Jackson basses - are they niche or just unpopular?

Straight neck and big frets. I have a Concert 5 and a Kelly . Both sound OK...

 

I think they fall into kind of an 80's/90's hard rock & metal niche. Which is in some ways a function of their guitar niche. The Jacksons I've played have been well made, versatile enough, and easy to play, but it'd be weird to see someone playing jazz or motown with one.
Thanks, Dave Ellefson! (Just kidding, Dave Ellefson is rad lol.)

 

This exactly. Like Charvel and some others.

 

When I think Jackson, I think pointy and 80s. It doesn't mean that they don't make other things, just that's what most people associate them with.

As noted, they do make other styles, and the brand as a whole I think is well liked enough. I don't think it would look out of place at all to see this on stage with an act that had a more vintage vibe. Just this usually isn't what comes to mind when people think of the brand.

 

The latest Dave Ellefson model is sort of a retro-styled nod to Fender-shaped basses...they’re trying to expand out of that niche...

Jackson CBXM V David Ellefson X Series Signature Concert Bass Guitar - Gloss Black

 

Play what YOU like , and LIKE what you play I always say!

 

I don't think there is anything special about almost any basses. Most of that "special" mentality is just branding.

I may be wrong, but I believe Jackson kept going with the hair band / metal thing a bit past its sell-by date. Fender bought Jackson in 2002, and has kept it going, but I don't think they have done much to push or change the brand. Seems more like they are leaning into Jackson's metal rep. But again.... 90% of that is just about a pointy headstock, maybe some pickup designs, and branding that has no real effect on playability or tone.

Thus, the only thing that really matters is whether it works for you.

 

I like that. Kind of has a Hamer Cruise vibe.

I don’t need another bass!

 

Never owned one but every one I’ve played was mediocre at absolute best.


Plus their headstocks are heinous.

 

80's shred was their bread and butter, never got a lot of tracition on basses.

 

Blasphemy!

 

Pointy, juvenile Jackson headstock is a giant non-starter. I'm eyeing their non-pointy headstock JS3 and X series models, which are Ibanez SR copies. They're nice looking and pretty inexpensive, and am considering getting one and replacing at least one of the terrible pickups.