Category: guitars

If you’re curious about 7-string guitars and want something that won’t break the bank, the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is a brilliant place to start. Designed with metal and hard rock in mind, this guitar gives you access to lower tunings, aggressive tones, and fast playability – all without a hefty price tag. Whether you’re stepping into the extended range world for the first time or just want a solid backup guitar, the JS22-7 delivers way more than you’d expect at this price point.

Built for Speed and Comfort

The first thing that stands out is the guitar’s slick satin finish and classic Jackson styling. It looks mean, in the best way, and feels even better in your hands. The body is made from lightweight poplar, which keeps things comfortable whether you’re standing for a full set or jamming at home.

The bolt-on maple neck features Jackson’s signature “speed neck” profile – slim, fast, and designed for effortless riffing and soloing. You also get a compound radius fretboard made of amaranth, giving you a curved profile down low for chord work and a flatter radius up high for faster leads and bends. Add in 24 jumbo frets and you’ve got a neck that’s built for metal.

Extended Scale for Lower Tunings

With its 26.5-inch scale length, the JS22-7 handles lower tunings like a champ. Whether you’re in standard B, drop A, or going even lower, the extended scale keeps the low strings tight and defined. No floppy low B here – just punchy, percussive low end that holds up under heavy gain.

The hardtail bridge with string-through-body construction adds sustain and keeps everything locked in. It’s simple, solid, and gets the job done.

High-Output Sound and Simplicity

The JS22-7 comes loaded with Jackson’s high-output humbuckers, which are voiced for thick rhythm tones and cutting lead work. They’re ideal for distortion-heavy genres and give you everything you need to chug, shred, or dive into some prog riffage. Controls are kept simple – one volume, one tone, and a three-way switch – so you can focus on playing, not fiddling.

Reliable Hardware, Ready to Rock

Tuning stability is solid thanks to Jackson’s sealed die-cast tuners, and the overall construction feels far more robust than you’d expect from a guitar at this price. It’s the kind of instrument that invites long playing sessions, whether you’re practicing, recording, or playing live.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

The Jackson JS22-7 Dinky is one of the best value 7-string guitars on the market. It’s got the look, the feel, and the tone to make it a serious contender – whether you’re just starting out or need a reliable second guitar. It’s comfortable to play, holds tuning well, and handles heavier styles with ease.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry into the world of extended range guitars, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

Swing by the shop and try it out for yourself – you might be surprised how much you like it.

If you’re into modern metal and need a guitar that can handle heavy riffs, low tunings, and fast shredding, the Ibanez RGD61-BAM is definitely worth a look. This beast is part of Ibanez’s RGD series, which is designed with extended-range players in mind. Whether you’re chugging through aggressive riffs or soaring with high-speed solos, this guitar has the specs to deliver.

Built for Performance and Playability

One of the first things you’ll notice about the RGD61-BAM is its Black Aurora Burst Matte finish. It’s sleek, modern, and has that stage-ready look that screams attitude. But it’s not just about appearances – this guitar is built for serious players.

The body is made from Nyatoh, a tonewood known for delivering a warm, balanced sound with a solid low-end response. It’s paired with a roasted maple Nitro Wizard neck, which is thin, flat, and incredibly smooth to play on. Roasting the wood also makes it more stable, so you don’t have to worry about sudden changes in temperature or humidity messing up your setup.

Topping off the neck is a Macassar ebony fretboard, which not only looks stunning but also gives you a snappy, bright attack with great sustain. The jumbo frets make bending and soloing effortless, while the luminescent side dots help you keep track of your position when playing in dim lighting.

Designed for Lower Tunings

If you’re a fan of low tunings, this guitar is built for you. With its 26.5-inch scale length, you get tighter string tension compared to a standard 25.5-inch scale guitar, meaning your low strings won’t feel floppy when you tune down. Whether you’re in drop C, drop A, or even experimenting with extended tunings, you’ll get clear definition and punchy low end without things getting muddy.

Pickups and Electronics

At the heart of the Ibanez RGD61-BAM’s sound are the Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic humbuckers. These pickups are designed to give you the best of both worlds – high output with crushing distortion but also the ability to clean up beautifully when you need to dial it back. They’re active pickups, so they’re extremely clear and noise-free, making them perfect for everything from djent to classic heavy metal.

A standout feature is the push-pull volume knob, which lets you switch between two different voicings. You can go from an aggressive, modern metal tone to a cleaner, more organic sound, making this guitar surprisingly versatile for different playing styles.

Hardware That Holds Up

Tuning stability is always a big concern for guitarists, especially if you’re playing with heavier strings and lower tunings. That’s where the Gotoh MG-T locking tuners come in. These make string changes quick and painless while keeping your tuning rock solid.

The Mono-Rail bridge is another great feature, helping to eliminate unwanted string vibration and cross-talk between the strings. This means better sustain and a clearer overall tone, which is exactly what you want when you’re playing complex riffs or fast solos.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

The Ibanez RGD61-BAM is a fantastic guitar for metal players who need something that’s built for precision, low tunings, and killer tone. From the roasted maple neck to the Fishman pickups and solid hardware, everything about this guitar is designed with performance in mind.

If you’re after a guitar that can handle heavy riffs, shred effortlessly, and stay in tune no matter what you throw at it, this one’s definitely worth trying out.

Pop into our store and give it a go – you might just find your new favourite guitar!

If you are on the lookout for a great value guitar that delivers serious performance, the Spira S-450 might just be what you need. It’s part of the new Spira Guitars range, a brand created by the same team behind JET Guitars, and they have done a cracking job making an affordable axe that looks and sounds like it should cost a lot more.

Build and Design

Straight away, the Spira S-450 catches the eye with its flame maple top and roasted poplar body. The gloss finish gives it a premium look, and it comes in some stunning colours, including Transparent Purple, Transparent Green, and Transparent Red/Black. The body is comfortable and well-balanced, making it a joy to play for long sessions.

The neck is roasted Canadian maple, which not only looks great but also improves stability. It’s got a modern D-shaped profile, so it sits nicely in the hand whether you’re playing fast solos or chunky riffs. The fretboard is also roasted maple, and with a 14″ radius and 24 jumbo frets, it’s built for smooth, effortless playing. If you like a slick, fast neck, this one is spot on.

Sound and Pickups

The Spira S-450 is fitted with a pair of custom-made Villain humbuckers, designed to give a powerful and articulate tone. These pickups have a 12k output with ceramic magnets, which means you get plenty of punch and clarity, especially if you’re into rock or metal. The sound is full-bodied and rich, with enough bite to cut through a mix but still enough warmth for more mellow tones.

There’s a simple control layout with one volume and one tone knob, keeping things easy. Whether you want to crank up the gain for heavy riffs or dial it back for cleaner, expressive playing, the S-450 delivers.

Hardware and Playability

When it comes to stability, this guitar does a solid job. It has a fixed bridge, so tuning remains rock solid even after hours of playing. The black locking machine heads keep everything tight and reliable, so you’re not constantly reaching for the tuner. There’s also a double-action truss rod, so adjustments are easy if you need to tweak the neck.

Who Is the Spira S-450 For?

This guitar is perfect for rock and metal players, but it’s versatile enough to handle other styles as well. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a budget-friendly workhorse, it’s a great option. The build quality is excellent for the price, and it has the kind of features you usually see on more expensive guitars.

Price and Verdict

At around £350-£400, the Spira S-450 is a steal. For the money, you get premium looks, solid hardware, and a set of pickups that can really deliver. If you’re after an affordable guitar that looks and plays like a high-end instrument, this one is definitely worth checking out.

If you want to see the Spira S-450 in action, check out some of the recent video reviews online. It’s always good to hear a guitar before you buy, and from what we’ve seen, this one is turning heads for all the right reasons!

Final Thoughts

Spira Guitars might be a new name, but they’ve made a serious statement with the S-450. It’s well-built, sounds great, and won’t break the bank. If you’re searching for a guitar that gives you pro-level features without a hefty price tag, this is one to consider. Give it a go, and you might just find your new favourite guitar.