Jackson JS Series Dinky® JS12, Amaranth Fingerboard, Gloss Black Electric Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Jackson JS Series Dinky JS12 in Gloss Black is a full-size electric guitar that gives beginners and developing players genuine Jackson styling, dual-humbucker power and a 24-fret neck at an accessible price.

Its poplar Dinky body uses Jackson's compact double-cutaway shape, finished entirely in Gloss Black with matching black hardware for a clean, aggressive look that feels immediately at home in rock and metal.

The bolt-on maple neck features graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint, while the amaranth fingerboard has a modern 12" radius and 24 jumbo frets. This gives developing players plenty of room for chords, riffs, bends, tapping and upper-register lead work.

Two Jackson High-Output humbuckers provide the thicker, punchier response associated with heavier guitar styles, while simple volume, tone and three-position switching keep operation straightforward.

A 2-point fulcrum tremolo adds pitch and vibrato effects without introducing the additional setup complexity of a double-locking Floyd Rose system.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Jackson
Model	JS Series Dinky JS12
Model Number	2910112503
Finish	Gloss Black
Condition	New
Body	Poplar
Scale Length	25.5"
Fingerboard	Amaranth
Radius	12"
Frets	24 Jumbo
Pickups	Dual Jackson High-Output Humbuckers
Bridge	2-Point Fulcrum Tremolo
Main Appeal	Affordable full-size Jackson with simple high-gain-friendly specification
Best For	Beginners, developing players, rock, hard rock and metal

What's Included?

• Jackson JS Series Dinky JS12 in Gloss Black

• Tremolo arm

✘ 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 obvious functional or setup issues can be identified before dispatch.

Our assessment includes:

• Neck relief and string action

• Fret condition

• Nut and string alignment

• Pickup output and balance

• Three-position pickup switching

• Volume and tone operation

• Output connection

• Tuning machine operation

• Tremolo function

• Bridge and saddle adjustment

• Intonation

• General tuning stability

• Overall visual condition

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

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

Service / Setup Work

The JS12 is checked before dispatch for suitable neck relief, action, intonation, tuning operation and overall playability.

The 2-point tremolo is also checked for normal operation.

Significant changes to string gauge or tuning can affect neck relief, intonation and tremolo balance, so an appropriate setup is recommended when making substantial changes.

Why Choose The Jackson JS12 Dinky?

Full-Size Jackson Playability

The JS12 uses a conventional 25.5-inch scale length, giving it normal full-size electric guitar proportions rather than the shortened dimensions of Jackson's Minion models.

For a beginner already comfortable with a standard guitar, this provides a platform that can continue to feel familiar as technique develops.

24 Jumbo Frets

Jackson gives the JS12 24 jumbo frets, providing two full octaves on each string.

That makes it particularly useful for players who want to develop lead techniques, tapping and upper-register soloing without quickly reaching the physical limit of the neck.

Graphite-Reinforced Maple Neck

The bolt-on maple neck is reinforced with graphite for additional structural support.

This is a valuable feature on an affordable guitar because the neck naturally responds to changes in temperature, humidity and string tension.

Dual High-Output Humbuckers

Two Jackson High-Output humbuckers give the JS12 the thicker response associated with rock and metal guitars.

Use the bridge position for tighter distorted riffs and power chords, then switch to the neck pickup for a fuller lead voice.

Straightforward Electronics

A master volume, master tone and three-position selector keep the guitar simple.

For a newer player, this makes it easy to understand how pickup position and amplifier settings work together without unnecessary electronic complexity.

2-Point Fulcrum Tremolo

The two-point tremolo gives players the opportunity to experiment with vibrato and pitch effects.

It is easier to understand and maintain than a double-locking tremolo, making it a sensible introduction to tremolo-equipped electric guitars.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Jackson JS12 vs Jackson JS20 DKQ 2PT

The JS20 DKQ moves towards a more performance-focused specification with a Quilted Maple Art Grain appearance and 12"-16" compound-radius fingerboard.

The JS12 is the simpler and more accessible starting point, while the JS20 DKQ is better suited to players wanting a more decorative finish and progressively flatter upper fingerboard.

Jackson JS12 vs Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X

The Minion uses a much shorter 22.5-inch scale, reducing fret spacing and overall guitar dimensions.

Choose the Minion for younger players or smaller hands. Choose the JS12 for conventional full-size 25.5-inch geometry.

Jackson JS12 vs Traditional S-Style Beginner Guitar

Many traditional beginner S-style electrics use single-coil pickups and lean towards brighter, vintage-inspired sounds.

The JS12's dual humbuckers, 24 frets and aggressive styling make it a more natural choice for players interested primarily in rock, hard rock and metal.

Jackson JS12 vs Floyd Rose-Equipped Jackson

A Floyd Rose offers considerably greater tremolo range for dive bombs and extreme pitch effects.

The JS12 is much easier to restring and maintain, making it better suited to players who want some tremolo functionality without immediately dealing with a double-locking system.

Who Is It For?

The Jackson JS12 is particularly well suited to:

• Beginner electric guitarists

• Developing players

• Rock guitarists

• Hard-rock players

• Metal musicians

• Players wanting a full-size first guitar

• Guitarists learning lead techniques

• Players who prefer humbuckers

• Musicians wanting 24 frets

• Guitarists looking for an affordable second electric

Playing Styles & Applications

The JS12 is particularly comfortable with rock, hard rock, punk and metal.

The bridge humbucker provides the attack needed for distorted riffs, palm-muted rhythm parts and power chords, while the neck position gives leads and melodic parts additional body.

Using both pickups together creates another useful rhythm voice and can work well when reducing amplifier gain for cleaner playing.

The 24-fret layout also gives developing guitarists room to explore bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, tapping and faster alternate picking.

Is The Jackson JS12 A Good Beginner Guitar?

For a beginner already interested in heavier guitar styles, the JS12 is a strong starting point.

Its controls are straightforward, the humbuckers work well with distortion and the two-point bridge is easier to understand than a locking tremolo.

More importantly, the specification leaves room for progression. A full-size 25.5-inch scale and 24 frets mean the guitar does not become physically restrictive once the player starts exploring more advanced techniques.

Looking for advice on choosing your first Jackson, practice amplifier or complete beginner guitar setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

What Does A 12-Inch Fingerboard Radius Mean?

Fingerboard radius describes how curved the playing surface feels across the width of the neck.

The JS12 uses a consistent 12-inch radius, giving it a relatively modern, flatter feel compared with many vintage-inspired guitars.

That works well for chords, rhythm playing and string bending while keeping the neck specification straightforward.

Higher-spec Jackson models often use compound-radius fingerboards that become progressively flatter higher up the neck, but the JS12's fixed 12-inch radius remains a versatile choice for a developing guitarist.

Story & Context

Jackson established its reputation through high-performance electric guitars developed for increasingly technical rock and metal players.

The Dinky became one of the brand's most recognisable body shapes, using slightly more compact double-cutaway proportions than a traditional S-style guitar while retaining Jackson's pointed headstock and performance-focused character.

The JS Series brings those design ideas into the more affordable end of the range.

The JS12 keeps the concept deliberately straightforward while retaining several genuinely useful Jackson features, including graphite neck reinforcement, 24 jumbo frets and dual high-output humbuckers.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	JS Series Dinky JS12
Model Number	2910112503
UPC	885978976775
Series	JS
Orientation	Right-Handed
Number of Strings	6
Finish	Gloss Black
Body Shape	Dinky
Body Finish	Gloss
Body Material	Poplar
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Bolt-On with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf Joint
Neck Finish	Satin
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Fingerboard	Amaranth
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305 mm
Number of Frets	24
Fret Size	Jumbo
Nut Material	Black Plastic
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	White Pearloid Dot
Truss Rod	Dual-Action
Truss Rod Adjustment	At Nut
Headstock	Jackson Pointed 6-In-Line
Bridge Pickup	Jackson High-Output Humbucking
Neck Pickup	Jackson High-Output Humbucking
Pickup Configuration	HH
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Pickup Selector	3-Position Blade
Bridge	2-Point Fulcrum Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Jackson Sealed Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Black
Pickguard	None
Control Knobs	Dome-Style
Switch Tip	Black
Strap Buttons	Standard
Factory Strings	Nickel-Plated Steel .009–.042

Specification Note

Individual guitar weight naturally varies 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 JS12 pairs particularly well with:

• Modelling practice amplifiers

• Rock and metal guitar amplifiers

• Distortion and overdrive pedals

• Noise gates for higher-gain setups

• Delay and reverb

• Clip-on or pedal tuners

• Quality instrument cables

• Secure guitar straps

Jackson lists the Dinky/Soloist Gig Bag, part number 299-1512-106, as a compatible optional protection solution.

Power Requirements

The Jackson High-Output humbuckers are passive, so the JS12 requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect it to an 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 JS12 in Gloss Black is a strong first full-size electric guitar for someone already interested in rock, hard rock or metal.

Its strength is that the specification remains straightforward without feeling stripped back. The 24-fret neck gives plenty of room for progression, graphite reinforcement is a useful addition at this level and the high-output humbuckers make distorted sounds easy to access through a suitable amplifier.

The two-point tremolo also introduces pitch effects without the additional maintenance of a double-locking system.

The all-black presentation is classic Jackson too, making this a particularly easy choice for players who want a simple, understated metal-oriented look.

Best suited for: Beginners and developing guitarists wanting a full-size Jackson for rock and metal.

Customers usually upgrade from: Starter-pack guitars, short-scale learner models or very basic single-coil electrics.

Most commonly paired with: A modelling practice amplifier, tuner, strap, instrument cable and compatible Dinky gig bag.

Our tip: Explore the neck and combined pickup settings with cleaner amp tones as well as using the bridge pickup for distortion. It will help you understand how much tonal range a straightforward HH guitar can provide.

Showroom feedback: The full-size 24-fret layout gives a newer player plenty of room to develop while keeping the electronics and tremolo approachable.

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 knowledgeable musician-led team can help whether you're choosing your first electric guitar, comparing Jackson models or putting together a complete guitar and amplifier setup.

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 JS12 suitable for a beginner?

Yes. Its straightforward electronics, conventional full-size scale and manageable two-point tremolo make it a strong beginner guitar, particularly for rock and metal.

Is the JS12 a full-size electric guitar?

Yes. It uses a standard 25.5-inch scale length, rather than the shorter 22.5-inch scale used on Jackson Minion models.

Does the Jackson JS12 have 24 frets?

Yes. It has 24 jumbo frets, providing two complete octaves on every string.

Are the pickups active?

No. The Jackson High-Output humbuckers are passive and require no battery.

Is the tremolo a Floyd Rose?

No. The JS12 uses a 2-point fulcrum tremolo, making restringing and routine adjustment considerably simpler.

Can I use Drop D tuning?

Yes. Drop D is practical, although substantial permanent changes to tuning or string gauge can require adjustments to tremolo balance, intonation and neck relief.

Is the JS12 good for lead guitar?

Yes. Its 24 jumbo frets and 12-inch-radius fingerboard provide plenty of room for bends, legato, tapping and general lead work.

What does graphite neck reinforcement do?

Graphite adds structural support to the maple neck and helps it resist movement caused by temperature, humidity and string-tension changes.

Can heavier strings be fitted?

Yes. A significant change from the factory .009–.042 gauge should be accompanied by an appropriate setup to maintain good playability and tremolo balance.

What makes the Gloss Black version different?

The underlying JS12 specification remains the same, but the Gloss Black finish pairs with black pickups and black hardware for a particularly clean, understated Jackson look.