Head to head
Jackson USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB IV vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV
The verdict
The Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV comes out ahead overall — 71 to 68 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Jackson USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB IV wins on
- Better build (71 vs 61)
Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV wins on
- Better sound (77 vs 68)
- Better value (75 vs 58)
- Lower price ($600 vs $5,750)
Scorecard
| Metric | USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB IV | X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 68 | 71 |
| Build | 71 | 61 |
| Playability | 72 | 75 |
| Sound | 68 | 77 |
| Value | 58 | 75 |
Full specifications
| Spec | USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB IV | X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Jackson | Jackson |
| Type | Bass | Bass |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | — | — |
| Body wood | Alder | Poplar |
| Neck wood | Quartersawn Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Laurel |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 21 | 24 |
| Scale | 34" | 34" |
| Pickups | EMG® 35CS / EMG® 35DC | Jackson® Medium-Output Humbucking / Jackson® Medium-Output Humbucking |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $5,750 | $600 |
| Body Binding | Black | — |
| Body Finish | Satin | Satin |
| Body shape | Concert™ Bass | Spectra |
| Bridge | Jackson HiMass™ | Jackson® HiMass™ |
| Bridge pickup | EMG® 35DC | Jackson® Medium-Output Humbucking |
| Commodity Code | 9207901000 | 9207901000 |
| Construction | Neck-Through-Body with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf Joint | Neck-Through-Body with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf Joint |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style | Dome-Style |
| Controls | Volume, Blend, High, Low, Mid | Volume (Push/Pull Selector for Active/Passive Options), Blend, 3-Band EQ (Active Only) |
| Finish | Satin Silver | Desert Sand |
| Fretboard radius | 12"-16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) | 12"-16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Fret Size | Jumbo | Jumbo |
| Hardware Finish | Black | Black |
| Headstock | Jackson® Pointed 4-In-Line | Unique Jackson® 2x2 |
| Headstock Binding | White | White |
| Neck Binding | White | White |
| Neck Finish | Hand-Rubbed Urethane | Satin Color Matched |
| Neck pickup | EMG® 35CS | Jackson® Medium-Output Humbucking |
| Neck Plate | None | None |
| Nut | Graphite | Black Plastic |
| Nut width | 1.625" (41.3 mm) | 1.5" (38.1 mm) |
| Orientation | Right-Hand | Right-Hand |
| Pickguard | None | None |
| Position Inlays | Outlined Sharkfin | White Dot |
| Product Name | USA Signature David Ellefson Concert™ Bass CB IV, Ebony Fingerboard, Satin Silver | X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV, Laurel Fingerboard, Desert Sand |
| Saddle Height Wrench | Yes | — |
| Scale length | 34" (86.36 cm) | 34" (86.36 cm) |
| Series | Artist Signature | X |
| Special Electronics | Active Electronics | 3-Band EQ (Active Only) |
| Strap Buttons | Standard | Standard |
| String Nut | Graphite | Black Plastic |
| Switching | Blend Control | 2-Way Toggle Switch (Pickup Coil Split) |
| Truss rod | Dual-Action | — |
| Truss Rod Nut | Truss Rod Adjustment at Nut | Truss Rod Adjustment at Nut |
| Truss Rod Wrench | Yes | Yes |
| Tuners | Hipshot® Open-Gear Locking | Jackson® Sealed Die-Cast |
| Body Top | — | Poplar Burl |
| Pickup Covers | — | Black |