Greg Bennett Designs (Samick) or SX?

Snakeman1066 · #1 02-09-2008, 10:33 AM

Ok guys and Gals I'm on the hunt for a cheap jazz style bass to mod...

I walked into a music store yesterday that i have neve been in before (but pass on my way to work) and they had the Greg Bennett line on the wall....i played them all and a Fairlane (i think it was) played well and sounded pretty good....

Now I know there are a lot of SX supporters here but given the choice one of the SX jazzes shipped is roughly the same price as the Samick....which i have played....obviously can't play the SX

so which would you choose?

I don't know that much about either brand but as i understand it Samick makes/constructs a bunch of other brands basses and guitars as well in their factories...

bugbass · #2 02-09-2008, 10:41 AM

I have not played the SX, but I was impressed by the Greg Bennet line of basses

vicenzajay · #3 02-09-2008, 10:48 AM

is a solid instrument - I would advise going ahead and getting it (as you've played it).

What many people do not realize is that Samick's (typically constructed in Korea) production facilities also build instruments for many (if not most) of the brand names that are on the market made in the Far East. They are well-built and offer a highly affordable way to "get into" an instrument that is perfectly capable of meeting most everyone's performance, practice, or recording needs as built.

Modding one would be fun, but realize that the instrument will also be a great one with no additional work put into it except for a good setup.

Jay

P.S. I own a Greg Bennett Design interceptor guitar....exceptional guitar....the band's two guitarists were blown away by the quality and playability of this sub $200 instrument. It looks phenomenal, the neck is straight as an arrow, upper fretboard access is unbelievable (better than both the Strat and Les Paul they are using), and the electronics are as quiet as they come. Just a thought.

fourstringbliss · #4 02-09-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

Ok guys and Gals I'm on the hunt for a cheap jazz style bass to mod...

I walked into a music store yesterday that i have neve been in before and thaey had the Greg Bennett line on the wall....i played them all and a Fairlane i think it was played well and sounded pretty good....

Now I know there are a lot of SX supporters here but given the choice one of the SX jazzes shipped is roughly the same price as the Samick....which i have played....obviously can't play the SX

so which would you choose?

I don't know that much about either brand but as i understand it Smiack makes a bunch of other brands basses and guitars as well in their factories

SX for the classic styling. I think the build quality on either is about the same, but the Greg Bennett Samick designs are too modern looking for me. They take a classic design and add a small moder touch - ruins it, I think.

Snakeman1066 · #5 02-09-2008, 09:43 PM

Seriously guys this...

or this...

same price to my door...$179.95

MrSexy · #6 02-09-2008, 09:48 PM

The Samick, hands down

Snakeman1066 · #7 02-09-2008, 09:53 PM

Mr. Sexy...based on looks?....I have played the Samick in Person it has a little Fret Buzz simply because whoever set it up, set the action way way too low...

I have not played the SX (But i like the pup configuration much better) but there are so many here who seem to really praise them plus I'm planning on modding the hell out of which ever one i decide on, so again...

which one people? which one would you choose?

MrSexy · #8 02-09-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

Mr. Sexy...based on looks?....I have played the Samick in Person it has a little Fret Buzz because whoever set it up set the action way way too low...

I have not played the SX (But i like the pup configuration much better) but there are so many here who seem to really praise them plus I'm planning on modding the hell out of which ever one i decide on, so again...

which one people? which one would you choose?

I've played both. The SX is a great bass, no doubt. The Samick just seemed like a better quality, better playing bass. Even if you are going to mod the crap out of it, I'd say go with the Samick.

no1likesme · #9 02-09-2008, 10:04 PM

First off, I have never played a SX but i own a samick fairlane and I love it. I replaced the pickups with a set out of a fender and it sounds great.

EDIT: I need to find a place that sells the new style pickguard and control plate

neurotictim · #10 02-09-2008, 10:32 PM

I like the looks of the Samick, and I've got a Samick SG guitar that I really like - build quality is pretty good, sound is okay, and was a really good deal.

I've played a couple of the GB Samicks at a local place, and was decently impressed. If you're prepared to put a better bridge on and (depending on your taste) better pickups, it would be a great sounding and great looking bass.

I think they're about on par, so I would choose the Samick for the looks.

Snakeman1066 · #11 02-09-2008, 10:45 PM

I'm really torn myself....

The finish on the Samick is too glossy for me....and the body is smaller overall

I like the satin finish on the SX as well as the Pup configuration...but having never played one makes me nervous

and yes new bridge, new tuners, new pups, black pickguard (as well as black hardware)

mkrtu9 · #12 02-09-2008, 11:11 PM

wish samicks came with a maple board

dryheatbob · #13 02-09-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

same price to my door...$179.95

If that's an fn4, I played one of those awhile ago, and I thought it played and sounded great.

They went for about $280-$300 then but I went with a used Schecter Stiletto Elite for the same $ instead.

+1 on the comment abput Samick building alot of basses for alot of brands. Don't let the name fool ya; it's good stuff.

Bob

tmusic101 · #14 02-09-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

Seriously guys this...

or this...

same price to my door...$179.95

Where can I get an FN 4 for $179?

Snakeman1066 · #15 02-10-2008, 12:02 AM

a little out of the way store in nowhere Texas...lol, slightly used...they have it listed as the same price as a new FN 1

**RedsFan75** · #16 02-10-2008, 10:37 AM

I've owned both an SX SJB 5 and a Samick Fairlane FN 5

Sold the SX, still play the Samick...

LOVE IT.

my vote Samick!

srh · #17 02-10-2008, 11:27 AM

man this is confusing, I always thought that samicks were like terrrrribbbble basses, of all the ones ive played this has shown to be true.. Wasnt talkbass like in love with sx's? lol Well I own an sx and play it everyday, its awesome.

**RedsFan75** · #18 02-10-2008, 04:44 PM

The SX I had was really good, but it was too heavy for my back. The Samick is lighter, and it just played better than my SX.

The Greg Bennett design's have totally changed the Samick brand from bad to a pretty good instrument. I have a friend that has an old Samick Strat, and a Greg Bennett Les Paul clone.. the difference in quality is amazing.

The Fairlane I have is one of the newer designs, and it really is a quality bass. Check one of the newer ones out and see what you think.

ProfGumby · #19 02-10-2008, 06:18 PM

I had a Korean made Ibanez....which means I had a Samick. Great bass! The salesman told me at that time that any bass that was made in Korea was made by Samick.

I guess my advice on your question would be to buy the Samick if you really liked it.

BTW, I think the Samick you pictured is a damned sexy lookin bass!

BlackLake · #20 02-23-2008, 09:00 AM

SAMICK!!!

My Fairlane has '62 reissue pups, and it's killer.

Way better bridge than the SX, and plays wonderful if set up good, and dang look at that finish!

The have some tech videos at the Greg Bennet website.