Jackson Js22 vs Js32: Which Guitar Reigns Supreme?
Looking to shred some serious riffs? Choosing between two Jackson Dinky guitars can be a tough call. The Jackson JS22 and the JS32 both offer killer looks and high-octane performance, but which one is the right axe for you?
This comparison dives deep into the heart of these two guitars. We’ll explore their features, playability, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the differences between the Jackson JS22 and JS32 is crucial. We’ll break down the specs, sound, and build quality, ensuring you find the perfect guitar to unleash your inner rock god.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | JS22 | JS32 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Poplar | Basswood |
| Neck Material | Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Laurel | Laurel |
| Number of Frets | 24 | 24 |
| Fret Size | Jumbo | Jumbo |
| Pickups | Jackson High Output Humbucking | Jackson High Output Humbucking |
| Bridge | Jackson Compensated and Adjustable String-Through-Body | Jackson Floyd Rose Licensed Double Locking Tremolo |
| Tuners | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ | 25.5″ |
| Controls | Volume, Tone, 3-Way Toggle | Volume, Tone, 3-Way Toggle |
| Hardware Finish | Black | Black |
| Headstock | Jackson Pointed 6-In-Line | Jackson Pointed 6-In-Line |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Body Wood
- Jackson Js22: Typically features a poplar body. Poplar is a relatively lightweight and affordable wood, contributing to the guitar’s overall playability. It offers a balanced tone but may lack the sustain and resonance of more premium tonewoods.
- Js32: Usually features a basswood body. Basswood is known for its light weight and balanced tone with a slight emphasis on the mids. It’s a good choice for high-gain playing, but can sometimes feel less resonant than other options.
- Winner: Tie
Neck Construction
- Jackson Js22: Bolt-on neck. This construction method is cost-effective, allowing for easier neck replacement if needed. It can sometimes result in slightly less sustain compared to a neck-through or set-neck design.
- Js32: Bolt-on neck. Similar to the JS22, offering the same benefits and drawbacks.
- Winner: Tie
Fingerboard Material
- Jackson Js22: Typically features a rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood provides a smooth playing surface and a warm tone. It’s a common and well-regarded material for guitar fingerboards.
- Js32: Typically features a rosewood fingerboard. Offers the same smooth feel and warm tones as the JS22.
- Winner: Tie
Pickups
- Jackson Js22: Equipped with Jackson high-output humbucker pickups. These pickups are designed for high-gain playing, offering a powerful and aggressive tone suitable for rock and metal.
- Js32: Equipped with Jackson high-output humbucker pickups. Similar to the JS22, these pickups are built for high-gain applications, delivering a powerful and aggressive sound, ideal for metal.
- Winner: Tie
Bridge
- Jackson Js22: Often features a Jackson-branded Floyd Rose Licensed double-locking tremolo system. Provides good tuning stability during heavy tremolo use.
- Js32: Often features a Jackson-branded Floyd Rose Licensed double-locking tremolo system. Similar to the JS22, this bridge allows for expressive dive bombs and pitch bends while helping to maintain tuning.
- Winner: Tie
Hardware
- Jackson Js22: Generally features black hardware. Black hardware is a popular aesthetic choice, often complementing the guitar’s overall look.
- Js32: Generally features black hardware. Provides the same aesthetic as the JS22.
- Winner: Tie
Inlays
- Jackson Js22: Typically features dot inlays. A classic and simple design.
- Js32: Typically features sharkfin inlays. A more aggressive and distinctive aesthetic.
- Winner: js32
Price Point
- Jackson Js22: Generally more affordable. Typically the entry-level Jackson guitar, making it a great value for beginners.
- Js32: Generally slightly more expensive. Offers upgraded features and higher quality components than the JS22.
- Winner: js22
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value for Money | jackson js22 |
| Tremolo System | js32 |
| Overall Versatility | js32 |
| Ease of Use (Fixed Bridge) | jackson js22 |
| Sustain | js32 |
What They Have in Common
- Body Shape: Both guitars share the classic Jackson Dinky body shape, providing a comfortable and familiar playing experience.
- Neck Construction: Both feature bolt-on neck construction for easy access to the upper frets and a bright, articulate tone.
- Pickups: Both guitars are equipped with Jackson high-output humbucking pickups designed to deliver a powerful and aggressive sound, perfect for rock and metal.
- Scale Length: Both guitars utilize a 25.5-inch scale length, a standard for electric guitars, providing a balanced feel and consistent string tension.
- Fretboard Material: Both guitars feature a laurel fretboard, known for its smooth feel and balanced tonal characteristics.
Jackson JS22 vs JS32 Buying Guide
Build Quality and Materials
The Jackson JS22 and JS32 guitars share similar construction, but subtle differences impact their overall feel and durability. Both feature basswood bodies, a common choice for its balance of weight and tone. The JS32 often boasts a slightly higher quality neck, potentially with graphite reinforcement for added stability. The JS32 might also have slightly better fretwork, leading to improved playability right out of the box. Consider the materials used in the hardware, such as the bridge and tuners, as the JS32 often incorporates components that are more robust and can withstand heavy use and tuning changes.
Playability and Comfort
Playability is a critical factor for any guitarist. Both guitars sport a similar neck profile, designed for speed and comfort. The JS32 might offer a slightly more refined neck shape, optimized for faster fret transitions. Consider the fretboard material; the JS32 frequently uses a more premium fretboard material, impacting the feel and responsiveness. The JS22, while comfortable, may require some setup adjustments to achieve optimal action. The overall comfort also comes down to personal preference, and a test drive is always recommended to see which feels better in your hands.
Electronics and Sound
The pickups are the heart of a guitar’s sound, and this is where the JS22 and JS32 really diverge. The JS32 generally features higher-output pickups, delivering a more aggressive and powerful tone. These pickups are often designed to handle high-gain amplifiers better, making the JS32 suitable for heavier genres. The JS22’s pickups are more versatile, suitable for a wider range of styles, but might lack the raw power of the JS32. Consider your preferred musical style and the type of sound you want to achieve when evaluating the electronics.
Hardware and Features
The hardware is a crucial element that impacts both the sound and the reliability of the guitar. The JS32 often comes equipped with a Floyd Rose-licensed tremolo system, allowing for dive bombs and other expressive techniques. The JS22 typically features a simpler, more stable tremolo or a fixed bridge. Consider the tuning stability and the type of effects you want to achieve when comparing these two. The JS32 also might come with better tuning machines, offering improved tuning stability. The quality of the bridge and tuners directly influences the guitar’s ability to stay in tune.
Aesthetics and Design
Aesthetics are an important part of the guitar buying experience. Both guitars have the iconic Jackson design, with sharp lines and aggressive styling. The JS32 often comes in more diverse and vibrant finish options, including metallic and gloss finishes that stand out on stage. The JS22 offers a more basic range of finishes. The inlays and headstock design can also vary, with the JS32 often featuring more elaborate details. Consider which guitar design appeals most to your personal style and preferences. The overall look of the guitar can be just as important as the sound.
Price and Value
Price is a primary consideration for many buyers. The JS22 is generally the more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget. The JS32 commands a higher price due to its upgraded features and components. Evaluate your budget and consider the added value that the JS32 provides. While the JS22 offers excellent value for the money, the JS32’s enhanced features and performance might justify the higher price tag for more experienced players. Consider the long-term investment and the features you need.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy jackson js22 If…
- You prefer a fixed bridge for increased tuning stability and ease of use.
- You’re on a tighter budget and looking for a great value instrument.
- You prioritize a straightforward, no-frills guitar that’s easy to set up and play.
- You prefer string through body design.
Buy js32 If…
- You want the versatility of a Floyd Rose tremolo system for dive bombs and other tremolo techniques.
- You’re looking for a guitar with more advanced features and a wider range of expressive possibilities.
- You want a guitar with a more premium feel and upgraded components.
- You’re looking for extra sustain and tonal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Jackson JS22 and JS32?
The primary differences lie in the pickups, hardware, and build quality. The JS32 typically boasts higher-output pickups for a more aggressive sound, a Floyd Rose-licensed tremolo, and higher-quality components throughout. The JS22 offers a more budget-friendly option with a simpler bridge and versatile pickups, suited for a wider range of musical styles. The JS32 usually incorporates features such as a better neck and finish.
Which guitar is better for beginners?
Both guitars are suitable for beginners, but the JS22 might be a slightly better choice due to its lower price and simpler features. The JS22 is more forgiving and easier to set up, making it a great starting point for learning. Beginners should consider budget constraints. The JS32, while having more features, might be unnecessary at the initial stage.
What kind of music is each guitar best suited for?
The JS32 is ideal for heavier genres like metal and hard rock, thanks to its high-output pickups and Floyd Rose tremolo system. The JS22 is more versatile, suitable for rock, blues, and other styles. It is versatile enough for beginners to learn a wide range of genres. Both are suitable for many forms of rock.
Does the JS32 have a Floyd Rose tremolo?
Yes, the JS32 typically comes with a Floyd Rose-licensed tremolo system. This allows for extreme pitch bending and dive bombs. Note that the JS22 often has a simpler tremolo system or a fixed bridge. This feature adds to the price.
Are the pickups in the JS22 good?
The pickups in the JS22 are decent for the price point and offer a versatile sound suitable for various genres. They may not have the high output of the JS32 pickups. The JS22 pickups are still very capable for practice and recording, and are a good starting point.
Is the JS32 worth the extra money?
That depends on your needs and budget. The JS32 is worth the extra money if you’re serious about heavier music, want a Floyd Rose tremolo, and appreciate higher-quality components. If you are a beginner, or don’t need these features, the JS22 is a great choice. Consider your long-term goals.
What is the build quality of these guitars?
Both guitars have solid build quality. The JS32 generally has slightly better build quality, with more attention to detail in the neck and fretwork. The JS22 is well-built for its price point. Both are designed to withstand regular use.
Final Verdict
The Jackson JS22 and JS32 both offer excellent value in their respective price ranges. The JS32 distinguishes itself with its enhanced features, superior hardware, and more aggressive sound, making it the preferred choice for players seeking a high-performance instrument for heavier genres. While the JS22 is a great option for beginners and those on a budget, the JS32 justifies its higher price with its elevated components.
Winner: Jackson JS32