SX Basses.... Really?

[Baird6869]

If you have $100 or so lying around and are curious about all the hype on TB around SX or "Essex" basses, buy one. If you don't like it, return it for a full refund (including return shipping if there is something actually wrong with the bass).

I had 2 SX basses last year and returned them both as they were unplayable and the quality was terrible. I can't recommend them in any way as mine were complete garbage, but I am obviously in the minority as many on TB absolutely love SX basses.

Also, do a "Essex" search. This topic has been beaten to death dozens of times on TB.

 

[kingbee]

There are some folks whose concept of "you get what you pay for" makes it hard for them to appreciate the value of an inexpensive bass. They assume that a $1000 bass is ten times better than a $100 bass. But a big part of the price difference is the image that the brands project. That's why top companies like Fender and Gibson have an entirely different brand for their lower priced instruments. They could call a Squire a Fender if they wanted to, but it would diminish the perceived value of the instruments at the top of their price structure.

I'm not judging this practice. If you can pay more for the real deal and it matters to you, then go for it. I can't deny the small ego boost I get from breaking out my own Fender because it's a name that everyone, even non-musicians, respects and identifies with the history of the bass. But at the same time, the actual practical value of the instrument should be measured more by playability and sound than branding. One of the guitar players from old band is still bitter that the same week he paid $2000 for a new Taylor, I bought a $600 Masterbilt that sounds and plays just as well.

After all this discussions, I'm about to pull the trigger on an SX myself and see what the big deal is.

 

[Mastermold]

There are some folks whose concept of "you get what you pay for" makes it hard for them to appreciate the value of an inexpensive bass. They assume that a $1000 bass is ten times better than a $100 bass. But a big part of the price difference is the image that the brands project. That's why top companies like Fender and Gibson have an entirely different brand for their lower priced instruments. They could call a Squire a Fender if they wanted to, but it would diminish the perceived value of the instruments at the top of their price structure.

I'm not judging this practice. If you can pay more for the real deal and it matters to you, then go for it. I can't deny the small ego boost I get from breaking out my own Fender because it's a name that everyone, even non-musicians, respects and identifies with the history of the bass. But at the same time, the actual practical value of the instrument should be measured more by playability and sound than branding. One of the guitar players from old band is still bitter that the same week he paid $2000 for a new Taylor, I bought a $600 Masterbilt that sounds and plays just as well.

After all this discussions, I'm about to pull the trigger on an SX myself and see what the big deal is.

Just keep your expections reasonable and you'll probably be pleased with the purchase. Spending $109 to $179 to gamble on getting a decent SX is a pretty safe bet IMO. As long as your expectation is in receiving something in the range of a Squier or MIM Fender standard (and you don't get the occasional lemon) you'll be an SX addict like so many here on TB (myself included). SX makes buying a new bass just for fun -- fun.

 

[savit260]

Hey, the tuners of my $250,000 custom hand made Bass made from the wood of Noah's Ark can flag a waitress, order me a beer, and get her phone number! Let's see an SX do that.

While it won't order my beer, I've managed to get more than a few lovely young waitresses numbers while playing my SX.

 

[Eric Perry]

umm..dude, i sincerly hope that wasn't directed at me...

No man, it was for hands5. I was backing up what you said. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Justice]

No man, it was for hands5. I was backing up what you said. Sorry for the confusion.

cool, thats what I thought.

 

[Stee Flo]

I really don't get it. Last time I checked basses were made from wood, metal, magnets and wire. I don't understand this whole mystical belief in Fender superiority. Do they use some ultra rare prized woods from the magical mojo forest that make them so much better?

These fender designs (J and P) are pretty basic and are not a complicated thing to imitate as much as some don't care to believe it. Is it really that much of a shock that you can find a decent J or P copy for such little money?

Are there other Fender style basses that are better? Sure, but for the money SX is just fine. My Sx bass plays just as good as my old Mexican fender no doubt.

 

[ProfGumby]

Not directed specifically at anyone in particular.....

I really, honestly don't get it. Well maybe I do a little. People align themselves with brands. Chevy or Ford, SX or Fender, Ranger Boats or Stratos, hell, even NASCAR fans argue over drivers they like or don't like. And do some people find self value and self worth based on stuff that they own, or even some twisted sort of superiority?

But honestly, what is it or why is it some folks cannot stand that others actually like SX? Or worse yet like SX over Fender? Really, where is the beef and why do some feel the need to leap into an SX thread and slam the brand? Opinions are one thing, you are entitled to not personally like any brand, or relate an unpleasant experience with a manufacturer or shop. But full on, almost venom fueled bashing? Come on.....

And why is it not great that brands like SX or Turser or even Squier and Epiphone are there at a price that is able to invite more people into the world of music? Why is it viewed as bad? And anyone that expects a 100 or even a 300 dollar bass to rival a 3,000 dollar boutique bass, well let's just say they don't exist as I have never heard of one either.

But here is a thought, why not be glad someone found a bass that they are happy with and may own for 30 years, even if it only cost them 150 dollars? Some people may never feel the need to progress outside of that instrument, some will warp past them. What's the big deal?

Like them or don't care for them? Great, fantastic, wonderful! That means you do have a choice in what you can play! No bass, NO BASS is one size fits all, and that is AWESOME! But life is too short to hate......especially in the context of something so hysterically stupid as what your headstock says....

All IMHO, of course....Peace Out Ya'll!!!!

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

I definitely noticed that my SX does not have the same good tone as my geddy J/warmoth.

I played a 5 hour gig (yes, with lots of breaks) at a corporate gig outside just yesterday. My geddy/warmoth J is a fairly heavy beast, so I thought I'd bring my sx this time since its significantly lighter and would be easier on my shoulder for that long of time. I plugged the sx P into my rig and instantly noticed that it did not have the same fundamental lows as my main bass.

Next time I'll probably just put up with the weight and use my main bass.

But I agree they are good for $100+ and its definitely nice for banging on around the house.

 

[Bommi64]

Well, I found,... that when you are thinking of gettin an SX, you have to know that it might be possible that you have to spend a little work on it in order to get a really good playable and sounding instrument.

But when its neccessary to do so and you`re able to do this work you have really good chance to get a first class bass guitar for very low money.

And I think ....Fenders, MMs etc....are at a completely different pricerange. They have absolutely NO chance to stand against the SXes on the pricing level.
And I really don`t think that they are worth the higher prices.
You just have to pay for the company names.

Pay much for a Fender and have your fun or pay less for a SX and have fun.
I have the money for a Fender and I like them much.
But why should I spend my money on a Fender when I can have the same fun with a cheaper SX of the same quality as a Fender ( after my improvments) ????
Ok, this is MY own opinion and I love my SX.

I can really recommend SX if you can do a little work on them.

Bommi

 

[dougjwray]

Not directed specifically at anyone in particular.....

I really, honestly don't get it. Well maybe I do a little. People align themselves with brands. Chevy or Ford, SX or Fender, Ranger Boats or Stratos, hell, even NASCAR fans argue over drivers they like or don't like. And do some people find self value and self worth based on stuff that they own, or even some twisted sort of superiority?

But honestly, what is it or why is it some folks cannot stand that others actually like SX? Or worse yet like SX over Fender? Really, where is the beef and why do some feel the need to leap into an SX thread and slam the brand? Opinions are one thing, you are entitled to not personally like any brand, or relate an unpleasant experience with a manufacturer or shop. But full on, almost venom fueled bashing? Come on.....

And why is it not great that brands like SX or Turser or even Squier and Epiphone are there at a price that is able to invite more people into the world of music? Why is it viewed as bad? And anyone that expects a 100 or even a 300 dollar bass to rival a 3,000 dollar boutique bass, well let's just say they don't exist as I have never heard of one either.

But here is a thought, why not be glad someone found a bass that they are happy with and may own for 30 years, even if it only cost them 150 dollars? Some people may never feel the need to progress outside of that instrument, some will warp past them. What's the big deal?

Like them or don't care for them? Great, fantastic, wonderful! That means you do have a choice in what you can play! No bass, NO BASS is one size fits all, and that is AWESOME! But life is too short to hate......especially in the context of something so hysterically stupid as what your headstock says....

All IMHO, of course....Peace Out Ya'll!!!!

Great post.
I agree: There's no need for such venom. I also agree with your observation about people pinning their own self worth on commercial brands. I mean, that's the kind of thing that '60s children like me were fighting against, right? The suburban "keeping up with the Joneses" materialism idiocy.

However, I'll tell you why I find some of these SX posts annoying and obnoxious. I wish more people would just be *honest* and say something like, "SX basses are a cheaper alternative than Warmoth for getting an alder or ash body." That's really what's it's all about, right? But, instead, you've got all these people seemingly trying to be cooler than everyone else by claiming that "out of the box", their SX is as good as, or better than, a Mexican Fender or Squier. Or, at least it was after a quick fret filing. Oh, and new electronics. Oh, did I forget to mention the new bridge? Oh, one more thing: the new knobs.
It's just *silly*... please just say that you wanted the cheapest bass you could find that was made of alder or ash, and leave it at that! I wouldn't find that annoying.

I have no attachment to a name on a headstock. I'll play anything. But the instrument has to be good! It's reverse snobbery, as far as I can see.
I even understand the punk aesthetic: Play crummy music on crummy instruments, like real populists. No problem. But please don't try to have it both ways by telling me that your SX sounded better than a good pre-CBS Fender on that recording session you just did with Yo Yo Ma!
Rant over!

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Great post.
I agree: There's no need for such venom. I also agree with your observation about people pinning their own self worth on commercial brands. I mean, that's the kind of thing that '60s children like me were fighting against, right? The suburban "keeping up with the Joneses" materialism idiocy.

However, I'll tell you why I find some of these SX posts annoying and obnoxious. I wish more people would just be *honest* and say something like, "SX basses are a cheaper alternative than Warmoth for getting an alder or ash body." That's really what's it's all about, right? But, instead, you've got all these people seemingly trying to be cooler than everyone else by claiming that "out of the box", their SX is as good as, or better than, a Mexican Fender or Squier. Or, at least it was after a quick fret filing. Oh, and new electronics. Oh, did I forget to mention the new bridge? Oh, one more thing: the new knobs.
It's just *silly*... please just say that you wanted the cheapest bass you could find that was made of alder or ash, and leave it at that! I wouldn't find that annoying.

I have no attachment to a name on a headstock. I'll play anything. But the instrument has to be good! It's reverse snobbery, as far as I can see.
I even understand the punk aesthetic: Play crummy music on crummy instruments, like real populists. No problem. But please don't try to have it both ways by telling me that your SX sounded better than a good pre-CBS Fender on that recording session you just did with Yo Yo Ma!
Rant over!

+1 million

 

[savit260]

But please don't try to have it both ways by telling me that your SX sounded better than a good pre-CBS Fender on that recording session you just did with Yo Yo Ma!
Rant over!

While I haven't recorded with Yo Yo Ma lately, I'll gladly tell you that my SX (with a few mods) has absolutly NO PROBLEM hanging with my Pre CBS Fender. (and flat out best sounding Fender I've ever played)

I have played both basses extensively over the years, so I'm pretty confident in my abilities to make this statement.

The SX gives up very little to the old Fender.
Fender
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
SX
Link Removed


... and while we're at it..

I even understand the punk aesthetic: Play crummy music on crummy instruments, like real populists.

I'll pretend not to be offended by that as I play in two bands that get classified as "PunK", but I have plenty of experience playing outside that genre as well.

How about filling in your profile?

 

[Vakmere]

EDIT(Mark): No Dice. Don't be rude.

 

[RTL]

A lot of hate here.. Wow..

Why do some people have to jump all over a brand just because it's inexpensive? Especially when the majority of those who have actually played them speak so highly of them? Sure, it's not a Sadowsky, but it's an AMAZING value! Could you buy the parts yourself and build a Fender copy of this quality for what it costs to buy one of these things new? Nope. Is it the ultimate gigging bass? Of course not, but that's not the point.

I agree here with the general opinion that an SX will definitely not beat a good MIA Fender at its own game (although I have played plenty of lousy MIA Fenders). But that's obviously not why SX exists. I really don't think there's a group of MBA's sitting around a table somewhere conspiring to destroy Fender via inexpensive overseas-made copies. What are they trying to to? They're trying to do what the budget companies before couldn't - put something out there that's actually worth playing.

And for the Gear snobs: You have no business throwing your negative input in here. Nobody here is saying that their SX could smoke your MTD/Fodera/Smith/Pedulla/Whatever.. You don't like SX, fine. Keep it at that. They're not for everyone, just like everything else in this world.

Will an SX replace my Roscoe? Of course not. My Lakland? No way. But they're great sounding, inexpensive alternatives to the big "F", and more than worth the money.

Rant over.

 

[b_carville]

That's why I always like throwing my two cents in on any SX post.Sure,I would love to have a Sadowsky but I can't afford that now.

They are cheap affordable instruments with decent tone.Many of the other budget basses(although some play better out of the box) are lacking in that.That includes many major manufacturers models.

They afford weekend players,beginners & players on a budget to have many different models& tone colors for minor $$$$.

There's a local country band who wants to flip me some work their main bassist can't do.I require a 5 string for that(seems a lot of contemporary country needs a 5).I am not going to drop $500-$1500 to play with a band who's only going to give me maybe $1200 worth of work a year.My financial situation doesn't allow it & I'm not a 5 stringer at heart.So,yeah I'm checking out SX.

Recently recorded with my SX too. I mainly used the Fender P the producer owned & wanted to use.On one track he wanted a sort of "fretless"tone. Couldn't do it on the P.Got my SX jazz out of the car & did the old neck pickup off/bridge pickup on/toneknob down setting.He was thrilled & he's one fussy guy.
This producer thought my SX was some custom "botique"brand.I wish you could of seen his face when I told him what it cost.

 

[Justice]

Something i just don't understand.

After all the comments from people like myself and Savit260 (and others) who regularly gig with our SX basses, some modded, some stock.

After all the fantastic sound clips posted of peoples SX basses. Not to mention JimmyM's famous SX vs Fender P shoot out.

Things that prove SX basses sound good and are gig worthy.

There are people who still feel the need to degrade them and the people who play them. And i'm not talking about the people who ordered an SX bass and got a real lemon, because at least they are speaking from personal experiences with the product. Not just generically bashing the brand.

I mean, there are several brands of basses that are loved by a lot of TBers that I can't stand. I don't like the way they look, play or sound (and yes I have actually played the brands i'm talking about) but out of respect for those who like those basses, i don't go into threads bashing them or the people who play them.

 

[Mastermold]

Something i just don't understand.

After all the comments from people like myself and Savit260 (and others) who regularly gig with our SX basses, some modded, some stock.

After all the fantastic sound clips posted of peoples SX basses. Not to mention JimmyM's famous SX vs Fender P shoot out.

Things that prove SX basses sound good and are gig worthy.

There are people who still feel the need to degrade them and the people who play them. And i'm not talking about the people who ordered an SX bass and got a real lemon, because at least they are speaking from personal experiences with the product. Not just generically bashing the brand.

I mean, there are several brands of basses that are loved by a lot of TBers that I can't stand. I don't like the way they look, play or sound (and yes I have actually played the brands i'm talking about) but out of respect for those who like those basses, i don't go into threads bashing them or the people who play them.

Because some people are just crabby?

 

[ElKabong]

I'm thinking of picking up a SX Jazz Bass and was wondering if any of you have pictures of the routing under the pickguard? I was wondering if it is routed like a vintage jazz or are they putting in large channels like the newer ones?

Also - are these things wired like the original fenders with brass plates under the pickups? It doesn't look like they have the ground strip from the bridge to the rear pickup. I like to remove the pickguard to have better access under the strings.

And, I noticed some of the basses have a 3 bolt neck. Does anyone have this? Is it micro adjust. If not, I suppose you could change them to a 4 bolt or more for extra beef. I appreciate your help.

Finally, a few observations imho. I grew up playing a cheap fender japanese jazz bass and I still have it and it's great. I love it because it has the exact same specs as a vintage jazz should have and more importantly, because it sounds good and is fun to play and the quality of build and materials is great. It has always served me well.

I removed my logo a long time ago - in fact it was so long ago that there is some question in my mind as to whether or not it originally said fender jazz bass or squier jazz bass on it. I call it a squier to be safe. Either way, i still think it looks better plain and the label does not affect the playability or sound one bit and if fender wanted me to advertise, I'm sure they could give it a sticker and me a nice check and gift basket.

 

[Justice]

I'm thinking of picking up a SX Jazz Bass and was wondering if any of you have pictures of the routing under the pickguard? I was wondering if it is routed like a vintage jazz or are they putting in large channels like the newer ones?

Also - are these things wired like the original fenders with brass plates under the pickups? It doesn't look like they have the ground strip from the bridge to the rear pickup. I like to remove the pickguard to have better access under the strings.

And, I noticed some of the basses have a 3 bolt neck. Does anyone have this? Is it micro adjust. If not, I suppose you could change them to a 4 bolt or more for extra beef. I appreciate your help.

Finally, a few observations imho. I grew up playing a cheap fender japanese jazz bass and I still have it and it's great. I love it because it has the exact same specs as a vintage jazz should have and more importantly, because it sounds good and is fun to play and the quality of build and materials is great. It has always served me well.

I removed my logo a long time ago - in fact it was so long ago that there is some question in my mind as to whether or not it originally said fender jazz bass or squier jazz bass on it. I call it a squier to be safe. Either way, i still think it looks better plain and the label does not affect the playability or sound one bit and if fender wanted me to advertise, I'm sure they could give it a sticker and me a nice check and gift basket.

the routes are channel routes, they don't look good without a pickguard.

No micro-tilt

No brass plates under the pickups. the ground wire is under the bridge and goes into the control cavity