Misha's baritone

This ragged Jackson guitar is a signature baritone for guitarist Misha Mansoor (Periphery). It's referred to as a Surfcaster but we know that's not how a Surfcaster headstock looks like. But it doesn't matter, a signature interpretation lets the endorser dictates how his instrument should look like. If you like the guitar, you just buy it. This one's listed for USD8,999...

Pic: Jackson

Minion Friday

Had been playing this for nearly a week. It's one of those scaled down guitars Jackson offers in its Minion Series. I'm not too keen when it comes to guitars of this dimension as they don't hold tuning well & intonation, for most models, are off. However, this Minion proved otherwise so it's something I am happy to own regardless of the numerous skeptical opinions out there.

The guitar was re-set up before play & I re-shimmed the neck pocket to raise things up a bit to address the high action at the upper frets. When it comes to playability, a good set up is everything.

My cousin bought this set of strings for me while he was in Japan. He knows I'm not one to refuse the more affordable end of guitar strings.

PO Origin prices

Jackson's Pro-Origin 1985 models are in stock at Swee Lee, prices are documented above. Some of us would refrain from buying non-American products in this price bracket. Strangely, guitar players are a strange breed, price justifications are strictly personal. This is why Squier got away with the Hello Kitty guitars. But it's your money anyway, you call the shots.

Pics: Jackson

JS-Duncans

Nothing fancy, an entry-level Jackson JS11. I'm re-visiting my preference for 22 frets.

Since I have these two lying around, they go into the JS11 giving it a much deserved voicing for heavy / intense music. The Alnico II Pro sounds surprisingly good in this guitar considering it's not one of my favourite Seymour Duncan neck models. I prefer the '59 or Jazz for some dynamic responses. I was expecting a Slash-esque tones but since I don't have a Slash set up to begin with, things turned out pleasant. The tones from this one are at least meeting my expectations. The Dimebucker is something I'm used to hearing & it's a welcomed inclusion here.

More minions

I was of the opinion that Jackson's Minion Series would be a temporary occupation in Jackson's catalogue but it seems that the numbers are growing. To date, they added a maple fretboard version of the Dinky ($299) & the latest addition being a pinstriped body RR ($399). Two things:

1. Appealing novelty. The novelty of owning such scaled down instruments might have carved out a strong niche appeal. Players actually love these guitars & wouldn't mind forking out money for one (or more than one).
2. Real applications. There might be players out there who actually have real use for such guitars. For instance, these might be purchased to supplement guitar lessons for kids. Those who show competency would be allowed to move up to a standard-sized guitar. Also, there might be some bedroom maestros who want a simple offering for fun times.

Bottom line - these instruments would definitely not appeal to everyone. Do not believe the hype or blind recommendations. Best to try one out in the stores before parting with your precious cash. Both are available @ Swee Lee now.

Surf's up

Jackson Surfcasters are in at Swee Lee. The JS Series, the most affordable iteration, list for $399. This is basically a no-frills model with no fancy inlays. The X Series lists for $879 (shark fin inlays). The 7-string version is $50 more.

Pics: Jackson

ASRR

Jackson's American Series guitars are gaining good ground. This recent RR model is a good standard reference for an American. Since the Jackson brand name is an American flag-bearer so to speak, it makes sense to have an American model to set the standard. On that note, prices could have been more reasonable. Despite being American, the features / specifications for all American Standard models thusfar, had been ordinary; nothing exotic or exclusive. 

But we know how it is when it comes to a tiered arrangement; if you have import models in a certain price bracket, then the American version, regardless of its incarnation / specifications, need to be pegged higher than the rest. By the way, the non-whammy version of this American Series RR is available but prices are north of USD2.3K. There are definitely more value for money selections out there but some of us weak-willed gear heads here has a certain thing for American guitars. Hmm...

Pics: Jackson 

PO 1985

I believe these were released a couple of days ago. Jackson dug deep into their past glory & came out with these re-interpretations of their San Dimas models; the Pro Origins 1985. The FR bridge here is the 1000 model & the pickups are in-house J-90 / J-50 units which, according to them, re-visit the 1980s tone-wise. FYI, the off-white, maple 'board single humbucker version is already indicated as SOLD OUT on the manufacturer's home page. 

Reading between the lines, someone at Fender / Jackson finally realized re-releasing their back catalog is the right thing to do now because a close competitor had been doing so for a few years with positive outcomes. We know which other manufacturer this is, yes?

Pics: Jackson

Price watch (94): Internal conflict

We could all agree that at the end of it all, price matters. Look at these Jacksons, the standard size JS12 is listing for just $20 more than the Minion. There is already a very niche appeal for the shorter-scaled Minion models & its further pressured by that slight price difference. The standard size JS will definitely be more appealing in the after-market. Both these guitars do not come with bags. The Minion requires a smaller bag, the Minion Series bag to be precise so that's $75 more before you bring it home. The Koda EGB ONE bag can fit the JS12, no issue, it's only $15. You do the Math, it's clear which one is more appealing for those of us with a limited shopping budget.

The American Performer P-bass is $250 more than the Japanese Heritage Series 60s P-bass. The Performer is Fender's most affordable American, while the Heritage is currently Fender Japan's top tier range. We all know how the Japanese make their Fenders - absolute respect for QC. Folks, that marginal difference, which one would you choose?

A Premium Ibanez (Indonesia) lists for more than $2K while the demure but irresistible Genesis (Japan) is about $500 lesser. Tough call, yes?

Disclaimers:

• decision-making is more than just looking at listed prices, other factors come into play (product appeal e.g. limited edition, discontinuity, playability, etc.)
• the figures above are domestic retail prices, many of us tend to veer into the dark side of the after-market more often than not
• buying anything, not just musical instruments, is a personal choice, regardless of the external influential decision-making politics involved

Pics: Fender / Ibanez

 

G & JS

Because my chemo had turned me into a partially disabled person for the most part, walking is the only exercise that is considered safe for me. On some mornings, I would travel East to just walk by the beach & enjoy some morning air. It's not a cure for cancer, of course, but it makes one think less about dying.

As for the rest of Sunday, it's indoor time with my two reds. OK, so the Ibanez is a copper finish but it's leaning towards the red side, so ... there. I ended up playing the Jackson more due to its inherent tone as it helped me manifest some riff ideas I had in mind for a while. Sometimes, the right tone will get you through. Another typical day for the ill health & budget stricken individual. 

Warrior Dave

Jackson & Dave Davidson continued their collaboration into the Warrior zone. Many conformists out there would find this outline a little repulsive but it's compulsory consideration for all those dwelling in the metal zone.

Those of us who are not into maple fretboards, it's available in ebony as well but with a reverse headstock. Specs are decent; DiMarzio Pickups (Occult) & an FR1000 bridge. This is a Pro Series model FYI.

Pics: Jackson

SL-2

New from the Jackson camp - another American Series Soloist but this time, it's an SL-2.

Difference? It's a through-body construction.

Pics: Jackson

 

Sizes

Since I had these two out for a re-string, let's take a look at the relative size of a Minion Dinky against its standard sized counterpart. The Minion is almost a headstock shorter than its JS brother. This would be a welcomed feature for those of us with smaller body frame / hands. Despite the pre-conceived notion that smaller-sized guitars are for kids, it is definitely appealing to adults as well, especially for those of us who are averse to heavy instruments.

I play more riffs than solos on the Minion. I exert more force while doing so & the Minion's shorter neck means I can move faster / easily up & down without getting tired too quickly. As for solos, it seems that my fretting hand is more accustomed to wider fret spaces especially at the upper neck register. I've owned a few small guitars along the way & the Minion seems to hold tuning very well. Of course, this is after the default tuners made way for a replacement set which are still affordable but more reliable. For the record, the Minion sports a 22.5" scale length while the standard-sized JS is 25.5". 

Red Dinky (3)

A belated conclusion to this episode but a conclusion nevertheless. The JS12 underwent a pickup swap. The rail type humbuckers you see here are Artec pickups. These are very affordable & they are quite singular in offering; good for distortion. The cleans here are as good as those default ceramic Jackson pickups to begin with. I went with this pair due to its rich harmonic content which can be rather excessive especially if you wish for unobtrusive solos in the neck position. 

So we conclude this episode of a forgotten guitar brought back to life. It's not a perfect reincarnation but a deserving one for something largely unplayed with minimum wear. On this note, the Jackson JS12 is my recommended guitar (despite being a firm Ibanez fan) for those of us looking for something affordable but not shabby with lots of potential for greatness along the way. In fact, the JS12 doesn't feel like an entry level Jackson considering how well these are constructed & put together. Of course, the default tuners remain its Achilles heel when it comes to wholesome gratification. 

Previous episode: CLICK

Review quickie: Jackson Dinky JS12

Jackson's JS Series are the manufacturer's affordable, no frills range of instruments. The JS12 is a basic, 24 fret guitar featuring a pair of in-house Jackson humbuckers & a non-locking whammy bridge.

Likes

• well-made, good overall QC
• good playability
• price

Dislikes

• in-house humbuckers good for high gain applications, bland cleans
• unstable tuners

This is perhaps my favourite entry level player in the mean time. Nothing excessive here, just functional & rather inspiring. Those default pickups are quite the epitome of affordable guitars; good for distortion applications & cleans are left wanting. The frets get my thumbs up, no sharp edges & all seated evenly making play time very enjoyable. Even the electronics are very acceptable for the money. The tuners could have been better. Not asking for a superb performance but these are rather unresponsive & don't hold tuning well. They should at least be functional. They felt tight initially so were loosened slightly but doing so induced some play & a lack of grip. During play many of the strings went out of tune rather quickly. Best replaced if you are relying on this guitar for some professional episodes.

Final rating: 76%

Jackson: Dinky JS12 (no bag)

Availability: Swee Lee

List: $299

Jackson 2025 (2): Singles

A trio of single pickup guitars from the Jackson camp this 2025. L-R: Dinky Pro Plus Pure Metal Limited Edition Kelly KE1A / DK1A / Pro Plus Pure Metal Limited Edition Soloist SL1A. Not an easy appeal when it comes to single pickup guitars but there will be fans (especially when the price is right). Wish there was a fixed bridge offering...

Pics: Jackson

Jackson 2025

Jackson took this year to re-introduce the Surfcaster model (X-Series). That's right, the surfcaster design is not new. This simple, non-whammy bridge design should appeal to the offset camp.

Thank you, Jackson, for remembering us, the marginalised shallow pocket citizens who wouldn't want to miss out on the fun - a JS22 model is also available.

 Pics: Jackson

Pink Friday

Despite being smaller than its standard counterparts, the Jackson Minion RR is still very protrusive in its outline. In fact, the last time I played it, that extended tail end knocked onto boxes & I barely moved save for some bending down to turn on / off the amp. That V outline somehow allows a complete rest of the picking arm so it's less tiring for the picking hand but it has to be strapped on. 

This guitar has a pair of LACE humbuckers onboard which are passive models. I'm beginning to like covered pickups more as my pick does not get caught between pickup pole pieces. 

Red dinky (2)

The red Dinky (JS12) that was left for dead had a paint chip at the machine head area. I'm trying to imagine what would have caused this to happen considering this was mostly unplayed. 

Touched it up with paint. Not gonna spend money on this rather obscure detail considering the playability of the instrument is of more importance.

To be continued...

Previous entry: CLICK

Red Dinky

This Jackson Dinky (JS12) was left for dead. The person whom it was bought for left for further studies & clearly uninterested in the instrument. The nut came off when it was handed over to me, it had paint stains on parts of the body, nothing severe but some splatters. The connection was intermittent despite the frets being super shiny, indicating scant or no play time. For some unknown reason, it had a paint chip at one of the tuners, exposing the wood underneath. The person who did the handing over told me it was lying on the floor all along hence the paint crack at the neck heel. 

To be continued...