MusicRadar

Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve hit rock bottom. In Jackson’s entire product line, you will not find a cheaper 24-fret electric than the JS22R Dinky: a new model that squeezes profit margins until they weep for mercy with a spec built on high-output humbuckers, basswood body, bolt-on maple neck and fulcrum bridge.

After the relative luxury of the Schecter, this model feels a little stripped, but it’s still a Jackson through and through. It’s cool to see the shark fin inlays, and the physical feel should please Soloist fans too, with a dead-fast neck that isn’t miles off the more expensive models, a compound radius fretboard that excels at lead over rhythm, and a good vibrato in a test dominated by hardtails.

With basswood in place of its rivals’ mahogany, the clean tone is inevitably a little flat, but we’re impressed by the punchy performance on the gain channel where the output is loud, lean and hard: perfect for gigs, pushing it in the studio.

Verdict

The JS22R is a great addition to the Jackson range and perfect for players who are tight on cash. While it’s true that this £239 model doesn’t sound like a top-drawer Jackson, the difference is not the yawning gulf you might imagine, thanks to a tone that’s punchy and plenty good enough until the gigs start getting really big. For the Dinky price, the JS22R gives a king-sized performance.

Pros: Classic Jackson vibe, great value.
Cons: A bit unnatural for rhythm.

BUY: Jackson JS22R Dinky currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive | GuitarGuitar