The Jackenbacker IS NOT What You Think

[@vincentmorelli1013]

I like that it doesn't sound like a PJ or a Ric but has its own unique character, something I feel is lacking with most modern basses.

[@ampthebassplayer]

If you were to rank what's most important in how a bass sounds, pickup placement would be really high up on the list. Definitely looking forward to the Rick vs. Jackenbacker shootout!

[@EversonBernardes]

Nº1 factor, most likely. Pickup placement basically changes the whole relationship of amplitude between fundamental and harmonics.

[@JunacCRO]

youre right,pickup placement affects the tone the most,second would be the strings,third is the amp/speaker.

[@vincentmorelli1013]

Scale length also matters. Most long scale basses are 34" but a Ric is 33.25".

[@russellzauner]

There are a LOT of videos on the CLF Research (G&L) channel on this topic, and many tours of Leo's shop/bench.

[@quickwashtheraccoon7601]

The looks are the most important thing. The rest comes with it.

[@maurycykujawski6344]

finally someone making bass sound comparaisons with some strong finger plucking. I feel like most of bass reviews are done by guitarist judging by how gentle they are with strings.

[@davedixon2167]

Oh man, stick around and watch some of our other videos with Josh. He's a monster on every bass and song.

[@UhuruSasa85]

That Jackenbacker tone is frickin’ monstrous! Might have to pick one up tomorrow.

[@BubbaBass_Official]

Given these were used with both pickups, The Jackson does seem to have a throater attiude with more fullness while the fender pj has a more scooped attitude with a LOT of top end clarity. That concert bass sure is something else.

[@individualthotpatterns9067]

every time I played one of these at a guitar center I was always impressed by the tone. My favorite Jackson bass

[@Streetpartymarty]

As a Ric owner and lover, I think this video makes a compelling case for a Jackenbacker as a back up or counterpart to a Ric. I love how throaty it sounds compared to the PJ.

[@lummond]

Here's one - the 5 string version has a reverse P, and the neck coil of that pickup is in the 51 P location, so the 9th feet "Jaco harmonic" is cancelled out. You can't sound it on the D and G, but can on the other strings. Fun!

[@kaydenlorton3312]

I got the 5 string what an Amazing instrument cuts through everything

[@VeitLehmann]

I can absolutely confirm that pickup placement makes a huge difference! I have an Aria Pro II RSB Standard. Basically a P bass, but the pickup is moved back towards the bridge by about 1 inch. So by the same amount as on the Jackenbacker, but in the other direction. So it gets into the Rickenbacker bridge/StingRay territory. And it really shows in its sound. I even changed the stock pickup to an AlNiCo5 one that's close to a vintage Fender one. If you play it towards the neck, it sounds close to a P bass, but not quite. If you play it above the pickup or close to the bridge, it sounds almost like a passive StingRay, like Joe Dart's sound. I have flats on it, and this contributes to that character even more.

[@Pookiestud]

That LTD sounds great. Love me some EMGs.

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

I played around with a Jackenbacker this weekend. And I have to say I was impressed. Went in to see about a Fender P bass, and fell in love with that Jackson. Good resonance without being amped. Great sound when I turned an amp on. May have to order the OD green and throw some DR fat beams on there.

[@funkingitup1805]

My main bass is an LTD Surveyor-4. I bought it off eBay for $300 just wanting to try out some EMG pickups. It is a monster! Coil-tappable EMG MusicMan pickup in the bridge. EMG P-bass pickup at the neck. Swamp ash body. Nice block inlays. It's the best value in basses I've ever purchased. This was the first time I have ever heard anyone mention an LTD Surveyor. The Surveyor you are talking about that has the Jazz pickup at the bridge is the "Surveyor '87".

[@cayetanohuett9037]

I've noticed my Yamaha BB also has pickups placed slightly differently than a Fender style PJ I haven't measured myself but it would be cool to add that in the mix and see how different it sounds compared to a traditional PJ. Which I think it has more bite and more bottom end as well.

[@grantraco6261]

Awesome video. You can even replace the measurement difference with the harmonic placement of the pickups: A P-pickup is traditional split under the “3rd fret harmonic.” A ric has the neck pickup under where the would be 24th fret, and the bridge is under the 2.5 fret harmonic. It's more reliable when the scale lengths start to change!

[@scottvalencour4837]

I have both a Rickenbacker and a Jackenbacker and also a Fender PJ. All 3 are great basses. I bought the Jack while I was waiting for my Rickenbacker and I dig it

[@aprilkurtz1589]

That's neat! This is the first video I've seen where this stuff is measured. I was surprised that the Jackenbacker sounded bassier than the P-Bass. And it still maintains that Ric rattle. Neat guitar!

[@leroyatleroys]

This is honestly one of the most underrated bass guitars. I wish that they had become more popular so that maybe we could have gotten a left hand run. When I first saw one at Guitar Center, I immediately plugged in and fiddled with it. I had not bought any guitar or bass in years and yet the only thing that stopped me from buying it on the spot was the lack of a South Paw version. I might just make one someday. But this bass deserved way better.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

A Rick 4003’s Bridge pick up is actually closer to the position of a precisions pick up than it is a jazz basses bridge pick up..

[@ladeecewashuruhm6163]

That thick low end reminds me of Billy Sheehan's neck pickup.

[@MJ-ct4kg]

So when you put new active pickups in the bass, did you need to add a new battery, or is it connected to the already existing battery compartment that connects to the preamp? I’ve the five string version of the Jackenbacker and would like to put new EMG,s in it.

[@Buckers2202]

I snagged one of these in mint condition second hand just because I thought it was an interesting looking bass. Genuinely shocked me how well built it is and the neck profile for me is a joy to play. But I have to mention the tone, it's fantastic! Not a million miles away from a PJ sound but different enough to give it some character and a unique voice. Played with a pick it growls for days! Great video

[@tony.guitarplayer]

That JackenBacker sound so frickin' thick!!

[@williamlafrance2514]

Very good explanation, and totally forgot about that jackson model. Also good call on the trivium ;)

[@mauriciuscastrus]

Maybe it is because I'm very interested in the elements of construction of the instrument I could notice that since the release of the Jackenbacker. Also maybe because I have one 1993 Jackson Concert V (name according to the catalog) and just because I love Jackson necks since 1995 when I could buy 'MY PRECIOUS' I always pay some attention to what Jackson is releasing (must say they are quite slow in comparison to other names in the market, what we can do if they are under a big name in the industry that relies on tradition?!?!)

[@jasondorsey7110]

My '95 jackson has a reverse p pickup

[@mauriciuscastrus]

@@jasondorsey7110 Mine too !! Love the Reverse P BTW.

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@mauriciuscastrus Mine's the jpb-7 model, the "lawsuit" bass...definitely a bit out of the ordinary for me as a lover of vintage basses, but with the funky curves and metallic green finish I couldn't walk away

[@mauriciuscastrus]

@@jasondorsey7110 Must confess the body shape of your bass is quite something, very unique! If I had one I would keep it forever, specially because of the 24 frets neck.

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@mauriciuscastrus I'm used to 20 frets, so whenever I pull it out it always takes some getting used to again, but the neck itself is buttery smooth, jackson knows how to make a nice playing neck

[@Drunken_Hamster]

Gimmie one with a 32-inch scale neck, just a reverse P pickup(north/bass coil moved in relation to south/treble staying the same), and the pickup moved to match the scale length change. Oh, and a reverse headstock with straight string pull through the nut.

[@Comrade_Collects]

Best bass related channel on YT🤘 hope your all doin well

[@1TEDSong]

Love your honesty young man. That's why I just SUBBED. btw...I'm 65 yo. Ciao!

[@russellzauner]

Demo the 5 string model. That thing appears to be a beast from hell while allowing a super smooth timbre if you like. A music store did a demo on them and they are *beefy* af. Huge round thumping tones - the crispy boom.

[@michaelblaney4461]

Yeah my jackenbacker split coil is closer to the 12th fret the my Fender p bass Just like the 4003 should be called a neck pickup and a middle pickup

[@barnesdrb]

I'm getting my Yamaha BB734A today.. and i didn't know these existed. mad now.

[@nikolasnavarro4161]

Tbh I think people also take the bridge and nut for granted when they think about the sound of an instrument. They're literally the things that hold the strings to the instrument, the only contact patches.

[@klaymeister]

I kind of prefer the Jackenbacker 😮

[@deathpigguitars]

That jackenbacker sounds great!!

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome demo and comparison 😎🤘🏻🎸 I personally think the jackenbacker is a great sounding bass. Especially when this one is modded with new pickups. It also sounds pretty killer with the darkglass b7k ultra. Jackson basses are definitely underrated. And they’re totally worth checking out

[@Loki_Morningstar666]

I just love the way the Jackson sounds. It's got it's own vibe going on.

[@Tach4nk4]

Love the Trivium during the sound comparaison

[@JEG69]

yup, pickup placement is very crucial

[@davedixon2167]

Yeah, and it's not like we didn't know that in general, but we just did not realize how much it came into play with this specific bass, because we had assumed from day 1 that it was 'just another PJ'.

[@HoustonT17]

How bad was your "humming" from the stock bridge pickup??? Just picked one up, and it's ridiculously bad.

[@IRIDEHARLEYS]

The Jackenbacker kicks the snot out of a lot of basses! Even ones costing double what the Jack costs. I love mine!! Well worth the $$.

[@shankstinson]

Take a look to the 5 strings model, it's another different position of the P pickup !

[@HoustonT17]

What happened to the BQS you installed last year when you installed the Bello pickups????

[@BassRacerx]

The jackebbacker sounds very similar to my ltd b405 which has an emg p bass pickup inside a soapbar housing on the neck 45p5 and a dual coil on the bridge 45dc. Cool experiment!

[@adamhaymanmusic]

Man this was a great video. The tones were both great, but definitely different!

[@57precision]

I too wrote off the Jackenbacker, but it has its own thing going on. And EMG's in a Rick? That's gonna trigger the boomers.

[@genaroegasramirez5205]

Amo ese bajo, espero conseguirlo pronto.

[@krumbis]

I love the static-x shirt

[@BedroomStudioGuy223]

i have one and i love it covers all the bass tones i need

[@sinakaedwards2009]

I like the tone of the Jackson.

[@bateman2112]

I want to alter the Jackenbacker to have a second P like an Aria Pro II JPJ-3 and scoot the J back towards the bridge if possible. Also placement has a huuuuge impact on sound due to where the wave of the strings interacts with magnetic field of the pickup(s) hence the sonice differences between a J mooshed up against the neck versus the bridge. It's the biggest part of the sound really. Followed by the string type and pick up construction. Wood has basically no impact as far as electric instruments are concerned.

[@phipschi4255]

Im surprised that (reverse) PP Basses aren't more popular, they literally are better sound jazz basses

[@bateman2112]

@phipschi4255 for years I'd chased the tone I hear in my head and couldn't find it. Finally came across a video review for a double P bass and bam! Found what I needed. Now I'm obsessed with it.

[@YouBronislas]

If you can find a Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass and put real P pickups (the stocks pickups don't have the same resistance), you'll be the happiest man on earth. Mine has two EMG PAX pickups and I'm never gonna sell it.

[@bateman2112]

@YouBronislas I've been hunting one of those and the Aria I mentioned earlier. At the moment, I've got one that I built out of a kit that's got two EMG GZR Ps in it. I'm thinking about putting a really hot J up near the neck just to see what that'd sound like. Or maybe go the other way and see if I can get some sort of mudbucker squeezed in there. Sort of like what Sheehan has but mount it so that it's hidden under the pickguard because why not? Now I'm getting the urge to get a Harley Benton P or J and play Dr. Frankenstein....

[@VeitLehmann]

@@bateman2112 Which one are you talking about? The FGN Mighty Power?

[@tmmjppsn]

Are they setup with the same strings? Going from a set of standard Fenders to DR Lo Riders makes a huge difference for instance

[@OMARA.OFFICIAL]

I got same one in piano black last Xmas been sitting in the actual very nice jackson case I think I played rage against machine for 24 hours straight lol and been there since. Might pull it out and pluck now wow

[@dominikkavur5373]

I feel like that, for this to be a proper comparison, the pickup height should have also been the same, because height is the main factor in pickup hotness and output and thus attack and sound

[@BUNKERJR53]

Always wanted a Rick but heard bad things about them especially the older ones. This on the other hand is the best of both worlds. Not in the market for a bass right now but if I was this would be the one.

[@brianroyst1869]

I laughed this bass off when I saw it in some music stores over the last couple years, as a "wanna be guess who i look like" bass. Then I watched this video and a couple others and had to try it out. Damn does this thing rock! Sounds so good and now it's my main stage bass every weekend. I wish either of my Rics sounded this punchy & fat. This bass has a 24 fret 34" scale neck, but how far forward the body is and how it sits on you, it feels/plays like a short scale! I've never experienced this with any other 34" full scale bass. I love mine & the Rics sit at home, while this Beast is rocking on stage!

[@BobbyPoulton]

"The pickup placement is much closer to a traditional Rickenbacker." I don't think this is true, and can be easily tested. The Ric places their pickups directly under the 2 octave up and 3 octave up harmonics. So to match where a Ric would have it's pickups, the centre of the P pickup would be where the 24th fret is, and the J pickup would sit directly a harmonic octave up from that. If you could tell us what the notes are when you play the harmoncs directly above the pickups, that would be super helpful!

[@liys540]

can you demo the 5 strings version which is the reverse p and j ? and change them into emg

[@ShoesMagoo]

Does this mean pickup placement measurements for reviews moving forward? The measurements on my Sire P7 2nd gen are nearly identical to the Surveyor, for any who wish to know.

[@room34]

It's cool to hear the sound of the "Jackenbacker" and compare it to a more standard PJ. For me I can't get over one particular aesthetic choice: they went all-in on mashing up the visual style of a Rickenbacker and a Precision Bass for the body, but yet they stuck with the same standard angular (ugly, in my opinion) Jackson headstock. I'd have liked to see some kind of creative hybrid treatment there too.

[@roportnoy1]

Please, if possible, record a review of the Jackson CBXNT DT 5 strings. It seems to me that the 5-string version is very different from the 4-string version in several aspects. For example, the body (especially the white color seems to have a different thickness), pickups (model and reverse p).

[@Schmuddel]

In typical fashion Jackson makes the best metal basses.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

i like the sound of the surveyor.

[@deltachimaera]

I'd fucking die to have one of these in Absynthe Frost It's just so cool and out of common range that AAAA

[@danzemacabre8899]

That's the one I got! It's my co-fave along with my Jazz

[@metalmankam]

how has nobody commented on the old school trivium??

[@cdw1523]

The Jac seems to be contently on the very edge of breakup... for metal, it would be my number one choice, for sure. It sounds great. However, I wouldn't use it for anything else... at least, not with these setting's. (It would be interesting to hear it with only the bridge pickup as it might sound a little more J Bass.)

[@danieltaylor4882]

Please please please, when you do the shootout test both through the OKKO motorbass pedal

[@reneebear3641]

I wanna get that damn jackenbacker & throw SD QP’s in it

[@ryanwarsh]

That Surveyor sounded badass! LTD basses don’t get a lot of love on KZbin.

[@rivalmindss]

I just wish they wouldve done a 2x2 headstock

[@rockereivanivan]

Don't know about you but frank bellos signature sound fire either way

[@g.s.9393]

That was nice!!✨

[@Mr.Earthbound]

.....annnnnd now I need a Jackenbacker

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

Sounds good but the look is so So…. I’d rather see a three on three on the headstock. 🔥🤘🏻great playing as usual

[@iscgovea]

it sounds similar to the billy sheehan yamaha

[@greggblankenshipp8202]

The Jackenbacker sounds better,but the Precision copy,for lack of a better word,didn't sound like a normal Precision........

[@TheZynMan]

"That's like a full inch and a half or something?" Oh man, don't I wish 😂

[@getzapped8437]

Would like to hear it from a slap or tap perspective.. 😁

[@NeonDruid13]

Its clear.. judging by the tone and color schemes... the jackenbacker was meant for stoner metal. Im getting the absinthe green one.

[@paolaramirez3946]

This was supposed to be a jackson video but the esp took all the credit haha

[@hellvizio]

Jackenbacker sounds SO AGGRESSIVE!!! MAN, THAT BASS BITES!

[@gr8avocado]

Sounds cool but the pickguard and Jackson headstock just kills it for me.

[@hectorvasquez3605]

I don't mind the pick guard but yeah that head stock doesn't fit the look or my style, but the sound is ballsy.

[@bassnyc1]

The pickup placement AND neck thru VS bolt on neck contribute to its different sound. Leo Fender knew this all those years ago. He had his "breadboard" tester bass in the G&L factory and he experimented a lot with pickup placement.

[@aplanebagel]

oh snap!

[@brianroyst1869]

HA! I also "Dismissed" this bass when I first saw it, rolled my eyes at the wanna be Ric with florescent green & red colors and then... I happened upon a review that automatically started after another video I was watching. My ears perked up, then I watched several more videos about this Abomination of a bass and then I had to have one. I've used one in Pearl Absinthe, this once "joke" is no joke, it bangs and you can dial in a wide range of tonal variations. Try one and try not to not to buy it! Jokes on me, wish I discovered the Jackenbacker sooner.

[@BugCatcher89]

Not that it does sound like a rickenbacker but it sounds more like a rick than a traditional pj

[@dentninja]

So it’s a RickenFender

[@paulsnijder2031]

I still think the surveyor sounds better though. More like a "real PJ" the Jackson is alright but not as good sounding.

[@francescomatteovalerio5598]

I prefer the ltd

[@yozzha]

feet and heads... and inčes... andthen he said "a few milimeters maybe off" ?!! ? metric or nothing :) i got the Bass its gr8 .. the beast beast if u want---

[@joshsmith6995]

I hate when I see these out of the corner of my eye and think "wow a rick" lmao

[@JEG69]

thats why mark hoppus has his p pickup closer to the neck, just sounds fatter

[@Gonboo]

But is it the Rickest of the Ricks?

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#120_RealScienceRealGood🐦

[@crankjazz]

How can measurements in inches (imperial) be off by a millimetre? As the latter is part of the metric system. As the scale lengths are different, you are not making a like for like comparison.

[@DesuchanSugoi]

They're both 34" scale, only the 5-string Jacksons are 35".

[@robertkerr9738]

I’ve been impressed every time I’ve tried one. They’re just so…not awesome looking😂

[@EgonSpenglersTwinkie]

It's a very odd design decision to me that they included the Jackson 4-in-a-row headstock on this particular bass. Jackson, IMO, has one of the prettiest 2+2 headstocks out there. It almost looks like an F bass. I feel like that headstock on this bass would have made it legitimately good looking.

[@IanThatMetalBassist]

​@@EgonSpenglersTwinkieAgreed, a 2+2 headstock would actually make me consider one

[@PelnPelucas]

i jave one and it needs a set up

[@PelnPelucas]

bad* and its definetely been sitting at GC for a while thats why it was 380 😅 so far really like the bass though, its my first bass

[@DamianPendragon]

Set it up then. Its easy to do

[@loiseaunoir1021]

Whatever, it kicks @ss. The fiver is also impressive.

[@SaintCroixTroy]

It's a Fackenbacker

[@gianniconti69]

That's one Fugly bass😂

[@paolaramirez3946]

Kind of dumb having useless knobs