Image: Christian Nurtsch, CC BY-SA 2.0 de — via Wikimedia Commons
Jackson DK2M
| Category | Strings (electric guitar) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA / Japan |
| Classification | guitar |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q6117072 |
Overview
The Jackson DK2M Dinky is a superstrat-style electric guitar in Jackson’s Pro Series. Built around the brand’s familiar small-bodied “Dinky” design — a downsized double-cutaway with deep horn relief — the DK2M pairs an alder body with a maple neck-through or bolt-on construction depending on era, two humbucking pickups, and a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo. The instrument is aimed squarely at hard rock and metal players who need a fast neck, high pickup output, and stable tremolo performance.
Origin & History
Jackson developed the Dinky body shape in the 1980s as a compact alternative to the larger Soloist, and the DK series has been the company’s mainstream production line ever since. The DK2 designation covers a family of two-humbucker Dinkys; the DK2M variant standardised a specific maple-fingerboard, two-humbucker, Floyd Rose configuration. Production has shifted between Jackson’s USA, Mexican, Japanese, and Indonesian facilities across the line’s life, with the DK2M consistently aimed at the upper end of the production range.
How It’s Played
The DK2M plays like a typical Jackson superstrat — thin, fast neck profile; flat fingerboard radius; deep cutaways granting full upper-fret access. The Floyd Rose system supports wide pitch-bending and dive-bombs while holding tuning across heavy use. Two humbuckers paired with a three-way selector deliver the bright, articulate high-gain voice associated with shred and metal playing, with both pickups together providing a slightly thinner, fatter mid voice useful for melodic leads.
Cultural Significance
Jackson Dinkys, including the DK2M, are part of the standard hardware of late-1980s through 2010s metal and hard-rock playing. The line’s combination of superstrat ergonomics, Floyd Rose stability, and accessible price has made it a default choice for working and touring guitarists in those genres. The Dinky has appeared on stage and in studio with players across thrash, power metal, progressive metal, and modern hard rock.
Related Instruments
- Ibanez Universe – seven-string superstrat sibling concept
- Eric Clapton Stratocaster – different signature philosophy
- Dean Razorback – metal-oriented competitor
- Dean ML – another metal-oriented design
- Peavey EVH Wolfgang – contemporary signature competitor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DK2M a USA-built guitar?
The DK2M has been built in several countries depending on era; the Pro Series is typically Indonesian or Mexican.
What pickups does it have?
Two humbuckers, often Seymour Duncan or Jackson-branded depending on year.
Does it have a tremolo?
Yes — most DK2M variants ship with a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo.
