SX 5-string Jazz basses?

[Mastermold]

I picked one up a few years ago just to have a beater around the house and ended up liking the tone so much I used it on quite a few gigs.They do need a setup and a new set of strings like dhagler says but otherwise they are pretty good.Be warned that the pickup poles won't line up with the strings just right but it doesn't affect the sound at all.I've had three of them and have a SJB75C Natural ash 5 string like dabblers only black block inlays and black pickguard coming tomorrow.They pretty much sound like a decent Fender but with a narrower neck.

No you didn't waste your money.

Cool!! That's one thing I was wondering, whether I'd have to change out the pickups to get a decent sound. I love the fact these are solid alder and ash basses -- great tone woods, same as real Fenders!

 

[SuperDuck]

Why didn't you keep it?

Basses come in, basses go out. I go through a lot of gear. If I recall correctly I was cleaning house in order to purchase something else.

 

[sixstringpoet]

is it possible to put a different bridge on these to make the spacing 3/4 (.75) ? or is the neck on these basses too small? i purchased a 4 string and was suprised with the feel and build quality, i want to get a 5 string but am scared of the narrow spacing.

 

[dabbler]

dabbler, what bridge did you use and did it fit exactly? also, did your 3ts come with a black pickguard? that's what I want on mine but kurt says he doesn't sell them separately.

I got the Bridges from here Link Removed. The holes didn't exactly line up so I had to fill and drill. Also, like I said, the strings will be a little wider. If you do it, take you may lose some B response (this is the reason I also changed the pups).

Actually, the I switched the pickguards between my 2 $+1's so they would match the neck inlays. (so, no the 3TS came with a white guard).

 

[dhagler]

I got the Bridges from here Link Removed. The holes didn't exactly line up so I had to fill and drill. Also, like I said, the strings will be a little wider. If you do it, take you may lose some B response (this is the reason I also changed the pups).

Actually, the I switched the pickguards between my 2 $+1's so they would match the neck inlays. (so, no the 3TS came with a white guard).

Thanks for your response. I would like a new bridge but I am not an experienced modder and I wouldn't want to mess anything up. The wider string spacing would definitely be a plus.

 

[Mastermold]

I got the Bridges from here Link Removed. The holes didn't exactly line up so I had to fill and drill. Also, like I said, the strings will be a little wider. If you do it, take you may lose some B response (this is the reason I also changed the pups).

Actually, the I switched the pickguards between my 2 $+1's so they would match the neck inlays. (so, no the 3TS came with a white guard).

What pickups did you install? I'm wondering if these would fit:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...eless-5String-Jazz-Bass-Pickup-Set?sku=301650

 

[dabbler]

What pickups did you install? I'm wondering if these would fit:

Link Removed

I have no idea, if you can get dimensions, I can measure the holes. I used, http://www.allparts.com/store/pickups-bass-pickups-pu-0431-023,Product.asp and http://www.allparts.com/store/pickups-bass-pickups-pu-0430-023,Product.asp.

I like them, but I learned that Alnico doesn't have the punch like ceramic (I'm not so much talking about cutting through as about attack dynamics). So I bought a 4 string SJB to leave stock, for the punch.

 

[Mastermold]

I have no idea, if you can get dimensions, I can measure the holes. I used, http://www.allparts.com/store/pickups-bass-pickups-pu-0431-023,Product.asp and http://www.allparts.com/store/pickups-bass-pickups-pu-0430-023,Product.asp.

I like them, but I learned that Alnico doesn't have the punch like ceramic (I'm not so much talking about cutting through as about attack dynamics). So I bought a 4 string SJB to leave stock, for the punch.

So you'd recommend leaving in the stock pickups?

 

[dabbler]

So you'd recommend leaving in the stock pickups?

It's like this, I changed the pickups only because after changing the bridge, the B was far enough out of alignment with the poles (outside) that the response fell off. I HAD to get pups with a wider field to better pick up the B.

If I had it to do over, I don't know for sure if I would change the bridge if I knew all of that up front. BUT, since I now have a stock SJB-62, it means that I can still get that punch when I want it, AND I do like the Alnico tone on my 4+1's, so I'm happy.

What I really am saying is, have as much information about the ramifications of any potential changes before you make them. And also, play and get to know the stock bass before you make ANY changes. If I did NOT have a stock SJB-62, I would be missing its sound and punch right now.

Make mods to get something functional that you want, not to be a brand snob, and not just because so-and-so said it was better. "Better" for each musician depends on their preferences, setup and technique.

 

[Mastermold]

It's like this, I changed the pickups only because after changing the bridge, the B was far enough out of alignment with the poles (outside) that the response fell off. I HAD to get pups with a wider field to better pick up the B.

If I had it to do over, I don't know for sure if I would change the bridge if I knew all of that up front. BUT, since I now have a stock SJB-62, it means that I can still get that punch when I want it, AND I do like the Alnico tone on my 4+1's, so I'm happy.

What I really am saying is, have as much information about the ramifications of any potential changes before you make them. And also, play and get to know the stock bass before you make ANY changes. If I did NOT have a stock SJB-62, I would be missing its sound and punch right now.

Make mods to get something functional that you want, not to be a brand snob, and not just because so-and-so said it was better. "Better" for each musician depends on their preferences, setup and technique.

I'm with you there. I'm intending on changing out the pickups on the SX P-Bass I ordered with '62 Fender pickups to get the vintage tone (hopefully) of a real '62 P-Bass. But I've not yet ordered the pickups and I intend to wait a bit to play the stock SX bass a while just in case I decide against the change.

With 5-string jazz basses it's more difficult to change pickups anyway because (1) they cost twice as much as a P-Bass pickup, and (2) there's so much variation in sizing among them, so if I CAN be happy with the stock pickups that's my first choice on the fiver. And happily what you say makes me think I will be.

 

[hands5]

Is it possible to put a BaddAss III bridge on it to increase the string spacing to @ least 18mm,because if it is possible,then I'll jump on it

 

[dabbler]

Those two look beautiful! Are those block inlays in the neck painted on like the Squier or actually inlay?

I actually have no idea. However, my experience with Rondo, makes me tend to think that IF they were painted, either the description would say so, OR there would be a price differential.

One reason that I say that is because there was an accusation in a guitar forum I frequent saying that the black block inlays on a Rondo guitar were painted. Kurt (Rondo's owner) cut one open and posted the pics on the forum to prove that this was not true.

All that said, I wouldn't care if they were painted, as long as they didn't wear off!

 

[Remguy]

Dude, I just sold mine only because I'm gravitating away from fives in general (can only count to four!), but I loved it. Great value for money and a very, very playable bass. I had flats on mine, high action and consistantly got a very clean, professional tone when playing in a band setting, which is what counts, n'est-ce pas? You choose wisely. Buy the Fender V when that lottery ticket comes in. Until then, SX Baby!

 

[Mastermold]

I actually have no idea. However, my experience with Rondo, makes me tend to think that IF they were painted, either the description would say so, OR there would be a price differential.

One reason that I say that is because there was an accusation in a guitar forum I frequent saying that the black block inlays on a Rondo guitar were painted. Kurt (Rondo's owner) cut one open and posted the pics on the forum to prove that this was not true.
All that said, I wouldn't care if they were painted, as long as they didn't wear off!

That's awesome! I'm pretty sure the Squier VM Jazz's inlay is painted (read that at least) so sounds like SX is not only less expensive, they're using better necks.

 

[hands5]

It's like this, I changed the pickups only because after changing the bridge, the B was far enough out of alignment with the poles (outside) that the response fell off. I HAD to get pups with a wider field to better pick up the B.

If I had it to do over, I don't know for sure if I would change the bridge if I knew all of that up front. BUT, since I now have a stock SJB-62, it means that I can still get that punch when I want it, AND I do like the Alnico tone on my 4+1's, so I'm happy.

What I really am saying is, have as much information about the ramifications of any potential changes before you make them. And also, play and get to know the stock bass before you make ANY changes. If I did NOT have a stock SJB-62, I would be missing its sound and punch right now.

Make mods to get something functional that you want, not to be a brand snob, and not just because so-and-so said it was better. "Better" for each musician depends on their preferences, setup and technique.

What brand of pickups did u install on the 5 string