Head to head

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q vs Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster

The short answer is that the pickup layouts differ (HH against SSS). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 22 rows that actually differ marked out.

Jackson

JS Series Dinky JS11Q

Transparent Black, Austin Bazaar starter bundle

Everything a first metal player needs, in one box

7.0/10

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Squier

Affinity Series Stratocaster

3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard

The default first Stratocaster, and it earns the position

7.5/104.6 (531)

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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
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster7.5

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 Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
	JS Series Dinky JS11Q	Affinity Series Stratocaster
Brand	Jackson	Squier
Model	JS Series Dinky JS11Q	Affinity Series Stratocaster
Finish	Transparent Black, Austin Bazaar starter bundle	3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard
Instrument	Electric guitar	Electric guitar
Fretline score	7.0 / 10	7.5 / 10
Value for money	9 / 10	9 / 10
Amazon rating	—	4.6 / 5 (531)
Price	Under $300	Under $300
Type	Electric guitar	Electric guitar
Body	Dinky solidbody	Stratocaster solidbody
Body wood	Poplar	Poplar
Top	Quilted art-grain veneer	—
Neck joint	Bolt-on speed neck, scarf joint with graphite reinforcement	Bolt-on, 4-bolt Squier neck plate
Neck wood	Maple	Maple
Neck profile	—	C shape
Scale length	25.5" (648 mm)	25.5" (648 mm)
Fingerboard	Amaranth	Indian laurel
Radius	12" (305 mm)	9.5" (241 mm)
Frets	22	21
Fret size	Jumbo	Medium jumbo
Nut	Black plastic	Synthetic bone
Nut width	1.6875" (42.86 mm)	1.650" (42 mm)
Bridge	Synchronised fulcrum tremolo	2-point synchronised tremolo with block saddles
Tuners	Die-cast	Sealed die-cast with split shafts
Neck pickup	Jackson high-output ceramic humbucking	Ceramic single-coil
Bridge pickup	Jackson high-output ceramic humbucking	Ceramic single-coil
Configuration	HH	SSS
Electronics	Passive, ceramic magnets	Passive
Controls	Volume, tone	Master volume, tone 1 (neck/middle), tone 2 (bridge)
Switching	3-way toggle	5-position blade
Orientation	Right-handed	Right-handed
Skill level	Beginner	Beginner, Intermediate
Styles	Metal, Rock, Punk, Prog	Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Indie, Country
In the box	Fender 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.