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Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar

Both are 4-string, 24-fret basses with active 3-band EQ, but they are built for different players. The Yamaha TRB1004J is a 35-inch super-long-scale bass with a 5-piece maple/mahogany neck and brass bridge, aimed at players who want tight low B and a wide tonal range. The Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP IV is a 34-inch neck-through bass with humbuckers and coil-split switching, aimed at players who want punch and comfort. The Jackson's latest price is $564.99 to $599.99 as of November 1-2, 2026; no current price was given for the Yamaha.

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Yamaha
Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass

Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass

Choose the Yamaha TRB1004J if you want a 35-inch scale for a tight low B, a 5-piece neck and a brass bridge for clear, powerful tone.

Pros
  • 35-inch scale keeps the low B tight and defined
  • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck resists warping
  • Brass bridge transfers string vibration efficiently
  • Hum-canceling Alnico V pickups stay quiet
  • Active 5-control circuit covers a wide tonal range
    • Cons
    • Longer scale and wider fret spacing are harder on small hands
    • No coil-split or series/parallel switching
    • Rosewood fingerboard has a single 10-inch radius
    • Heavier laminate body than a plain alder build
    Jackson
    Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar

    Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar

    Choose the Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP IV if you want a 34-inch neck-through bass with humbuckers, coil splitting and a comfortable offset body.

    Pros
    • Neck-through construction and graphite reinforcement add sustain
    • Compound 12-16 inch radius plays fast and bends cleanly
    • Coil-split and variable toggles add single-coil and series tones
    • Offset Spectra body balances well on a strap
    • 1.5-inch nut width suits players who prefer a narrower neck
    Cons
    • 34-inch scale gives a looser low B than a 35-inch bass
    • Poplar body is softer and dents more easily than alder
    • Passive humbuckers need the EQ to cut through
    • Satin finish shows wear faster than gloss

    What separates them

    Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric BassJackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
    Scale length35 inches (super long scale)34 inches
    Neck constructionBolt-on, 5-piece maple/mahoganyNeck-through, graphite-reinforced maple
    Body woodAlder with figured maple laminatePoplar with poplar burl top
    PickupsTwo hum-canceling Alnico V single coilsTwo passive medium-output humbuckers
    SwitchingPickup balancer plus 3-band active EQBlend, 3-band EQ, 2-way coil-split toggle, 3-way variable toggle, push/pull volume
    FingerboardRosewood, 10-inch radiusLaurel, 12-16 inch compound radius
    BridgeSolid brassJackson HiMass
    Nut widthNot given1.5 inches (38.1 mm)

    Price history

    $1,121.68$564.99
    Nov 1Nov 2
    • Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass: lowest $1,121.68 on Nov 2 at eBay.
    • Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar: lowest $564.99 on Nov 1 at Amazon; $599.99 on Nov 2.

    Prices at every store

    Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass

    • eBayCheck price at eBay
    • Micheo MusicCheck price at Micheo Music
    Prices and history →

    Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar

    • AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
    • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
    • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
    Prices and history →

    Specs compared

    SpecYamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric BassJackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
    Scale Length35"34 inch / 864 mm
    Body FinishGloss PolyurethaneSatin
    Number of Frets2424
    Neck PickupHumcanceled Single Coil / Alnico VJackson medium-output humbucking
    Bridge PickupHumcanceled Single Coil / Alnico VJackson medium-output humbucking
    Number Of Strings4-string4-String
    ColorMahoganyDesert sand
    Body MaterialsMaple / Alder / Quilted Maple Laminate—
    Neck MaterialsMaple / Mahogany 5-Piece—
    Neck ConstructionBolt-on—
    Neck FinishSatin Polyurethane—
    Fingerboard MaterialsRosewood—
    Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
    SpecYamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric BassJackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
    Fingerboard Radius10" (250 mm)—
    Nut MaterialsBone—
    Cutaway—Double Cutaway
    Body Material—Poplar
    Guitar Neck Joint—Neck-Through
    Bridge Type—Jackson HiMass
    Right/Left Handed—Right-Handed
    Body Type - Instruments—Solid
    Fingerboard Material—Laurel

    What reviewers say

    Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass

    Owner feedback on the TRB1004J is generally positive, with players praising its clear, modern tone and stable long-scale neck. Complaints center on weight and the reach of the 35-inch scale.

    Pros
    • Bright, articulate tone that sits well in a mix
    • Solid build and tuning stability
    • Useful active EQ range
    Cons
    • Noticeably heavy over a long set
    • Long scale takes adjustment
    • Some find the active tone too modern for vintage styles

    Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar

    Owner feedback on the SBXP IV is generally positive, with players praising the neck feel, balance and the wide tonal range from the active EQ and coil split. Common complaints center on the stock pickups and setup out of the box.

    Pros
    • Fast, comfortable neck and compound radius board
    • Versatile tone from active EQ and coil splitting
    • Good balance and light feel for a neck-through bass
    Cons
    • Stock pickups sound flat to some players
    • Setup and fretwork can need attention on arrival
    • Battery compartment access is awkward

    Questions and answers

    Which is better for drop tunings and a tight low B?
    The Yamaha TRB1004J. Its 35-inch scale keeps the low B and dropped notes tighter than the Jackson's 34-inch scale.
    Which has more tonal options?
    The Jackson. Its coil-split toggle, 3-way variable toggle and push/pull volume add single-coil and series tones on top of the 3-band EQ.
    Which is easier on smaller hands?
    The Jackson. Its 34-inch scale and 1.5-inch nut width are shorter and narrower than the Yamaha's 35-inch scale.
    Is the Jackson worth the extra over the Yamaha?
    No current Yamaha price was given, so a direct comparison is not possible. The Jackson's latest price is $564.99 to $599.99 as of November 1-2, 2026.
    Which is better for gigging?
    Both are gig-ready. The Jackson's neck-through build and balanced offset body suit long sets; the Yamaha's active EQ gives quick tone changes on stage.
    Which lasts longer?
    Both use stable multi-piece necks. The Yamaha's 5-piece bolt-on neck is easy to replace; the Jackson's neck-through build is harder to repair if damaged.

    More comparisons

    • Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
    • Schecter Stiletto Studio 4 Solidbody Bass Guitar vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
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    • Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass vs Schecter Stiletto Studio 4 Solidbody Bass Guitar
    • Cort A4 Plus FMMH 4-String Bass vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
    • Yamaha TRBX174EW 4-String Electric Bass Guitar vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar

    Buying guides that pick them

    • Best neck-through 4-string electric bass guitars under $1,450
    • Best neck-through 4-string electric bass guitars
    Pickups
    —
    Humbucker
    Switching—2-Way
    Fretboard—Laurel
    Body shape—Spectra
    Guitar Type—Bass Guitars
    Handedness—Right-handed
    Instrument Type—Bass Guitar
    Sub Type—Electric
    String Gauge—.045-.105 Gauges
    String Material—Nickel Plated Steel
    Nut Width—1.5" (38.1 mm)
    Nut Material—Black Plastic
    Back Material—Poplar
    Neck Material—Maple
    Top Material—Poplar burl
    Weight—15.400000
    Body Orientation—Right-Handed
    Body Type—Solid body
    Body Color—Desert Sand