Jackson Spectra JS3V - Satin Black Review

Happy, after setup

I ordered this bass out of the need for a 35" scale 5-string bass for drop tuning the bass a whole step (tuning A D G C F). I ordered this bass from another online retailer (please forgive me, Sweetwater). The guitar box did not arrive in a shipping box - it was only the guitar box. The tape was completely cut, so the bass could have just fallen out at any given time. I ordered… read more the Satin Black, and it arrived with scratches and scuffs from what appeared to be the bass being dropped during the shipping process. Needless to say, I was displeased. The other online retailer worked with me and took care of these issues as well as they could from their end, and I was satisfied with the overall level of service I received. The setup on the bass was terrible when I received it. I tried to get the bass set up the way I liked it, but ended up taking it to a reputable luthier/tech in the area I live in. After it was set up, the bass played like butter. I like poplar as a body wood for bass, as poplar is pretty lightweight and resonant. This bass is ergonomic - very comfy to wear sitting or standing. The string spacing feels wider than my Ibanez SR basses (16.5 mm), but tighter than a typical P or J bass (19 mm). The spacing is nice for fingerstyle and slap. I was really surprised at how sophisticated the pickups/electronics package is for a bass in this price range. I have not had an opportunity to record with this bass yet. I have played the bass through a variety of PA systems and bass amp rigs. This bass sounds great! I'm not saying it sounds great for the price, I'm saying it sounds great. The pickups are "medium output," but hot enough to stand up against a mix with distorted guitars, drums, keyboards, vocalists, and several accompanying instruments in several styles of music I play. The construction is solid. The low B (or low A, in my case) doesn't fit all the way through the string guide at the base of the bridge. When I put new strings on the bass, the string is sticking out approximately 1 - 1 1/2". I will have my tech drill this string guide hole a little bigger, and that will fix the issue. The tuning machines are typical closed back tuners you would expect to find on a bass in this price range. I'm thinking about upgrading to Gotoh or Hipshot tuning machines, but the stock keys work for now. The strap buttons are HUGE!! No need for strap locks on this bass. LOL! :) All in all, I'm satisfied with this inexpensive bass. Yes, the initial quality was underwhelming, as the bass arrived in a ghetto-fab box with bruises and a horrible setup. Once the setup was done though, I'm really happy with the bass. If you're a working bassist (like me) and want a 35" scale bass on a budget, this is a solid option. If you're happy with your current 5-string, but want a cheap backup bass, or a throw around bass that sounds good, this guy might be for you. This bass has been in heavy rotation for me. I'm very impressed with this bass.

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