Jackson JS2 Review – Solid Rock Bass at an Affordable Price

Jackson is a heavy hitter in the rock and metal guitar markets, churning out some top-class models. When it comes to bass guitar, the American brand is slightly less prominent, but still produces some awesome instruments including today’s focus, the JS2 Concert Bass – which settles nicely into our chart on the best basses under $300. Ready to take a closer look? Read on!

Body & Neck

The design of the JS2 is classic Jackson – clean, defined and soaked with attitude. The body sports a double-cutaway shape and is made from solid poplar, which is lightweight and comfortable to hold for prolonged periods. It’s available in both glossy Snow White and Satin Black finishes, which are simple but look great, with an all-round solid fit and finish. With a 34” scale length, the neck is also classic Jackson in its construction. Made of solid maple with reinforcement rods, it’s bolted onto the bass with a scarf joint for a sturdy feel. This features a slim profile and a satin finish, with a 12” to 16” compound radius design, meaning the fretboard flattens as it gets closer to the body for enhanced playability. This neck is capped with a rosewood fretboard, 24 jumbo frets and those familiar sharkfin inlays. Almost as cool as the iconic Jackson pointed headstock! A good looking, well-polished bass – no complaints here.

Hardware

Jackson keep things simple in the hardware department too and this works well. The JS2 is loaded with two Jackson-designed high-output covered humbuckers, controlled by an individual volume rotary control for both pickups along with a master tone control. There’s no pickup selector switch, but the volume controls allow you to mute either or play with both together, and this works well enough. The JS2 also features solid hardware where electronics aren’t concerned. There’s a set of Jackson-designed 4-in-a-line sealed die-cast chrome tuners finished in black, while the fixed Jackson HiMass bridge feels sturdy and reliable, providing good sustain.

Sound

Moving onto sound and the JS2 provides exactly what you’d want for rock. For stock pickups these sound great, offering a bold tone with a clear and aggressive low-end. The duo of pickups along with the simple controls offer enough in the way of sound shaping, with this bass proving most effective for metal and rock – but happy enough with lighter styles too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3MCl1kdGW4

Conclusion

For under $300 there are very few complaints with the JS2 – Jackson impress once again! The pickups are very solid for the price, while the lightweight body and slender neck mean it’s something you’d happily fly around stage with. You can see why it’s such a top seller. For more info about the Jackson JS2, click here. For more Bass Guitar Under $300 you might like, click here.