound quality, and overall performance of the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky, shedding light on why it’s an excellent option for both aspiring musicians and seasoned shredders alike.
1. Design and Construction
The Jackson JS22-7 Dinky boasts a classic Dinky-style body design, which combines the comfort of a contoured shape with the aggressive aesthetics that the brand is known for. Its lightweight and well-balanced construction make it ideal for long playing sessions and live performances. The guitar’s solid basswood body provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the smooth satin finish enhances playability and ensures a natural feel.
The neck of the JS22-7 Dinky is constructed from maple, featuring a bolt-on design for added stability and resonance. The 26.5-inch scale length accommodates the extended range of the seven-string setup, ensuring optimal string tension and improved intonation across all frets.
2. Playability and Comfort
One of the standout features of the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is its exceptional playability. The slim and fast neck profile allows for effortless navigation across the fretboard, enabling players to execute complex riffs and speedy solos with ease. The rosewood fingerboard, with its 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays, ensures smooth fretting and comfortable hand positioning, making it an ideal guitar for both lead and rhythm playing.
The contoured body design further enhances playing comfort by providing ample forearm support, allowing for hours of uninterrupted playing without fatigue. Whether you’re shredding on stage or honing your skills in the studio, the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky proves to be a comfortable and versatile companion.
3. Pickups and Electronics
Equipped with high-output Jackson-designed humbucking pickups, the JS22-7 Dinky delivers a powerful and dynamic tone that’s well-suited for heavy genres like metal and hard rock. The bridge pickup packs a punch, offering tight low-end response and crisp highs, while the neck pickup adds warmth and depth to clean passages and melodic playing.
The three-way pickup selector allows for quick and easy tonal switching, while the master volume and tone controls provide further sound-shaping options. Whether you prefer chugging riffs, soaring leads, or expressive clean tones, the JS22-7 Dinky offers a broad sonic palette to suit your musical preferences.
4. Versatility in Genres
While the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky excels in high-gain genres, its tonal versatility extends beyond metal and rock. The seven-string setup opens up a world of sonic possibilities, allowing players to explore lower tunings and add depth to their soundscapes. From Djent-style riffing to progressive rock solos and everything in between, the JS22-7 Dinky proves to be an adaptable and expressive instrument for musicians with diverse musical tastes.
5. Solid Hardware and Tuning Stability
The JS22-7 Dinky is equipped with reliable hardware, ensuring excellent tuning stability and dependable performance. The sturdy Jackson-branded sealed die-cast tuners keep the strings in tune, even during aggressive playing or intense bending.
The high-quality Jackson HT7 string-through-body hardtail bridge enhances sustain and resonance while providing a stable anchor for the strings. Whether you’re unleashing heavy riffs or performing intricate fingerstyle passages, the JS22-7 Dinky stays in tune and delivers consistent performance.
6. Affordability without Compromise
One of the most attractive aspects of the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is its affordability, making it an accessible option for players of all levels. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the guitar does not compromise on quality, offering features and performance usually found in higher-priced models. For aspiring seven-string players looking to dive into the world of extended range guitars without breaking the bank, the JS22-7 Dinky stands as a top contender.
The Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is a versatile and formidable seven-string electric guitar that offers exceptional playability, versatile tone, and reliable performance. With its sleek design, extended range capabilities, and affordable price, this instrument proves to be an excellent choice for aspiring musicians, seasoned shredders, and anyone seeking to expand their sonic horizons.
Whether you’re exploring heavy genres, delving into progressive landscapes, or experimenting with new sounds, the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is ready to unleash your musical potential and accompany you on your journey of creative expression. With its exceptional features and performance, the JS22-7 Dinky stands tall as a true player’s instrument, inviting guitarists to embark on an exciting and rewarding musical adventure.
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky Vs. Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe — Highlighting their differences and the unique characteristics each guitar offers.
1. Design and Construction:
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky: The JS22-7 Dinky features a classic Dinky-style body design with a sleek and modern aesthetic. Its solid basswood body and bolt-on maple neck contribute to its lightweight and comfortable feel. The 26.5-inch scale length accommodates the seven-string setup, providing extended range capabilities.
Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe: The Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe follows the traditional Les Paul design, known for its iconic double-cutaway mahogany body and carved maple top. Its set mahogany neck and 24.75-inch scale length are typical features of Gibson Les Paul guitars, offering a thicker and more substantial feel compared to the JS22-7 Dinky.
2. Pickups and Electronics:
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky: The JS22-7 Dinky is equipped with Jackson-designed high-output humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and aggressive tone ideal for metal and hard rock genres. Its three-way pickup selector, master volume, and tone controls provide straightforward sound-shaping options.
Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe: The Les Paul ’70s Deluxe is equipped with dual mini-humbuckers, which offer a distinct and unique tone compared to traditional full-sized humbuckers. The mini-humbuckers provide a balance between the warm and thick Les Paul sound and a slightly brighter and clearer tone. The Les Paul features individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, allowing for more precise tonal adjustments.
3. Playability and Feel:
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky: The JS22-7 Dinky is known for its exceptional playability, with a slim and fast neck profile that allows for effortless navigation across the fretboard. The rosewood fingerboard and jumbo frets ensure smooth fretting and comfortable hand positioning, making it a favorite for lead guitarists and shredders.
Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe: The Les Paul ’70s Deluxe features a thicker neck profile compared to the JS22-7 Dinky, which may appeal to players who prefer a more substantial and substantial feel. The shorter 24.75-inch scale length also contributes to a different playing experience, with a slightly stiffer string tension.
4. Sonic Versatility:
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky: The seven-string setup of the JS22-7 Dinky offers extended range capabilities, making it versatile for exploring lower tunings and adding depth to heavy and progressive music genres. While it excels in high-gain styles, it may not be as well-suited for traditional single-coil tones found in some blues and classic rock styles.
Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe: The Les Paul ’70s Deluxe offers a classic and iconic Les Paul sound, known for its thick and warm tones. The mini-humbuckers provide a unique tonal character that sits between the traditional PAF humbuckers and single-coil pickups. As such, it can be suitable for a wide range of genres, including blues, classic rock, and even some jazz styles.
5. Price:
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky: The JS22-7 Dinky is known for its affordability, making it an accessible option for players on a budget or those looking to explore the world of seven-string guitars without a substantial financial investment.
Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe: As a Gibson Les Paul model, the ’70s Deluxe is generally higher in price compared to the JS22-7 Dinky, reflecting the brand’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
The Jackson JS22-7 Dinky and the Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe offer distinct features and tonal characteristics, catering to different preferences and musical styles. The JS22-7 Dinky is an excellent choice for modern metal and rock players seeking extended range capabilities and exceptional playability at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Gibson Les Paul ’70s Deluxe embodies the classic Les Paul sound and design, with the added charm of mini-humbuckers that contribute to its unique sonic character.
Ultimately, the choice between the two guitars depends on individual playing style, genre preferences, and budget considerations. Both instruments have their strengths and appeal to different players, highlighting the diversity and innovation present in the world of electric guitars.
