DKMG Review

The DKMG has all the features of the DKMGT except in a locking tremolo configuration. Now you can take that 20db of boost from the EMG Turbocharger and dive-bomb out of control. Transparent finishes have an exotic looking flame maple top.

Features:	8.7
Sound:	9.1
Action:	8.5
Reliability:	9.3
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.9
Users rating:	7.8
Comments:	42

overall: 9.2

Featured review by: lightning_boots, on june 01, 2005

Price paid: $ 900

Purchased from: Retailer

Features: This is my review on this guitar. It's a Jackson DKMG. This is a new model. I think 2002, not quite sure though. This guitar was made in Japan. It's a nice guitar for a Japanese model, though. First off I love this guitar. It has a total of 24 frets. These are jumbo frets. It has a maple neck and a compound radius fretboard. The body is alder wood, which gives a warm sound. The finish is four types; black, cobalt, cobalt swirl, and black forest. These are nice colors. The black forest is really nice. I'd say its body style is Strat, but smaller. The bridge style is Floyd Rose Licensed double locking tremelo. It's not as good as the original, but its better than most of the bridges. I can dive-bomb my way all the way down, pull it up, mess with it and its still will be in tune. Quite nice if your a lead player. The pickups are EMG-HZ passive pickups. These are nice and provide excellent sound for passive pickups. There is a master volume and a master tone with a three way pickup selector. It also has a booster on it. It makes the sound louder by 20 dbs. Pushes your lead tones out in front. Useless with distortion though. You can also adjust the booster level. The tuners are I believe are Jackson tuners. // 8

Sound: The sound is excellent with passive pickups. You can make harmonics come out of this bad boy like nothing. I play thrash metal. I also play lead. I can play really fast on this guitar too. It has a fast neck. I also play the blues on this bad boy and it sounds excellant with the neck pickup. I run through it with a Carvin Legacy amp. The sound is unbelievable and the distortion is awesome. I also use a Morley Bad Horsie Wah pedal and a Metal master distortion. It's nice. This guitar is noisy when its cranked. It pickups sound good. It doesnt hum or squeal when it's loud. The sound I'd say is warm, thick, sound. Great for the blues or metal. This bad boy can hit Pinch harmonics, tap harmonics, natural harmonics, you name it and this guitar can do it. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action on this guitar is really low. I can go so fast on this sucker. You'll have to adjust it a bit if you play rhythm 'cause at the 2nd to 4th frets you can get buzz. The pickups were set up nice. Just like it wanted them to be. Not to low, not to high. The bridge is setup right. Its not off or anything. Its aligned with the neck good. The guitar didn't have any flaws that I know of. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I have played live with this guitar a few times and I must say I'll use it again. I never dropped it but hit it hard on stuff accindentally. Its still good. The hardware should last if you don't abuse it. The Floyd goes out of tune if you dont tighten the locking nut real tight. The strap buttion are solid. They want fall off if you leave them alone. I can depend on this guitar. It won't get all mest up on stage. The finish is quite good. It gets dirty easy but thats nothing. I gets stratched kinda easy though. // 8

Impression: As I said before, I play the blues and thrash metal. This guitar is good for both. Thats that. I have been playing for about a year, but I'm quite good, well thats what people say. I'd say I'm intermediate. I also own a les paul. I'd choose this guitar over the les believe it or not. If I got this guitar stolen or if I lost it, I'd buy it again. Its worth the money. I love this guitar. It has everything a lead player could ask for. I enjoy the sound booster. When I'm on stage and the rhythm player is too loud for me to be heard, I just pop this baby out and I overpower the sound too easy. Its a nice feature. The only thing I wish it had were seperat volume controls for the pickups. Other than that, this guitar will not fail you. You'll fall in love with this guitar once you start playing it whether your at a music store or your freinds house. // 10

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: Martyrion, on december 13, 2005

Price paid: $ 823.5

Purchased from: Electrohill Music

Features: 24 frets of a first class maple neck. Mine is with a black finish. It's got a floyd rose licensed bridge and 2 passive EMG-HZ's. 1 volume knob, 1 tone control, and 1 EMG Turbocharger for a 0-20 db boost. It's got locking tuners, and you need several tools to change anything. Including the tuning. // 9

Sound: It's made for metal and shred. It has a heavy, deep sound, and the lead pickup has enough high end for most people. It's pretty quiet, but not as much as you might expect. The pickups are OK, but none too good. I personally recommend changing them in a EMG 81/85 set instead. The sound is very good alltogether, and I can't really complain, as this thing will make any shredder go nuts. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: The action is perfect. It's as low as it gets without buzzing the frets. If you ever wanted to shred with high precision and awsome intonation, then this is the guitar you want. The pickups are just right and they will stay that way unless you loosen the screws. My volume knob fell of once, but it was just a loose screw, so there was no real problem. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This is a solid guitar. I will admit that I have not been as careful as I should have been, but still I have made no scratch. The hardware is solid, and so are the knobs and the strap buttons. I trust this guitar with no backup. // 10

Impression: The guitar is awsome. I am changing the pickups, but for it's price I've tried nothing better. I've been using this for 6-7 months and I have played for a deal of years now, and tried a quite a few guitars. This one is killer. Unless you buy an ESP for 3,000$ then you wont find many metal guitars of higher quality. I love this guitar, and I would get another one over and over again if it were stolen. // 9

overall: 8.4

Reviewed by: shanerdoo, on march 13, 2006

Price paid: $ 635

Purchased from: aj's guitars

Features: This guitar is awesome. I have no clue what year it was made, but I do know it was made in Japan. Maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and an alder body. It's all black and it has a carved top. It has a liscenced floyd rose, I'd rather had an ofr, but that's okay now, 'cause it stays in tune when I divebomb. It has EMG HZ which are pretty weak, but when I get a job, ill upgrade them to EMG 81/85 or some Seymour Duncans. One volume, one tone, and some booster thing, that I think mine is messed up, but based on other reveiws that say it sucks, I'm not mad about it. 3-way pick up selector. It has a locking nut of course so it stays in tune. Oh yeah, and the reversed headstock is pretty badass looking. // 8

Sound: I have my DKMG, ME-50, to a Fender FM 212R (100 watts) and it sounds pretty good. My heavy tone sounds so good and deep and my clean really bright and clear, but I think thats because of the amp. With the floyd rose, I can dive bomb, and harmonic dive things without going out of tune. If you have watched that dimebag video where he teaches you how to squeal, this guitar does it perfectly with the right technique. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: When I bought it the action was a little high, but I lowered it. The pickups are at perfect height. No scratches, no lose things. It was set up pretty good. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I would gig with this guitar easily. The hardware seems like it'll be fine for a long time. The strap buttons are pretty solid, but I want to change them to strap locks just to be safe. I wouldn't bring a backup if I gigged with it. // 9

Impression: I play anything from RHCP to Slayer and this guitar does it all. I've been playing for three years and this is my third guitar. If it were stolen, I would buy it again, but if I had the money, I would buy an an ESP M-2 like I orginally wanted, but it was 1000 dollars more, so I just bought this, and I'm glad I did. I just wish it had EMG 81/85 and an official floyd rose. // 8

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: tyler_faith_08, on november 04, 2008

Price paid: $ 680

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: I did another review on this guitar in it's stock form. This is the review on the modified version. The guitar's tone in stock form was too thin for my taste. I have added a bit of weight in a few places and added a Seymour Duncan '59 model pickup in the bridge position that is turned clockwise to counter the smaller size of the pickup, and a 500k pot. I removed the EMG from the neck position, and the 3 way Switch, but plan to replace it in form of a kill Switch. I also made a heavier block for the Floyd Rose that was large enough to allow me to make it a set design, instead of floating, while increasing sustain. // 10

Sound: I play this guitar through a Raven RG60 amp, and have nailed the early EVH tone. Compared to stock, it sounds like the volume is turned up to about 15 or more. The guitar sustains for longer that just about any other guitar I've ever played. it's got great lows, killer highs, and screams over the top. The great thing about it is that the lows don't drown out the highs, and the harmonics are the best I've ever heard. Bar none. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: As of right now, the guitar has the lowest action that I've ever played on. It bends effortlessly, and accepts different string gauges without any intonation adjustments at all, but only after the first adjustment. This holds true with all floyds that come on this guitar. // 9

Reliability & Durability: If I could pick any guitar to use on stage anywhere at anytime, I'd pick my Jackson. I can jump around because I have eye screws and locking clips in place of the strap buttons. I've dropped this guitar from a second story deck and it didn't even go out of tune. It is nearly impossible to dent the neck, but the body will dent pretty easily. other than that, it is flawless. // 9

Impression: I've been playing since christmas 2003, and this is the closest I've ever heard to the early EVH tone. it's easy to play, but it's only this good if it's been modified. I had a lot of specific details in mind when I purchased this guitar, and now it is exactly what I want. If you intend on modifying it, buy it. // 9

overall: 9.2

Reviewed by: Metal Man Kam, on april 09, 2008

Price paid: $ 739.95

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: Not sure where it was made, but it was made in 2006, and it rocks. 24 jumbo frets, Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Low Profile JT580 LP Double Locking 2-Point Tremolo, EMG 81 in the bridge, EMG 85 in the neck, 25.5" scale, rosewood fingerboard with Compound 14” to 16” Radius, 1 volume and 1 tone controls, Bolt-On Rock Maple neck with Scarf Joint Head Stock, Alder body with Carved Top and Flame Maple Veneer, comes with .009-.042 strings, 1-11/16” (43mm)nut, Reverse Jackson 6-In-Line Pointed Headstock, MOTO Piranha Tooth Position Inlays, Ivoroid Binding on Neck and Headstock. I've read that the horns are hollow but I don't know if it's true or not. I would like to have an afterburner on it. // 8

Sound: I play mostly heavy metal with a Line 6 Spider II 15 practice amp and it suits metal very well. I know the amp doesn't sound good at high volumes but I don't need it loud so it sounds great and the EMG's are awesome. I raised the bridge pickup (81) as close to the strings as I could get it without the strings touching it when I push the tremolo all the way down, pull it all the way up. I'd like for it to have more sustain, and the supposedly hollow horns could be a big part of the problem. I tend to lose my tone when I pull the tremolo all the way up. Great metal tones out of it though, no Dimebag Darrell sounds but I can get pretty close to it so I'm happy with it. I play with the gain all the way up for maximum distortion usually. I know you can get a lot of different tones out of the guitar. They get a good clean sound but I think the EMG 60 is better for cleans than the 85. Very quiet pickups. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: I think everything was great except for the bridge pickup, but that's just my personal preference. I didn't notice any flaws about it except for after a year and a half of playing it the screw under the cover in the back by the tremolo springs that holds the tremolo to the guitar comes loose every few weeks and is really annoying. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Definitely very reliable guitar I think it will last for a long time but I may need to replace the tremolo eventually if it keeps coming loose. I would definitely use it without a backup it's a great guitar and it looks awesome. I wish I got it in transparent black, but it was a gift and the black is great. // 10

Impression: I was playing an Epiphone Les Paul Special II "Mr. Skull" for 3 years when I got this guitar and I was amazed at the difference in tone the Jackson had. I've put a Dimebucker in the Epiphone and detuned it so the tone can compare to the Jackson now, but I still prefer the Jackson. // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: Pat_s1t, on june 05, 2008

Purchased from: Musicstop

Features: I'm not sure what year this guitar was made, but it must be a newer model since the old one had EMG-HZ passives in it. This sucker comes stock equipped with a pair of active EMG 81's and 85's. There is a little sticker on the neck saying "Made In Japan". This factor, however, should not take away from anyones perception of this guitar. This guitar has 24 jumbo frets, with a thin, fast maple neck and a compound radius fretboard, making for very easy, slick and incredibly fast playing. It comes in a variety of finishes, including cobalt blue, cobalt blue swirl, black, black forest and and trans black. The body is a comfortable Strat-style shape made of solid alder, unless you get a transparent finish, in which case the top becomes maple. It has a Floyd Rose Licensed Bridge, not as good as the original, but you can still dive-bomb all you want and it won't come out of tune, as long as the blocks are clamped tightly enough. There is a 3-way pickup Switch between the tone knob and volume knob, because there are only two knobs altogether. The tuners are Jackson tuners, which work well enough. // 9

Sound: Like I said before, this has EMG 81's and 85's, that can punch out anything from Metallica to Primus to Deep Purple. Any kind of rock, metal, punk, generally whetever you play, this thing can do it. I know because I play all three through my Line 6 Spider III 75. It doesn't hum and hasn't given me hardly any feedback since I bought it five days ago, and I have used it extensively since then. If you want something with more variety and choice than the closest Wal-Mart, you'll want this guitar. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was set up very well at the factory. When I got it, the action was incredible, though I like to have my neck to feel like glass, so I did get the local tech guy to do very minor adjustments, that probably weren't really necassary. The pickups were positioned to the perfect height, the double locking bridge was clamped so even after a rough ride on a gravel road, it was still in tune very well when I got it.There were no flaws what'soever, and after about a half an hour of testing in the shop, I bought it. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is built tough. I've already dropped it right onto my bedpost and no scratches or nicks at all. The hardware looks like it will last a long time, and ths guitar is easily tour worthy, even if you only play the local bar once a month. The strap buttons are well placed, and don't move at all. I would depend on it without a backup, and even my guitar teacher, Who does everything to do with guitar making, repair, etc. in my town of 7, 500, says if he lost his custom-made guitar he slaved at for four years, the first thing he would do would be call me up and ask for mine. The finish doesn't scratch easily from what I can see, and it's a very trustworthy guitar. // 10

Impression: I've been playing since January 07, though I started to practice vigorously in November of that year, and continue to do so today. I play a lot of classic rock, hard rock, metal and metalcore, etc., and this guitar fits all of them like Richie Blackmore, Angus Young and Alexi Laiho all played the exact instrument in question. This is an excellent instrument for the aspiring musician, and after playing over 30 guitars in the store, including the ESP Alexi-600, Gibson Slash Signature and the most expensive Stratocaster I could find, this was my favourite. I have no regrets with buying this guitar, and if it were stolen, I'd hunt down the ******* and beat it from HIM in a heartbeat. It comes with everything I need, a fast, slick neck, great pickups, and a name that no one can accuse me of getting because I'm a "fanboy". I genuinely love this guitar, and will keep it forever, for me and my family. // 10

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: PowerDistortion, on september 16, 2008

Price paid: $ 800

Purchased from: Musiciansfriend.com

Features: I'm not real sure what year it was made but I know it is a Japan made guitar and it sounds pretty good.It has a total of 24 pirahna tooth inlay jumbo frets.and is very fast action also. Made of rosewood.Body wood is made of. I'm not sure. It has like 4 finishes,, Blackm Coblat blue, cobalt blue swirl, and black forest. They are all very nnice finishs..Body style is about the same of most guitars, mostly Strat. Kinda small. The bridge is one of my favorite parts. it's a Floyd Rose licensed tremelo and it stays in tune pretty good. The controls on there are a Master Tone and Volume and a 3 way selector, the pickups in it are Zakk Wylde EMG 81/85 set..They sound pretty good, especially for lead guitarist. Overall, if your planning on getting this guitar, I would recommend it. // 9

Sound: I play mostly metal and rock and it sounds great on this guitar. I use a Peavey Bandit 112 on it and it sounds good. I also have a Crybaby (original) and it's great. I can do almost anything on it. The sound quality is great with almost anything. You can do anything on it. Pinch harmonics, natural hamronics and anthing else you want. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Its a pretty good guitar, especially made in Japan..The action on the neck is pretty fast. The pickups are good in it. They contradict each other making them great. The go really well with the guitar. It was all good on the inside as well. Everything was wired fine. The only problem was I had to tune it a biot the first few days I got it. // 9

Reliability & Durability: As long as you have good effects and a good rig, you'll be fine for. Playing anything. It looks pretty good, just don't drop it onstage. It's pretty llight and versaltile for movement around the stage. You can play all night on this guitar with a good setup. // 10

Impression: I play metal and it's perfect for it, espcially the pickups on it. I've been playing ofrf about a year and it's the greatest purchase I've made. if it got stolen, I would use the warrnaty to get it all over again. I love thle whoel guitar. The best thing on it is the Finishes or the Floyd Rose tremelo. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 10, 2008

Price paid: $ 739.99

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: This beautiful, high quality Jackson was made in 2006. It has a carved top alder body, a beautiful Bolt-On Rock Maple neck, rosewood with compound 14" to 16" radius 24-fret fingerboard, Piranha fretboard inlays, brutal active EMG 81(bridge) and 85(neck) pickups, Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Low Profile JT580 LP Double Locking 2-Point Tremolo, NPS .009-.0042 strings, 25.5" scale, Ivoroid Binding on Neck and Headstock, Reverse Jackson 6-In-Line Pointed Headstock, 1 volume knob, 1 tone knob, 3-way blade selector, black hardware, and you can get an optional deluxe molded case for it. // 9

Sound: I play mostly heavy metal and the dual emg's suit that very well. I play it through a Line6 Spider II 15. I do get a little bit of hum but that's because I have a bad quality cable it's not the pickups at all emg makes noiseless pikcups. A couple things I don't like at all is it doesn't have a ton of sustain, and I sometimes have a hard time getting really good harmonics. And that's not me I play another guitar with a Dimebucker and the harmonics are killer so I definitely know how to do it I just can't seem to get good harmonics out of the EMGs. The Floyd is okay, but it works. But the sustain issue causes more issues with the floyd like when I do divebombs I lose half the sound when I bring it back up which gets really really annoying. But it is a great guitar don't get me wrong. I've been able to get dimebag tones out of this before, but that's only with fresh batteries and after about a week or so of daily 2-3 hour practice I can't get those tones anymore. I'm really looking for a seriously brutal, Ultra high-gain sinister Dimebag tone and I can't get that with this guitar but it's still good for everything else from Iron Maiden to Metallica, to Trivium and everything in between. I haven't tried, but I'm sure you could get some good blues/jazz tones out of it with the right amp. // 7

Action, Fit & Finish: When I got it, I got a coffin case which it didn't fit in so I had to take it back and get a different case. The action was perfect. The pickups were fine, but for the tone I want I had to raise the pickups up. I have them at the highest they can get before the strings touch them when I pull the whammy bar. Nothing was loose at all. I was able to just whip it out of the case and play right then and there no problem. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar I think will last for a long time. I would definitely gig with it without a backup this guitar is great, I've had it for about 2 years now and I've banged it on stuff accidentally and it's been scratched up by my belt buckle on the back and it hasn't chipped at all and the paint is still there. Definitely very dependable and reliable and durable. // 10

Impression: This guitar is definitely suited for metal. The neck is thin and fast and I think any metalheads would be very pleased with it. I think I'd probably buy something else if it got lost/stolen just because someone bought it for me as a gift, so I didn't pick it out myself. They just knew I wanted emg's and a Floyd Rose and it was the first guitar they found with both so they bought it. I eventually want to add an afterburner to it for the added gain, but I'll be fine until then. // 9

overall: 5.6

Reviewed by: tyler_faith_08, on november 04, 2008

Price paid: $ 566.99

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: I will do this review twice. Once for before modifications, and one for after. I bought this guitar from guitar center about a year ago(new years, 2008). I bought it primarily for a few of the features that it has. The guitar is a black soloist style alder body, 24 compound radius frets on a rosewood fretboard on a thin maple neck and a wide nut, reverse headstock guitar, with floating Floyd Rose, EMG 81/85, volume, tone, 3 way Switch, and all black Jackson hardware. Though this guitar comes with high quality features and equipment, after owning this guitar for a year, I have come to my own conclusion. The lack of tone at all notes limits you from getting a signature tone. The floating trem was a nice option, but it got tiring trying to keep it in tune, and seemed to take away from the overall tone by not transmitting the string vibrations to the body. I'd spend about 10% of my time tuning it while everyone else played. // 7

Sound: The Overall tone of the guitar fits the newer metal genre, therfore, it does not fit my style of playing. I originally used this guitar with a small 8 watt Peavey, and it sounded very nice. I then purchased a Marshall Mini stack, on which it sounded horrible. I now use a Raven RG60 and it sounds ten times better. The EMGs sound good and have tonal diversity, but just make the guitar sound like the volume is only at 7 and tone at 5. Like I said earlier, the floating trem made the tone thin. With the EMGs, the feedback was horrible. I could play a note, and before I even thought of going to the next, it would feedback. Not sustain, feedback. This is the main reason I quit playing it for so long. // 6

Action, Fit & Finish: When I got the guitar, it was set up worse than any other guitar I've ever seen. The mounting ring for the bridge pickup was the wrong one and was turned backwards. The volume knob was pushed all the way against the body, which made it hard to turn. It was also too close to where I pick the strings. When I played, I would gradually turn the volume down every time I bumped it. Every one of the the tuning machines were loose and rattled when I played any low note. The trus rod wont turn at all. The intonation was WAY off. The neck was loose. The back control cavity cover was missing a 2 screws. The battery for the pickups was almost dead. The strap button screws were both stripped. The thing that got to me the most was that a few of the frets stuck out over the end of the fretboard just enough to catch your finger and let you know they needed fixing. // 1

Reliability & Durability: The Guitar, although set up like it came from chuck e cheese, was fairly reliable. it's been dropped a few times, and only has about 3 dents in it. The paint on the hardware is indestructible. The only place where it is gone is on the lower side of the nut where I filed it off so that it didn't rub my fingers. // 9

Impression: I play hair metal, and ironically, the guitar is far from what you would think it would sound like. I've been playing since christmas 2003, and this is not a guitar that I would recommend if you do not plan on highly modifying it. If it were lost of stolen, I would buy another one and modify it again, the same way I did, but as far as leaving it stock, I wouldn't buy it. // 5

overall: 9

Reviewed by: abo-89, on february 23, 2007

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: Jackson's Dinky body style is world famous for very good reasons, it's light, comfortable, and very fast looking. This Jackson MG Series DKMG Dinky electric guitar sports the trademark Jackson reverse pointy headstock and EMG HZ humbuckers to deliver super-modern looks and harmonic-rich tone to match. Luxurious touches include piranha-tooth fretboard inlays and bound fretboard and headstock. 24 jumbo frets and a Floyd Rose-licensed Jackson recessed double-locking 2-point vibrato. // 10

Sound: This Jackson MG Series DKMG Dinky electric guitar sports the trademark Jackson reverse pointy headstock and EMG HZ humbuckers to deliver super-modern looks and harmonic-rich tone to match. This guitar simply kicks butt! A nice fast neck, beautiful fret work, and put together beautifuly. Came right out of the box, tuned it up and started playin'. Great sound from the emg pickups, and able to split the bridge pickup with a coil tap. The sound is tremendous. Worth every penny. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: Jackson's compound-radius fingerboard curves more dramatically at the nut for easy chording and flattens out as it approaches the neck joint for low-action bends without fretting out. With a more relaxed hand, you'll play better! This babey is loaded. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Jackson's dinky body style is world famous for very good reasons, it's light, comfortable, and very fast looking. Luxurious touches include piranha-tooth fretboard inlays and bound fretboard and headstock. This babey was made to last even the harshish treatment. // 8

Impression: I'm playin' for 3 years now and this guitar is awesome.I´ve played a B.C. Rich Warlock Bronze until now, but the DXMG is much better. Very good playability and a good balance.T he only thing that is not so wonderful is the neck PU. It's very near to the strings and I touched it everytime with my pick, so I I must turn it down very hard. But now the guitar is perfect. I play all sorts of music, especially progrock like Rush or speed metal like Blind Guardian or Gamma Ray. It fits perfect for this styles! // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on june 03, 2005

Price paid: $ 699.99

Purchased from: Local Shop

Features: For a guitar made in Korea, I must say this is a pretty bad ass guitar. 24 frets, 25.5" scale, pretty thin neck, could be a little wider. Solid alder body, I got the blue swirl stuff. Maple neck. The nice dinky style with the scalloped heel and horns is nice the horns stay out of the way. The floyd rose is kinda a pain though, takes nearly a half hour to restring and retune, and if you need to change tunings its a pain, but hey you can dive bomb and ultra wail without funkin your guitar up either. The active booster thing is ok, but I'm getting rid of it. The EMGs are pretty great but I like the sound of a seymor duncan hot rodded humbucker set. I'm gonna get those chunked in here and I gonna get the electronics redone, the pots on this guitar suck thats really the only bad deal about it. The volume knob crackles like frying bacon. But like I say imma get the duncans, and get rid of the booster thingy, just a main vol, and a bridge/neck volume for the other two pots. No tone knob, so you get a lot more range out of your pickups. I've had this guitar for nearly a year, and for the price I paid and a few minimal (not really all that crucial) mods and alterations to this guitar and I've got one bad ass guitar. // 8

Sound: I play metal, not the new drop C chug chug s--t. I'm talkin Randy Rhoades, Jake E Lee, Ratt, Motley Crue, Joe Satriani stuff. It works fine with my Marshall, my Ibanez half stack sucks, it rules with my Peavey. Noise isn't much of a problem with the EMGs thier shielded. It's got a nice hot sound in the bridge with the stock emgs and the neck pickup has a really fat syrupy sound. This guitar can do anything you can make it do. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: The action was a little low nothin a little tweak on the locking bridge and neck can't fix. The pickups werset up fine, the top and routing was perfect but the pots sucked and were all crackly. // 10

Reliability & Durability: The hardware seems fine, though I'd like to have a real floyd rose pro in this beast. But to hell with droppin 200 bucks for a name. I'd use it without a backup. // 10

Impression: This guitar is excelent for rock. I've been playing for about 5 years, I also own a Squier Strat it was my first guitar, I learned my mistakes from that one. I have a Marshall MG15DFX amp, an Ibanez TB half stack and a Peavey XXL head. I wish I had checked the volume knob on this guitar, that's my only gripe, but I run full blast most of the times so its not too huge of a problem. If it got stole, I'd cry, then work 'till I could afford another one. I love the neck, and the feel of the body. It's definately something worth lookin into if you like to have fun with guitars. I wish it had Duncans in it stock, and a real floyd rose but that one is kinda superficial. // 10

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: achan852, on january 03, 2006

Price paid: $ 600

Features: This guitar was made in Japan. I think in 2002 or so. It has 24 frets. Maple neck. Floyd rose licensed bridge, 2 EMG-HZ pickups (passive), a 3-way selector a volume knob, a tone knob and an EMG turbocharger (0-20 db boost). The body is made out of alderwood. This guitar also has locking tuners, which makes it quite a hassle to change anything, but then again it wont go out of tune easily anyways. // 9

Sound: I play mostly rock and metal and sometimes blues. I use this guitar with a Peavey Rage 158 amp and Boss ME-50 multi-effects pedal. The pickups are not noisy. It sounds simply sick when distortion is added. With the turbocharger on, it adds a muddy crunch to the sound. but then when playing clean, it's really nothing extraordinary. I wouldn't mind changing the pickups to EMG 81/85. overall, the sound is pretty good, as this guitar is made for metal. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action on this guitar wasnt as I wanted it to be wen I first got it, but once I got it lowered, it played great. The pickups were set up fine, no complaints. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I think this guitar will definately withstand live playing, but then not without a backup, but then maybe thats just me. The strap buttons are solid, I've jammed with my band a few times with this guitar and it has never fallen onto the floor. The finish is quite good, if you take good care of this guitar, polish it etc. It'll be fine, but it gets stratched pretty easily though. // 10

Impression: I play a lot of rock and recently beginning to play more metal. I have been playing for about 2 years and a bit and I also own a Fender Standard Strat. The only thing I wished I asked before buying this guitar was to ask the salesman to lower the action for me so I didn't have to go there again, but then that's about it. When I was choosing a guitar to buy I had my eye on a few Ibanez prestiges but then in the end I chose this guitar, believe it or not. It was worth the money anyways. decent price for a decent guitar. If this guitar were stolen or lost, I would get another guitar, probably Jackson again, maybe an Ibanez. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on june 08, 2006

Purchased from: Musicians Friend

Features: This Jackson was made in Japan nicely built. The fretboard is wide (jumbo frets) but its not a problem, still plays nicely. The bridge is floyd rose which I really like about. It stays in-tune real well if your playing some insane riffs of Joe Satriani. Not too much selection on controls just volume and tone with a 5-way selector. The pickups are EMG-HZ which are passive. There's no buzz at all but the HZ aren't great for soloing. Awesome for rhythm not soloing. // 8

Sound: Its not exactly what I needed for the music play but its a good guitar. It plays good in rock, blues, jazz but does look goofy playing with the heavy metal guitar while playing jazz or blues. Absolutly no noise on my amp which I really like compared to my noisy Strat. Sound is great when playing rhythm but like I said before, as soon as you get into soloing the sound gets very dull. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was set up nice at first but I've had problems with the volume and tone knob completly falling off. The input also has completly came apart which almost got me to the point of selling it because it was getting ridiculous. // 4

Reliability & Durability: This guitar could withstand playing live as long as its rhythm but I would definitely bring a back up. The finish is nice but it gets really "smuggy" if you touch the guitar which is annoying to clean. // 8

Impression: Overall this a good guitar for rhythm. Good for whatever style of music. For the price of it, it's the guitar to buy. // 8

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: KSESFguitar, on january 27, 2007

Price paid: $ 951.6

Purchased from: Andertons Music Company

Features: // 10

Sound: This guitar is an amzing guitar if you are to be playing a variety of music: from classic rock to heavy metal. The two active pickups (EMG 81/85) provide a wonderful tone, and work well with some good distortion. I am using this guitar through a Boss Metal Zone pedal through to a Boss Equalizer and into a Marshall MG100HDFX/MG412 Slant Cab Half Stack. It sounds great! I play a lot of Killswitch Engage and the Active EMG's really let me bring out the harmonics. This guitar sounds really great when I tune low. I use DR Dimebag (high voltage) 11-50 gauge strings. Along with the Licensed Floyd Rose Tremelo and the Locking Nut, you can divebomb all the way down and bring it all the way back up, and not go out of tune. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar came set up very well. The action was perfect and was easy to play with. The pickups are adjusted just right to get a great tone with no noise. There werent really any major flaws in this guitar, the only flaw I can come up with is that the strap buttons are really squeaky whenever I put on a strap, but I shall be replacing them with strap locks so it doesnt't really matter that much. Other than that, this guitar is perfect. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I haven't gigged with this guitar yet, but I'm sure it will withstand live playing. I've bashed it a couple times and there aren't any marks on it. I got this guitar in Transparent Red and it looks fantastic. The strap buttongs are solid, but on my guitar they squeak a bit when I put on a strap. I will definately gig with this in the future and I would use it without a backup because it doesnt't go out of tune and sounds perfect. // 10

Impression: I play all kinds of music, but mostly metal. I like the Killswitch Engage kind of music, which includes a lot of Pinch Harmonics, and this guitar is a perfect match for that kind of music. I have been playing for about 4 years now and I own a Boss Metal Zone Pedal and a Boss Equalizer Pedal and I run those through to a Marshall MG100HDFX/MG412 Slant Cab Half Stack. If this guitar was stolen, I would definately buy another one. I love the Active 81/85 EMG pickup set on this guitar, they are much better than the EMG HZ passive pickups. The licensed floyd rose tremelo is a good add-on on this guitar, it provides you with a new type of technique. I only wish this guitar came with a hardcase made by Jackson, because I had to buy a seperate one that doesn't look that good. // 9

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: Norse_Iron_King, on march 26, 2007

Price paid: $ 600

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: The modelis a 2000, made in Japan. The fret board has 24 jumbo frets with Sharkfin inlays in the usual frets (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21). It is a solid top with a satin finish made of alder. It has dual Emg-HZ passive Humbuckers: the H4 in the bridge and the H4A in the neck position, with a 3-way blade pickup selector. It has master volume and master tone knobs. The bridge is a double-locking recessed Floyd Rose Licensed tremolo. The tuners are stock and it has rather large strap buttons with felt washers. No accesories are included. // 9

Sound: I play only metal on this guitar, though mainly thrash, death and black. The sound is very high quality, although active pickups (81/85) would have been better. Still, with my Boss MT-2 Metalzone and MG series Marshall half-stack, this baby shrieks, rips and slaughters. It has a bright sound when clean, and a dark full tone when distorted or you mess with the controls on the amps. Jacksons were made for metal, although with overdrive, technique and personal preference, you can coax out punk, hard rock, classic rock and heavy blues out of it, due to the passive pickups. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: I got the guitar straight out of the box with the action low, properly adjusted pickups and a spotless paintjob. All of the elcetronics were in place, the hardware was perfectly adjusted to the strings (.009 or.010) The only bad thing was it didn't come with the bar, but I talked to the guy and I got a free one. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guitar will last you for any gig, provided you don't smash the guitar into the amps. The floyd rose system makes tricky to Switch tunings, so bring a backup or two if you have different tunigs for different songs. th strap buttons are perfect, it has never slipped out of the strap. the finish seems to be very durable, but nothing is stupid-proof. // 9

Impression: Jacksons were made for metal. They do exactly what they were made for and they do it the best. I have now been playing for 3 years and this is currently my best piece of equipment. The best things I love about it are the 24 frets, tremolo and dual humbuckers. If it were stolen, I would buy another (if I couldn't recuperate the original) and install 81/85's and an original Floyd Rose. If you don't play metal, don't buy jacksons. If you don't like tremolos, buy the DKMGT the same features except for the tremolo. // 10

Comments

[slowlearner666]

hey, is somethin up with the pickups, cuz i just checked musiciansfriend.com and it says that this thing's got and 85/81 set up... did you guys get screwed over or did they change it (my e-mail is [e-mail] and i'd really like to know before i buy this thing)

[Thunderstrucked]

It HAS EMG 81/85. If you want to check it out: http://www.jacksonguitars.com/resources/pdfs/Jackson_PriceList_Summer2
006.pdf The reviews are with old specs and they now put in the active pickups.

[CemetaryGates41]

they just changed it this year to that, thats why the guitar is more expensive than it used to be. they upgraded the pickups in the new model.

[zac362]

i just bought the new dkmg with the EMG 81/85's and its the best guitar ive ever played, its easily better than a les paul standard and i was quite surprised tht it sounded and played nicer than the steve vai ibanez jem, i highly recomend this guitar

[aeirom1]

if you play with emg/hz pickups and its noisy, then you have a REALLY BAD AMP

[KSESFguitar]

this guitar is amazing. i bought mine with EMG 81/85 pickups. it has a fantastic tone, and the licensced floyd rose is fantastic.

[Poppafrito]

Yeah I was confused too. mine came with 81/85 active pickups.I never owned a jackson before this one.I love this guitar.

[666_Pounder]

They updated the pups that come as standard to 81/85 late 06 just after i bought one with hzs

[Friedclamstrips]

The older version had a 20db gain boost

[$DIME RULES!!!$]

a good shredable guitar I like it alot

[ronan-the-great]

this with 81/85 or rr3 i cant decide

[phungar]

i had the same problem this or the rr3 but the rr3 is as bitch to play so yea

[Demonikk]

Yeah I play an RR3, but I wish I got a DKMG when I saw the price.
Dunno what's better though, the DKMG or the DKMGT.
Any opinions?

[Frankie Sparks]

Uh...I have a "slight" problem...mine didn't come with a damn Floyd Rose...

[hitmanharper]

Jackson are owned by fender therfore the body shape and it comes with a choice of emg or symore duncan pickups. Emg are probally the top company for high output pickps. Theyre hum cancelling is second to none and are amazing sound for recording cause of the clarity. As for the 20db bosst gain its probally the emg 60 or 90 in the neck position id need to look that up but one of them came with a gain boost.

[pinkfloydwithin]

This or the ESP M-200Fm? Help! I'm thinking probably this one but i'd appreciate a comparison.

[dsaanm]

I got mine with emg 81/85 pickups for Lm360 in Malta (which is equivalent to $1080) is that a good price?
P.S I love the guitar

[zackk]

nah man, i think you got ripped off

[dsaanm]

but i'm in malta so these things tent to be more expensive.. but alas I still love the guitar it rocks

[barkatthemoon81]

hey, just to confirm with you guys who are in the know...the new models of the DKMG have EMG active pickups in em, right? Not the passive ones the older pre 2006 models had...I'm planning on buying a brand new one next Thursday...I'll check with the guys in the shop, but I just wanted to get the heads up beforehand...cheers

[Pingis_Or_Death]

I'm getting this sweet thing

[Pingis_Or_Death]

I finally got my guitar and it's awesome in both looks, playability and sound.

[ChazBcWarlock]

img etting this guitar near january cant wwait transparent black, yummm

[Fuzzbox91]

I got one of these with the 85/81s in them. it was 400 on a clearence sale. its great for all forms of metal. Anything from Sabbath to Cannibal Corpse will sound great on this thing. For anything other than metal its not all that great tho. The clean sound is boring. but that doesnt matter because i got this primarily for metal. Everything else i use my trusty Gibson SG. overall one of the best metal guitars out there

[dinkyfendersg]

I bought mine for $125 on clearance with a 81/85 set.

[Gilded]

Definatly buying in a few months, gotta get saving

[Harley1973]

i bought it second hand for 400, it is the version with the extra volumeboost knob (three potmeters) nowadays they don't produce these onces anymore, i love this guitar!

[TheCarl88]

If he can't get harmonics out of EMG's then somethings wrong. Dimebuckers are lower output so that means you should be able to get a more than brutal enough sound for anything Pantera wise and the batteries last me atleast 3 months. You either need to learn to play, get a new amp or check that it's actually setup right. Either that or your really a Dean rep deliberately giving it a bad name haha.

[P-H-O-B-I-A]

pretty sure this comes with the emg 81/85 these days

[jam_shahzeb]

ok, im confused... Jackson DKMG Dinky OR Schecter C-1 Hellraiser FR? Please help me out here... I need suggestions!

[jam_shahzeb]

^^ and the recent Schecter C-1 Hellraiser FR has the EMG 81TW - bridge & EMG 89 - neck

[raging bug]

how is the floyd on the dkmg, does it stay in tune?

[Pingis_Or_Death]

raging bug wrote:

how is the floyd on the dkmg, does it stay in tune?

Yes. I abuse mine daily and it NEVER goes out of tune.

[suckapunch]

I'm interested in buying this guitar, but i was wondering if anyone has been able to refute the sustain issues that this guitar seems to have or further verify them. I want to learn pinch harmonics and whammy bar techniques, but it just seems like a lot of reviews don't give this guitar a good rap when it comes to these two things. I thought EMG 81/85's were supposed to be IT! Or is it because of the non-original Floyd Rose?

[Connah]

I just purchased this guitar from a local store 2 days ago but I got the hardtail version. Mine has the updated emg 81/85s in it as opposed to the hzs. this guitar looks beautiful and plays just as stunningly! the picture does not do the finish justice. you have to see it for yourself!

i paid 700$ for it (as the store was having their annual sale) but, regardless of the sale price, I would have bought this guitar all the same. i definitely recommend checking this guitar out for those looking for a new metal axe.

[eireannjon]

Yeah I bought one of these guitars 2 weeks ago, great guitar. It has EMG 81/85 (NOT HZ PASSIVES)
You either got shafted or it's an old model. If you intend on keeping passives in it try changing them to a Seymour Duncan Screamin Demon in the bridge position and a pearly gates at the neck.

[Jdmase]

This or Ibanez S520EX, cant really decide, so someone decide for me

[eireannjon]

This or Ibanez S520EX, cant really decide, so someone decide for me

THE JACKSON

[soultenebrae]

I'm in a bad position here! I need help! I'm a beginner and I don't witch one to pick between a Jackson dkmg or a Ibanez s620 exqm??
$$$ not a problem.

[a7xboy]

I have this guitar and love it only thing that ever happened was one of the screws on the bridge locking nut snaped and was stuck inside, took me a while to find a new saddle but i did and i works great pick ups are awesome and the floyd stays intune once the strings are strectched.

[dimarziodude]

I bought one of these used from a pawn shop but the guy i bought it off of had no idea what it was and sold it to me for 100$ a steal in my opinion i have the black forest model with emg hz and boost awesome for metallica style of playing and lightning fast solos

[YetAnotherMuso]

Hmm I've noticed a couple of the reviews said that the sustain was a bit of an issue, has anyone else found this?