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Question about these "SX" bass guitars.

P

petchimp123

Oct 22, 2007
79
0
#1
I found them on www.rondomusic.com and I thought they looked like decent bass guitars, but seemed like a copy of Fender Jazz and Precision basses. The thing that really got me was the price. If these basses are around 100-120 dollars, there must be a catch right? Well I'm not sure, that's the thing. I had a few questions for all you nice people to help me answer:

1. Could someone who owns one of these basses give me their input on them?

2.What known brand of bass guitars do they compare with in quality?

3.Also one more question... I've been wanting to experiment with a 5 string bass and a fretless bass, is it a good idea for me to get a 5 string fretless or one 5 string and one fretless?
 
#3
Real quick (before the forum police get here):

I own an SX Jazz bass. It's a good bass, and a real good value.
It was fretless, but I replaced the neck with a white-blocked fretted one.

If you search the TB site, look for "Essex" instead of SX, you'll find tons of info...lots of those guys own several SX basses, and I'd guess that most owners generally like them a lot. There will be more detailed descriptions of SX (Essex) in those threads.

As for comparisons - you'll read tons of comparisons in those threads (when the Fender MIM comparisons start, that's when the fun begins).

Suffice it to say that you're probably not going to be sorry you spent $150 bucks on an SX bass.

Steve
 
#4
Much better quality all aorund than the Standard Squiers. More comparible to the Squier Vintage Modifieds, or Older MIM Fenders. Superior to both in that they use nice Alder and Ash bodies.

These are a fantastic value, however they will require a good set up out of the box. So will the Squier or Fender for that matter.

I've been gigging my SX SPB 62 steady for nearly 3 years now, and I own MUCH more expensive basses. These are Solid "Workhorse" basses, and a tremendous value for your dollar.
 
#5
I agree, I have an SX Jazz and about to pull the trigger on another SX, hopefully a P bass within the next couple weeks. I think my SX Jazz is neck and neck with my MIM Jazz which had grounding issues when I first got it. Go ahead and search ESSEX and you'll have more info than you'll know what to do with.

Cheers
 
#7
You cannot go wrong with an SX. As others noted, the price is ridiculously reasonable for what you get. I use cheaper basses at some of the more seedy of gigs, or ones where I won't be able to keep a close eye on my equipment all night. The two SX I've had were perfect for that (I have another on the way). It's nice to know also that you can buy a cheapy that you will have no problem reselling if need be. You cannot say that about all inexpensive (or even expensive) equipment.

Be sure to check out one of the several megathreads.

Check these out:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57599&highlight=essex+megathread

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293344&highlight=essex+megathread

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=345645

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385745
 
#8
savit260 said:
Much better quality all aorund than the Standard Squiers. More comparible to the Squier Vintage Modifieds, or Older MIM Fenders. Superior to both in that they use nice Alder and Ash bodies.

These are a fantastic value, however they will require a good set up out of the box. So will the Squier or Fender for that matter.

I've been gigging my SX SPB 62 steady for nearly 3 years now, and I own MUCH more expensive basses. These are Solid "Workhorse" basses, and a tremendous value for your dollar.
Click to expand...

What do you mean they require set up out of the box? Like putting in new strings and batteries for the pick ups? Also will an SX bass be a decent upgrade from a Squier(the only bass I own)?
 
#10
savit260 said:
Much better quality all aorund than the Standard Squiers. More comparible to the Squier Vintage Modifieds, or Older MIM Fenders. Superior to both in that they use nice Alder and Ash bodies.

These are a fantastic value, however they will require a good set up out of the box. So will the Squier or Fender for that matter.

I've been gigging my SX SPB 62 steady for nearly 3 years now, and I own MUCH more expensive basses. These are Solid "Workhorse" basses, and a tremendous value for your dollar.
Click to expand...
Totally agree with everything said here.

I will add that I purchased a fretless SX that I was very disappointed with. I ended up buying a used fretted neck off a fellow TB member and using that bass as a mod project. My other fretted SX is stone stock, however. Great, great value. :)
 
#11
petchimp123 said:
What do you mean they require set up out of the box? Like putting in new strings and batteries for the pick ups? Also will an SX bass be a decent upgrade from a Squier(the only bass I own)?
Click to expand...
SX basses are passive... No batteries.

A setup generally includes adjusting neck relief, action, and intonation. Very easy to do, but not suggested if you have no experience doing it. New strings would be recommended also as the stock ones are decent at best.
 
#12
petchimp123 said:
What do you mean they require set up out of the box? Like putting in new strings and batteries for the pick ups? Also will an SX bass be a decent upgrade from a Squier(the only bass I own)?
Click to expand...


I mean, truss rod adjustment, action hight set, intonation set etc. Maybe a set of strings in a brand and gauge that suit your preferance. All the basic stuff that you're going to have to do with any bass that is set up from the factory in the sub $1000 range, or from places like Guitar Center. Any reputable repair/service place can do this for you for under $40 usually, if you aren't familiar enough to do it yourself.

It's an upgrade from the Squier IMO, but not a giant one. The SX, along with the Squier, can be made into really good players with just a little bit of attention.
 
#16
I agree with what has gone before, for the money, they are a good value. I only play value basses/guitars. I have 6 SX basses and my 7th is should arrive soon. I have modified 2, the other 4 are stock and I plan to put an audere preamp into the SJB that should arrive soon.

The body and neck alone are worth what Rondo charges for these basses, IMO.
 
#17
scarekrow said:
calling Essthreetee.... chime in please.
Click to expand...

Scarekrow...you crack me up!!!
Definitely do a search on "Essex"...there are like 5 MEGATHREADS on them. I don't have much to compare it to, I am starting out all over again...but I can tell you that I LOVE IT!!! It plays nice, the finish is good, and Kurt (at Rondo) has great customer service.

I think though, that if I had it to do all over again, I would get Link Removed So that I had P p'ups...but maybe later...for now I love my J and will continue to learn on it.

One thing is for sure, if you buy it and don't like it...you should be able to sell it for almost what you paid...
 
#18
I searched too and I too am interested in these basses. It will be my first bass and I know nothing about The instrument. I am a drummer (hardy-har-har) and I have decided to learn bass.

Which one of these would be best for playing classic rock and then maybe some other styles (funk, blues, metal, etc)?

Also, I dont know what setting up the bass means (with the releif, action, intonation) and I really dont know what the difference between active and passive are. Is there a link or site w/ definitions?
 
#19
Essthreetee said:
Scarekrow...you crack me up!!!
Definitely do a search on "Essex"...there are like 5 MEGATHREADS on them. I don't have much to compare it to, I am starting out all over again...but I can tell you that I LOVE IT!!! It plays nice, the finish is good, and Kurt (at Rondo) has great customer service.

I think though, that if I had it to do all over again, I would get Link Removed So that I had P p'ups...but maybe later...for now I love my J and will continue to learn on it.

One thing is for sure, if you buy it and don't like it...you should be able to sell it for almost what you paid...
Click to expand...

Or you could just click on the links I provided.
 

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