NAMM 2019: There are three models in the new Spectra Bass series, the JS2, JS3 and JS3V. Each model features a brand new offset poplar body shape with a large upper horn that evenly distributes weight throughout the guitar for more comfortable playing over longer hours.
JS Series Spectra JS2
The four-string JS2 features a Jackson J-style bridge pickup and P-style neck pickup to deliver a range of punchy growls and lucid tones that can be tweaked and refined with blend, bass boost and volume controls (including a push/pull selector to bypass or engage the active circuit for the bass boost).
Guitars are available in Gloss Black, Metallic Blue, Snow White or Tobacco Burst. The JS2 also features a bolt-on maple neck with scarf joint, 12” radius laurel fingerboard, Jackson hardtail bridge and a 2x2 Gumby headstock.
JS2 basses are priced at £219.
JS Series JS3 and JS3V
The 4-string JS3 (£300) and 5-string JS3V (£345) feature a bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint and a 12”-16” compound radius laurel fingerboard.
Dual passive Jackson medium-output humbucking pickups deliver a thunderous low-end, while a HiMass bridge provides rock-solid stability and improved sustain. Both models also feature a two-way toggle switch for pickup coil splitting, 3-band EQ (active only), blend control and volume control with push/pull selector to bypass or engage the active circuit for the 3-band EQ.
The JS3 is available in Gloss Black, Metallic Red or Silverburst, while the JS3V is offered in Satin Black, Silverburst and Walnut Stain.
X Series updates
Jackson’s X Series Concert basses have been treated to upgraded electronics, plus a host of new finish options to ensure they’re a force to be reckoned with both on stage and in the studio.
At the core of these guitars is a Jackson J-style bridge pickup and Jackson P-style neck pickup, paired with an active 3-band EQ circuit for pouring on the punch, cut, rumble or grunt. A Jackson HiMass bridge enhances note attack and sustain without altering tone while the sealed die-cast tuning machines keep the strings in tune even, however hard you play.
The four-string CBXNT IV (£480) is available in Matte Army Drab with a parchment pickguard and gold hardware. The guitar also features a poplar body, 34” scale, one-piece maple neck-through body and a 12"-16" compound radius bound laurel fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets for lightning-fast playability. The CBXNTM IV (£480) shares the same features but comes with a maple fingerboard and Butterscotch or Snow White finish with black pickguard and chrome hardware.
As for five string Concert models, all feature a poplar body and one-piece maple neck-through body, with a slightly longer 35” scale.
The CBXNT V (£529) is now available in Gloss Black with a white pickguard and chrome hardware, plus a laurel fingerboard with pearloid sharkfin inlays. The CBXNT V MAH (£529) features a mahogany top, laurel fingerboard with pearloid sharkfin inlays and comes available in a Natural finish with parchment pickguard and gold hardware. Finally, the CBXNTM V (£529) features a maple fingerboard with black sharkfin inlays and is available in Fiesta Red with a black pickguard and chrome hardware.
Want to know more about Jackson’s new bass models? Visit the Jackson site for the latest info.
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NAMM 2019 - all the news
The dust is settling, but our ears are still ringing. You'll find all the stories that counted in our massive news hub. Below, enjoy our editors' findings as we regrouped at the end of the show.
