Jackson C20MJ

I'm the same guy (Aaron) that has the only other review of this. Flash forward four years, two bands, and lots of experience later. The features are the same...But I've come to expect more.

Here is where it really changes. This bass today sounds REALLY BAD. I've upgraded my amp to an SWR Workingman 400 and my speaker cab to a carvin 2x10 "red eye." Last week I had the bass at a shop to clean the pots, adjust intonation, and lower the action. When I got it home I realized that it STILL sounded like crap. Wow how time changes things.

Lasted pretty well. Volume/tone knobs still fall off.

See above.

Never tried it.

I'd recomend this bass to any beginner. If it were lost or stolen, I'm sure I'd find it at a pawn shop very soon thereafter. I'm not saying that this is crap, and I'm not trying to dis Jackson, but I've finally come around and bought a Fender Jazz and it is such a superior instrument that my opinion of the Jackson has dropped significantly. But hey, I still think the Jackson LOOKS better!

This is a 2000 model made in India. Has poplar body and a bolt on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. 34" scale, 24 jumbo frets. Duncan Design pickups, humbucker in the bridge position. Passive electronics. Two volume and one tone control. Paint is solid black, with chrome hardware. It also came with rounded body sides. I never cared before about this, but it makes playing very comfortable. Didn't come with any accessories, but was very inexpensive, so no complaints.

I've played in two band situations with this bass. The first was blues and the second heavy metal. It sounded great with both. I was able to provide a solid yet not overpowering sound in the blues band with only one guitarist. And I was able to get all kinds of attack in the metal band with a two guitarist setup. I still have yet to hear any unwanted noise from this thing. I am also pleased to say that there is no buzz at the frets. I play with a Peavey Max 210 combo, and practice at home with a Peavey Minx 110. I've quit using any effects playing bass. When I bought this bass, I compared it to almost everything the Guitar Center had to offer: BC Rich, Music Man, Ibanez, Fender (pinches nose together with two fingers) Yamaha, ESP LTD, other Jacksons, and Warwick. This was to be my backup, so I took plenty of time comparing. I was very disappointed with the BC Rich instruments. The Ibanez sounded too thin, I hated EVERYTHING about the Fenders, and the rest just didn't give me the value that this one did. I'll admit that this was the best sounding Jackson hands down, the Warwicks all sounded better. The Warwicks did however cost almost three times as much.

This was set up very well for me right from the store. Intonation is right on the money. The paint, while simple looks beautiful. The action is lightning fast. This bass almost plays its self. I do have one complaint. The volume and tone knobs fall off frequently. This is a problem on both my Jacksons (I also own a PS-5.) If I tighten them down before a show, no worries. It is just something to complain about, and with my Jackson basses, it is the only thing to complain about.

This bass can withstand my hard use on stage, and has never let me down. Both my Jacksons are reliable as hell. I do take care of them, but I also play very hard. Other than those damned knobs, my Jacksons are the most reliable things in my life. As far as playing without a backup, no. I have and will never play without a backup. I don't get in car accidents, but I will never drive without insurance. Either is just a stupid idea.

I've never dealt with Jackson. I am thinking about writing them about those knobs, though. I hear they are pretty good about taking care of their customers, but I have no dealings with them. I haven't need it.

I've been playing bass for about seven years as of this review. I've tried out every bass I can get my hands on. I keep coming back to Jacksons. They build quality instruments, and unless you get one out of the custom shop, they are very affordable. They are also great looking guitars too. I think P-basses are ugly as sin, and BC Rich is only for the metal player. Jackson is great looking and great sounding. It is also versatile enough to play a variety of music. I am very, very happy with this purchase. If it were stolen, I would absolutely go after another C20MJ or finances permitting a C4MJ.