Reviewed by:
fallbackonus, on october 17, 2005
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 532
Purchased from: Billy Hyde Music Worx
Features: Made in India, 2005; 24 jumbo frets; solid top; body is made of solid alder; neck is made of maple; fingerboard is made of rosewood; gloss black finish; body styling is reminiscent of a Strat, but with more aggresive cutaways and beautifully crafted edges galore; adjustable JT390 string-thru; active electronics; Master Volume and Master Tone controls as well as a 3-way pickup selector (all silver); pickups consist of a bridge humbucker and a neck humbucker and both are Jackson's own CVR2's(black); plain old die-cast tuners (silver). // 9
Sound: I play many different things and I was basically looking for an affordable guitar that was comfortable whether sitting or standing (not to mention a top-notch neck). I have to emphasise the feel of the neck firstly. After playing with a few month old Samick bass, which has a neck as thick as the one on my shoulders, it was a great relief to find this little wonder, which has a neck depth of approximately 2 cms (not including the frets). The JS30DKT is good for pretty much anything you care to play, it lends itself to some abusive metal (i.e. Slipknot, or anything drop-D) but can produce some very sweet sounding solos and melodies (a-la Something For Kate). I use a Line 6 30-watt Spider II which affords me any versatility that the guitar cannot. The electronics/pots and the pickups aren't noisy at all. The bolt-on neck detracts from some of the sustain of the body, but after minimal work, some Clean channel chords last forever. I've played Metallica (MoP), Slipknot (it handled a drop B tuning without hassle), Something For Kate, Offspring, Megadeth, and pulled of Queens Of The Stone Age with not a worry in the world. Makes Tangled Up In Plaid sound pro. // 8
Action, Fit & Finish: Absolutely amazing finish, no noticable flaws even after a major inspection from tuners to input jack. // 10
Reliability & Durability: Live playing? Totally! The hardware is damn nice to look at and I haven't snapped anything yet so yea, we'll see. Somehow I don't think that Jackson would try and cheat it's customers. The strap buttons were a major concern when choosing a new guitar, and these are unmovable, which is good cause I've seen some shockers. The finish is plain and wouldn't wear at all. // 10
Impression: If it were stolen then yes, I would find another just like it. I love the neck and the finish. I hate the fact that it's only 3-way selstor for the pickups not a 5-way. I compared it to a few cheap Ibanez'z and this come out the winner. Although I want a tremolo bar, I'm glad I took the standard bridge as a tremolo fu--ks up the tuning so quick. // 8
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