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Deciding between SX P's

S

samtay6

Nov 2, 2010
11
0
#1
Kind of a repost of a question on TGP.

I am looking to get my first bass (coming over from guitar) and want an SX P-bass.

I'm stuck between the '51 style Douglas Pisces: Link Removed

and the Regular P-Bass SX: Link Removed

I know that the only real difference is in the pickup, but I was hoping someone could break it down for me.

Will the single coil still get me fat, classic P-Bass tones? And is the hum overpowering?

My main concern with the '51 is that the single coil p'up won't get me the classic P-Bass sound, and if I want to go the replacement route there isn't as many choices.

Personally, I am leaning towards the douglas, just because the style has me G.A.S.ing, but I want to be sure I can still get classic P-bass tone out of it.

Thanks for the help
 
#2
The Douglass might end up being a little higher quality when it comes to fit and finish. They also aren't available as often, so if I was going for one or the other I'd probably get that one. SX P's are pretty readily available (though colors may vary). The single coil will probably give you more hum though. Pickup replacement might be needed for the single coil (but I don't have one, so others will have to comment on how good it is) but the stock SX split P will work just fine in most cases, especially with some 250k CTS pots.
 
#3
Between those Id suggest the regular P pup one. Cause its pup is more easilly replaceable with wide variety of nice aftermarket upgrade pups. P pup voice is gonna be more versatile then the kind in the other bass imo. And if the bass has qaulity body and neck to include fretwork. It can serve as a good foundation on which to upgrade whatever for electronics and hardware. When you get a bass with uncommon pup type (P, J, soapbar, humbucker, being the most common) the ability to replace the pups if desired with something better suited to you is harder. With P pups you have Dimarzio, Seymour Duncan, EMG, Fralin, Bartolini, and others to choose from. With some of these offering various models of. SX basses get largely regarded as good project basses. The more options you have for upgrades, the easier it is to make it sound like the fave tone in your head.
 
#4
To answer the OP's question, no the single coil will NOT give you the P sound. But, the Pisces basses don't come or stay often. If you really want one you very well might want to jump on it now, but if P bass tone is really what you want you won't get it that way.
 
#5
The Douglas may not give you the P sound, but that all black one sure is sexy...

You know, I think we will look back at these times in 20 years like folks look back now at the times when 60s muscle cars were available brand new. I mean, such cool basses at such low prices!
 
#7
dave120 said:
The Douglass might end up being a little higher quality when it comes to fit and finish. They also aren't available as often, so if I was going for one or the other I'd probably get that one. SX P's are pretty readily available (though colors may vary). The single coil will probably give you more hum though. Pickup replacement might be needed for the single coil (but I don't have one, so others will have to comment on how good it is) but the stock SX split P will work just fine in most cases, especially with some 250k CTS pots.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The one in mY Ursa 1 has really nice tone, I likely won't swap it out.
 
#8
I'd like to also point out the necks will be different. They are different sizes and different construction also.

I think you best going with the actual P-Bass and not the Pisces if you want the P-bass sound... but after listening to Fajah's youtube vids I'm thinking the Pisces would be a great alternative no matter what. Now I'm kind of gassing for the Pisces!!!

With Rondo you might want to upgrade a few things, like rewire your electronics and invest in a new bridge. The tuners and pickups are decent. I know the bridge on my SJB-75 4+1 Jazz 5 string friggin blows for bus fair, but it's tolerable since I'm currently not playing live as of now. But aside from that it's a great instrument, well crafted and fun to play!
 
#9
Robotsatemygma said:
...
With Rondo you might want to upgrade a few things, like rewire your electronics and invest in a new bridge. The tuners and pickups are decent. I know the bridge on my SJB-75 4+1 Jazz 5 string friggin blows for bus fair, but it's tolerable since I'm currently not playing live as of now. But aside from that it's a great instrument, well crafted and fun to play!
Click to expand...

What's your beef with the stock bridge. The only complaint that I've heard and consider valid is that there are no tracks in the base to keep the saddles from wandering, but I don't have a problem with that (maybe I'm just light-handed).

I have changed a few of my SX bridges, but I also have more that I left stock. Biggest improvement with my replacement bridges has been cosmetic, IMO.
 
#10
just another $.02

I have an SX SPJ and I originally thought I'd be replacing the pickups but its been 2 years now and I have no need. The P pickup is really very good and, although the single coil J can get a bit noisy, I dont use it enough to really worry about it.

Also- regarding the bridge- some of the older ones have string holes that are too small for wrapped strings. Usually the E and sometimes the A as well.
I had to take out my Dremel and ream out the hole for the E string on the one I still have and the SX Jazz I sold last week.

I havent heard this complaint recently so I guess they corrected this flaw at the factory.

Also- my complaint with those basses with the old single-coil pickup is playability. I usually anchor my thumb on a pickup and Ive heard it said MANY times that the vintage style single-coil makes a lousy thumbrest because it isnt sturdy enough.
Thats MY personal gripe though-you might not have the same playing style issue.
 
#12
dabbler said:
... there are no tracks in the base to keep the saddles from wandering, but I don't have a problem with that (maybe I'm just light-handed)...
Click to expand...

I never quite understood how someone could play so hard that they knock the saddles out of whack.

I would think that in order to do this one would have to go beyond anything that could be perceived as playing a musical instrument and tread into territory more akin to 'gator-rastlin' or beating a red-headed stepchild.
 
#14
samtay6 said:
I know that the only real difference is in the pickup, but I was hoping someone could break it down for me.

Will the single coil still get me fat, classic P-Bass tones? And is the hum overpowering?

My main concern with the '51 is that the single coil p'up won't get me the classic P-Bass sound, and if I want to go the replacement route there isn't as many choices.

Personally, I am leaning towards the douglas, just because the style has me G.A.S.ing, but I want to be sure I can still get classic P-bass tone out of it.
Thanks for the help
Click to expand...

Single coil will hum (what's your irritation level on hum?) but you can ignore it and it depends a lot on the hum sources nearby where you play it.

As others have noted, it's not a P-bass tone but it is a WONDERFUL tone! And very nice classic LOOK too!

The SX on the other hand will give you the classic P-bass tone you seek. Hum will be minimal (with a shielding job it will be non-existent)

Since you are coming from guitar, you might as well learn right now that the rules for bass acquisition are the same as for guitar acquisition:

Rule: You can never own too many instruments!

Hey these things are like a hundred bucks each! Buy them BOTH! You won't be sorry!
 
#15
IM desperate for help i wanna get a new bass and i found this beautiful SX Ursa 2 Hum MN 3TS and idk if they come set up or if they are worth buying cause i just want to set up and play no fret work or modiing the electronics... HELP!!!!! anybody???????:hiding: thanks -robb-
 
#16
^search for "essex". There are thousands of post.

My latest, which was an Ursa, just needed a minor truss rod turn and was good to go. Some older one's I have, have had an insane amount of mods done to them, but I still think they were worth it.
 
#18
SX truth in a nutshell is:

Most make a great modding platform, and can lay the foundation of a being a killer bass that can stand their ground against, if not beat, your average Fender.

Some suck and need to be sent back for exchange or refund. Kurt has a rep for being super easy to work with if worse comes to worse.

A few are great out of the box. a quarter turn of the truss rod and a quick tune-up and you are ready to go.

It basically boils down to QC and luck of the draw.

You're welcome. I just saved you from having to read about 8000+ post :D
 

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