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Fretline

Head to head

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA vs Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q

The short answer is that the pickup layouts differ (HSH against HH). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 18 rows that actually differ marked out.

Ibanez
Ibanez GIO GRX70QA in Transparent Emerald Burst, full front view

GIO GRX70QA

Transparent Emerald Burst

The cheapest honest route into a fast neck and a humbucker at each end

7.2/104.6 (2,568)
Jackson
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q in Transparent Red with bundle accessories

JS Series Dinky JS11Q

Transparent Red, Austin Bazaar bundle without amplifier

The same JS11Q in red — but check what is in the box before you choose

6.8/10

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Score profile

Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.

  • Ibanez GIO GRX70QA7.2
  • Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q6.8

Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.

Specification by specification

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA compared with Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q
GIO GRX70QAJS Series Dinky JS11Q
BrandIbanezJackson
ModelGIO GRX70QAJS Series Dinky JS11Q
FinishTransparent Emerald BurstTransparent Red, Austin Bazaar bundle without amplifier
InstrumentElectric guitarElectric guitar
Fretline score7.2 / 106.8 / 10
Value for money9 / 108 / 10
Amazon rating4.6 / 5 (2,568)—
PriceUnder $300Under $300
TypeElectric guitarElectric guitar
BodyGRX solidbody, double cutawayDinky solidbody
Body woodPoplarPoplar
TopQuilted maple art grainQuilted art-grain veneer
Neck jointBolt-onBolt-on speed neck, scarf joint with graphite reinforcement
Neck woodMapleMaple
Neck profileGRX (19.5 mm at 1st fret, 21.5 mm at 12th)—
Scale length25.5" (648 mm)25.5" (648 mm)
FingerboardJatobaAmaranth
Radius12" (305 mm)12" (305 mm)
Frets2222
Fret sizeMediumJumbo
Nut—Black plastic
Nut width1.65" (42 mm)1.6875" (42.86 mm)
BridgeIbanez T106 tremoloSynchronised fulcrum tremolo
Tuners—Die-cast
Neck pickupInfinity R (H)Jackson high-output ceramic humbucking
Bridge pickupInfinity R (H)Jackson high-output ceramic humbucking
ConfigurationHSHHH
ElectronicsPassive, ceramic magnetsPassive, ceramic magnets
ControlsVolume, toneVolume, tone
Switching5-way blade3-way toggle
OrientationRight-handedRight-handed
Skill levelBeginner, IntermediateBeginner
StylesRock, Metal, Blues, Punk, PopMetal, Rock, Punk, Prog
In the box—Gig bag, Clip-on tuner, Strap, Instrument cable, Picks, Austin Bazaar instructional DVD

A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.

Which one should you buy?

Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.

Best value

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Highest editorial value-for-money score of the instruments compared.

Best build

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Highest editorial build-quality score.

Best tone

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Highest editorial tone score.

Most versatile

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Highest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.

Most comfortable

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Highest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.

Best for beginners

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Strongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.

Best for rock

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Strongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.

Best for metal

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Strongest overall score among the instruments suited to metal.

Best for the studio

Ibanez GIO GRX70QA

Build and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.

Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.

Want a third opinion?

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