Product: Jackson Custom King V Bass
Price Paid: US $2100
Submitted
09/20/2004
at
01:28pm
by
Davis Acuff
Email: cacuff<at>houston dot rr dot com
Features
:
10
Bass was made in Ontario - purchased in 1987 from The Guitar Exchange in St. Charles (St. Louis, MO.). 4-String bass from the era of great metal instruments. Single piece construct with great action, sound and feel. Active pickups sound great but wiring was a little less than perfect. The tone/volume have been a little troublesome but well worth frustration on such a nice bass.
Sound
:
10
The sound quality is vintage Jackson. The pickups are hot and versatile giving me the ability to create the right tone. I can get that bitey Geddy or drop D and deliver that deep D'amour sound. The tuners are precise and hold. I have used GHS Boomers (M/LT) exclusively for years. I use a studio Roland Amp to rehearse and an Ampeg to perform. Sounds great through either. I only use compression and chorus.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Like all V's, it's a performer's guitar; not a good rehearsal instrument. My style now cuts across many musical styles, so when playing rock/metal it's perfect. However, it's not really the right image for a pop, funk, or blues player. The guitar was perfect from the factory to me - however I attribute some of that to Dan at the exchange.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
I have owned this guitar since '87 (Original Owner) and have only had a couple of minor problems (see above). The only real complaint I have is the cover plate over the electronics was very poorly installed. The screws are tool small and easily stripped. I'm not sure I would gig with any guitar w/o a backup but this has been a good instrument. It has needed little adjustment, and the finish looks brand new.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never dealt with Jackson directly.
Overall Rating
:
10
This is an extravegant bass but is clearly unique and has real personality as well as excellent playability. I have been a Jackson fan for many, many years and have not been disappointed. If it were stolen, I'd launch a manhunt (;-)I have compared Jackson basses with many other brands and for a rock and roll bass, can't beat it. I own a Peavy (US) bass as well and like it; but it ain't a Jackson.
I'd love to hear from anyone else who has a King V Bass. I only know of one other (personally).
