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Used Jackson Spectra JS3V Bass Guitar - Satin Black
listed for $300.00
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Jackson Spectra JS3V Bass Guitar - Satin Black

5-string Electric Bass with Poplar Body, Maple Neck, Laurel Fingerboard, and 2 Active Humbucking Pickups
$399.99

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Jackson Spectra JS3V Bass Guitar - Satin Black
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Upgraded Jackson 5-string Bass Value

The Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V packs plenty of punch — and sleek looks to boot — with its poplar body, maple neck, and active humbucking pickups. Upgraded with a HiMass bridge, two Jackson active humbuckers, and coil-split circuitry, the Spectra Bass JS3V makes it easy to dial in the perfect tone for any gig or recording session. And for a commanding feel, the thin U profile neck is topped with a smooth compound-radius laurel fingerboard and jumbo frets for effortless playability, with the added range of a tight and responsive low B — courtesy of the instrument's 35" scale length. If you're looking for a seriously gigable 5-string bass at a great price, look no further than the Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V.

Compound-radius fingerboard for ultimate playability

The JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V features a 12–16-inch compound-radius fingerboard for ultimate playability. The laurel fingerboard is rounder near the nut for holding down the groove. As your head up to the solo range of the instrument, the radius flattens out for easier runs and string bends.

Powerful electronics let you tweak your tone to perfection

Jackson stocks the JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V with two medium-output active humbucking pickups, positioned to capture the fullest tone possible. With coil splitting and 3-band EQ, you can sculpt your tone any way you see fit. Whether you're recording soulful R&B or trying to cut through a speed-metal mix onstage, the Spectra Bass JS3V has the tone-shaping power you need. And the active electronics provide plenty of output to drive long cable runs, your effects chain, and your amp.

Built with unbeatable Jackson quality

Jackson's JS series incorporates Jackson's three-plus decades of instrument-building expertise, and the Spectra Bass JS3V is no exception. You get resonant tonewoods, high-output electronics, and a fast neck with a silky smooth fingerboard, all at a price that belies its performance. Many guitarists and bassists at Sweetwater (and worldwide) are fiercely loyal Jackson players. Check out the JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V and you'll know why.

Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass Guitar JS3V Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with poplar body, gloss finish
  • 1-piece maple neck, Thin U profile, 35-inch scale length, satin finish
  • Laurel fingerboard, 12–16-inch compound radius, 24 jumbo frets, dot inlays
  • Bridge pickup: Jackson Medium Output Humbucker (active)
  • Middle pickup: Jackson Medium Output Humbucker (active)
  • Master Volume control (push/pull for active/passive)
  • Pickup Blend control; coil-split toggle switch
  • Bass, Mid, and Treble controls (active only)
  • Jackson HiMass bridge; 1.75-inch nut
  • Jackson Sealed Die-cast tuners
  • Factory strings: 45–130, standard tuning
  • Dual-action truss rod, headstock access

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Strings: 5
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: Spectra
  • Body Material: Poplar
  • Body Finish: Satin
  • Color: Black
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Neck Shape: Thin U
  • Neck Joint: Bolt-on
  • Radius: 12"-16" compound
  • Fingerboard Material: Laurel
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
  • Number of Frets: 24, Jumbo
  • Scale Length: 35"
  • Nut Width: 1.750"
  • Nut Material: Plastic
  • Bridge/Tailpiece: Jackson HiMass
  • Tuners: Jackson Sealed Die-cast
  • Neck Pickup: Jackson Medium-output Humbucker
  • Bridge Pickup: Jackson Medium-output Humbucker
  • Controls: 1 x master volume (push/pull for active/passive), 1 x Tone blend, 3-band EQ (active), 2-way pickup toggle
  • Strings: NPS, .045-.130
  • Case Included: Sold Separately
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 2919005568

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Best bass for the buck

I'm a son writer, not a bass player. But I needed a five string, so I considered a lot of five strings in this range. The yamaha bb235, squier affinity jazz, spector performer, yamaha trbx305, sterling ray 5. I ended up going for this for two reasons. It had a 35 inch scale length for a tighter low b, and the option for passive pick ups. I didn't care about the active pick ups and I was afraid the 35 inch scale would be ruthless to play. I was wrong on both. I was recording with it last night and used both the active and passive mode, coil split, and different blend settings. I'm so glad I can be picky. And the 35 inch feels great! Because of the body shaped (mine and the basses) it sits very comfortably against me and feels easier than my squier classic vibe jazz bass. Its an extremely fun bass to play. I love the satin finish. It has so many great sounds in it. Its well made. You can't lose. If you need an inexpensive 5 string but don't want a cheap 5 string, this is the winner
Rated 4.5/5

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 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.
Music background: Part-time working bassist
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