A Precision Decision SX Edition

[Din Of Win]

Hey TB,

So, it looks like after I get paid next Friday, I will be sending away for a new SX P bass. But before I do, I was just curious about some things.

1. Can the P/Js get a good P tone with the J turned off? For now I really want “That P tone” and if it doesn’t get it with the P/J I will just get the P. But if they can it might be cool to have some options available in the future...

2. With the new vintage P styles they have (Link Removed), do they achieve the same P tone as a standard P bass? Unfortunately I have not even heard one of these classic dealies.

I think that should do it. I just want something passive to use in my power-pop/punk band and I think a P bass would provide that tone, now maybe you all can help me narrow my decision….

 

[Spinal Tapper]

IMO the pickups on the SX have a pretty weak output - I've only played through a buddy's SX P/J - I can tell you it sounded BEST when all pickups were maxed on full and tone was rolled to full...

If I were you, get a set of Fralin or Dimarzio pickups and get the P bass - $100 for the bass and about $100 or less for the pickups and you've got yourself a great sounding P bass there.

Of course, it will do just fine with the stock pickups, but if you're playing with a loud punk band, you want to cut through

 

[Justice]

IMO the pickups on the SX have a pretty weak output - I've only played through a buddy's SX P/J - I can tell you it sounded BEST when all pickups were maxed on full and tone was rolled to full...

If I were you, get a set of Fralin or Dimarzio pickups and get the P bass - $100 for the bass and about $100 or less for the pickups and you've got yourself a great sounding P bass there.

Of course, it will do just fine with the stock pickups, but if you're playing with a loud punk band, you want to cut through

and i'll contradict you by saying the pickups in all of my SX basses have been pretty hot. Rivaling the output of the 62 reissues in my MIM P and sometimes hotter.

You will get better output from the stock pickups by upgrading the pots and cap and jack.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

and i'll contradict you by saying the pickups in all of my SX basses have been pretty hot. Rivaling the output of the 62 reissues in my MIM P and sometimes hotter.

You will get better output from the stock pickups by upgrading the pots and cap and jack.

that's why you gotta love open forums.

+1 on upgrading the pots, etc.

I would mention I've read that the PU's on SX basses have been inconsistent outputs on different basses - the one my friend got has very low output (especially the J PU on at the bridge), but the tone is just fine for his needs.

OP: ur best bet is to just buy it, and then if you choose to mod it, you won't be spending much all in all to get a fantastic sounding bass. Good luck!

 

[Din Of Win]

Awesome! Thanks for the replies...

Now, can anyone comment on tonal differences between the P, P/J, and the Vintage P?

 

[Diogenes]

... I would mention I've read that the PU's on SX basses have been inconsistent outputs on different basses...

The six SX J basses I've bought did have inconsistancies from one bass to the next... but the resistances of the SX coils measured from 8 to 9.5 ohms (can't quite remember the exact readings) which is pretty darn hot. Their output was never lacking.

... Now, can anyone comment on tonal differences between the P, P/J, and the Vintage P?...

My main SX which is a PJ gets a great P tone... that Billy Sheehan kind of hollow growl. With both pickups on it will sound close to a typical J bass but with a little more meat due to the p split coil. The new vintage ('54 style) Douglas P bass is too new... I believe they just came out this week so no reviews yet. But I'm sure they'll sound very close to a j bass with just the neck pickup on due to the pickup position and the fact that they're both standard type inline single coils.

 

[Rugaar]

I agree with Justice. Both my former and my current SX P have (had) very hot pickups and if you read any of the countless SX threads around here you'll see that most others feel the same way. Perhaps Spinal Tapper's friend got a dud. Or maybe it's just the J pickups aren't as hot. I can't comment on those because I've never played one.

As for the sound of the SCPB vs the split coil, as Diogenes mentioned, the SC is brand new so there aren't any reports on it yet. But for the general sound difference between the two types, here's Invalid Link Removed and giving good examples of the sound differences. I assume the SX versions will be somewhat similar.

 

[ishouldbeking]

I own a SX Precision which I modded the hell out of for fun (great bass!), and I talked my friend into buying a SX PJ... his is stock, still sounds pretty good. I'd buy the PJ personally. I think the precisions and PJ's are the same price, and if there's any difference in the tone of the precision pup when solo'd on a PJ from that of a standard precision, i'd never be able to tell. From my experience with the fender '51 precision reissues, the pickups are a bit brighter than a standard P tone, pretty grindy, not quite as thick, and not as versatile. My precision is much more sensitive to playing position and attack than the 51... and as i've often heard them referred to around these parts, i'd agree that the 51 style pickups are more of a one-trick-pony than your standard split-coil precision, which is funny considering a split coil precision is often considered a one trick pony when compared to two-pickup basses like a jazz... so maybe that's saying something right there. Get a PJ and enjoy a little versatility!