Jackson CBXNT DX IV - Proof You Shouldn't Judge a Book by Its Cover - LowEndLobster Review

[@JamesBoren]

I spotted this bass about 2.5 years ago. I was mildly intrigued. Got my hands on a little Jackson minion bass and then became quite intrigued. I will take possession of my new Jackson X Series Concert CBXNT DX IV Bass tomorrow. I pay more attention to folks who have positive attitudes rather than hard-core critics. Good job on this video Lobster > 🙂

[@DevakiKao]

I swear I am the only person I know who loved this bass from the get go. I love the looks of Ricks but am a Jackson enthusiast, so I was honestly stoked when it came out and I bought one six months ago. Trying it in store I also thought it just needed a set up. Six months, three set ups attempts and a Luthier later, come to find out mine has a factory warped neck. I'm currently going through the warranty process, wish me luck because I desperately want to have a properly working one!

[@darvinclement3250]

I always thought it looked cool as well.

[@edorissen]

I was really hyped when I saw it and I immediately thought "Wow, this is a great looking bass!" But for some reason people just don't like it.

[@Bassman1964]

I’m with you guys in my 1st impression was wow, super trippy Pbass and Ric had a Baby, still yet to play one but every demo online sounds fantastic.. hopefully warranty worked out for you DevakiKao? sure it will end up in the collection sooner than later

[@bthonk]

did you get everything sorted out?

[@DevakiKao]

@@bthonk Yes, they did send a replacement that plays beautifully, however it has a few significant cosmetic issues whereas the first one didn't, so that was disappointing, but at least it plays well!

[@codiekiser5482]

I think this thing looks gorgeous. Not sure how people disliked it haha.

[@OzlinLikesVideos]

Man, this bass has gotten so much static. I am really happy to see a solid breakdown of the instrument :)

[@joecasa85]

I've loved this bass since the very first moment I noticed it but, despite my love for the black one, now my "bass heart" beats for the green model! It's so georgeous to look at, I tried one at a guitar center and it sounded and looked AMAZING! Really rock solid tone!! Excellent showcase of this bass Lobster, as it's usual from you: I'm happy to be part of this channel since the beginning.

[@richgsimisker6286]

Great review, props for eating some humble pie for our benefit! The bass sounds fantastic - a really well voiced pickup set. And if you were to replace that white pickguard with a black or chrome one, you'd also get rid of all the visual goofiness. This could turn out to be a bit of a cult bass.

[@jonsidell3338]

Black/white/black pick guard would really transform the look! Great idea.

[@bertbouton7157]

I like the white pick guard. Not sure why it gets the hate. I'm fighting with taking off the guard or not. I like the look of the guard but not sure if I can get used to it or not

[@mikeybinfl]

Went to guitar center and seen one in the orange and fell in love. Also sounds great. Price tag of 750.00 on it but at the register it rang up for 350.00 and the guy honored it. Felt like I robbed the place.

[@roportnoy1]

Hello, do you remember which Guitar Center location was having this sale?

[@meleepinata]

It's guitar center. I wouldn't feel the least bit bad.

[@harrytruman3146]

This bass is really awesome, never understood the hate

[@ericj9160]

I bought one of these basses today, based on this video. Guitar Center has them on clearance, in store, for $389. I've been looking at them for a year, and it was impossible to say no. Thanks for all your videos, and what you do!.

[@jamesdykes517]

Bought mine around the same time. You still loving it?

[@ericj9160]

@@jamesdykes517 Yes, for sure. I put Seymour Duncan quarter pounders in it, and she's got some attitude now. How about you?

[@roportnoy1]

Hello, do you remember which Guitar Center location was having this sale?

[@ericj9160]

@@roportnoy1 I got mine in Naperville, Illinois. I saw one in Joliet, Illinois a couple weeks ago. They are definitely worth it, especially at half price.

[@roportnoy1]

@@ericj9160 In Joliet was it Guitar Center?

[@michaelblaney4461]

I bought the "Fireglow" one at GC on sale for $549 . I Really like mine its like a deeper sounding PBass. This is my first Jackson bass, Ill probably check out more of them now. I love the neck through the feel of that 12-16 radius is good. The bass looks better with the pickup cover on but for playability I had to take mine off too.

[@MrJohnnyorange]

Did yours have dents in it too?

[@michaelblaney4461]

Yes mine has the dents, it's too bad other then that it's perfect

[@cliffords2315]

Yep picking me one up today at Guitar Center down the street, i think it even looks better than the Black, and the black looks nice. Cant afford a real Rickenbacher anymore they ar well over 2 grand, and its got more features.

[@bivotarshamble3672]

Glad to see you put the screws back from the cover, I have seen a couple removed and just left the holes showing 😮

[@paulvelez9688]

I just bought mine in 5 string and I love it. As for looks, amazing how a bass can “grow on you” when it sounds and plays very well.

[@MR-ok5ef]

I love it when he laughs after every set up. He's really surprised and likes the sound of it 😁

[@johnhughes3796]

At last a reason to buy a Jackson. Never found one previously. Plus it’s not just a Rick knock off. Fender have kept the Fender shape which makes it it’s own bass.

[@yovito9162]

Your reviews are spot on. Glad i found your channel!!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Michael! Welcome aboard

[@jsorensen]

It's funny that the sounds you get from this mid-cheap bass are so varied and good sounding considering how so many basses are more expensive and less versatile. I have played around with this one up in my local Guitar Center and was surprised by it and played around with it for much longer than I imagined. Fender needs to swap the electronics from this one into the San Dimas.

[@keithpasculli7465]

Easily the best review that I have seen for this bass. I already have the Harley Benton Ric inspired bass and now I have bad gas for this one.

[@danzemacabre8899]

I bought them both about two days apart, couldn't help myself!

[@jeffjones1359]

@@danzemacabre8899 Ha! That’s how to do it! So which one do you like better?

[@danzemacabre8899]

@@jeffjones1359 well, right now I'm actually playing the HB and I do like it , I have it set up in a C# setting to jam old sabbath and it does well but it certainly needs an upgrade in the bridge pickup depth. That said, it's worth it . The jackson, man this thing is a dream best bass I ever got what I paid for it it rivals my jazz but doesn't quite get there but the jazz is a 1500.00 - 2000 00 instrument and it holds its own with anything I've ever played for the price.my advice go get it if it's still on that sales price it's worth every dime!

[@mitchelldoxtater3582]

Fantastic review. Awesome to see the huge change of opinion on this after the unboxing video. I love mine, and glad to see you enjoy this one. Looking forward to seeing the mods.

[@bog_goblin]

So glad to see a better set up and strings helped and you're really digging it now! I felt the same about my Jackson Spectra, needed A LOT more relief in the neck and now it plays really nicely

[@KPJohnson]

I appreciate you playing “Heart of the Sunrise “ instead of “Roundabout “. Your picking is improving! The bass does have quite the variety of tones. Great review!

[@grizelda4526]

As soon as you started playing my jaw dropped. It sounds really good!

[@bradmcdonald6625]

Excellent review! I have one of these and I love everything about it... the look, the neck profile, the tone, the playability and yes, the pointy headstock. I'm even getting used to playing it with the chrome ashtray on because I love the look of it so much. I'm glad you've seen the light!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Wow what a killer sounding bass!! As soon as you hit that split P I thought of Squire right away I’m blown away that this bass gives you a killler Chris Squire tone ! That J sounds nice and tight also!! Definitely a lot of hum for sure

[@glenndjubilee]

I am VERY impressed w/the Jacksonbacher! And you played my favorite Chris Squire bass line which I use as a warm up exercise. Looking forward to the modding. Thanks Lobster! Another great video!

[@keithgray7593]

This is a great review Lobster. Great to see how versatile a bass it is. You coaxed a LOT OF varied sounds/tones out of it. It’s a great bass at a good price. The two things that I don’t like are the headstock and the thru neck, I prefer bolt on necks personally.

[@johnnysteel2380]

I agree , but I would take that bridge any day over a real Ric bridge , they are a mess.

[@thefool2007]

Wow. What impressed me the most was the J pickup treble and mid cut and bass at 50%. You get the thick bite just below the noise threshold. The combined pickup sounds more Geddy Lee to me. It has nice ding (almost like a Yamaha BB) sound. The mids overall make for a pleasing sounding bass. I could live with the hum. Do you think shielding would bring it down a bit more? Great review. I’ve waited for an in-depth on this one.

[@cliffords2315]

The P=Bass pickup is close to the neck, where as a P-Bass is centered much farther back, giving it a deeper bass sound just like a 4001 Rickenbacker. and for 2 Grand Less than a Rickey

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome review, lobster. 😎🤘🏻🎸 I know a lot of people thought this bass looks weird when they first saw it. but when I first saw this bass, I didn’t think it’s bad looking. This Jackson bass has an impressive tone. It’s very aggressive But versatile sounding, making it an excellent rock and metal bass, It’s sounds phenomenal with a pick, And I’ll bet this bass would sound killer with distortion. plus I do think Jackson basses are underrated just like dean basses. Other than that, it’s a unique bass guitar.

[@RichardWagenknecht]

Agree. Great rock bass. Really grinds well.

[@revlewisrees9880]

From the moment this was launched I was in the ‘Love it’ camp. It’s so wrong that it’s right. Although, If I was going to drop £600 on one, I’d definitely go for the Absynthe Frost version. Everyone needs a phlegm green bass in their armoury. I am truly impressed at the range of tones available, and as you said, neither too boomy nor too harsh.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one. Can’t wait. It will arrive today. Yippee!

[@guy5359]

You're right, LowEndLobster, that bass sounds really good! Except for the headstock, I kinda like the look of that Jacksonbacker bass, once again, great demo LowEndLobster!!!

[@loiseaunoir1021]

Thanks to you and other bass player's channels, I've decided to try this JacksonBacker, and many others. I have very good words for this Jackson. The 5 is very impressive, I liked it a lot. I finally went for a Yamaha TRBX304 and a TRBX305, it was a matter of budget and the Yams are perfect for me.

[@hymichapstick]

Okay so after watching this like ten times. I went and bought a fireburst one. I am so happy with it. I'm impressed with the versatility. Thanks for the review and for the mod video as well. I'll be upgrading the tuners on mine very soon as I like the big paddle tuners better.

[@nickjfv6304]

Man if it weren’t for the headstock this would be right up my alley! Great review

[@jdmarino]

It's good to see you can change your opinion!

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

Not gonna lie. I’ll also eat a slice of that pie. This does sound really good.

[@RobVespa]

I think this bass is beautiful. Very cool looking. I normally don't fall on the other side of the fence when it comes to cool, but I guess I do on this one. That it's also an above average bass makes it all that much more appealing. Thanks for the commentary and playing! All the best.

[@danielerenda25]

The power of the preamp is what makes this thing

[@BrentIraEnman]

Just grabbed one-I DIG IT! I personally love the looks and the versatility of tones is incredible! Nice Review BTW! Subbed

[@michaelperson3897]

Bought this on clearance yesterday for 389. Love it. I think it looks great but bought it for the tone. Sounds so good .

[@darvinclement3250]

Really nice sounding bass. It's nice to be happily suprised by a product. Happens the other way around so much more often.

[@ramshaar2597]

Mr channel 5 this bass is just perfect for me real hard for me to find weak points in this " jacksons bakker" good bass !😃👍

[@sethmay7187]

Lobster!!!! First off, thank you so much for always posting such amazing and informative videos! Your unbiased reviews are a breath of fresh air! Secondly, and due in no small part to this video, I went out and grabbed one of these basses. You were 100% on the money! Punchy and snarly tone for days!! I'll be throwing a set of EMG PJ's with the EMG BQS preamp. Paired with Rotosound Swing Bass 66's, I think it's only gonna get better! Anyhow, thank you again, and I always look forward to new content from you! Take care, be safe, and Happy Holidays!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Enjoy! Go with the CS P pickup if you upgrade, but beware - I modded this with geezers and a tone capsules, and lost a bit of that snarl

[@rattmann3170]

Sounds great with the stock pickups. I wouldn't change a thing.

[@Pookiestud]

I TOTALLY agree that it would look almost perfect with the Spectra headstock.

[@ejnordberg]

It doesn't sound like a PJ. Without sneaking tape measure into Guitar Center, it looks like pickup positions are close to a Rick - 4 and 8 inches from the bridge. I think it sounds great, but that price point has to compete with other options (if $700 fell into my lap, I would be putting it toward a Danelectro 59). The style is distinguished. I'm glad you were willing to put first impressions aside to give it a second chance.

[@MrJohnnyorange]

It would be interesting to know what it sounds like just with new pickups, as you say the preamp is excellent!

[@kudokudami16]

It definitely is a cozy bass. I'm glad I have one

[@rb13818]

I really like the sound of it, actually better sounding than some of the staple brands out there

[@jeffseven2194]

Never been a fan of the P/J setup but I love some Ricks,I would definitely rock this bass

[@andrewDanger138]

My first bass was a Jackson, it’s still a comfort blanket for me. Would love to try one of these.

[@patpompeo9354]

I have always liked the look of these but never heard one. They always seemed reasonably priced. I had no idea it was a Fender product. The sounds it produces are really nice! Wides range of tonal variations. Plus it looks really cool!

[@jameszimmerman4497]

I tried one of these out a few months ago. Didn't want to like it because it was so ugly. But, I loved the sound and playability. Now the looks are starting to grow on me.....

[@ClassicJunk88]

this thing is so bizzare, I want it.

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Ok,…Ya’ gotta admit that this IS a fine “All-Around” Bass! But he’s right ‘bout the “Slapping” same as if you’d do it on a real Rickenbacker!,,..that Front PU will be an issue but other that that real cool!😎 You DO “Get the Vibe!”🎶🎸✨ 🤘🏾😉

[@Potarnul]

02:02 I love they way the neck of the Jackson and the Stingray behind are superimposed

[@xriswolf78]

Sounds very good. Thanks for the review

[@jeffjones1359]

It’s so easy to make fun of the appearance that you miss how good it really sounds. I’m impressed by the versatility and the preamp. It gets so close to a “real” Ric that I’d consider getting one when there’s a price drop. If Bebe likes it it’s it’s ok by me. 👍

[@johnniedelong9322]

Came back to listen again, going to buy a black one in the morning. Thanks

[@notzipfy916]

I tried this bass in a guitar center and it’s become my dream bass

[@wreckingpress7080]

Played one at guitar center and I think it was one with the aforementioned bad setup. This really shows it has a bit more versatility in tone than I thought.

[@southofheck]

I actually really liked how this bass looked at first. It wasn’t until I saw other people laughing at it that I started to be a bit bothered by it.

[@eddieg1153]

I love when you want to hate something but you just can't!

[@nsiderultimaseth]

It looks so much better without the metal pickup cover or whatever. I loved the look before but I think that's an outright improvement; I'd maybe slap a white pickup in the bridge position for some extra visual pop though. EDIT: After watching the video, I'd love to hear Relentless pickups on this thing. It's so aggressive!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! That'd be quite the mod. If they did a relentless J (i've heard rumors), I'd totally do that.

[@iamgribs]

I agree i actually like the look of this bass and i fucking hate the metal bar

[@philbosher6959]

What a great bass. Expertly played. Great review 👍

[@budduggly7781]

Love it! Really good, thorough review! Great sounding instrument! I love my Jackson Spectra JS3Q and now I want one of these. Great review....I think Jackson makes some really nice basses.... IMO. As far as an ugly bass.... what the heck is wrong with being a bit ugly?

[@samuelbrainsample]

I went to Guitar Center at least 3 times and played on this. I was drawn to the green color as well. Yesterday I skipped out on work for an hour or so and went and picked it up. Didn't hurt that it was on clearance for $500 either. For the size of my hands and the fact that I'm a new player, this bass plays a bit better for me than my Jazz.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats! It's a great bass, enjoy!

[@TrojanSalesmen1]

.. I have watched a few other reviews on this. But I think so far this is the best one. You got a great sound out of it and you admitted ya were wrong. Honsety

[@bevinmodrak4997]

I'm really surprised by this review. I thought "oh another PJ" but really the different tones were kind of refreshing to hear. It looks to me that the pick up placement isn't the same as the traditional PJ lay out. I think pickup placement makes a big difference and is one reason I always respected what Warwick does even if I don't always like the result.

[@teleespantoso]

This was a true joy to see and hear.

[@jkf9167]

Great sounds! I think it's just the right kind of ugly. Garish and rock & roll but not too horrible. The sharkfin inlays are genius, since both Jackson and Ric have traditionally used them, and these seem straighter than the traditional Jackson but curvier than the traditional Ric. I'd take one onstage. It's pleasingly tasteless. I tried one of these in a store and I definitely liked it. The only think I didn't like is something that it shares with most recent PJs - the flat fretboard radius - but as many people prefer that as dislike it.

[@pilummurialis6490]

This bass has exactly the kind of settings I look for when it comes to the electronics where you can crank separate sections for the tone, it has a 24 fret neck as well, which I like, the scale looks to be a shorter scale too, which is nice! that being said, it would be better if this was a Bolt on Neck design, cause if the neck gets badly bowed, it could be taken off and heat pressed to flatten it out, I would love to try one of these to see what tones I would get out out of it for my playing

[@jacobwarren4572]

Neck through gives it the tone. Main thing good about this bass in my opinion.

[@MrGallade475]

​@@jacobwarren4572the tone is from the really far forward neck pickup and the mids heavy pickups.

[@pilummurialis6490]

@@jacobwarren4572 Tone is in the speaker

[@Rick_Petrone]

Hi Mr. Lobster! Sounds like a really nice bass to play. But I need to get used to Shape Jackn'backer first. Great review!

[@aldolopez5179]

Great review... You should play the cbxnt v with reverse pj pickups, it has a really clear sound of the b string.

[@roportnoy1]

Make videos, please

[@Earthshaker1965]

Love your cat!!! Jackson hit a home run with this one!!!

[@jamesmarkham7489]

I’ve always been surprised more companies didn’t take some of these aesthetics and copy a Rick at least a little bit.

[@iamgribs]

That sounds awesome! It would be interesting to hear some other pickups in them like emg or dimarzio.

[@jacobwarren4572]

I have a 2022 4003, and had I played a good one of these, I may not!! The GC Jackson i played was so terrible, but after watching this, I may have to get one just because. I'll probably wait to find a used one. I'm topped out on gear spending for a while after the Rickenbacker! Don't get me wrong, there is no substitute for a Ric, but for a newer copy, this is cool!!

[@Pesso86]

I really like the growl on this thing! I might need one 😂

[@ZERONETWORK0]

I like the way it looks even if it's a blatant "reference" to Rickenbacker. I prefer PJ pickups to the normal 4001/3 pickups.

[@bnutz3k]

One of the bigger outlets has that insane red one for like $300 off today. I just bought a US Mustang last week (you should review the Am Performer... I love it) and a Squier Strat. The temptation is strong. :( :\

[@bnutz3k]

Can't see those dings from a short distance, so that's good. :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! $500 is a GREAT price for one of these.

[@bnutz3k]

@@LowEndLobster I see the insanely ugly green one for less and currently in line to chat with sales. 🥴

[@DevakiKao]

Mine is the Rocket Red color and I love it, but I also prefer garish neon colors! I took the ashtray off mine as well and fortunately mine did not have any of the marks this black one did. For that price I highly recommend it.

[@alanthomas8706]

Lobster nailed it. $750 not a stretch. Sub $1400 just within field goal range.

[@qasimansari7540]

Hi Lobster. Great review as always. If you compare this to the Harley Benton RB-414, is this is the better Rock / Rick experience overall?

[@earlbrackett6508]

damn if it doesn't sound like a 80's-90's John Entwistle bass...Geddy, Squire, Ox all combined in a fugly package...I'm sold on this baby after Heart Of The Sunrise throw down...I can't justify a $3k Ricky, but I can live with a blem one of these for $625...

[@earlecraft7682]

You make any bass sound great. Really torn about this bass cause, honestly it's ugly but then so am I!

[@aldolopez5179]

You should look the new cbxnt dx v, it's amazing.

[@mikekline-fc8ox]

love the tones i just ordered one:)

[@johncandido2241]

Wow; kinda sounds like a Rick a P and a Jazz. I am both suprised and impressed. It would be nice if it had some different finishes on it. I don't really care for the flourescent red or green colors. Perhaps some sunburst or a good old fashion Rickish navy blue finnish or maybe even a natural wood grain would be nice to. But it is a really nice sounding bass. I like it a lot.

[@Mr.DeeTea]

Guitarcenter has an exclusive finish called Fireburst which is a very Rickenbacker'ish color scheme. Looks more classy and not garish like the Orange and Green.

[@johncandido2241]

@@Mr.DeeTea Cool; I would love to see a pic of it.

[@PushSueAside]

And when the review was over... They put him in a straightjacket and took him to a quite room with some smooth jazz.

[@sethmay7187]

Lobster!! So, my EMG pickups and preamp have arrived. My question for you is: should I wire it up as 9v or 18v? I'm right on the fence about it, but the idea of more headroom is appealing. Any thoughts or concerns are 100% welcome!! Happy holidays either way!!

[@robertkerr9738]

I played one at my friendly local music store and didn’t want to like it…but I did!😂

[@Kelembor]

I currently own a JBass and I'm searching for a Rick and a PBass, I think this Jackson could check both boxes quite good!

[@ericj9160]

Thanks for this demo! She's got a nice growl. Looks are kind of growing on me too. Thanks again for what you do!

[@stushwartz]

Like the vid . 🦞Great job again. Wish the styling was more like the 5 string CBXNT which look IMO better, I guess could upgrade pickups to noise cancelling. Stay safe :)🦞

[@davidwalter2282]

I’ve got this bass and love the looks of it, but wish it had a more traditional PJ sound. Do you think this bass would take Labella flatwounds, and if so, which ones would I buy?

[@brucesahroian1482]

That Thing RIPS!

[@chrismorris3897]

Impressive tones!

[@TirelessG]

Lobster... Great video like always. I need to know your opinion about. Yamaha bb735a vs Sire p7 2gen. if you have talked about it already, please, let me know where. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@bassnyc1]

Please! Reconsider modifying with the GZR pickups and use the Dimarzio Relentless pickups instead!

[@carlosmiralles6549]

Man could you review the new Epiphone Grabber bass? It looks amazing! Greetings from Spain