Finally pulled SX (essex) trigger...

[JumboFriendly]

Now comes the fun part!

+

+

Gotoh 201, custom nut, wiring kit, Fender American pups (longer Custom Shop 60's), and hardware

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cool?

I guess we'll find out...

 

[scottm]

Nice!

-ScottM

 

[honestjohnny]

I think you'll be pleased with the result. Very cool!

 

[rayzak]

Beautiful finish. But that headstock is backwards

 

[JumboFriendly]

But that headstock is backwards

That's the point

I should mention this isn't my first SX, I've owned a lined fretless in that past. But I wasn't able to get used to fretless, and it'd been modified before I got it. This will be my first that I get to modify!

 

[JumboFriendly]

Bass and some accessories are here. I already have the bass torn apart (couldn't wait, I guess). I've spent most of tonight sanding the finish off the back of the lefty neck. I didn't realize (stupid, I know) that there wouldn't be position markers since the neck would be upside down, so I painted some on with nail polish.

The website says the lefty neck has no nut; it does. It also has no logo or holes for tuning machines or neck bolts. It also has no hole drilled for a string tree. These are all okay, but I wasn't prepared for at least some of them. I've decided to replace the tuning machines as well; I'd like something lighter and I figure the stock neck will sell quicker with machines included. I will order the tuners this week and visit a friend with a drill press to get all the holes drilled at once.

I'm making progress, I'm just slow.

 

[bassrique]

What size tuner holes does SX / Essex use? 1/2 or 3/8?

 

[JumboFriendly]

Hopefully someone else knows, I haven't had time or desire to measure yet.

 

[BananaKing]

Lets see it when it's done!

Looks like something good is about to happen!

 

[Essthreetee]

No holes for the tuning machines???????

I guess since it's a lefty, you COULD use the righty neck that came with it, line up the headstocks (back to back) and use it as a template to mark and drill the holes... Just an idea...

 

[JumboFriendly]

Yeah, the headstock is just as smooth as can be. I'll just use the new tuners (whatever they may be - haven't decided yet) and drill them out that way. Sure are tiny holes though... hope I have a steady hand.

 

[BananaKing]

good luck!

 

[FiveStringsNme]

that combo of neck and body looks nice for the budget bass! cool stuff man!

 

[JumboFriendly]

Bridge arrived, still need to order tuners from somewhere. Pickups have been ordered as well.

 

[ChorusPedal88]

Jumbo, how is that Jazz bass?, I got a raise today and I'm considering ordering me another SX, and the red version is pulling me.

 

[JumboFriendly]

It's very nice, from what little I played it before yanking it apart. I'd have had no problem keeping it stock (aside from strings) and playing it that way for a while, but I was way too anxious to get started customizing. My plan was to eventually get a Warmoth type do it yourself bass, and I wanted some practice modifying first. I figure once I get done with this I'll have a great player with under Mexi-Fender money into it.

 

[ChorusPedal88]

Verrry nice, cheers for the input.

 

[oldrookie]

SX has 1/2" tuner holes. At least mine did.

 

[JumboFriendly]

Waiting on pickups to arrive (Fender Custom Shop 60's) and I've purchased tuners (Hipshot HB-2s) so those need to get here as well. Hopefully the pups will be here this week so I can get those installed. I need to drill out the control plate a little; the pots in the rewiring kit I ordered won't fit through the holes so I'll add that to my bin of stuff that's going to the drill press.

 

[JumboFriendly]

Pickups are in! Also drilled out control plate and rewired it. Gotoh bridge is also attached.

Slight change in plans. I put the Custom Shop pups in my MIA Jazz, and the pups from the MIA Jazz in the SX.