Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT – Transparent Black Burst

Quick Product Summary

The Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT in Transparent Black Burst is an accessible seven-string electric guitar built for players who want an extended low register, fast Jackson playability and the straightforward stability of a fixed bridge.

Its lightweight poplar Dinky body features a Quilted Maple Art Grain top, giving the Transparent Black Burst finish plenty of visual depth while maintaining the aggressive, streamlined look associated with Jackson's performance guitars.

A 26.5-inch scale gives the lower seventh string greater tension and definition than a conventional shorter-scale electric, helping low riffs remain controlled when using distortion. The graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck is paired with a bound amaranth fingerboard, 12"-16" compound radius and 24 jumbo frets for comfortable rhythm playing and fast upper-register lead work.

Twin direct-mounted Jackson High-Output 7-String humbuckers provide the strong, focused response needed for rock, progressive metal and modern heavy styles, while the fixed Jackson HT7 string-through-body bridge keeps tuning, restringing and alternative-tuning setups relatively simple.

For guitarists taking their first step into seven-string playing, the JS22Q-7 DKA HT combines genuinely useful extended-range specifications with a striking quilted-top appearance.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Jackson
Model	JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT
Model Number	2918804585
Finish	Transparent Black Burst
Condition	New
Strings	7
Body	Poplar
Top	Quilted Maple Art Grain
Scale Length	26.5" / 673 mm
Fingerboard	Bound Amaranth
Frets	24 Jumbo
Pickups	Dual Jackson High-Output 7-String Humbuckers
Bridge	Jackson HT7 String-Through-Body Hardtail
Main Appeal	Affordable extended-range performance with a quilted-top look
Best For	Metal, progressive rock, modern heavy music and first-time seven-string players

What's Included?

• Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT in Transparent Black Burst

• Saddle height wrench

• Truss rod wrench

✘ No Case Or Gig Bag Included

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new guitar sold by Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving us so that obvious functional or setup issues can be identified before dispatch.

For the JS22Q-7 DKA HT, our assessment includes:

• Neck relief and action

• Seven-string nut and string alignment

• Fret condition

• Pickup output and balance

• Three-way pickup selector

• Volume and tone controls

• Output connection

• Tuning machine operation

• Bridge saddle adjustment

• Intonation

• General tuning stability

• Overall structural and visual condition

The guitar is checked and set up to a suitable playing condition before leaving Fair Deal Music.

As with any wooden instrument, setup can shift slightly during delivery because of changes in temperature and humidity. Minor adjustment after arrival can occasionally be required as the guitar settles into its new environment.

Service / Setup Work

The JS22Q-7 DKA HT is checked before dispatch for suitable neck relief, string action, intonation, tuning operation and overall playability.

Its fixed HT7 bridge makes future setup changes relatively straightforward, particularly if you decide to explore heavier string gauges or lower tunings.

Substantial changes from the factory gauge or tuning can still require corresponding neck relief and intonation adjustments.

Why Choose The Jackson JS22Q-7 DKA HT?

26.5-Inch Scale For A Tighter Low String

The 26.5-inch scale length is particularly valuable on a seven-string guitar.

Compared with a conventional 25.5-inch instrument using the same strings and tuning, the slightly longer scale increases tension and helps the low seventh string feel firmer.

That can improve note definition when playing palm-muted riffs and heavily distorted passages.

Quilted Maple Art Grain Top

The JS22Q-7 distinguishes itself visually with a Quilted Maple Art Grain top beneath the Transparent Black Burst finish.

It gives the guitar the appearance of a figured-top instrument while keeping it within the accessible JS Series range.

Graphite-Reinforced Maple Neck

The bolt-on maple neck features both a scarf joint and graphite reinforcement.

The graphite adds structural support to the longer seven-string neck, while the scarf-joint construction accommodates Jackson's angled AT-1 headstock design.

24 Jumbo Frets

Twenty-four jumbo frets give you two full octaves across every string.

That provides plenty of range for technical lead work, tapping and extended-scale ideas while ensuring the guitar is not limited purely to low-register rhythm playing.

12"-16" Compound Radius

The bound amaranth fingerboard becomes progressively flatter as you move towards the upper frets.

The 12-inch radius near the nut remains comfortable for chord shapes and extended-range riffs, while the flatter 16-inch upper register provides room for bends and faster lead playing.

Direct-Mounted High-Output Humbuckers

Two Jackson High-Output 7-String humbuckers provide the stronger response expected from a guitar aimed towards heavy music.

The bridge pickup is the natural choice for tight rhythm work, while the neck position offers a fuller alternative for solos and smoother melodic parts.

Jackson HT7 Hardtail Bridge

The fixed HT7 string-through-body bridge avoids the spring balancing required by a floating tremolo.

That makes string changes, alternative tunings and general setup significantly easier, which is especially useful for a player learning how different gauges and tunings behave on a seven-string.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

JS22Q-7 DKA HT vs Jackson JS22-7 DKA HT

The standard JS22-7 shares the same fundamental 26.5-inch scale, 24-fret compound-radius neck, Jackson high-output humbuckers and HT7 bridge.

The JS22Q-7 adds the Quilted Maple Art Grain top and Transparent Black Burst presentation, making it the stronger choice when visual impact is important alongside the core seven-string specification.

JS22Q-7 DKA HT vs Jackson JS32-7 DKA HT

The JS32-7 uses the same basic extended-range formula with a 26.5-inch scale, compound-radius amaranth board and HT7 hardtail.

The JS22Q-7 stands out through its quilted-style Transparent Black Burst top, while the JS32-7 offers its own distinctive finish and presentation. Both are logical choices for players prioritising straightforward fixed-bridge seven-string performance.

JS22Q-7 vs Ibanez GRG7221QA

The Ibanez GRG7221QA is another accessible seven-string with a figured-style top and fixed bridge.

Its standard 25.5-inch scale gives it a slightly more conventional feel, while the Jackson's 26.5-inch scale provides additional tension on the low string. The Jackson is the stronger option if extended-scale low-end definition and Jackson's compound-radius neck appeal to you.

JS22Q-7 vs Floyd Rose-Equipped Seven-String

A Floyd Rose provides a much wider range of pitch effects and can offer excellent tuning stability when correctly adjusted.

The JS22Q-7's fixed bridge is the better choice for players who prioritise simple restringing, easy tuning changes and straightforward experimentation with heavier gauges.

Who Is It For?

The Jackson JS22Q-7 DKA HT is particularly well suited to:

• First-time seven-string players

• Metal guitarists

• Progressive rock and progressive metal musicians

• Modern heavy rhythm players

• Guitarists interested in lower-register riffing

• Six-string players exploring extended-range instruments

• Players who prefer fixed bridges

• Guitarists experimenting with alternative tunings

• Developing lead players

• Home-recording musicians

• Players wanting an affordable seven-string with a more premium visual appearance

Playing Styles & Applications

The JS22Q-7 naturally excels at modern metal and progressive styles, where the additional low string gives you access to heavier riffs and extended chord voicings without sacrificing the familiar range of a six-string guitar.

The bridge humbucker works particularly well for palm-muted rhythm parts and heavily distorted riffs, while the neck pickup provides a rounder response for lead work.

The 26.5-inch scale helps the low register remain controlled, particularly when using substantial amplifier gain.

The guitar is not limited to metal. Ambient and progressive players can use the seventh string for broader chord voicings, drones and bass-register textures, while recording musicians gain access to a wider range without switching between a standard guitar and baritone-style instrument.

Why Is A 26.5-Inch Scale Useful On A Seven-String Guitar?

Adding a lower seventh string presents a string-tension challenge.

If the scale is too short, the lowest string can feel loose and lose definition, particularly when picking hard or adding substantial distortion.

The 26.5-inch scale on the JS22Q-7 increases tension slightly compared with a conventional 25.5-inch scale. This helps the lower strings feel firmer and can make fast low-register riffs more articulate.

For players considering lower tunings, the extended scale also provides a more useful foundation for experimenting with heavier strings.

Hardtail vs Tremolo: Which Is Better For A First Seven-String?

For many first-time seven-string players, a fixed bridge is the simpler option.

The Jackson HT7 hardtail does not rely on springs balancing against string tension, so changing tuning or replacing strings is more straightforward than with a floating tremolo.

That can be particularly useful when you are still discovering which seven-string tuning and string gauge suits your playing.

A tremolo-equipped seven-string makes more sense if wide pitch effects are central to your technique. If riffing, tuning stability and easy setup are the priorities, the fixed HT7 system is a strong choice.

Looking for advice on choosing your first seven-string, finding the right string gauge or building a modern high-gain setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

Jackson became one of the defining guitar names in high-performance rock and metal during the 1980s, developing instruments around fast necks, aggressive styling and increasingly technical playing styles.

The Dinky became one of the company's most recognisable shapes, using slightly more compact double-cutaway proportions while retaining the sharp visual identity associated with Jackson.

As seven-string guitars became increasingly important to progressive and heavier music, Jackson adapted the Dinky concept to extended-range playing with longer scales and dedicated seven-string hardware.

The JS22Q-7 DKA HT brings that formula into the accessible JS Series, combining a 26.5-inch scale and dedicated seven-string electronics with a figured-style Transparent Black Burst appearance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT
Model Number	2918804585
Series	JS
Orientation	Right-Handed
Number of Strings	7
Finish	Transparent Black Burst
Body Shape	Dinky
Body Finish	Gloss
Body Material	Poplar
Body Top	Quilted Maple Art Grain
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Bolt-On with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf Joint
Neck Finish	Satin
Neck Binding	White
Scale Length	26.5" / 673 mm
Fingerboard	Amaranth
Fingerboard Radius	12"-16" Compound
Number of Frets	24
Fret Size	Jumbo
Nut Material	Black Plastic
Nut Width	1.875" / 47.6 mm
Position Inlays	Pearloid Piranha Tooth / Small Sharkfin
Headstock	Jackson AT-1 3x4
Headstock Binding	White
Truss Rod Adjustment	At Nut
Bridge Pickup	Jackson High-Output 7-String Humbucking
Neck Pickup	Jackson High-Output 7-String Humbucking
Pickup Configuration	HH
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Pickup Selector	3-Position Blade
Bridge	Jackson HT7 String-Through-Body Hardtail
Tuning Machines	Jackson Sealed Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Black
Pickup Covers	Black
Pickguard	None
Control Knobs	Dome-Style
Switch Tip	Black
Factory Strings	Nickel-Plated Steel .009–.054

Specification Note

Individual guitar weight can vary naturally between instruments and has not been supplied for the specific guitar.

If exact weight is important to you, contact our team and we can advise on the individual instrument available.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Jackson JS22Q-7 DKA HT works particularly well with:

• High-gain guitar amplifiers

• Modern amp modellers

• Extended-range distortion and overdrive

• Clean boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Delay and reverb

• Pedal tuners

• Quality instrument cables

• Seven-string replacement string sets

Jackson specifies an optional compatible 7/8-String Dinky/Soloist gig bag, making dedicated protection a sensible addition for transport and storage.

Power Requirements

The Jackson High-Output 7-String humbuckers are passive, so the guitar requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect it to a suitable amplifier, modeller, pedalboard or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22Q-7 DKA HT in Transparent Black Burst is a particularly sensible entry point into seven-string playing.

The 26.5-inch scale and fixed HT7 bridge are the standout practical features. The longer scale gives the lowest string a firmer response, while the fixed bridge keeps tuning and string-gauge experimentation considerably simpler than a floating tremolo system.

The compound-radius neck and 24 jumbo frets also mean the guitar remains capable when your playing moves beyond low-register rhythm work into more technical territory.

Finally, the Quilted Maple Art Grain top gives the guitar a much more premium visual presence than many accessible extended-range instruments.

Best suited for: First-time seven-string players, modern metal guitarists and musicians wanting extended range with fixed-bridge simplicity.

Customers usually upgrade from: Six-string rock and metal guitars or basic shorter-scale extended-range instruments.

Most commonly paired with: High-gain amplification or modelling, a noise gate, boost or overdrive and a quality seven-string string set.

Our tip: If this is your first seven-string, spend some time learning to mute the additional low string cleanly rather than immediately changing tuning. Once the extra string feels natural, then explore heavier gauges and alternative tunings.

Showroom feedback: The 26.5-inch scale and hardtail bridge make the JS22Q-7 particularly approachable. It gives you the extended range without adding unnecessary setup complexity.

Want a closer look before ordering? Ask our team about a video demonstration and we'll be happy to help where possible.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, our experienced musician-led team can help whether you're buying your first seven-string, choosing suitable string gauges or putting together a complete modern rock and metal guitar rig.

Buying from Fair Deal Music gives you:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new and pre-owned musical equipment

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery options

• Decades of experience supplying musicians

• Help choosing suitable amplifiers, cases, strings and accessories

• New and pre-owned instrument expertise

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Jackson JS22Q-7 a good first seven-string?

Yes. Its 26.5-inch scale supports good low-string tension, while the fixed bridge keeps tuning and string changes straightforward.

What does the seventh string add?

A seven-string retains the normal six-string range and adds an extra lower string, giving you access to deeper riffs, expanded chord voicings and a broader overall register.

Why does this guitar use a 26.5-inch scale?

The longer scale increases string tension compared with a conventional 25.5-inch guitar, helping the lowest string feel tighter and more controlled.

What is the difference between the JS22Q-7 and the standard JS22-7?

Both share a similar extended-range foundation, but the JS22Q-7 adds the Quilted Maple Art Grain top and Transparent Black Burst finish for a more premium visual appearance.

Are the pickups active?

No. Both Jackson High-Output 7-String humbuckers are passive and require no battery.

Does it have 24 frets?

Yes. The JS22Q-7 has 24 jumbo frets, providing two complete octaves on each string.

Is the bridge a Floyd Rose?

No. It uses a Jackson HT7 fixed string-through-body hardtail bridge.

Is a fixed bridge useful for lower tunings?

Yes. A hardtail makes changes in tuning and string gauge easier because there is no floating tremolo spring balance to readjust.

What is a compound-radius fingerboard?

The radius progresses from 12 inches near the nut to 16 inches towards the upper frets. The lower section remains comfortable for chords and riffs, while the flatter upper register supports bends and technical lead playing.

Can I tune it lower than standard seven-string tuning?

Yes. The extended scale and hardtail bridge make it a useful platform for lower tunings, although substantial changes may require heavier strings and a corresponding setup.

What strings are fitted from the factory?

Jackson specifies .009–.054 nickel-plated steel strings.

Is the quilted top real figured maple?

Jackson specifies the top as Quilted Maple Art Grain, which is the correct description for this model.

Does it come with a case or gig bag?

No. A case or gig bag is not included with the standard factory package.