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Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
VS
Playability
78
Sound
74
Build
57
Value
75
Score
70
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Playability
73
Sound
74
Build
57
Value
73
Score
68
FIND IT ON:
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Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone vs X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Reasons to Get
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone over X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Release Year
2022 vs 2021
From a more recent year
Pickups Brand
EMG vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Neck Joint
Neck-Through vs Bolt-On
Stronger neck and easier access to upper frets
Pickups
HH vs HSS
High output without hum
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.79'' (20.1mm) vs 0.775'' (19.7mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.85'' (21.6mm) vs 0.835'' (21.2mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Scale Length
26.5'' (673.1mm) vs 25.5'' (647.7mm)
Lower action and brighter natural tone
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output
Value Score
75 vs 73
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS over X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone

Nut Material
Locking vs Plastic
Best tuning stability for intense tremolo usage
Switch Positions
5 vs 3
More tone options
Pickups
HSS vs HH
High output with beautiful cleans and tone versatility
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.775'' (19.7mm) vs 0.79'' (20.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.835'' (21.2mm) vs 0.85'' (21.6mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm) vs 26.5'' (673.1mm)
Easier bending, shorter fret separation and warmer natural tone
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed

Other Key Differences
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone vs X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Bridge Pickup
EMG 81 vs Jackson High-Output Humbucking
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
EMG 85 vs Jackson Single-Coil
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Nyatoh vs Poplar
Different Body Wood
Headstock
6 vs R6
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Plastic vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone vs X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Laurel
Same Fretboard Wood
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Number of Frets
24
Same maximum octave
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Compound Radius
12" to 16"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Neck Profile Type
D
Thin and flat neck for playing fast
Type of Frets
Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Compound Radius Fretboard

Common Weaknesses

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • 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

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone is probably the better product overall with its final score of 70 compared to the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS's 68 score, although not by a lot.

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone wins when it comes to playability, value for the money. On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS has the upper hand when it comes to.

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?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone is the better choice.

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone meets 5 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS meets only 4. 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.

New Player Friendliness

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
  • 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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone Overview

  • From Jackson's 2022 X series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 26.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Nyatoh body
  • Maple neck
  • Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81 (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: EMG 85 (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Jackson HT6 String-Through-Body Hardtail bridge
  • Jackson Standard Neck-Through neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Jackson Sealed Die-Cast tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS Overview

  • From Jackson's 2021 X series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Jackson High-Output Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Jackson Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Jackson Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Double-Locking Tremolo bridge
  • Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Jackson Sealed Die-Cast tuners
  • 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
Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
Laurel

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.

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.

Woods Used in the Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone

Nyatoh wood pattern used for guitar building
Nyatoh

Nyatoh has been replacing Mahogany for guitar building. It's fairly hard, durable, more sustentable and common than Mahogany. Find out more about Nyatoh.

Woods Used in the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS

Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
Poplar

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.

Winner: Tie.

Pickup Configuration

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone has an HH configuration while the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS has HSS pickups.

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.

On the other hand, HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.

Pickups Quality

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone has pickups from a more specialized brand than the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS. Its pickups should simply give you a better, fuller sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Heavy Metal and similar genres.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's and use them on any guitar:

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's pickups are Active while the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS'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: Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone.

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

The Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS gives you 5 switch options while the Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone gives you 3. This means that the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS gives you more options to find the right pickup combination for the type of sound you want to achieve

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's switch options
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS'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: Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone
Pickups 95
Sustain 85
Versatility 49
Tuning Stability 65
Sound 74
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
Pickups 55
Sustain 80
Versatility 75
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 74

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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone compares to the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in China.

China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

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.

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone has a Plastic nut. This is a low-quality nut that you might want to consider upgrading soon. Bone and TUSQ nuts are the best for guitars with a fixed or simple tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS comes with a Locking nut. 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.

Winner: Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS.

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.

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's brige is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS's is a 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: Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. Both come with Jackson Sealed 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.

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone has a Neck-Through neck joint. This neck is a lot more resistant and lets builders give the neck joint a more comfortable shape for soloing at the upper frets. The disadvantage is that they're more expensive and that if you damage your neck, you can't simply replace it like with bolt-on necks.

On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS comes with 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: Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone.

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

Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Neck-Through Build
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
  • Locking Nut
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • 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

Final Build Quality Scores

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone
Quality of materials 41
Features 70
Quality Control 60
Build Quality 57
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
Quality of materials 41
Features 70
Quality Control 60
Build Quality 57

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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone 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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's Scale Length
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's Scale Length
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS's Scale Length
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS's 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.

The Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone has the longest scale: 26.5". The Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS is only 25.5" long. This is a 1'' (25.4mm) scale length difference.

This longer scale means that the strings need more tension to get in tune. This is good if you want to avoid fret buzz, which can happen when the strings are too loose and touch the frets while vibrating. This is especially important when playing in lower tunings. This will also let you reduce the gap between fretboard and strings (low action) to make them easier to press down. However, this higher tension will also make it harder to perform bends and vibratos as the strings will feel stiffer.

This also means that the frets have a longer separation between each other, so this will make it harder for people with smaller hands when playing some chord positions.

Another characteristic of a longer scale is that it makes the guitar sound 'snappier' or brighter. This is due to the extra separation between harmonics and overtones produced by the tension. This influences tone more than any other factor (except the pickups).

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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone Neck Profile
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone's neck profile
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS Neck Profile
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS'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.

Both the Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone and the Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS have a D-shaped 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.

Fretboard Radius

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone Fretboard Compound Radius
Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone'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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone and Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS 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 Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone
Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 100
Playability 78
Jackson X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73

Specs Side-by-Side

Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone vs X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
General Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX Baritone X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
Brand: Jackson Jackson
Year: 2022 2021
Configuration: HH HSS
Strings: 6 6
Made in: China China
Series: X X
Colors: Black Black, Blue, Green
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Nyatoh Poplar
Bridge: Jackson HT6 String-Through-Body Hardtail Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Double-Locking Tremolo
Neck
Neck Joint: Neck-Through Bolt-On
Tuners: Jackson Sealed Die-Cast Jackson Sealed Die-Cast
Fretboard: Laurel Laurel
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Pearloid Piranha Tooth Inverted Pearloid Sharkfin
Scale Size: 26.5" 25.5"
Shape: Jackson Standard Speed
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16" 12" to 16"
Nut: Plastic Locking
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) Jackson High-Output Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Jackson Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) Jackson Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1