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Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
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Playability
73
Sound
72
Build
60
Value
73
Score
68
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Playability
70
Sound
82
Build
64
Value
77
Score
72
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Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X vs Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M

Reasons to Get
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X over Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M

Release Year
2021 vs 2020
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Speed vs Charvel Speed
Thin and flat neck for playing fast
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.775'' (19.7mm) vs 0.77'' (19.6mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.835'' (21.2mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Avg. Weight
7.4lbs (3.4kgs) vs 8.425lbs (3.8kgs)
Tends to be lighter
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output

Reasons to Get
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M over Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X

Number of Frets
22 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Retainer Bar
Yes vs None
Assists you so tuning doesn't change when locking the nut
Neck Profile
Charvel Speed vs Speed
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Pickups Brand
Seymour Duncan vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Pickup Mods
Coil Split vs None
Splits humbuckers into single coil pickups
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.77'' (19.6mm) vs 0.775'' (19.7mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.835'' (21.2mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Value Score
77 vs 73
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X vs Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M

Bridge Pickup
Jackson High-Output Humbucking Active vs Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Jackson High-Output Humbucking Active vs Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Poplar vs Alder
Different Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Laurel vs Maple
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
R6 vs 6
Different Headstock

Shared Features
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X vs Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Nut Material
Locking
Same Nut Material
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Floyd Rose
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Compound Radius
12" to 16"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • Compound Radius Fretboard

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Expensive Wood
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M is probably the better product overall with its final score of 72 compared to the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's 68 score, although not by a lot.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M wins when it comes to sound, build quality, value for the money. On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X has the upper hand when it comes to playability.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 4 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

New Player Friendliness

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X Overview

  • From Jackson's 2021 X series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Jackson High-Output Humbucking Active (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: Jackson High-Output Humbucking Active (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose Special Double-Locking Tremolo bridge
  • Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Jackson Sealed Die-Cast tuners
  • Weight between 7.15lbs (3.2kgs) and 7.65lbs (3.5kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M Overview

  • From Charvel's 2020 Pro-Mod series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed) bridge
  • Charvel Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Charvel-Branded Die-Cast tuners
  • Weight between 8.15lbs (3.7kgs) and 8.7lbs (3.9kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

Woods Used in the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X

Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
Laurel
Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
Poplar

There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

Poplar is a cheaper and heavier alternative to Alder wood. It terms of tone, it emphasizes the low-end and has cutting mids. It's relatively soft compared to most body woods. Find out more about Poplar.

Woods Used in the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M

Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Winner: Tie.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M pickups from a more specialized brand than the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X. Its pickups should give you a fuller, richer sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Hard Rock and similar genres.

We found the same or similar pickups to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M's online:

The Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's pickups are Active while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M's are Passive.

Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.

Winner: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Only the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M comes with some kind of pickup modification: Coil Split.

Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's switch options
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
Pickups 55
Sustain 85
Versatility 64
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 72
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 74
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 82

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X compares to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X is built in Indonesia while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M is made in Mexico.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

Mexico has been for a long time where Fender has built their semi-premium series. If you don't want to overpay for a wellp-built instrument, a guitar built in this country by a good brand always offers good value for the money.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

In this case, both have Locking nuts. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

However, only the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M has a retainer bar for the locking nut, which is a helpful addition. Without it, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's strings will change pitch once you lock down the nut, so you'll have to make more micro-adjustments at the bridge to tune it correctly.

Winner: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

Both come with a similar bridge: Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. The Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's are Jackson Sealed Die-Cast while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M's are Charvel-Branded Die-Cast

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
  • Locking Nut
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Retainer Bar
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
Quality of materials 41
Features 70
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 60
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
Quality of materials 41
Features 80
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 64

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42.9mm (1.688'').

This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 6-string guitar. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

Scale Length

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X and Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X Neck Profile
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's neck profile
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M Neck Profile
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

In this case, both have different neck shapes:

The Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X has a D type of neck. This is a thin and flat neck that is made for playing fast. If you prefer a neck that doesn't get in your way when soloing, this is the shape you should use. Guitarists that prefer to have a bit more grip won't like this type of neck.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M, on the other hand, has a C neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X Fretboard Compound Radius
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X's Compound Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both have a compound radius. This means both offer you the best craftsmanship when it comes to fretboard design. You'll have an arc to help you play chords close to the nut, while also having a flat design at the higher frets for faster soloing and easier bends.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X and Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M Frets Size
Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

Final Playability Scores

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 70

Specs Side-by-Side

Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X vs Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
General Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M
Brand: Jackson Charvel
Year: 2021 2020
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia Mexico
Series: X Pro-Mod
Colors: White, Black White, Pink, Red Satin
Left-Handed Version: No Yes
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Poplar Alder
Bridge: Floyd Rose Special Double-Locking Tremolo Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed)
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Jackson Sealed Die-Cast Charvel-Branded Die-Cast
Fretboard: Laurel Maple
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Pearloid Sharkfin Black Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Speed Charvel Speed
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm) 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16" 12" to 16"
Nut: Locking Locking
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Jackson High-Output Humbucking Active (Humbucker / Active) Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Jackson High-Output Humbucking Active (Humbucker / Active) Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6 (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: None Coil Split
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1