Jackson Legend Series CB V Dave Ellefson Signature 5-String Electric Bass Guitar - Gloss Black

Celebrating the anniversary of Megadeth's landmark 1990 album Rust in Peace, the Legend Series Dave Ellefson Signature CB V revisits the first five-string bass Jackson built for Dave for the band's 1990 tour. That instrument became the foundation of Dave's signature bass lineup, and this limited-edition recreation pairs an alder Concert Bass body with a three-piece quartersawn maple neck-through design, 34" scale ebony fingerboard, EMG 40CS and 40DC pickups, 3-band EQ, Jackson HiMass bridge and Hipshot Ultralite tuners. Finished in Gloss Black with black hardware, pearloid sharkfin inlays and Dave's signature details, the CB V reflects the extended range, tight attack and precise articulation associated with his work in Megadeth.

Neck-Through Construction Supports Fast Five-String Work

A three-piece quartersawn maple neck runs through the alder body and incorporates graphite reinforcement rods for a rigid structural foundation across the full 34" scale. The ebony fingerboard moves from a 12" radius in the lower register to a flatter 16" radius higher up the neck, pairing familiar lower-fret feel with additional room for faster upper-register work. Twenty-two jumbo frets, Luminlay side dots and a 1.75" Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut complete a neck designed around clear navigation and the five-string layout.

EMG Pickups and Three-Band EQ Shape the Attack

An EMG 40CS at the neck and 40DC at the bridge give the CB V two distinct pickup positions to blend around Dave's articulate, hard-edged bass approach. A blend control moves continuously between the two pickups, while master volume and a 3-band EQ with bass, mid and treble controls provide direct onboard shaping. That combination lets players move from fuller neck-position weight to more focused bridge definition while adjusting the overall frequency balance for dense guitars, fast riffing and extended-range bass parts.

HiMass Bridge and Hipshot Tuners Anchor the Setup

A Jackson HiMass five-string bridge anchors the .045–.130 nickel-plated steel string set at the body, while Hipshot Ultralite open-gear tuning machines handle adjustment at the headstock. The hardware package keeps the layout straightforward around the extended five-string range, with black hardware and black plastic control knobs maintaining the instrument's unified presentation. An included Jackson DE CB foam-core case provides dedicated protection for transport between rehearsals, sessions and shows.

Gloss Black Details Echo Dave's Jackson Identity

The Gloss Black finish and all-black hardware keep the visual focus on classic Jackson details, including pearloid sharkfin fingerboard inlays and the familiar Concert Bass silhouette. Dave's signature appears on both the truss rod cover and headstock, giving the instrument unmistakable artist-specific identity without changing the direct performance layout. Together with the ebony fingerboard, dark hardware and restrained appointments, those touches tie the CB V visually to the basses associated with his long-running Jackson relationship.

David Ellefson and the 5-String Jackson Legacy

As a founding member of Megadeth, David Ellefson helped establish the band's bass identity through his sharp pick attack, tight rhythmic precision and ability to anchor dense, technically demanding thrash metal arrangements. His instantly recognizable opening bass line on "Peace Sells" remains a defining example of his playing, while his work on Rust in Peace demonstrated the precision and extended range demanded by the band's increasingly complex compositions. Jackson built its first five-string bass for Dave's 1990 tour, establishing a relationship that would help shape his signature instrument lineup. For bassists drawn to his aggressive articulation and disciplined approach, the Jackson Legend Series Dave Ellefson Signature CB V bass brings that legacy together with neck-through construction, EMG electronics and extended five-string range.