Can you guys help me ID this one?

[guitarforceone]

I am not able to load pics, but I picked up this Jackson Reverse HS Dinky the other day, and it has a 97XXXXX serial. That is Japan 1997, correct? Anyway, this one only has 22 frets and it has dot inlays. Has 2 Jackson-labeled pickups, a JT-580 trem, and color is metallic dark red. The neck on this one is exactly like a Charvel Model Series neck, which is why I bought it. My other Japanese Jacksons have the 24 fret necks that are thicker and I cannot play them very well. This one is totally different, as I said, Charvel Model Series to a "T." No name on headstock except for the Jackson logo. Any help would be great. Thanks!

Dana <~~~

[Mudlark]

That is Japan 1997, correct?

Not necessarily. 97xxxxx can also refer to guitars made in Japan from 2003ish to 2007ish. There was a Japanese JS30 made around 2002 with a licensed Floyd, 22 frets and dot inlays.

[guitarforceone]

Another question...

Not necessarily. 97xxxxx can also refer to guitars made in Japan from 2003ish to 2007ish. There was a Japanese JS30 made around 2002-03 with a licensed Floyd, 22 frets and dot inlays.

I am so confused about these import Jackson serials. Anyway, thanks for that info. I've heard of the JS30, but didn't know exactly what it was.

One more question....I paid $249 plus tax for this....I have a feeling I overpaid....what do you guys think? I can take it back since I got it at GC. Thanks again for the help.

Dana <~~~

[Mudlark]

If you've already bonded with the guitar you didn't overpay, IMO. Under $300 for a Japanese Jackson in good shape sounds like a fair deal to me.

[guitarforceone]

Thanks Mudlark. I really appreciate your help. In that case, I think I will keep it. I thought it was a decent deal when I found it. I was always under the impression that the JS Series was a really low-end guitar. I guess it sort of is, but I like this one, and it plays really nice. Thanks man.

Dana <~~~

[pianoguyy]

Yes, mass confusion with the serials.
While not exact, an easy way to remember is:
in 96 they started the numbers with 96x, and they just started counting from there.
97x doesn't mean 1997. It means 100,000 units since they started in 96 with the 96x


I have a 96x from 1998 and a 98x from 2010.

[Codex]

If it were a JS30DK, wouldn't it be MII? Maybe it's a mutt. Take off the neck and see what markings it has.

[Mudlark]

Some were Indian as well. You're right, a mutt is possible since serials/necks can be swapped. Not sure if the specs change between the Japanese and Indian models, though the Japanese models had a higher price tag so I expect something was changed.

If it were a JS30DK, wouldn't it be MII? Maybe it's a mutt.

[Mudlark]

Not to sound nit-picky, but there are a few examples of 97xxxxx indicating 1997 but they're not common.

97x doesn't mean 1997.

[pianoguyy]

Not to sound nit-picky, but there are a few examples of 97xxxxx indicating 1997 but they're not common.

I said it wasn't exact...

Hell, the original Jackson serials are all messed up too. And they only had a couple thousand made.

[pianoguyy]

Thanks Mudlark. I really appreciate your help. In that case, I think I will keep it. I thought it was a decent deal when I found it. I was always under the impression that the JS Series was a really low-end guitar. I guess it sort of is, but I like this one, and it plays really nice. Thanks man.

Dana <~~~

The JS is a low end model.
But the Japanese made products are better than the Indian made ones.

[guitarforceone]

Serials...

The JS is a low end model.
But the Japanese made products are better than the Indian made ones.

Thanks for the info. I will pull the neck on it today.

So, on the serial numbers, I thought that a sure way to know MIJ is if the serials are either 6 or 7 digits long. Other than a neck swap, is this not an accurate way to tell? About a year ago I was asking about this subject, and nobody mentioned the 100,000 units thing after the 96 prefix. I either missed that, or that is new info, yes?

Thanks to everyone who chimed in....it's why I always come back here.

Dana <~~~

[Mudlark]

All Japanese numbers I've seen are either 6 or 7 digits. The 7 digit numbers I've seen always start with a 9 regardless of year of production, though there may be some oddballs.

[pianoguyy]

So, on the serial numbers, I thought that a sure way to know MIJ is if the serials are either 6 or 7 digits long.
nobody mentioned the 100,000 units thing after the 96 prefix. I either missed that, or that is new info, yes?

The number of digits is documented elsewhere, no need to keep manually reposting.

http://www.jcfonline.com/threads/101353-Import-Serial-Number-Country-of-Origin-FAQ

http://www.jcfonline.com/threads/101353-Import-Serial-Number-Country-of-Origin-FAQ

The 100,000 unit thing I said was just meant to be that they go sequentially starting with 96x in 96. 97x is 100k, 98x is 200k... I believe they are in the 99's now.