PRODUCT REVIEW
XJ-1T
4-String Bass
XOTIC
By SEAn o’BRyAn SMITh
Since starting out in 1996, instrument manufacturer Xotic
has earned a reputation for high quality among discerning
professionals. Touring pros like Keith Horne, Ric Fierabracci,
Michael Rhodes and even bassist/actor Malcolm Jamal-Warner
have relied on Xotic basses to cover their gigs. In 1999, Xotic
branched into the world of effects and ended up sharing the
love with a number of professional guitar players like Scott
Henderson and Andy Timmons. Seemingly more focused on
their pedal line over the past few years due to its popularity,
Xotic recently returned to the bass world with a bang when
they offered their XJ-1T 5-string bass. Reacting to the massive
response that model recieved, Xotic released its cousin, the
XJ-1T 4-string, at the 2010 NAMM show. The XJ-1T embodies
what Xotic refers to as an “uncompromising harmony of tradition and advancement,” and the new 4-string demonstrates
their commitment with conviction.
Flair for the Xotic
The XJ-1T is more than just a classic Jazz-style bass. Even
though the body is inspired by a timeless classic, the bass is
pure Xotic. There are some traditional features that players
would expect, like a bolt-on 22-fret neck, offset body and all
the appearance of a high-end J-bass clone. Features that distinguish the XJ-1T from other offerings on the market are the
eye-catching Lindy Fralin pickups, Hipshot UltraLight tuners
and bridge, a custom-shaped pickguard and the secret weapon of any Xotic: the electronics. Xotic has always been known
for their pedals and preamps, and bassists can revel in the fact
that their popular 3-band preamp is onboard the XJ-1T. The
system runs at 18 volts for extended headroom and is a tone
tweaker’s delight. The chrome knobs are the same as a traditional J-bass: an individual volume control for each pickup and
a master tone. The mini-knobs are for the active preamp and
control bass, mid and treble.
This is not all that dwells deep within the XJ-1T. Both of the volume knobs on the bass are push/pull. The first allows the bass to
go into passive mode for going completely classic J sonically. The
second is a unique humbucking mode that combines both pickups
