Jackson JS Series Monarkh SC JS22, Amaranth Fingerboard, Snow White

Jackson’s slant on the classic singlecut design is available across their catalogue, but we’re especially impressed by this example from the entry-level JS range. With a satin finish to the body and neck, it’s eminently tactile before you even plug in and once you do you’ll surely be as impressed by the performance and tone as were are.

Amaranth is an alternative to rosewood, not an extra from Lord of the Rings, and it’s finding increased use in manufacturing across the industry, not least here as the material for the JS22’s fingerboard. It’s bound in white, bristles with 22 jumbo frets and offers a 12-16-inch compound radius too; not bad for this end of the market.

It could be your first proper electric or a more than worthy backup to your stage arsenal, and here’s another idea: how about putting put a set of Ernie Ball Mammoth Slinkys on there and tuning down? Trust us; the Monarkh can take it, and its stability and tuning will stay true regardless of how energetic your drop-C riffing may become.

Also available in tobacco burst, red stain and satin black, and with a poplar body capped with figured maple finished in trans purple.

Specs

Body: Mahogany

Neck: Maple, bolt-on

Fingerboard: Bound amaranth with 12-16-inch compound radius and dot inlays

Frets: 22 Jumbo

Scale: 24.75-inch / 648mm

Pickups: Two Jackson high output humbuckers with three-way toggle switch, volume and tone controls

Fixtures: Black Jackson tuneomatic-style bridge with adjustable tailpiece