Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $542
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Jackson David Ellefson CB-X". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Jackson David Ellefson CB-X is a testament to the fusion of iconic design and modern craftsmanship, tailored for those who live for the thrill of thrash metal. Crafted in collaboration with Megadeth's legendary bassist, David Ellefson, this bass guitar is engineered for speed and precision. Its sleek, ergonomic contours allow for effortless playability and comfort, ensuring that every note you strike resonates with authority.
At the heart of this beast are the EMG HZ35 active humbucking pickups, positioned at the neck and bridge, delivering a bold, punchy sound that can cut through any mix with ease. The innovative 12”-16” compound radius laurel fingerboard adapts as you ascend the neck, offering a seamless transition for swift and articulate playing. Whether you're anchoring your hand for fingerstyle or going for a pick, the redesigned body contours ensure perfect balance and stability.
The Jackson HiMass bridge enhances your tone with quick attack and robust sustain, giving each note a sharp, clear definition. A 3-band active EQ and blend knob provide versatile tonal shaping, allowing you to dial in a sound that suits your style. Aesthetic touches like all-black hardware, pearloid sharkfin inlays, and Ellefson’s signature on the truss rod cover bring a touch of flair to this powerhouse instrument.
Key Features:
- Designed in collaboration with David Ellefson of Megadeth
- EMG HZ35 active humbucking pickups at neck and bridge
- 12”-16” compound radius laurel fingerboard
- Jackson HiMass bridge for quick attack and enhanced sustain
- 3-band active EQ and blend knob for versatile tonal control
- All-black hardware with pearloid sharkfin inlays and signature details
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | X Series David Ellefson Concert |
| Body Material | Poplar |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Neck Material | 1-piece Maple |
| Neck Shape | Speed |
| Radius | 12"-16" compound |
| Fingerboard Material | Laurel |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Sharkfins |
| Number of Frets | 21, Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Nut Material | Black Plastic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Jackson HiMass |
| Tuners | Jackson Sealed Die-cast |
| Neck Pickup | EMG HZ35N Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG HZ35B Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x blend, 3-band Active EQ |
| Strings | NPS, .045-.105 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of music genres is the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X best suited for?
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The Jackson David Ellefson CB-X is ideal for rock and metal genres due to its powerful EMG humbuckers and aggressive tone shaping capabilities. Its speed neck and compound radius also facilitate fast, precise playing suitable for these styles.
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How does the compound radius fingerboard benefit playing on the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X?
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The 12"-16" compound radius fingerboard provides comfortable chording at the lower frets and allows for easier soloing and bending higher up the neck, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead bass playing.
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What is the neck profile like on the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X bass?
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The neck of the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X features a "Speed" profile, which is designed for fast playing and easy access across the fretboard, making it ideal for technical and high-speed bass lines.
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Does the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X does not include a case or gig bag; it must be purchased separately for protection and transport.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the EMG HZ35 pickups in the Jackson David Ellefson CB-X?
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The EMG HZ35 pickups provide a punchy and clear tone with a strong midrange presence, making them well-suited for cutting through dense mixes in live and studio settings.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson David Ellefson CB-X.
Features and functionality
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The Jackson David Ellefson CB-X features EMG 35HZ pickups, unlike the JS3 which uses Jackson pickups, providing a different tonal quality preferred by some users.
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The Jackson David Ellefson CB-X uses active EMG PJ pickups with a two-band EQ, offering treble and bass control for a versatile tonal range.
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The neck is described as super thin, enhancing playability up to higher frets, which can be crucial for certain playing styles.
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Comparisons
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The CB-X is built with an Alder body while the JS3 uses Indian Cedro, impacting the resonance and tonal characteristics of the bass.
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The JS3 has 24 frets compared to the CB-X's 21 frets, which may affect playability, especially for those who utilize the upper register frequently.
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Some enthusiasts recommend Sire and Ibanez 5-strings over the Ellefson model, suggesting better quality in the same price range.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners report the CB-X excels in metal and hard rock genres, aligning with its design influence from David Ellefson of Megadeth.
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The bass reportedly stands out visually, garnering compliments for its appearance and tone with the right setup.
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Owners praise the bass for its fantastic high-end growl, making it suitable for aggressive playing styles and genres.
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Value and pricing
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At $399 CDN, the CB-X is considered a good value, particularly due to its EMG pickups and designer input from David Ellefson.
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Build quality
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The untreated neck can feel uncomfortable for those who sweat, and raw spots have been observed by some users.
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The reversed P pickup design positions the poles closer to the bridge, affecting thumb placement for players who use the pickup as a thumb rest.
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Concerns were raised about tone pots being close to the G string, potentially causing interference during intense play.
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User experience
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Despite being lightweight, the bass is perceived by some as feeling cheap, impacting the overall user satisfaction.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Megadeth concert on Youtube at part 1:01 Jason is seen playing a Jackson David Ellefson CB-X
David Ellefson talks about his Jackson X Series Signature basses in this video.
You can also read more about the X series from Jackson's official website.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Jackson David Ellefson CB-X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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