Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 Electric Bass Guitar User Manual

1. Introduction

Welcome to the user manual for your new Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 Electric Bass Guitar. This instrument is designed for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile bass with a comfortable playing experience and powerful sound. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your bass guitar.

The Spectra Bass JS2 features a poplar body, a maple neck, and a laurel fingerboard with 24 frets. It is equipped with active P/J-style pickups, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities from punchy growls to lucid tones. The instrument also includes a Jackson High-Mass bridge for enhanced stability and sustain, along with intuitive controls for volume, blend, and bass boost.

This image displays the full front view of the Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 electric bass guitar. It features a sleek Snow White finish, a black pickguard, and two black pickups. The four strings are clearly visible, extending from the bridge to the headstock.

2. Setup

2.1 Unboxing

Carefully remove your bass guitar from its packaging. Inspect the instrument for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or storage.

2.2 Tuning

Before playing, ensure your bass guitar is properly tuned. The Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 features four tuning machines on its angled headstock. You can use a digital tuner or a tuning app to achieve accurate pitch.

A detailed view of the Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 headstock, showcasing the 'Jackson' logo, four tuning machines, and the upper portion of the laurel fingerboard with its distinctive sharkfin inlays.

2.3 Connecting to an Amplifier

To amplify your bass, connect a standard 1/4" (6.35mm) instrument cable from the output jack on your bass to the input of your bass amplifier or audio interface.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Controls

The Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 is equipped with active electronics, providing versatile tone shaping. The controls include:

• Volume Control: Adjusts the overall output level of the bass. It features a push/pull selector to switch between active and passive modes. In passive mode, the bass will still produce sound even if the 9V battery for the active electronics runs out.
• Blend Control: Mixes the output of the J-style bridge pickup and the P-style neck pickup. Turn towards the neck for more warmth, or towards the bridge for more punch.
• Bass Boost: Provides additional low-end emphasis when in active mode, allowing for deeper, more resonant tones.

3.2 Pickups

This bass features a powerful Jackson J-style bridge pickup and a P-style neck pickup. These active pickups deliver a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres, from funk to hard rock.

3.3 Playing Techniques

The comfortable speed neck contour and 12" radius laurel fingerboard with 24 frets facilitate fast and comfortable playing. The bass is suitable for both fingerstyle and pick playing techniques, allowing you to explore different sonic textures.

4. Maintenance

4.1 General Care

• Cleaning: Regularly wipe down your bass with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove sweat and fingerprints. For a deeper clean, use a guitar-specific cleaning solution.
• String Changes: Replace strings regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability. Refer to the specifications for recommended string gauges.
• Storage: Store your bass in a climate-controlled environment, ideally in a gig bag or hard case, to protect it from extreme temperature changes and humidity.

4.2 Truss Rod Adjustment

The truss rod, located within the neck, allows for adjustments to the neck's relief. If you notice excessive bowing or back-bowing of the neck, a truss rod adjustment may be necessary. It is recommended that truss rod adjustments be performed by a qualified guitar technician to avoid damage to the instrument.

4.3 Battery Replacement

The active electronics of your bass require a 9V battery. If the sound becomes weak or distorted, or if the bass produces no sound in active mode, the battery may need replacement. The battery compartment is located on the back of the instrument. Ensure the bass is unplugged before replacing the battery.

This image shows the back of the Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2. It highlights the natural maple neck, the Snow White body, and the control cavity cover on the back of the body, which houses the 9V battery for active electronics.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 No Sound or Weak Output

• Check the instrument cable for proper connection and functionality.
• Ensure the volume control on the bass and amplifier is turned up.
• If in active mode, check and replace the 9V battery if necessary. Try switching to passive mode (if available via push/pull volume knob) to rule out battery issues.
• Verify that the amplifier is powered on and functioning correctly.

5.2 Poor Tuning Stability

• Ensure strings are properly installed and stretched.
• Check tuning machines for any looseness or damage.
• Consider replacing old or worn strings.
• Extreme temperature changes can affect tuning; allow the instrument to acclimate to its environment.

5.3 Fret Buzz

• Fret buzz can be caused by low string action, an improperly adjusted truss rod, or uneven frets.
• Minor adjustments to string height at the bridge can sometimes resolve this. For more complex issues, professional setup is recommended.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Your Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For detailed information regarding warranty terms, conditions, and registration, please refer to the official Jackson Guitars website or contact their customer support. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.