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Hatsubai « Decent Jackson for the money »
Published on 03/19/11 at 05:47The DXMG is part of a series of budget guitars built overseas. It features two humbuckers, a volume, tone and three way switch. This particular model comes with a reverse headstock and the famous Jackson sharkfin inlays. Today's models are a bit different from the one I had. Today's models feature a basswood body, but mine actually had an alder body when I bought it. I'm not sure exactly what year they changed the wood, but the older models might be worth looking into if you're not a fan of basswood. Today's models also come with a gig bag; mine didn't come with anything.
UTILIZATION
Jackson didn't do too bad of a job on this guitar. It's not the best by any means, but it's not too bad. The binding was decent, and the overall fit and finish was pretty good for the price. However, the pickups are pretty weak. I was never a fan of the EMG HZ series, so I replaced them with the active 81/85 set. The neck is a standard thin/medium kind of neck with a cool compound radius. This allows for easier bending up high with better chording near the nut. The biggest issue I had was the cheap floyd they put on it. I really wish it had an OFR, but at this price point, I can understand why it didn't have one.
SOUNDS
The sound on mine was pretty good. Alder, maple and rosewood is a classic combo that seems to almost always sound good. When I replaced the EMG HZ pickups with the 81/85 set, it really came to life. Some people like the 85 in the bridge, but I personally prefer the 81 in the bridge. It gave it a nice bite, and the guitar was perfect for heavy metal.
OVERALL OPINION
If you're looking for a budget Dinky style Jackson, this guitar is worth looking into. I'd look for an older one with the alder body, personally. Basswood works well with Ibanez, but when I think of Jackson, I think of either alder or mahogany. Also, I'd be prepared to replace the pickups and maybe even the tremolo. A good setup will give you a good playing guitar at a decent price.
UTILIZATION
Jackson didn't do too bad of a job on this guitar. It's not the best by any means, but it's not too bad. The binding was decent, and the overall fit and finish was pretty good for the price. However, the pickups are pretty weak. I was never a fan of the EMG HZ series, so I replaced them with the active 81/85 set. The neck is a standard thin/medium kind of neck with a cool compound radius. This allows for easier bending up high with better chording near the nut. The biggest issue I had was the cheap floyd they put on it. I really wish it had an OFR, but at this price point, I can understand why it didn't have one.
SOUNDS
The sound on mine was pretty good. Alder, maple and rosewood is a classic combo that seems to almost always sound good. When I replaced the EMG HZ pickups with the 81/85 set, it really came to life. Some people like the 85 in the bridge, but I personally prefer the 81 in the bridge. It gave it a nice bite, and the guitar was perfect for heavy metal.
OVERALL OPINION
If you're looking for a budget Dinky style Jackson, this guitar is worth looking into. I'd look for an older one with the alder body, personally. Basswood works well with Ibanez, but when I think of Jackson, I think of either alder or mahogany. Also, I'd be prepared to replace the pickups and maybe even the tremolo. A good setup will give you a good playing guitar at a decent price.