Jackson CBXM V David Ellefson X Series Signature Concert Review

More than a Jackson

PrefaceUp to this point, I had played a few Jacksons... but had never really considered buying one for myself. Perhaps it was because Jacksons, to me anyway, always looked like I should be playing only metal and harder rock with it. What was wrong with that? Nothing, really. I had always loved listening to Megadeth and I had always loved listening and watching David Ellefson in… read more interviews and his bass clinic videos yet I had never really focus on playing any megadeth songs. My music preferences was always classic rock and earlier. Once I saw Ellefson's promo video for this bass, I was in love immediately. I guess for the first time an ad really worked on me.Feel-The feel of this bass is astonishing. I love the maple neck combined with the compound radius. Feels extremely smooth sliding up and down the neck. As this is my first 5-string, I was told to be careful with the weight as they may be noticeably heavier than a traditional 4-string. I feel no greater burden on my shoulder with this bass. To make it even better, i got myself an extra wide and comfortable strap to go along with it. Additionally, Ellefson had it right to move the knobs closer to the outer edge of the body, no needless right hand bumping into the knobs when picking. Sound-What really sold me on this bass was the design and electronic set up. I felt that I could get whatever sound I wanted with the EMG PJ pickups. The active pickups really help me shape up tone. (For the record, i'm playing out of a Hartke HD 500 bass amp). I feel like I could get the attitude of a standard Jackson but with the flexibility of the PJ pickups. I may come back to purchase another to own one with the soapbar pickups as well. Quality-This beast is crafted in Indonesia and feels like a solid bass overall. It arrived already having the standard Sweetwater 55-point inspection and was tuned out of the box. One of the knobs came a little loose but took not even a minute or two to correct. Smooth frets, no blemishes on the body, and it feels like a tank. I lowered the string just a tad bit more, but that's just my personal preference. Verdict-I LOVE this bass. I was a bit worried buying a Jackson just because of what I thought some of my fellow local musicians might say. But I was pleasantly surprised when I took it to a jam night last week at one of my friends house and he congratulated me on buying a StingRay. I told him to look again. EXACTLY as Ellefson says in the promo video above, "THAT"S a Jackson!?". It was an amazing night and I sounded great. Give it a shot. Everyone's preference and tastes are different, so please go somewhere where you can give it a try and play it a while. If you do buy it, consider buying it here on Sweetwater to get the benefit of the 55-point inspection and the free candy they send along with most purchases. Get a extra wide strap and some of the Fender strap locks... (Seriously, those are awesome!).

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