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 23 rows that actually differ marked out.
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
Affinity Series Stratocaster
3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard
The default first Stratocaster, and it earns the position
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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 JS11Q6.8
- 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
| JS Series Dinky JS11Q | Affinity Series Stratocaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Jackson | Squier |
| Model | JS Series Dinky JS11Q | Affinity Series Stratocaster |
| Finish | Transparent Red, Austin Bazaar bundle without amplifier | 3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard |
| Instrument | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Fretline score | 6.8 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Value for money | 8 / 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 | 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
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterHighest editorial value-for-money score of the instruments compared.
Most versatile
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11QHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
Best for rock
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterStrongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.
Best for metal
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11QStrongest overall score among the instruments suited to metal.
Best for the studio
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterBuild 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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