Question about these "SX" bass guitars.

[stflbn]

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)?

Realistically speaking ANY cheap bass you buy will need a setup out of the box. Meaning strings, intonation, string height, possible fret work adjust high frets or sharp fret edges, etc.

It all just depends what your expectations and standards are for your basses. Someone with strict expectations is going to need more done to a cheap bass for it to be considered 'playable' than a person that's a newer player with less expectations and requirements for the bass.

They're all very playable out of the box, it just depends what your personal standards and expectations are.

 

[stflbn]

I need to email Kurt and find out if a 5 string P-Bass is in the works...

I've asked that many times and the answer is simply 'no'.... why? Because he doesn't have a cheap source for the 5-string P Pickup.

 

[lowend1]

Sell 'em unloaded and let the buyer add their pickup of choice.

 

[Mushroo]

I am sure they will have a 5-string P eventually, there is just too much money to be made! But remember, Fender just came out with their first "real" 5-string P in 2008 (yes I know this is a matter of opinion) so it will take a little time for this to trickle down to the low-price brands. And remember people that Kurt does not make the decisions at the factory--he is their biggest USA importer (as far as I know) and I'm sure he has some influence, but if the factory isn't making it, Kurt's hands are tied...

 

[Mushroo]

Sell 'em unloaded and let the buyer add their pickup of choice.

Terrible idea (no offense) because I have seen 5-string P pickups where the split is between the A and D string, and also split between E and A, and even where they are equal size and the A string is in the middle! So there is no possible way they could route an unloaded body to please all the customers and accommodate all the possible aftermarket pickups. They aren't standardized like regular P or J pickups.

 

[NWB]

Post a sound clip

I like the look of the Essex bass and think it is a good value for a beginner bassist. I've seen photos of the tiny sound pots and know that the tuners/bridge and pups are cheap. My Ibanez is over 20 years old and still sounds amazing

Marty, I wouldn't disagree with your assessment of the hardware and electronics. They are pretty cheap, but they are also functional. I wouldn't expect those parts to last 20 years, but they can be replaced fairly cheaply and easily. My SX fretless jazz has a fairly distinctive sound to it that is useful for some applications. It doesn't really sound bad at all, just different. It's not my only bass or my main bass, but it fills a small role for not much money. I definitely wouldn't depend on one to do a world tour or anything like that! (Your Ibanez I would though)

I agree that they are a good value for a beginner bassist and can fit other roles as well such as for camping, lending out to friends, playing in seedy neighborhoods, and other situations where you might not want to risk a more expensive instrument. So, yes, they do serve a purpose and work well enough for certain situations.

 

[Charles Obscure]

I bought an SX SJB75 from Rondo as my "first bass". A great value for the money and my level of skill (I've been playing bass about 4 months). I'm glad I got a full scale bass to learn on, as it has helped me develop more strength and dexterity reaching for those frets. Since I bought it, I had to replace the scratchy/shorting out electronics, so I upgraded it with CTS pots, etc. I brought it over to the studio of a bass player friend whose opinion I value, and he had a lot of positive comments on it. He suggested I upgrade the pickups, which I was planning to do anyway. A set of GFS JB Pros are on the way. The hardware is cheap, but serviceable. He and I don't see a need to replace the bridge or tuners.
I like it a lot, and it's definitely a good solid instrument that I'll have for many years to come.
Since then, I bought a Jay Turser "Beatle" violin bass for a totally different sound and feel. I'm a happy camper!

 

[newbie61]

I am new to TB, but I have gotten a lot of info from you guys in a very short period, thanks. I was ready to order the Rogue fretless but after reading your reviews changed it to the Essex SXBG 180TM . Ordered it last night and should have it next week. I am still learning but I think it will be something different.