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SX (essex) modifications

S

stevellss

Aug 13, 2008
89
2
#1
Last week I got an SX Jazz bass (the green model w/ bound maple neck) and after many hours of playing it I've decided that the bridge and pickups are the first things to go. I've got my mind set on a gotoh 201 bridge, but what I'm looking for advice on is the pickups. The most important factor here is that i am on a very low budget, so let's say for $60 or under, what is my best bet if I want a growly, slap in the face kind of tone? also appreciated would be advice on what kind of affordable pickguards that come in tortoise shell that would fit on this bass. Thanks!

I must also say that I'm glad I trusted all the raving on here about SX basses. I was expecting a decent bass and this has exceeded my expactations.
 
#3
I modded my SX P with some used parts I had.
I put on an american string thru bridge and a SD 1/4 pounder. Also added a tort PG.......I now have a very nice sounding, pretty solid P bass that I'm not afraid to beat up on a little bit.
 
#6
If you're going to change the pickups, make sure you change the potentiometers also. The pots on SX basses aren't the greatest.

As far as pickups, SAVE your money and get some good pickups. MightyMite pickups are a small step up from what you already have on there. You probably won't notice much of a difference at all. With that said, why spend $60.00 on something that's not going to make a difference when you can save your money and get something much better.
 
#7
thanks everyone for the advice. I am tempted to try out those GFS pickups, though I must admit I am starting to like the SX pickups with it a little heavy on the neck one, combined with some adjustment on my sansamp pedal.
 
#8
stevellss said:
...The most important factor here is that i am on a very low budget, so let's say for $60 or under, what is my best bet if I want a growly, slap in the face kind of tone? ...

I must also say that I'm glad I trusted all the raving
here about SX basses. I was expecting a decent bass and this has exceeded my expactations.
Click to expand...

Do what you wanna do, but I bought a set of Fender Original jazz pups for my SX SJB57 that I had put an Audere pre in (this is my baby). Well, my opinion is, the stock ceramic SX pups sound goood and are stronger than the Alnico V Fenders. So I bought an SX SJB62 to leave STOCK! For plain raw punch and slapping (I know that's not what you said, but I do mean slapPING) I often pick up the stock one (I don't HAVE to pick it up 'cause the Audere Q switch gets me a good slap tone too, but still not as punchy as the stock pups).
 
#9
Just wait and save your money for some good pups; you don't want to have to change them again in a year.

*EDIT*

Instead of starting a new thread I'll ask here: How reliable or SX necks? I know pups and hardware are easy (and cheap) enough to replace, but the neck raises a concern to me, especially in the long run.
 
#11
Navybass said:
If you're going to change the pickups, make sure you change the potentiometers also. The pots on SX basses aren't the greatest.

As far as pickups, SAVE your money and get some good pickups.
Click to expand...

+1

I used to go to the RONDO store and play around on the gear so I had a decent sampling of the SX line.
I found that nearly half of all SX's I tried were at least partially micophonic. SOme were BAD in this regard. if this is the issue you were having, try repotting them with wax. Its easy to do and had a definite impact.

While you may not want to throw large money after small by getting top notch pu's, you can definitely upgrade via buying used and realize great results.

IMO spend money on obvious gains, not hopeful ones.

Good luck, and post pics!
 
#13
Be careful about replacing the bridge with a Gotoh 201. They have quite a bit thicker baseplates and will raise the action up quite a bit. You won't be able to get the action as low as you can with the original bridge. I've had one on two different SX's, and had the same problem with both.

As far as pickups go, I'd recommend the DiMarzio Model J pickups. They're really nice and not too expensive.
 
#15
SoonerMatt said:
How reliable or SX necks? I know pups and hardware are easy (and cheap) enough to replace, but the neck raises a concern to me, especially in the long run.
Click to expand...

What's your concern with the neck?

Of all the SX basses I've had I've never had a problem with the neck. Truss rods work fine, neck didn't warp, etc. Of course, I took care of the bass.
 
#19
EagleMoon said:
Be careful about replacing the bridge with a Gotoh 201. They have quite a bit thicker baseplates and will raise the action up quite a bit. You won't be able to get the action as low as you can with the original bridge. I've had one on two different SX's, and had the same problem with both.
Click to expand...

I have an SX Jazz bass and replaced the bridge with the Gotoh 201. I have never been able to get the action low enough again. I think I'll go back to a regular Fender bridge and see what happens.

Jim
 
#20
jwsamuel said:
I have an SX Jazz bass and replaced the bridge with the Gotoh 201. I have never been able to get the action low enough again. I think I'll go back to a regular Fender bridge and see what happens.

Jim
Click to expand...

This is a common issue, and to be expected if the neck angle was correctly set for the original bridge. Simply put, if you want to change the bridge to one with a thicker base plate, you should shim the neck to bring the heel of the neck up slightly.
 

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