Identify the SX vs. Fender in the mix thread

[THand]

At one of our gigs, about a month ago, a guy came up to our stage and triple-taked a look at my bass.

After the show, I was putting everything away and he came up we talked a bit. He told me he was in a "garage jam band" and that he'd been playing bass for 10 years or so. He asked me, "What kind of Fender are you playing? I've never seen anything like it." I explained to him that it wasn't a Fender. I told him all about how SX basses are imported from China through rondomusic.com. I told him that I actually picked mine up used, for $75 (it's a sparkle red "Jaguar" copy). I pulled it out of the case and handed it over to him. He must have said at least 3 times, "I can't believe this is a $75 bass". I told him, "Well, it's really not, they're usually about $120 new." He said that he loved the sound of it so much, and that's why he had to check it out.

It's funny, I'll pay $500 for a good guitar (I really want to buy a Fender MIM Telecaster Custom '72). I own an Agile Les Paul copy (that I LOVE), but I don't want an Agile telecaster copy, because I don't think anything compares to a Fender guitar... (something about the whole look/feel of the guitar). However, I have no desire to buy a Fender bass, and knowing what I know now about the SX basses, I'll probably never pay more than a couple hundred dollars for a bass. (On a side note, I really want to check out some of the new Squier Vintage Modifieds oh, and the Sterling 34s and 35s - although I realize those run a bit more than a couple hundred dollars).

It really comes down to what you find and feel comfortable with. Sometimes, you get a gem for $75. Sometimes, you find a great bass that's $1500. Although, I have a hard time believing that I'll find any $1500 bass that is 20 times better than my $75 bass.

There is hope.

I have a Fender MIM Nashville Tele Deluxe that I picked up from a pawnshop for $100!

Somebody did a bad relic job on it, so I need to refinsh it before it goes out in public! Other than that, it plays and sounds great. Keep your eyes open and a few bucks in your pocket so you can pounce on a deal when you find it.

 

[ProfGumby]

Actually this thread is SX snobbery " Ha I can make a $120 SX sound like a vintage Fender " I suppose the owners of vintage Fenders could counter "Well I have an $ 6.000-$12.000 bass you have a $ 75.00 bass " myself I play what I want to play I don't seek others opinions when looking for a bass.

Well, that goes to what I have used off and on for a signature here...plays what ya likes and likes what ya plays. And to be the Devils advocate here, wouldn't it just grind someones gears who has a 12,000 dollar bass to find out that it is possible for him to sound exactly the same with a 200 dollar bass?

Now, in no way am I saying that 200 dollar bass is "better" than the 12,000 dollar bass. There are obvious differences and obvious reasons why a guy would want a vintage or boutique bass.

On the same note I have played several 1,200 dollar basses that had flaws/QC issues akin to what I have found on several 200 dollar basses. I have played a used SX that felt and sounded better than a brand new American Standard Fender. And any honest vintage Fender type guy will tell you that it is more than possible to get a pre CBS Fender that is a total POS.

The facts, as I see them, are like this - in today's world it is very possible, no, very likely that a sub 200 dollar bass will feel, play and sound as good as some basses costing hundreds more. The quality control of many mass produced basses has come way up since I started fiddling around with the bass in the late 70's.

Back then a new bass that you paid the equivalent of 200 dollars to get was a shiny piece of firewood. And forget the crap you could get for around 100 dollars.

I never got the gear snobbery thing.

 

[THand]

Keep in mind that a $6000-12,000 Fender cost that much because of collectors driving up the price due to historical significance, nostalgia, etc. Not because of unattainable tone or rare extinct woods.

Once the Baby Boomers die off, I expect (but won't be around to see) the prices to drop. I don't think kids today wanting the latest iphone or xbox game will grow up willing to pay big bucks for a vintage Fender when they become adults. It just doesn't hold the same place culturally today as it did when I was a kid. Now, they may very well collect "Rock Band" controllers and games.

 

[muzikman7]

The point I was trying to make was, no matter how much the prices fall off from current value the vintage instruments will maintain a better value than an SX. Of course if someone doesn't care about that sort of thing its still a matter of playing what you like.

 

[THand]

The point I was trying to make was, no matter how much the prices fall off from current value the vintage instruments will maintain a better value than an SX. ...

If I buy a vintage instrument for $6000 and the value drops 5%, I've lost $300.

If I take the same loss on a $100 SX, I'm out $5.

 

[mikekim]

Once the Baby Boomers die off, I expect (but won't be around to see) the prices to drop. I don't think kids today wanting the latest iphone or xbox game will grow up willing to pay big bucks for a vintage Fender when they become adults. It just doesn't hold the same place culturally today as it did when I was a kid. Now, they may very well collect "Rock Band" controllers and games.

It's not a matter of age or generation. I think collectors will never cease to exist. There are "kids" today that pay hundreds of dollars for raw denim and up to $1000 for a pair of vintage Levi's while also wanting the latest iPhone. Also, it's today's generation that loves the look of reliced instruments, because they desire but cannot afford vintage instruments. Just wait for them to grow older and have some money; they (we) will pay the high prices of a vintage Fender.