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SX (Essex) Replacement Parts

ErebusBass

ErebusBass

Feb 20, 2008
1,107
110
Madison, WI
#1
So I just got an SX SPJ 62, and I really like the bare bones of the instrument, but I'm looking to replace a couple things. I've already put straplocks on it, because the first night I was playing it those tiny strap buttons made my bass assault me. I'm also looking at getting a new bridge and new tuning keys, but I'm not exactly sure where to look. I've checked allparts, guitarpartsdepot, stewmac, and wdmusic. Are there any other good places I'm missing?

Keep in mind that this bass cost $120 brand new, so I don't want to put too much into it. That said, does anyone know of any drop-in replacement bridges that won't break the bank? Also, does anyone know of a brand that makes fender-sized tuners that aren't that ugly clover shape? I know they exist, I saw some on a bass at a show last night.

Thanks guys.
 
#3
For my SX I went to eBay and searched for 'chrome bass bridge' and found one for probably $20 or so (looks like a Gotoh 201)...I bet if you did 'bass tuning keys' you'd find some that you like the looks of. The mounting holes for the tuners might not line up exactly but they will work. Or hang out on the accessories section of the classifieds til you see what you want.

*edit* btw my generic bridge had mounting holes that lined up fine with the stock one.
 
#4
Gotoh's work great... I added one to mine...

DSC00494.gif
 
#6
j3ss3 said:
a badass II is a perfect not much money bridge, although it costs almost as much as your bass, I think.Gotoh's also nice.
Click to expand...

I looked at a Badass today at GC, and was sort of appalled... $85 is kind of ridiculous for a piece of metal that doesn't even have holes drilled for the strings.

Dannoman, that gotoh looks nice, where'd you get it/how much was it?
 
#7
Warmoth sells the Gotoh 201 for $30. Thats the best bridge for the money imo. The Hipshot vintage is a good bridge too though it is $20 more.

Those are the two drop in's I like.

Tuners? Watch the parts for sale forum. Buy some used ones. Otherwise Stew mac sells some wilkensons I think fairly cheap.

Good luck.
 
#8
I have used Gotoh (they are great) and also this
[This invalid link has been removed] whis is very similar and even less $

One thing you might want to be careful of especially on ebay is whether the bridge is a drop in replacement or requires new/different holes drilled.

The black one I linked to on ebay was a direct fit and really nice. He regularly has chrome abnd gold as well, so check his other sales. He has alot of other parts, too, maybe some tuners. I have no affiliation with seller except as a customer, just passing this on bc I thought these are very good quality and not expensive.
 
#9
aproud1 said:
Warmoth sells the Gotoh 201 for $30. Thats the best bridge for the money imo. The Hipshot vintage is a good bridge too though it is $20 more.

Those are the two drop in's I like.

Tuners? Watch the parts for sale forum. Buy some used ones. Otherwise Stew mac sells some wilkensons I think fairly cheap.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

The great thing about the hip shot bridges is you can unload the stings without having to pull them out, they can just unhook from the retainer on the bridge after you slacken them. That's really useful if you change strings a lot.
 
#10
troyus said:
The great thing about the hip shot bridges is you can unload the stings without having to pull them out, they can just unhook from the retainer on the bridge after you slacken them. That's really useful if you change strings a lot.
Click to expand...

I have a hipshot on my LTD and I love it, but I can't justify putting an $90 bridge on a $120 bass. That gotoh looks like it'll fit the bill, and warmoth is the cheapest I've found so far.

Does anyone have any advice on drop-in tuner replacements? I don't mind drilling new holes for the right bridge, but I'm hesitant to drill my headstock.
 
#11
ErebusBass said:
Does anyone have any advice on drop-in tuner replacements? I don't mind drilling new holes for the right bridge, but I'm hesitant to drill my headstock.
Click to expand...
You can ask Dannoman, he'll tell you the same thing . . . he tried Wilkenson tuners and the only thing that "drops right in" are the SX keys. (Thanks again Dan for those Wilkies :D)
 
#12
ErebusBass said:
I looked at a Badass today at GC, and was sort of appalled... $85 is kind of ridiculous for a piece of metal that doesn't even have holes drilled for the strings.

Dannoman, that gotoh looks nice, where'd you get it/how much was it?
Click to expand...

The Gotoh was about 30 bucks from warmoth, dropped right in too. As Lowtide stated, the tuners are another story... Im looking at a couple now one being the Hipshot Ultralights and the other is no name brand off ebay that looks like it will fit (probably wont though). But i am able to buy just one for like $5-10 to see if it will work so we'll see....

Lowtide, not a problem at all... Hope you enjoy them!!!!

Edit: I just bought the ones off ebay so i will let ya know how they work out. if they are good and drop right in, i will also post the link to the ebay add for all sx owners....
 
#13
ErebusBass said:
Does anyone have any advice on drop-in tuner replacements? I don't mind drilling new holes for the right bridge, but I'm hesitant to drill my headstock.
Click to expand...

I have some used squire tuners that came close to dropping into my SX but aren't much better than the original tuners. I'm curious to see what works.
 
#14
aproud1 said:
I have some used squire tuners that came close to dropping into my SX but aren't much better than the original tuners. I'm curious to see what works.
Click to expand...

The original tuners on the SX are actually not all that bad at all. The ones I have on mine has held a tuning for 2 weeks now. Granted the bass never leaves my TV room, but it does get played quite a bit while I'm watching TV. :D
 
#16
Ok, so i ordered the tuners from ebay, they are not an exact replacement, but they will work. I am going to have to widen the hole a lil' bit and re-drill the screw holes. The tuners are also a little shorter than the originals, not by much but they are shorter. here is the ebay item # in case anyone wants to give them a try...

http://cgi.ebay.com/BLACK-Vintage-Open-BASS-TUNERS-for-4-5-6-String-M11L_W0QQitemZ130188293819QQihZ003QQcategoryZ41434QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262


Since i have yet to install these i cannot give an opinion on how good they are, but they do seem to be pretty nice...

I have no connection to this auction or the people selling these, Im just passing on what i found...

I might try a hipshot ultralight before i make the mods to the SX for these....
 
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#17
JoeBelc said:
The original tuners on the SX are actually not all that bad at all. The ones I have on mine has held a tuning for 2 weeks now. Granted the bass never leaves my TV room, but it does get played quite a bit while I'm watching TV. :D
Click to expand...

Thats how my last 3 SX's were but my new one didn't want to stay in tune.
 

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