You know that feeling when you’re browsing for a new guitar, and you’re like, „Hmm, should I even bother with this one?”.
Well, if that’s where you’re at with the Jackson JS32 Dinky, let me help you out: Yes, yes you should.
This guitar is something special for the price, even if it’s not perfect (but let’s be real—what is?).
TL;DR – Quick Overview
Not in the mood to read the whole thing? No worries, I got you. IMO it’s one of the best cheap guitars with Floyd Rose. Here’s why:
- Great build quality: Feels solid, no cheap corners cut, even though it’s priced like a budget guitar.
- Looks awesome: Natural oil finish on a mahogany body, sharkfin inlays, black hardware. It’s got that cool, sleek vibe.
- Affordable: Crazy low price for what you get—seriously!
- Powerful pickups: Two high-output Jackson humbuckers ready to shred. Perfect for rock and metal.
- Floyd Rose tremolo: Dive bombs galore, and it actually stays in tune!
- Fast neck: Maple neck with a compound radius, built for speed and smooth playability.
6 Advantages Of Jackson JS32 Dinky
1. Looks That Kill (Not Literally, but Close)
Right off the bat, this guitar just looks like it means business. You’ve got this mahogany body with a natural oil finish—it’s not flashy, but it’s got this badass, understated vibe that works. It’s like the guitar equivalent of showing up to a party in a leather jacket—cool without trying too hard.
Oh, and the sharkfin inlays on the amaranth fretboard? Classic Jackson. They give you that instant “I’m here to shred” look without screaming it.
And let’s not forget the black hardware and Floyd Rose licensed tremolo. I mean, it’s got that whole stealth ninja thing going on, which is perfect for a guitar built to melt faces (in a good way).
To sum it up: It looks cool, it’ll make you look cool. What more do you need?
You can check out the sound demo below.
2. It’s Cheap, Like Stupid Cheap
You’re probably thinking, “A guitar that looks this good has to cost a fortune, right?” Nope. That’s where this thing surprises you.
It’s priced so low that it almost feels like you’re getting away with something. You get all this for a few hundred bucks? Man, you’d expect it to feel like a toy, but no—it feels legit.
It’s the kind of deal where you’re like, “Is this even legal?” I mean, sure, it’s not a $3,000 custom shop guitar, but for the price? It’s a no-brainer.
You’ll have some extra cash left over for pedals or maybe even an amp upgrade. Win-win :)!
3. Two Humbuckers That’ll Blow Your Mind
Now let’s talk about the pickups because, let’s be real, we all know this is where it counts. The Jackson high-output humbuckers are designed to give you that thick, crunchy tone that just begs for distortion.
Like, they’re hot. Perfect for metal, rock, or anything that requires you to punch through the mix.
But don’t expect this thing to handle smooth jazz tones or fingerpicking folk stuff. That’s not its vibe.
These humbuckers are like, “Dude, let’s crank up the gain and go nuts.” The three-way switch gives you enough tonal variety to play with, though you’re still living in the land of loud and heavy. But honestly, who’s complaining?
4. Floyd Rose = Dive Bomb Heaven
If you’re anything like me, you love a good whammy bar. Enter the Floyd Rose licensed Jackson double-locking tremolo. I’m just gonna say it—if you’ve never used a Floyd Rose before, prepare to have your mind blown (and maybe your patience tested a bit).
This thing lets you do all the crazy dive bombs and pitch bends you’ve dreamed of without completely wrecking your tuning.
Here’s the thing, though: Setting up a Floyd Rose can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. But once you get the hang of it? Oh man, it’s worth it. You can go wild, and your guitar will still stay in tune like a champ. Just don’t blame me if you lose a few hours trying to tune it the first time. It’s a rite of passage 😉
5. Speed Demon Neck
The maple neck on this bad boy is fast—like, really fast. We’re talking shred-worthy here. The compound fretboard radius is smooth as butter, making it easier to play up and down the neck without feeling like you’re fighting the guitar.
Plus, there’s 24 frets, so you can hit those crazy high notes when you’re showing off.
If you’re the kind of player who likes to rip through scales or sweep-pick until your fingers bleed, this neck is for you. I mean, the thing just begs to be played fast. And hey, if you’re not there yet? Well, this guitar’s gonna help you get there.
But heads up: If you’re sloppy with your technique, this neck’s gonna call you out. No mercy here, but that’s a good thing. Keeps you honest.
6. Built Like a Tank
For the price, the build quality is shockingly solid. You’ve got a mahogany body, and it’s got a nice weight to it—doesn’t feel cheap at all.
The die-cast machine heads do a great job keeping the tuning stable, and nothing about the hardware feels flimsy. I’ve played guitars twice the price that didn’t feel as solid as this one.
Honestly, I was expecting some corner-cutting at this price, but nah. The Floyd Rose is sturdy, the finish is smooth, and the overall feel is solid. Jackson really knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s like, “How are they selling this for so cheap?” Again, are we sure this isn’t some kind of mistake?
Here’s an another demo.
The Not-So-Great Stuff:
So, let’s keep it real—while the Jackson JS32 Dinky does a lot right, there are some downsides to consider.
First off, that Floyd Rose tremolo can be a pain. Sure, it’s great for all your dive bomb dreams, but if you’re not experienced with setting it up, tuning, or restringing? You’re in for a frustrating time.
Plus, the high-output humbuckers are perfect for metal and rock, but good luck getting warm, bluesy tones out of them—they’re kinda one-trick ponies. Lastly, while the build quality is solid for the price, it’s not flawless.
Some parts might feel a bit cheaper, but hey, it’s not a $1,000 guitar.
My Rating: 8.5/10
If I’m rating this guitar, I gotta give it an 8.5 out of 10. It’s a beast for metal and rock players, especially if you’re on a budget.
The tone is killer, the neck is fast, and the tremolo is a dream if you know how to handle it. I’m docking a bit of a point for the Floyd Rose setup—it’s not beginner-friendly, and it can be a pain for the uninitiated—but honestly, once you get it down, you’ll never go back.
If you’re curious about more gear reviews, come check out my YouTube channels: Strefa Gitar and Best Guitars Now. I talk gear, demos, and a whole lot of other stuff you might like 🙂
FAQ
Q: Can beginners handle this guitar?
A: If you’re brand new to guitars, the Floyd Rose might give you a hard time at first. But if you’re a quick learner and into heavier genres, it’s definitely doable.
Q: Will this guitar stay in tune if I use the tremolo a lot?
A: Absolutely. As long as you set it up properly, the Floyd Rose and die-cast tuners hold tuning like a champ—even with aggressive use.
Q: Can I use it for blues or softer genres?
A: You can, but that’s not really what it’s made for. It’s built for rock, metal, and anything that involves distortion. You’ll want something else for more mellow tones.
Final Thoughts
So, should you grab the Jackson JS32 Dinky? If you’re into fast riffs, heavy distortion, and you want a guitar that looks like it should cost a lot more, then yes. It’s not for everyone—especially not for those looking for smooth cleans or versatility—but for metalheads and rockers, it’s a total win.
Get it, play it, and rock out. Just don’t blame me when your neighbors start complaining about the noise 😉