• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Need some input on SX basses

N

nomorehiros

Jun 29, 2008
5
0
Midgar
#1
Hey guys/girls.
Yes, I am indeed new to Talkbass and still green on basses in general.

I'm looking to get a 4 string bass and was looking at the SX basses. I was borrowing basses from people and am now trying to get my own. Since I am low on finances I was wondering if any of you who have SX basses or have played one can tell me the pros and cons of the following basses:

Link Removed
AND
Link Removed

Thanks for whatever input you guys/girls can give.
 
#4
Do you have any friends that play guitar bass? If so, if they can intonate/set up the bass most of the SXs should be fine. But do expect to have to get it set up and to put some new strings on it.
 
#5
I got a jazz bass copy in February.It's ok.
You will probably need a set up(mine did) & the strings they use sound lousy so factor a string change in the cost.The fret ends can be a little rough on the edge of the fingerboard & might need some filing.It will probably need intonation work as well.


My bass looks great .All the parts are ok quality & functional..
Mine sounds OK. Not bad & usable live but not great.It sounds best in acoustic duo/trio situations where I don't need to fill up with a truck load of low end.It blends nicely with acoustic guitars & for playing without a drummer.

I don't know what model you're considering but the P basses are really cheap& while I've never played the P this buddy of mine says that it's a better sounding bass than the J.He's a great player & I trust his opinion.

The electronics(pickups) are the weak spot I'm probably going to change mine.There not really bad(& they are useable) but there a bit bland.

Rondo music's return policy is great! You can send it back or exchange til you get what you want.

A lot of folks are crazy about SX's. They are great for doing upgrades & they look like you spent more money than you really did! Just factor in a set up & strings.If you can't do a set up yourself(check the net.It isn't hard & it's not rocket science)you might be spending a little more then you want.
9 out of 10 budget basses need a setup any way.

I do think these are better than the Squier Affinity basses & they look way cooler!
 
#6
I played a Squier P Affinity next to an SX PBass in the same sitting, both had been setup with the strings changed to new flatwounds. The SX was, well I don't want to say off the charts better, but it was a lot closer to my Fender P. I would honestly say that in a week or so, I'd get used to it and not notice. Well, actually the frets weren't finished too well on the SX, better than the Squier, but still rough. But, other than that, not too bad. Some liberal sanding would fix that.
 
#7
I have the SJMB (Jaguar) in red and am very happy with it. There are some things to be aware of, though:
Production quality can be inconsistent - I had ordered the 3TS first and returned it because the pickups were misaligned. When the red version became available, I ordered one and was pleased to find that the problem was not on every bass. Kurt is completely cooperative with regard to returns, so you won't get stuck with a dud.

The bass is a bit neck heavy,and while that seems to be a big issue for some, it doesn't bother me all that much. My favorite bass, my 1976 Gibson Thunderbird, was a neck diver as well, until I repositioned the strap button. Basses with larger headstocks (the SX 'stock is a little larger than most) tend to be more susceptible to this, and while I haven't repositioned the strap button yet, my hunch is that it might help (along with a strap that doesn't slide off the shoulder easily).

Each day I spend a little time tweaking, and each day it gets a little closer to where I want it to be. The only upgrade I see myself doing is replacing the bridge with a Gotoh 201, and maybe getting rid of the knobs (they aren't very good copies of the Fender pieces). It really is a good looking, good playing and good sounding bass, especially at that price.
 
#8
Timbo said:
Do you have any friends that play guitar bass? If so, if they can intonate/set up the bass most of the SXs should be fine. But do expect to have to get it set up and to put some new strings on it.
Click to expand...
It may not be necessary to replace the strings because for the past year or so D’Addarios are installed at the factory. I'm not saying that all are but . . . the best you can do is give Kurt a holler. Kurt may not be able to pull rabbits out of the box but touching base at the factory may just get you the answers you're actually looking for.

Also, in case you might be contemplating asking them if they perform anything more than putting your bass in a box, don't . . . they don't do upgrades or changes to anything. If you can't do it yourself with the TONS of info around then by all means take it to a tech . . . one that might even teach you as he's working on your putter. . . :D
 
#9
b_carville said:
The electronics(pickups) are the weak spot I'm probably going to change mine.There not really bad(& they are useable) but there a bit bland.

Rondo music's return policy is great! You can send it back or exchange til you get what you want.

I do think these are better than the Squier Affinity basses & they look way cooler!
Click to expand...
Have you tried adjusting the height of your pickups?
 
#13
Link Removed

I just bought that, hope it's what I'm expecting....

How long did it take for you guys to receive your basses? I live
in Kansas by the way.

Also, any really necessary mods I should do? Change the bridge? Pickups? I know I'll probably be putting a maple neck on it.
 
#14
quasiz_bassist said:
Link Removed

I just bought that, hope it's what I'm expecting....

How long did it take for you guys to receive your basses? I live
in Kansas by the way.

Also, any really necessary mods I should do? Change the bridge? Pickups? I know I'll probably be putting a maple neck on it.
Click to expand...
You've got good taste . . .

Invalid Link Removed
I estimate it should only take three days to get to Kansas. Rondo is in New Hampshire near the Keene, N.H. UPS. It takes mere hours to get to me in Plymouth, MA. You're mid-US so you should be the proud owner probably by the 4th of July at the latest.
 
#15
quasiz_bassist said:
Link Removed

I just bought that, hope it's what I'm expecting....

How long did it take for you guys to receive your basses? I live
in Kansas by the way.

Also, any really necessary mods I should do? Change the bridge? Pickups? I know I'll probably be putting a maple neck on it.
Click to expand...

You may just keep it stock -- that's what I ended up deciding after playing mine. They sound and play good as-is. And I'd keep that neck too -- rosewood on sunburst is a classic look. :bassist:
 
#16
quasiz_bassist said:
Link Removed

I just bought that, hope it's what I'm expecting....

How long did it take for you guys to receive your basses? I live
in Kansas by the way.

Also, any really necessary mods I should do? Change the bridge? Pickups? I know I'll probably be putting a maple neck on it.
Click to expand...

I've had my eye on that one for myopen mic bass.Good luck witit. I got a Douglas sixer from Rondo. Played fine right out of the box. It was at least as good as my MIM Fender Jazz. Did a few tweaks tightened a few allens and played it the night I got it. I live in NY, ordered it Sunday night, had it delivered Thursday afternoon. I have nothing but good to say about Rondo and will most probably be buying from them again.
 
#18
quasiz_bassist said:
Link Removed

I just bought that, hope it's what I'm expecting....

How long did it take for you guys to receive your basses? I live
in Kansas by the way.

Also, any really necessary mods I should do? Change the bridge? Pickups? I know I'll probably be putting a maple neck on it.
Click to expand...

The neck was the best feature on mine! I just received my SPB-62 3TS yesterday. It took maybe five or six days (to Oregon).

I did a set-up. No big issues. It could probably use some more foam under the pup.I imagine I'll throw a Duncan 1/4 pounder and some Rotos on it.

On the top of the wrapping they'll be a little package with two alan wrenches. One for the truss rod and a really tiny one for the bridge...anyhoo. Look out for those tools.

Its a good bass!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back