I own this bass as well. My 2nd 5 string and 3rd bass overall. I really dig the 35" inch scale and neck on this bass. My favourite eq settiing is treble at around 40%, mid 30% and bass 60% on hambucking mode. This also made me re-consider Jackson instruments overall.
Proud owner of this bass, i specifically have the walnut stain satin finish. This bass is the best $350 ever spent and it feels like a $1000 guitar, the built quality, and sound from the factory strings alone is mad!!!!
Indeed it does phenomenal. Personally I’ve always use either both pickups or in recent years the neck pickup, but the bridge pickup sounds great. I too like how the bass sounds In humbucker mode. It sounds thick and punchy. Rather if it’s in active or passive mode.
I have an Ibanez sr300e, and from what I can tell, the preamp on this just knocks it out of the park, especially the midrange. On the Ibby, when you boost the mids, you start to sound a bit like an angry goose, this just sounds really full. Was impressed by a concert bass in a similar price range, and while I know they are kinda funny looking, it might be neat to compare one to this.
Jackson is constantly making me want to fall in love with their instruments again. Got one of their 7 strings guitars the other day and already loveeeee it I am definitely gonna look at getting one of the Spectra 5 string basses. I love ESP don’t get me wrong but even the cheaper Jackson models feel like high end models.
I too have a jackson 7-string guitar. I bought it on sale for $150 a couple years ago and it sounds really nice for the price. And the spectra basses sounded great too. Especially since I’ve tried one out a few years ago.
Just got this one today to play around while waiting for 2 other basses that I ordered... My first 5 string. What I notice compared to Ibanez SR300 series - the neck, fretboard and frets themselves are of. higher quality.. Other than that it's pretty much the same bass.
Gumby headstock. I just bought the walnut stain version,now I got to learn how to play a five string but on my four string basses I have them in a drop D configuration. I've thought about doing that with the E string on this bass as well because well,that what I play in with the group I'm performing with.
got this bass a while ago and overall a good experience with just a couple of flaws: 1) some of string buzz (you can hear some of it in this vid as well) 2) gets out of tune a lot 3)the shape isnt super ergonomic (imo) and its just kinda bulky overall
I was saving for a Epiphone p 90 sg guitar until i tried a Jackson bass at Sam ash .the tone was so great ,I switched up and bought a Jackson 5 alien burst .
Hi, so recently stumbled across this bass and then your video. Like how you go into detail with all the different tones available. My question is, your 3 years into this bass now. Would you still recommend it for a beginner 5 string player?
thinking about getting this bass, I love a lot of stuff about my ibanez but coming from playing a mexican pbass and a fretless ebmm stingray I didn't care for the tight string spacing on the 5 strings. (ibanez uses 17mm and jackson/sbmm uses 17.5)
Came here to check out the bass, stayed for the bunnies! They're so adorable 😍 aren't they super sensitive when you're playing? My guys thump when I play 😂
I just bought it, one question: why does the fifth string stick to the neck? It sounds like it bounces , appreciated your answer, and if it is better to change other strings and which ones do you recommend?
I assume the "V" in the model number denotes 5 strings (since the JS3Q is a four string). Would you say that the JS3QV and the JS3Q are similar enough that the bulk of this review would apply to the JS3Q as well? There doesn't seem to be much for reviews for the 4-string model.
Hey Johnny, greate review as always. Quick question: given the lightweight poplar body, does it feel well balanced? Or maybe the heavyweight neck falls down? Have you tried playing it while standing? Thanks in advance.
Great video! I'm new to bass (3 months in) so forgive the stupid question. What setting did you use to get the Obsidian Oberdrive, Bass Octaver (I need this asap) and Auto Wah from 10:45 onwards? Thanks
@@JonnyDibble For sure, my first bass was a 1987 charvel 200b(Rex from Pantera used them before Spector) you should check out the jpb 7/8/9 basses Jackson made in 95, they were sued by Marleux because they copied their basses so well. I have EMG actives in it and my buddies 6k Marleux doesn't sound any better.
@@JonnyDibble I went through an Ibanez, Jackson, and now I'm a huge fender guy lol.... Never in a million years did I think I would be all about dad basses 😂
The problem I have with modern basses like this or the Ibanez models is the fact that they sound so tinny and you end up desperately fiddling and turning knobs to find a usable sound until you inevitably end up getting a P and be done with it. They're fine for modern stuff, I suppose, where that top end rasp and a barely defined fundamental is all you can distinguish from the bassline but yeah, nah, not for me. Nice, thorough review though, kudos!
I think they still pack a punch in the low end. Just lots of highs and presence which, as you say, for modern styles is ideal 😄 I'm totally a P bass guy and hate lots of knobs normally, but this one just works for me 😊 cheers!
P basses are hollow sounding and one dimensional. The 3 band EQ gives you tons of options. And with Ibanez and others you can have your P bass sound and so much more. Just get out of the $300 price range and buy one in the 600-1,000 range. Worlds of difference.
For those who like this kind of bass sound hey more power to you. Its not my cup of tea. To me these lack depth and a deep tone that is more accustomed to what I am used to hearing. These however sound hollow. Ive got an Ibanez SR 400 EQM that looks and plays just like it but I think I am going to sell it. I prefer my Musicman Sterling basses; but thats just what sound i ike in a bass. (Would love to get a MM Stingray but unfortunatly I can't afford the $2500 price tag.)To each his own i guess.
This is the correct response for those that don't prefer the tones! I have a similar thing for Aguilar and bartolini pickups, they just don't tickle my pickle 😋 cheers
Cool review, Johnny. 😎🤘🏻🎸 I’ve tried out a Jackson spectra bass about a few years ago and it sounds awesome. Plus It was in a silver burst finish and it looks stunning. It does look virtually identical to an Ibanez soundgear bass and it looks really sleek. I am intrigued by the passive/active switching. It gives this bass the best of both world. I wouldn’t mind getting one in a silver burst finish.
The lower leveled Jackson spectra basses are available in silver burst finish along with black and walnut. The higher leveled spectra basses(the ones with the neck-through body) are available in black and blue besides green and purple. Since you’ve mentioned on the video that you’re primarily a 4-string player, there is 4-string version available in a silver burst finish.
It pretty much is! Scooper sound though though I found. Is that just fir this style if 5 string? Looking at Squiers and they're still 34" Think I covered everything I wanted to say in the video 😊
Wow! My first thought was that Jackson made and amazing looking Ibanez! After watching, I'm super impressed. The overdrive on this thing is seriously pleasing to my ears. The outro music that you did here was also really cool.
I love the look/sound but not a fan of the body shape personally. It feel like a SR ibanez and my playing arm does not like it after testing them out =( I just wish more people would copy jacksons PUSH/PULL pot idea.
Great video as always Jonny. Never been a fan of Jackson basses, style over substance to my mind. I associate Jackson basses with Dave Ellefson (no knob jokes please) so more connected with thrash than hair metal. I’ll stick with my 5 string Precision. 👍🏻😁
Thanks very much for showing! The bass sounds pretty horrible to my ears with these boosted treble settings. There are no punching Mids. What should I play with clashing sound? In my opinion, it is a cheap copy of the SR design, making the headstock uglier. Looks like an assembly kit. The new Ibanez SRs sound smooth and nice in the mix without these harsh Sounds. In my opinion - not really an alternative to SR.
Interesting! I way prefered this to the SR705 I checked out. Then again, I don't really get along with Bartolini pickups. Each to their own and all that
Sounds like a beast! Oh, and I definitely like the headstock better than the one on my Jackson! Oh, great, now I want a five string! I really don't like you sometimes, Jonny...
Well i would say ..by the looks and electronics ...and layout of these Jacksons ..Ibanez has aquired Jackson!!!...I mean they are ALMOST splitting image of the lower level SR basses!!!!
Dont think they have been bought by ibanez but the lower level ibanez, jackson and cort basses are all made at the same factory in Indonesia to very similar specs and design
I own this bass as well. My 2nd 5 string and 3rd bass overall. I really dig the 35" inch scale and neck on this bass. My favourite eq settiing is treble at around 40%, mid 30% and bass 60% on hambucking mode. This also made me re-consider Jackson instruments overall.
Ah awesome! I think the 35" really adds and really doesn't feel uncomfortable at all. Cheers!
What’s the neck dive like?
Proud owner of this bass, i specifically have the walnut stain satin finish. This bass is the best $350 ever spent and it feels like a $1000 guitar, the built quality, and sound from the factory strings alone is mad!!!!
So impressed! It's a great bass. Need to have a look at that walnut finish!
Just bought one couple hours ago! I'm blow away by the versatility of this bass and the playing! The builts quality is fantastic on mine too!
Thanks for this demo! I've been really looking into this one, it sounds like a great bass to get into 5 strings.
Definitely a great bass for the money, and a great bass full stop! No worries 😊
I actually like how the bridge pickup sounds when it's passive and in humbucking mode. That's a first for me
Me too! I'm not normally into bridge pickups unless they're musicman style humbuckers, but this one is great 👌
Indeed it does phenomenal. Personally I’ve always use either both pickups or in recent years the neck pickup, but the bridge pickup sounds great. I too like how the bass sounds In humbucker mode. It sounds thick and punchy. Rather if it’s in active or passive mode.
I love this thing. I got the alien burst finish and moved from a squire 4 string to this
I have an Ibanez sr300e, and from what I can tell, the preamp on this just knocks it out of the park, especially the midrange. On the Ibby, when you boost the mids, you start to sound a bit like an angry goose, this just sounds really full. Was impressed by a concert bass in a similar price range, and while I know they are kinda funny looking, it might be neat to compare one to this.
It really is a great preamp! Beats the SR705 I reviewed after this and that's a more premium bass. Jackson are killing it!
Jackson is constantly making me want to fall in love with their instruments again. Got one of their 7 strings guitars the other day and already loveeeee it I am definitely gonna look at getting one of the Spectra 5 string basses. I love ESP don’t get me wrong but even the cheaper Jackson models feel like high end models.
I'm so glad I got this bass. Really opened my eyes!
I too have a jackson 7-string guitar. I bought it on sale for $150 a couple years ago and it sounds really nice for the price. And the spectra basses sounded great too. Especially since I’ve tried one out a few years ago.
I had a similar thing with Jackson. I always just brushed past them, but I tried one of these at Long and Mcquade and was pleasantly suprised.
Love it when that happens! 😄
Thank you very much for including overdrive sounds aswell.
Always! 😈
Just got this one today to play around while waiting for 2 other basses that I ordered... My first 5 string. What I notice compared to Ibanez SR300 series - the neck, fretboard and frets themselves are of. higher quality..
Other than that it's pretty much the same bass.
I am considering buying this so I am grateful for this review. I play guitar mostly but play bass on the songs I write and record myself.
Gumby headstock. I just bought the walnut stain version,now I got to learn how to play a five string but on my four string basses I have them in a drop D configuration. I've thought about doing that with the E string on this bass as well because well,that what I play in with the group I'm performing with.
got this bass a while ago and overall a good experience with just a couple of flaws:
1) some of string buzz (you can hear some of it in this vid as well)
2) gets out of tune a lot
3)the shape isnt super ergonomic (imo) and its just kinda bulky overall
I was saving for a Epiphone p 90 sg guitar until i tried a Jackson bass at Sam ash .the tone was so great ,I switched up and bought a Jackson 5 alien burst .
Nice one! 🤩
Hi, how are they for old school funk? I have a jazz bass but i fell in love with the blue burst js3q ....
Hi, so recently stumbled across this bass and then your video. Like how you go into detail with all the different tones available.
My question is, your 3 years into this bass now. Would you still recommend it for a beginner 5 string player?
I got this bass and I can't get my 135 gauge B string to fit in the bridge does anybody have a good method to efficiently open it up so it fits?
You should be able to drill it. And if you do, keep an open mind, and your drill handy, you can consider changing it to a string through.
Nice review mate. As ibanez man this sounds like something I could really like.
Im sure it's the vibe they were going for, and man they did an amazing job 👌 Cheers!
@@JonnyDibble awesome. Thank you
I’m an Ibanez guy myself and I would say the same.
So many tones!! I have a Yamaha TRBX 304 but looking to maybe get something else. Maybe a Jackson would be cool.
thinking about getting this bass, I love a lot of stuff about my ibanez but coming from playing a mexican pbass and a fretless ebmm stingray I didn't care for the tight string spacing on the 5 strings. (ibanez uses 17mm and jackson/sbmm uses 17.5)
I've had a 4 string forever just pulled trigger on the alien burst... I'm with you shoulda been way sooner.. I'm still thinking tone block it
I need this bass in my life! Sounds great and looks great! 🤣🔥🎶🎶🔊🔊
Came here to check out the bass, stayed for the bunnies! They're so adorable 😍 aren't they super sensitive when you're playing? My guys thump when I play 😂
@@DrorTreler they live downstairs and my room is upstairs luckily haha!
13:40 I could not find this anywhere online lol, thank you
I just bought it, one question: why does the fifth string stick to the neck? It sounds like it bounces , appreciated your answer, and if it is better to change other strings and which ones do you recommend?
Well I'm sold! I need something more verstatile than what I have currently and this just might the one. Great review!
Thanks very much! It's a really nice bass for sure
I assume the "V" in the model number denotes 5 strings (since the JS3Q is a four string). Would you say that the JS3QV and the JS3Q are similar enough that the bulk of this review would apply to the JS3Q as well? There doesn't seem to be much for reviews for the 4-string model.
Yup! All the same just doesn’t have the B string
I just bought one of these...let's hope the thing sings! Bout to get phat up in here!! 😎🤓🖖
Congrats! 😄
Love the tonal options. I had my eye on a white 4 string
SO many tones!
I have the white 4-string. I like it.
Hey Johnny, greate review as always. Quick question: given the lightweight poplar body, does it feel well balanced? Or maybe the heavyweight neck falls down? Have you tried playing it while standing? Thanks in advance.
Bass is very well balanced
Great video! I'm new to bass (3 months in) so forgive the stupid question. What setting did you use to get the Obsidian Oberdrive, Bass Octaver (I need this asap) and Auto Wah from 10:45 onwards? Thanks
Hi! Thanks very much. These are all effects on the Line 6 HX Stomp 😊
@@JonnyDibble Thank you!
Great review! I love the finish. Agree that cheapo pre-amps can be nasty! This one on the other hand, sounds fantastic!
Cheers love! Yeah I'm really happy with it! 😄
It's not new headstock... They first appeared on the c 20 concert. I have a really rare 1995 Jackson professional jpb-9. It has the exact headstock.
Nice. New to me! Definitely prefer it to a pointy one 😊
@@JonnyDibble For sure, my first bass was a 1987 charvel 200b(Rex from Pantera used them before Spector) you should check out the jpb 7/8/9 basses Jackson made in 95, they were sued by Marleux because they copied their basses so well. I have EMG actives in it and my buddies 6k Marleux doesn't sound any better.
@@JonnyDibble I went through an Ibanez, Jackson, and now I'm a huge fender guy lol.... Never in a million years did I think I would be all about dad basses 😂
*phases
Those of us who have this bass just know how to stay off the radar when it comes to brand hazing. It’s the absolute perfect budget bass.
The problem I have with modern basses like this or the Ibanez models is the fact that they sound so tinny and you end up desperately fiddling and turning knobs to find a usable sound until you inevitably end up getting a P and be done with it. They're fine for modern stuff, I suppose, where that top end rasp and a barely defined fundamental is all you can distinguish from the bassline but yeah, nah, not for me. Nice, thorough review though, kudos!
I think they still pack a punch in the low end. Just lots of highs and presence which, as you say, for modern styles is ideal 😄 I'm totally a P bass guy and hate lots of knobs normally, but this one just works for me 😊 cheers!
@@JonnyDibble well hey, if it works, it works, it all comes down to personal taste and no one in the crowd cares what we play anyway hahah
P basses are hollow sounding and one dimensional. The 3 band EQ gives you tons of options. And with Ibanez and others you can have your P bass sound and so much more. Just get out of the $300 price range and buy one in the 600-1,000 range. Worlds of difference.
Can't use the same settings on your amp on every bass. Gotta fiddle with it
Hallo, do you have any idea how much this thing weight's?
For those who like this kind of bass sound hey more power to you. Its not my cup of tea. To me these lack depth and a deep tone that is more accustomed to what I am used to hearing. These however sound hollow. Ive got an Ibanez SR 400 EQM that looks and plays just like it but I think I am going to sell it. I prefer my Musicman Sterling basses; but thats just what sound i ike in a bass. (Would love to get a MM Stingray but unfortunatly I can't afford the $2500 price tag.)To each his own i guess.
This is the correct response for those that don't prefer the tones! I have a similar thing for Aguilar and bartolini pickups, they just don't tickle my pickle 😋 cheers
@@JonnyDibble Agreed. Love your Channel Johnny.
@@johncandido2241 Cheers John!
WHERE ON EARTH DID YOU FIND A PURPLE ONE/
Now that you have a 5 string in your hands,would you recommend it to those who have always played a 4 string? Nice review jonny...cheers👍👍👍😛
You'll just have to wait for the next episode of the podcast for your question to be answered 😇😏😉
@@JonnyDibble ok dude...i'm looking forward to hear it..bye🤪
Hi!
How much does this bass weigh?
If I didn't see the headstock (and title) I'd sworn it's an Ibanez! Well, same factory probably partly explains this. It sounds great.
Definitely has some of those tonal qualities! Big fan 😍
Looking at it, it does look good. You made it sound super clean, the bass is definatley not for me, but it could be perfect for someone else.
It cleans up well and then gets super dirty when you want it to be 😈 Its definitely not for everyone 😊
Is it bass will good for black metal or sympho black? I speak about sound
Lots of tones in there, I think you can get it to work in lots of heavy genres!
@@JonnyDibble thanks, dude 👍🏻
Cool review, Johnny. 😎🤘🏻🎸 I’ve tried out a Jackson spectra bass about a few years ago and it sounds awesome. Plus It was in a silver burst finish and it looks stunning. It does look virtually identical to an Ibanez soundgear bass and it looks really sleek. I am intrigued by the passive/active switching. It gives this bass the best of both world. I wouldn’t mind getting one in a silver burst finish.
Thanks Alex! I think the only do this model 8n particular in green as well as purple now, bringing back the silver burst would be 😍😍
The lower leveled Jackson spectra basses are available in silver burst finish along with black and walnut. The higher leveled spectra basses(the ones with the neck-through body) are available in black and blue besides green and purple. Since you’ve mentioned on the video that you’re primarily a 4-string player, there is 4-string version available in a silver burst finish.
Great review, though I’m not in the market for a 5 string. Honestly I’m here once again for the outro.
Cheeeeeers mate! 😄
@@JonnyDibble Always enjoy your content! 🙏
Looks like a plain Ibanez copy.
Wish such big company would innovate more.
35" is standard for 5 string basses.
No drawbacks?
It pretty much is! Scooper sound though though I found. Is that just fir this style if 5 string? Looking at Squiers and they're still 34"
Think I covered everything I wanted to say in the video 😊
5, crikey what's going on. However it looks and sounds pretty good. PS I don't normally do mid boost but that works nicely.
Me neither! But I agree. It's not too much on here 👌
Wow! My first thought was that Jackson made and amazing looking Ibanez! After watching, I'm super impressed.
The overdrive on this thing is seriously pleasing to my ears. The outro music that you did here was also really cool.
Haha well, that's fine by me! Ill definitely be paying more attention to Jackson from now on. Thank-you dude 😄
I love the look/sound but not a fan of the body shape personally. It feel like a SR ibanez and my playing arm does not like it after testing them out =( I just wish more people would copy jacksons PUSH/PULL pot idea.
I too wasn't a HUGE fan if the body shape at first, few on me though! Yeah I'd definitely recommend trying it out first to see what's comfy 😊
The bass looks good ,I like it mostly in humbucker mode ,single coil seams a bit thin to me.
I like humbucking mode best too. Seems like that's what it was built to do 😎
Bass and rabbits? Subscribed!
Bunny bass bros
Great video as always Jonny. Never been a fan of Jackson basses, style over substance to my mind. I associate Jackson basses with Dave Ellefson (no knob jokes please) so more connected with thrash than hair metal. I’ll stick with my 5 string Precision. 👍🏻😁
Thanks Dave ☺ Yeah this is the first time I've had my head turned by one!
Thanks very much for showing! The bass sounds pretty horrible to my ears with these boosted treble settings. There are no punching Mids. What should I play with clashing sound? In my opinion, it is a cheap copy of the SR design, making the headstock uglier. Looks like an assembly kit. The new Ibanez SRs sound smooth and nice in the mix without these harsh Sounds. In my opinion - not really an alternative to SR.
Interesting! I way prefered this to the SR705 I checked out. Then again, I don't really get along with Bartolini pickups. Each to their own and all that
Sounds like a beast!
Oh, and I definitely like the headstock better than the one on my Jackson!
Oh, great, now I want a five string! I really don't like you sometimes, Jonny...
Sorry not sorry 😈
I'm just here to make sure the algorithm doesn't mess things up for you ;)
Ita people like you that keep the world turning xo
@@JonnyDibble be the good you want to see in the world I always say! It costs nothing to be kind!
The only downside For me with these and most Ibanez’s etc, are the slap tones. They just never sound as good as an old school jazz bass / stingray
Yeah, they're not really tailored for slap really I don't think. The traditional Fender trios are my go tos for that!
Well i would say ..by the looks and electronics ...and layout of these Jacksons ..Ibanez has aquired Jackson!!!...I mean they are ALMOST splitting image of the lower level SR basses!!!!
SO similar!
Dont think they have been bought by ibanez but the lower level ibanez, jackson and cort basses are all made at the same factory in Indonesia to very similar specs and design
Fender owns Jackson
try showing the instrument while you're describing it
Always forget to do this in the edit! Thanks for the reminder and feedback 👍👍
lol @ 2:47
Wouldn't be a video of mine without it 😅
😎👌
😁😁
That bass is pure sexual
Jackson is made by Fender...
Indeed it is
Ibanez SR300 looking shits
Four strings aren't real basses. Bass = low.
You're 100% correct, can't be disputed, case closed, thank-you very much
@@JonnyDibble ;-)