Jackson JS3V vs Yamaha TRBX305

[karter2000]

Hi all,

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times before, but I'm looking for a 600 dollar (Canadian) 5-string with actives. I've narrowed it down to the Jackson JS3V or Yamaha TRBX305 based on trying them and others at my local stores. My initial thoughts that the Yamaha felt more solid and better build quality, but I did like the tone of the Jackson. I'm looking for an aggressive sounding bass if that helps. The 35' scale of the Jackson didn't feel too awkward given my experience has been with 34" basses.

Thanks!

 

[thrashingbass]

I assume you are talking about the Jackson Spectra JS3V, not the JS3V Concert Bass.

I like Yamaha, and wouldn't hesitate to buy a BB series-in your case, the reason I would go for the Jackson is not so much the scale length, but that it has a push/pull passive/active knob. Neither the active Jackson Concert Bass nor the TRBX305 has this feature-though the TRBX505 does. If this is not crucial for you, then just choose whichever feels better/speaks to you!

I honestly haven't tried a TRBX bass in my hands, so it would not be fair to speak ill or good about what I do not know about, but Yamaha leans towards quality. I do have a Jackson Spectra 4 string, but did change the pickups-the original have nice bloom in series, enough clarity with the active preamp, though not so much passive (not bad or muddy, however.) I never hated them! Just changed them because I liked the bass very much, and wanted to make it even "better." Was just having a blast right now with it, really good value for the money, even if you would be leaving everything stock.

 

[motoman]

The yamaha has better quality control.. the Jackson's in my local store always have something wrong with them. The employee, s said some don't make it to the sales floor because there is a problem right out of the box

 

[karter2000]

Yeah, as much as I liked the Jackson the Yamaha just felt better and seemed to be more comfortable to play.