One of the more popular and affordable offerings from Jackson Guitars—the well-known brand name for instruments attuned to rock and metal genres—is the Jackson JS32 series. The Jackson JS32 series i personally like this series in guitar’s world. The JS32 series combines aggressive styling, fast playability, and powerful tone expected from Jackson with a price tag that works for both the budding professional and seasoned player who wants an affordable, no-frills workhorse. We will focus on design features, playability, and other reasons this Jackson JS32 guitar stands apart among all sorts of guitarists in this all-inclusive review
The Legacy of Jackson Guitars
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of the Jackson JS32 guitar, one has to understand a little bit of the history behind Jackson Guitars. Formed in the 1980s by Grover Jackson, it didn’t take very long for the brand to become top-shelf for heavy metal guitarists. Just a few of the major artists who used these guitars to help cement Jackson’s place as one of the go-to luthiers for fast-playing, sleek, and aggressive-sounding axes are Randy Rhoads, Phil Collen of Def Leppard, and Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden.
Axes from Jackson feature pointed headstocks, super-fast necks, and that distinctive “shark fin” inlay—all which lend themselves quite well to metal and hard rock’s shred-heavy styles. The Jackson JS32 guitar series allows for many of these iconic features at an extremely affordable price point.
Overview of the Jackson JS32 Series
The Jackson JS32 guitar series belongs to Jackson’s JS range, which entails a number of models targeted at different playing styles and preferences. Distinctive about the JS32 series itself, however, is that it really dances on the thin line between affordability and quality. The guitars are perfect for players looking for a strong instrument that will not put them out of pocket.
The JS32 series holds tons of models, all different but united by their fast necks, aggressive tones, and style. Here are some popular models from the Jackson JS32 guitar lineup:
JS32 Dinky: This is another classic design in Super Strat style with a double-cutaway body, 24 frets, and a fast neck that any shredder will love.
JS32 King V: This would be one of the favorites among metal players looking for an instrument that appears to look as aggressive as it sounds.
JS32 Rhoads: As is obvious by the name, this model was designed after Randy Rhoads and has an offset V design that is stylish and comfortable to play.
JS32 Warrior: Aggressive lines in the body make the Warrior a great model for players who want to make a statement on stage.
JS32 Kelly: Kelly comes with a distinctive angular body shape, offering a modern twist on conventional model shapes.
This JS32 guitar series is specially made for each of these models providing great performance and versatility to various music styles, especially in the genres of rock and metal.
Key Features of Jackson JS32 Guitar
The Jackson JS32 guitar series truly packs a punch for its money. The features this model comes with really make it special. Here’s a closer look at what makes these guitars special:
Body and Construction of Jackson JS32 Guitar
In Jackson JS32 guitars, the body is usually made of poplar or basswood. This makes the instruments pretty light in both cases, with well-balanced tone. These woods provide a very good base for well-oriented, punchy, and resonant sounds characteristic to Jackson guitars.
Every JS32 takes on a different body shape—the slick, contoured Dinky, the angular and aggressive King V, and the Warrior. But these body designs are not only brilliant in look; they are also ergonomically designed for comfortable playing, whether standing or sitting.
Neck and Fingerboard of Jackson JS32 Guitar
One of the most characteristic features of the Jackson JS32 guitar series is its fast neck. Necks are made with maple, bolt-on, for stability and a bright tonal character. Jackson’s signature neck profile is slim, often described as a “speed neck,” which was designed for speed and ease of playability and therefore suited to shredding and complex riffs.
Fingerboards are usually made of amaranth—better known as purpleheart—or rosewood, depending on the model. These materials have a smooth feel and are extremely hard-wearing, so a guitar will remain comfortable to play even during long sessions.
In addition, the JS32 guitars have 24 jumbo frets so that there would be room for complex fingerwork and extended-range playing. The compound radius fingerboard is flat at the higher frets, also greatly contributing to playability by providing easier bends and faster runs.
Pickups and Electronics
Equipped with high-output humbucking pickups, Jackson’s JS32 series guitar is the perfect tool to deliver that aggressive, powerful tone for which Jackson is known. These are great for driving with heavy distortion, making them perfect for metal and hard rock.
Dual humbucking pickups—generally Jackson-branded—are fitted as standard configuration on most of the JS32 models. These pickups are wired to a three-way switch and deliver both thick, chunky rhythm tones and searing lead tones. The electronics are pretty simple: master volume and tone controls help you nail the sound with ease.
Bridge and Hardware
Depending on the model, the Jackson JS32 guitar either contains a Floyd Rose Licensed double-locking tremolo bridge or a Jackson-branded fixed bridge. Metal guitarists love the Floyd Rose tremolo system due to its great hold of tuning while one is playing extreme pitch bends and dive-bombs.
On the other hand, the fixed bridge models cut things back to basics and offer genuine tuning stability, making them great for players who favor hardtail configs. Even the hardware comes in all black, which further adds to this guitar’s sleek, menacing appearance.
Aesthetic Appeal
Jackson guitars are all about bold, aggressive design; the Jackson JS32 guitar series does not break this rule. There’s something about these guitars that catches the eye, with finishes from classic gloss black to other exotic metallic blue or natural wood finish variants. Add to this mix a pointed headstock with an iconic Jackson design, and it’s metal-ready.
The fretboard inlays of shark fins add a touch of flair that has for so long associated Jackson guitars with this design, which makes the instrument completely recognizable both on stage and in a studio. The Jackson JS32 guitar is sure to turn heads everywhere.
Playability and Sound
Playability is where the Jackson JS32 guitar series can definitely not be faulted. Its fast neck and jumbo frets accommodate challenging riffs and solos, while its compound radius fingerboard makes it smooth to play in every position. The lightweight body contours to ensure comfort when holding or playing the instrument, even in extended periods of use.
Sound-wise, it features high-output pickups that pack a very full-bodied, punchy kind of tone with loads of clarity and definition even while playing high gain. Although this Jackson JS32 guitar is said to cover most genres, it would suit rock and metal best—the styles in which its aggressive tone and fast playability can be brought into play.
Who Should Consider the Jackson JS32 Guitar?
The Jackson JS32 is really a great guitar for many players—from the beginner to the more advanced player. Here’s who may really benefit from this series:
- Beginners
The Jackson JS32 is an entry-level guitar that provides beginners with a very good starting point into the electric guitars. It gives both of the quality and playability that one would expect of higher-end models at just a fraction of the cost of those models. Equipped with fast neck and body design for comfort, it easily enables new players to get their act together, and it delivers aggressive tone, perfectly fitting in with rock and metal players. - Intermediate Players
For intermediate players outgrowing a first beginner guitar, the Jackson JS32 series will be a huge upgrade in terms of quality and performance. With the Floyd Rose tremolo and compound radius fingerboard, it will prove to be versatile and capable of much more advanced playing techniques. - Gigging Musicians
For gigging musicians who are on a tight budget, you can still count on the Jackson JS32 guitar to be a workhorse. High-output pickups and solid construction will help it withstand the rigors of playing live, but its great looks also make this guitar one of the finest for stage presence. - Metal and Rock Guitarists
Of course, this Jackson JS32 guitar will just come out to be a perfect match for any player who really gets into heavy metal or hard rock. The tone is aggressive; the neck is fast and only provides excellent performance. Those are just a few of the things that make this particular guitar perfectly suited to any player who needs a big rush of energy in his performance.
Comparison of Jackson JS32 Guitar with Other Models
When one considers the Jackson JS32 guitar, there is a high possibility of comparing this particular guitar with others in its cost range. Here are some comparisons:
Jackson JS22 vs. JS32
The JS22 is also from Jackson’s JS series but serves as a slightly more budget-friendly option than the JS32. Though both guitars share many features, like the Fast Neck and high-output pickups, the JS32 offers several upgrades, including a Floyd Rose tremolo on some models and heavier build quality. For players who can afford the slight price hike, the JS32 gives a much more professional feel and added features.
Ibanez RG Series vs. Jackson JS32
Another cool, popular option for rock and metal guitarists would be the Ibanez RG series. Although the Ibanez RG and Jackson JS32 guitar both provide fast necks and aggressive tones, they differ in looks and feel. Ibanez generally has a flatter fingerboard radius and a slightly different neck profile that some players just like better. So, it will certainly all come down to personal preference in feel and brand loyalty.
ESP LTD Series vs. Jackson JS32
Another great rival, price-wise, against the Jackson JS32 axe is ESP’s LTD series. LTD guitars are famous for their build and being metal-oriented. While the Jackson JS32 might stand out a little in contrast to the LTD series when taking speed and playability into consideration, it does introduce a no-frills, more direct approach that some players would like.
Customization and Upgrades
One of the pros of the Jackson JS32 guitar is its capability for modification. Many players decided to upgrade their JS32 models with higher pickups, improved hardware, or custom finishes. That gives a player the chance to make changes on his guitar according to his needs and tastes, which potentially increases the value of the JS32 even as a long-term investment.
Conclusion
The Jackson JS32 guitar series epitomizes the never-ending zeal of this company toward churning out high-quality and quite affordable instruments for rock and metal guitar players. It gives a perfect mix between performance and style with its fast neck and aggressive tone. Be it for a starter who wants to buy his first serious guitar or an experienced player who wants a reliable backup, a Jackson JS32 guitar will turn out to be an excellent choice in all ways.
In a nutshell, much more is put into the Jackson JS32 than just an entry-level product—it’s your ticket into high-performance Jackson Guitars. The bottom line here is an instrument that works with affordability, playability, and aggressive looks to dominate its price range. It’s an electric that will never let you down on stage or at home, serving the most intermediate of shredders. Overall in guitars I personally like jackson’s guitar.
