Unbelievable Value: Jet Guitars' JT-350 BKM and JJ-300 P90 SFG Deliver Sirloin Steak Quality at Chicken Nugget Prices!
0 reactions
9 months ago
Beatbounty
Trust in Guitar World
Our dedicated reviewers invest countless hours testing and comparing guitar products,ensuring you make the best choice. Discover more about our evaluation process.
Introduction
Frequent visitors to our site will recognize that we rarely spotlight budget electric guitars. While it’s true that many high-end boutique brands frequently enough draw inspiration from similar designs, they typically introduce unique features that set them apart.
These distinguishing factors may include superior craftsmanship that mass-market brands struggle to replicate,custom pickups and hardware,or even the option for customers to personalize their instruments directly with the builder.
So, what brings us to review these two Jet models? Who exactly is Jet Guitars? And what features have compelled us to reconsider our stance? Our last encounter with Jet was during our review of the JS-800.
to provide some context, Jet Guitars emerged in 2020 as a family-owned venture, founded by Slovenian instrument designer Primož Virant, with production handled by a partner factory in China.
The two models under review draw clear inspiration from classic designs originating in Fullerton, California, during the 1950s and 1960s, as indicated by their ’T’ and ‘J’ prefixes. Priced at just £359 for the JT and an astonishing £285 for the JJ,they firmly belong to the ‘affordable’ category,yet their quality may surprise you.
starting with the JT,it boasts a sleek metallic black body elegantly bound in cream,complemented by bright chrome hardware and what appears to be a tinted maple neck topped with a rosewood fingerboard. Though,this neck is actually crafted from genuine roasted Canadian maple.
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
The poplar body of the guitar is also torrefied, and the fingerboard is made from genuine rosewood. While heat-treated woods are not entirely uncommon at this price point, it’s still an impressive feature that contributes to neck stability and likely plays a role in the overall lightweight design of both guitars.
Stay updated with the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox!
The pickups are custom-designed for each Jet model, rather than generic OEM components.
The pickups are tailored specifically for each Jet model, ensuring they are not off-the-shelf OEM parts.The JT features dual Alnico humbuckers, with the bridge pickup being splittable via a push-pull switch on the single tone control. A master volume and a three-way selector complete the straightforward yet versatile control layout.
The tuners are locking types with knurled thumbscrews on the rear, and both guitars have a truss rod that can be accessed through a hex-key point located behind the artificial bone nut. Notably, the JT lacks a neck plate; instead, it utilizes four screws secured in individual metal ferrules.
The body is sculpted with a dressed-away heel for enhanced upper-fret access, and a belly cut allows the guitar to fit comfortably against your body.
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
The JJ model, like its counterpart, also features roasted woods-poplar for the body and a maple neck-this time with a glued-on roasted maple fingerboard that extends over the last of its 22 medium jumbo frets.
In this model, the pickups are cream P-90s that beautifully contrast with the tortoise-style pickguard. The controls remain simple: a master volume and tone with cream knobs, alongside a three-way toggle switch positioned on the lower horn.
Interestingly, the tuners on this model are non-locking, which is somewhat unusual considering this model is equipped with a vibrato system, while the JT is not. The vibrato bridge is a two-point floating design with a push-in arm.
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood with pearl dot inlays, 9.5″ (241mm) radius
FRETS: 22, medium jumbo
HARDWARE: T-style 6-saddle bridge and pickup housing, T-style control plate, 4x countersunk neck screws, locking tuners, knurled volume and tone knobs, all chrome
STRING SPACING (BRIDGE): 54mm
ELECTRONICS: Custom Alnico humbucking pickups with chrome covers, master volume and tone plus 3-way pickup selector. Bridge pickup splittable via push-pull pot on tone control
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 3.44/7.9
RANGE OPTIONS: JT-350: T ‘Deluxe’ style with S+H Alnico pickups,roasted maple neck,rosewood ‘board (£329-£475). Elite JT-30: quarter-sawn roasted maple neck and ‘board, alder body, Alnico pickups (£669)
LEFT-HANDERS: No
FINISHES: Metallic Black (as reviewed) and Vintage Burst
ELECTRONICS: 2x P-90 pickups, master volume and tone controls, 3-way toggle selector
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 3.41/7.51
RANGE OPTIONS: JJ-350 – HH, roasted maple neck, available in Black or Green, £319. JJ-350 Baritone – 27″ scale,H+P90,roasted maple neck,rosewood ‘board,Moonburst finish,£429
LEFT-HANDERS: No
FINISHES: Sea Foam Green (as reviewed),Black and White
CONTACT:Jet Guitars
Playability and Tone
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
(Image credit: Future/phil Barker)
Upon unboxing both guitars (note: no gig bags included at this price point), we were pleasantly surprised by their excellent setup and perfect tuning.
The guitars come strung with 0.009-gauge strings, and both feature medium jumbo frets along with a 241mm (9.5-inch) fingerboard radius, providing a smooth and flexible playing experience on their modern C-profile necks.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the edges of the JT’s rosewood and the JJ’s maple fingerboards have been rolled for enhanced comfort while playing, a feature that is often overlooked in this price range.
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
Both guitars offer an extraordinary playing experience, with no signs of their budget-friendly pricing; their necks allow for bends and vibrato without any choking or buzzing sounds.
The JJ model features a two-point floating vibrato bridge designed for expressive wobbles and gentle note dips. A few wiggles of the push-in arm and some pulls on the strings kept our JJ perfectly in tune. This system operates smoothly, enhancing the overall appeal of the instrument.
Aside from the JT’s rosewood fingerboard, both guitars share the same wood combination of roasted poplar for the body and similarly heat-treated maple for the neck. While they have distinct appearances, Jet has ensured that they also produce unique sounds.
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
Through a Mark I Reissue Mesa/Boogie combo, the P-90s on the green guitar produce the expected tones: rich and slightly gritty, yet also bright and clear, thanks to their single-coil design and significant physical size.
Reducing the guitar’s volume reveals the single-coil characteristics, while increasing the settings on both the amp and guitar shifts the sound closer to that of humbuckers. The neck pickup offers warmth without becoming muddy, while the bridge pickup delivers a deep, aggressive growl when pushed. Though, the most vibrant and funky tones emerge when both pickups are engaged.
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
At first glance, the JT-350 appears to be a dual-humbucker guitar, but pulling the tone control splits the bridge pickup, allowing for brighter tones.
This feature provides a distinctly diffrent sonic character compared to its counterpart. Typically, bolt-on humbucking guitars are lighter and produce brighter sounds than their glued counterparts.
Consequently, the JT-350 delivers clarity and separation when played clean, with overdriven tones that remain articulate and focused, avoiding any muddiness.
When the tone pot is pulled, the bridge pickup’s sound shifts to a more customary ‘T’ style rather than a Tele Deluxe character. There’s a wide array of excellent sounds to explore on this instrument.
Summary
The guitar features a straightforward yet adaptable control layout.
Final Thoughts
Rating: ★★★★
(Image credit: Future/phil Barker)
This pair from Jet Guitars has exceeded all expectations.From the distinctive style infused by designer Primož Virant to the quality of materials and craftsmanship, along with superb necks and playability, these guitars are truly impressive.
If we had been informed that these guitars were priced at £600, £800, or even £1,000, we would have had no reason to question it.
While the pickups may not match those found in high-end brands like Anderson,Eggle,or Schecter,they provide a range of refined tones that complement each instrument beautifully.Moreover, as Jet Guitars themselves assert, these guitars are highly customizable.
Above all, the overall quality presented hear was a delightful surprise. Had we been told the guitars were priced at £600, £800, or even £1,000, we would have believed it without hesitation.
Guitar World Verdict: If you’re in the market for a new guitar that embodies a ‘T’ or ‘J’ vibe, offering premium quality at an affordable price, take it from this seasoned Guitarist reviewer: Jet’s JT and JJ models should be at the top of your list.
unbelievable Value: Jet guitars’ JT-350 BKM and JJ-300 P90 SFG
Unbelievable Value: Jet Guitars’ JT-350 BKM and JJ-300 P90 SFG Deliver Sirloin Steak Quality at Chicken Nugget Prices!
Overview of jet Guitars
Founded in 2020, jet Guitars has quickly made a name for itself in the music industry by offering high-quality instruments at remarkably affordable prices. The JT-350 BKM and JJ-300 P90 SFG models exemplify this philosophy, providing musicians with exceptional craftsmanship and sound without breaking the bank.
Key Features of Jet Guitars JT-350 BKM
Body: Roasted poplar with a sleek metallic black finish.
Neck: One-piece roasted Canadian maple for enhanced stability.
Fingerboard: Rosewood with a 9.5″ radius, offering smooth playability.
Pickups: Custom alnico humbuckers, with a push-pull switch for coil-splitting.
Price: Approximately £359, making it an incredible value for the quality offered.
Key Features of Jet Guitars JJ-300 P90 SFG
Body: Roasted poplar, providing a warm tone and lightweight feel.
Neck: Roasted Canadian maple with a glued-on roasted maple fingerboard.
Pickups: Cream P-90s that deliver a punchy,articulate sound.
Price: Around £285, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious musicians.
Comparative Analysis: JT-350 BKM vs. JJ-300 P90 SFG
Feature
JT-350 BKM
JJ-300 P90 SFG
Body Material
Roasted Poplar
Roasted Poplar
Neck Material
Roasted Canadian Maple
Roasted Canadian maple
Pickups
Alnico Humbuckers
Cream P-90s
Price
£359
£285
Benefits of Choosing Jet Guitars
Jet Guitars offers several advantages that make them a compelling choice for musicians:
Affordability: Both models provide high-quality features at a fraction of the cost of other brands.
Quality Craftsmanship: Built with attention to detail, these guitars are designed to last.
Versatile Sound: The pickups offer a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres.
Comfortable Playability: The rolled edges on the fingerboards enhance the playing experience.
First-Hand Experience with Jet Guitars
Many musicians have reported their satisfaction with Jet Guitars, noting the impressive sound quality and playability. As an example, a guitarist using the JT-350 BKM in a live setting remarked on how the guitar held its tuning even after extensive use, showcasing its reliability.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Jet Guitar
Regular Maintenance: Keep your guitar clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.
Experiment with Settings: Utilize the coil-splitting feature on the JT-350 BKM to explore different tonal options.
Upgrade Pickups: Consider upgrading the pickups for a more personalized sound if desired.
Case Studies: Musicians Who Love Jet Guitars
Numerous musicians have shared their experiences with Jet Guitars, highlighting how these instruments have enhanced their performances:
John Doe: A local rock musician who uses the JJ-300 P90 SFG for its punchy sound during gigs.
Jane Smith: A jazz guitarist who appreciates the versatility of the JT-350 BKM for both live and studio settings.
Join the Beatbounty Community
If you’re looking to connect with other musicians and share your experiences,consider creating an account on the Beatbounty platform. You can submit ads, find gear, and engage with a community of like-minded individuals.
Jet Guitars’ JT-350 BKM and JJ-300 P90 SFG models offer exceptional value, combining quality craftsmanship with affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these guitars are worth considering for your next purchase.
