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Head to head

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q vs Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

The short answer is that they sit in different price brackets (Under $300 against $300 - $500), and the pickup layouts differ (HH against HSS). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 19 rows that actually differ marked out.

Jackson
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q in Transparent Black with starter bundle contents

JS Series Dinky JS11Q

Transparent Black, Austin Bazaar starter bundle

Everything a first metal player needs, in one box

7.0/10
Jackson
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS in Neon Green, full front view

X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Neon Green

A double-locking Floyd Rose and a compound radius, in the loudest finish Jackson makes

8.3/105.0 (6)

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Score profile

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

  • Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q7.0
  • Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS8.3

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

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q compared with Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
JS Series Dinky JS11QX Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
BrandJacksonJackson
ModelJS Series Dinky JS11QX Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
FinishTransparent Black, Austin Bazaar starter bundleNeon Green
InstrumentElectric guitarElectric guitar
Fretline score7.0 / 108.3 / 10
Value for money9 / 109 / 10
Amazon rating—5.0 / 5 (6)
PriceUnder $300$300 - $500
TypeElectric guitarElectric guitar
BodyDinky solidbodyDinky solidbody with sculpted shredder heel
Body woodPoplarPoplar
TopQuilted art-grain veneer—
Neck jointBolt-on speed neck, scarf joint with graphite reinforcementBolt-on, scarf joint with graphite reinforcement
Neck woodMapleMaple
Scale length25.5" (648 mm)25.5" (648 mm)
FingerboardAmaranthLaurel
Radius12" (305 mm)12"-16" compound (304.8-406.4 mm)
Frets2224
Fret sizeJumboJumbo
NutBlack plasticFloyd Rose Special locking
Nut width1.6875" (42.86 mm)1.6875" (42.86 mm)
BridgeSynchronised fulcrum tremoloFloyd Rose licensed Jackson double-locking tremolo
TunersDie-castJackson sealed die-cast
Neck pickupJackson high-output ceramic humbuckingJackson single-coil
Bridge pickupJackson high-output ceramic humbuckingJackson high-output humbucking
ConfigurationHHHSS
ElectronicsPassive, ceramic magnetsPassive
ControlsVolume, toneVolume, tone
Switching3-way toggle5-position blade
OrientationRight-handedRight-handed
Skill levelBeginnerIntermediate, Advanced
StylesMetal, Rock, Punk, ProgMetal, Rock, Prog, Punk
In the boxFender Frontman 10G practice amplifier, 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

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q

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

Best build

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Highest editorial build-quality score.

Best tone

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Highest editorial tone score.

Most versatile

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

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

Most comfortable

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

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

Best for beginners

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q

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

Best for rock

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Strongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.

Best for metal

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Strongest overall score among the instruments suited to metal.

Best for the studio

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

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?

The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.

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