Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$549.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$549.99
Amazon
4.0 (9)
$529.99
Reverb
4.0 (2)
$513.60 New
$399.99 Used

Average Price: $521

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into a new dimension of sound with the Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar in Alien Burst. This striking 5-string electric bass is where avant-garde design meets powerful performance. Crafted with a poplar body topped with a quilted maple veneer, its offset shape features a large upper horn for optimal balance, minimizing neck dive and enhancing long-lasting comfort during your jam sessions. The bolt-on maple neck, reinforced with graphite and designed with Jackson's Speed Neck profile, ensures smooth, fast playability across the 24 jumbo frets.

Whether you're laying down grooves in funk, holding the low-end in rock, or exploring the depth of gospel, the Spectra JS3QV empowers you with dual passive Jackson humbucking pickups. These pickups, coupled with a HiMass bridge, deliver formidable sustain, stability, and a thunderous tone. The active 3-band EQ and coil-split toggle switch allow you to precisely sculpt your sound, ensuring you can dial in the perfect tone for any setting. Plus, the push/pull selector on the master volume control offers a quick switch to passive mode, letting you keep the music alive even if the battery dies.

From stage presence to studio perfection, the Alien Burst finish and black nickel hardware ensure you'll stand out sonically and visually. Get ready to unleash your creativity with a bass that’s as versatile as your playing style.

Key Features:

  • Poplar body with quilted maple veneer top
  • Graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck
  • 12–16-inch compound-radius laurel fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets
  • Dual Jackson medium-output passive humbucking pickups
  • Active 3-band EQ with push/pull selector for active/passive operation
  • HiMass bridge for enhanced sustain and stability
  • Alien Burst finish with black nickel hardware

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape JS Series Spectra
Body Material Poplar
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Jackson Speed Neck
Radius 12"-16" compound
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 35"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Jackson HiMass
Tuners Jackson Sealed Die-cast
Neck Pickup Jackson Medium-output Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Jackson Medium-output Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume (push/pull active/passive), 1 x pickup blend, 3-band Active EQ, 2-way toggle coil split switch
Strings NPS, .045-.130
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar?

The Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar delivers a versatile sound with its medium-output humbuckers, suitable for various genres. The active/passive push/pull switch and 3-band EQ provide additional tonal flexibility, making it ideal for both modern and classic bass tones.

Is the Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Jackson Spectra JS3QV is suitable for beginners and intermediate players. Its comfortable neck profile and versatile tonal options make it an excellent choice for learning and exploring different styles.

How does the neck profile of the Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar affect playability?

The Jackson Speed Neck profile on the Spectra JS3QV offers a smooth and fast playing experience, ideal for quick transitions and complex finger work, enhancing overall playability for bassists.

Does the Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar support both active and passive modes?

Yes, the Jackson Spectra JS3QV features a push/pull master volume control that allows you to switch between active and passive modes, providing flexibility for different playing situations.

What are the standout features of the Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar's design?

The standout features include a poplar body with a gloss finish, a 35" scale length for extended low-end clarity, and a HiMass bridge for improved sustain and stability, making it a robust and reliable choice for bassists.

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

I regret not trying Jackson sooner... | Spectra JS3QV [Review/Demo]

Video thumbnail for I regret not trying Jackson sooner... | Spectra JS3QV [Review/Demo] by Jonny Dibble

I regret not trying Jackson sooner... | Spectra JS3QV [Review/Demo]

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Video thumbnail for Jackson Spectra Bass JS3QV in Alien Burst Demo | Featured Demo | Jackson Guitars by Jackson Guitars

Jackson Spectra Bass JS3QV in Alien Burst Demo | Featured Demo | Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Video thumbnail for Test: "Jackson Spectra Bass JS3QV" (Luca Nicolasi) by accordoTV

Test: "Jackson Spectra Bass JS3QV" (Luca Nicolasi)

accordoTV

accordoTV

Video thumbnail for Jackson Bass JS3QV by Filip Hunter

Jackson Bass JS3QV

Filip Hunter

Filip Hunter

Video thumbnail for The Jackson 5! | Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Unboxing by Jonny Dibble

The Jackson 5! | Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Unboxing

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Video thumbnail for Back to BASSics Ep 2 The BASS I Went With Jackson JS3QV by Waffledragon34

Back to BASSics Ep 2 The BASS I Went With Jackson JS3QV

Waffledragon34

Waffledragon34

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tones from humbuckers, offering thick growls to punchy highs

  • Push/pull pot for active/passive modes prevents getting stuck with dead battery

  • Sleek design stands out, especially in unique Alien Burst finish

  • Lightweight build enhances comfort during long playing sessions

  • Smooth playability with easy fretting and low action

  • Performs well in live gig situations, exceeding expectations

  • Comparable to Ibanez SDGR, but with more sleekness and comfort

  • High-value bass for its price, ideal for building an arsenal

  • Full inspection ensures quality and reliability out of the box

CONS

  • Fret buzz noticeable on low action setup, particularly on the D string

  • Passive mode sounds weaker, may not suit every player

  • String spacing close towards the nut, may require adjustment

  • 3-band EQ knobs setup feels unintuitive for some users

  • No instructions or tools provided for adjusting string setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson Spectra JS3QV Bass Guitar.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report the low B string can become boomy with hard play and sometimes the overall output feels quieter, as if the volume is at 6 instead of 10.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users note the pickup blend on the JS3QV is reversed, which may require adjustment for those accustomed to standard configurations.

    Source
  • The Jackson JS3QV is recognized for its feel and tone even before a setup, making it appealing to those who prioritize playability right out of the box.

    Source
  • The bridge pickup is described as thin with weak mid presence, while the neck pickup is boomy with strong mids and little treble.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass is praised for its metallic tone with high treble and beefy bass, suitable for funk, jazz, and reggae, depending on pickup settings.

    Source
  • The Jackson JS3QV is suggested to be more suitable for rock and metal genres due to its tonal characteristics, while Yamaha TRBX505 is noted to excel in jazz and funk.

    Source
  • The JS3QV bass, when paired with the Mammoth plugin and fresh strings, is effective for covering a range of genres from Steven Wilson to Gojira.

    Source

User experience

  • A user keeps their JS3V set up for BEAD tuning and finds it sounds great both in passive and active modes, highlighting its versatility.

    Source
  • Some owners report the Jackson JS3QV has a faster battery consumption compared to other basses when used frequently, particularly in active mode.

    Source
  • Owners report the need for fresh stainless steel strings, like Daddario ProSteels, to maintain a bright and clanky modern metal tone.

    Source
  • Described as perfect for beginners or as a backup, with a fast neck and perceived as a good entry-level full-scale bass.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JS3QV is likened to an Ibanez Soundgear with its headstock repositioned, but some believe the Jackson offers better value for the price.

    Source
  • The JS3QV is noted for its narrow string spacing, which may not be ideal for slap bass playing, compared to wider-spaced options like the Yamaha TRBX505.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's suggested that the build quality of the Yamaha TRBX505 is perceived to be superior, though the Jackson JS3QV is praised for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested to use the Mammoth plugin for versatile sound enhancement, outperforming free plugins and preferred over Neural DSP plugins for some users.

    Source

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