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Ibanez ATK vs. Jackson

E

El Sordo

Jul 16, 2010
29
0
#1
Hey, guys.
I've been playing for some time, and I think it's time to move to a new bass as soon as possible. So the 2 models I really have my eyes on are Ibanez ATK300 and Jackson CMG Concert Bass. I've heard ATK already, it sounds awesome. Fortunately, I have also tried it, it's quite comfortable. But I can't get my hands on that Jackson anywhere. None of the shops have it in store, so I can't really try it out. I heard a bassist using Jackson last night, but it wasn't much impressive (I don't know is it due to the sound tech, his EQ, playing style or whatever).

Are there any people here who have tried both of these models?
Which one would you recommend? ATK is far more affordable, and it gives monster tone (even compared to some other much more expensive basses), but I can't tell much about Jackson.

The most important thing for me is versatility. I play a lot of metal, but I also like to play classical and jazz. I don't care if Jackson doesn't look jazzy enough, as long as I can also get a softer tone from it apart from grinding-face-melting-uber-killer-metal :) I need bass to be able to cut through the mix and be heard.

Your opinions?
 
#3
Thank you for your quick response!

Well, just because I love ATKs, doesn't mean there's nothing I could possibly like even more ;) That's why I would like to try that Jackson too, I think it could be a cool bass.

Squiers are out of question. I've tried a few, and I dislike them. And yeah, I guess I can spend more than $350 (though ATKs are for like $300 on Musician's Friend :D).
 
#4
But have you tried a Squier Classic Vibe? Not at all like the cheap squiers. Yamaha BB series are awesome too. Don't go Jackson, they're not a reputable bass brand.... I'm sure there's a few Jackson lovers out there, but I've never met one. Shoot I've never seen one for sale in years.
 
#5
The reason you can't find the Jackson's in the stores is because they've been discontinued.

The weak link in the Jackson is the EMG HZ pickups. IMO/IME dealing with them. Overall I think the bass is sonically inferior compared to other basses out on the market.

There are a whole host of basses on the market that are versatile and do the job you want it to. You just have to get out there and try as many as you can.
 
#6
cassanova said:
The reason you can't find the Jackson's in the stores is because they've been discontinued.

The weak link in the Jackson is the EMG HZ pickups. IMO/IME dealing with them. Overall I think the bass is sonically inferior compared to other basses out on the market.

There are a whole host of basses on the market that are versatile and do the job you want it to. You just have to get out there and try as many as you can.
Click to expand...

Discontinued? I've seen that on Musician's Friend.com, but the stores told me it could be ordered. That bass is also listed on Jackson site.
Could you be more specific about the pickups? What exactly is the problem with them? Lack of versatility?

Thanks for your reply!
 
#8
i played an atk a few months ago and loved it, recently i saw the atk with a triple coil and a single and my g.a.s. is getting a chronic. as far as the jackson i agree with cassanova it does sound sterile and in my peronal opinion it feels sterile but if you like the feel you can always upgrade pickups. i think the atk is much better for what i like in a bass and priced nicely too.
 
#9
My ATK is my favorite bass (even over my Fender US Deluxe Jazz) I kinda felt guilty playing it on stage (it wasn't a big name brand if you know what I mean) and started to look for a real Musicman. After bringing my ATK to the guitar store for trade .. I A/B'd it next to a $1800 Musicman. I left with my ATK because it sounded just as a good IMO (maybe even a little better) ... It's my regular gigging bass now
 

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