SX basses. worth it?

[Kael]

While this may be true in your experience, a new Mexi-Fender is still going to set you back around $300 more than a new SX, depending on the model.

That $300 is a substantial chunk of change to some people, and is probably a big factor in making purchasing decisions that don't revolve around the name on a headstock.

I've no doubt that the SX basses serve an important niche for people who want cheap instruments for whatever reason. My point is that there is more different than just a name on the headstock.

I realize that SX has a rather rabid fan base on here, so that is my last contribution to this thread.

 

[godofthunder59]

I have been playing for over 30 years and in music retail for almost as long. SX give you a lot of bang for the buck, they are very playable, serviceable instruments.Back in the day most entry level basses came from Japan, this is back when MIJ meant CRAP. Terrible electronics, bad switches, pot and pickups. Plywood bodies and necks so bowed they were almost impossible to play, Horrible fit and finish, I have a late 60's early 70's Kingston jazz wannabe and the headstock has file marks on it! SX basses generally cost less than Squiers offerings these days and compare very favorably. SX are fine right out of the box, a quick set up and your favorite strings (I do this with any new bass I buy weather it cost 100 bucks or 3k) and you are good to go. I bought the SX SJB 75 and it really is a nice bass, fit and finish are excellent, it will put any 70's Fender to shame. Mine plays fantastic nice low action no fret buzz, it kills any 70's Fender I own. The stock pups are fine but I did put a Dimarzio J pup in the neck, hey I did the same thing with my '08 MIA Jazz. No shame in a SX buy it you'll like it. Here is mine

 

[Shadi]

My buddy told me he would trade a pedula for an SX. What is a pedula? I will start raking autumn leaves to be able to get my SX custom handmade bass. Maybe I will start collecting other booteek basses. I heard Signature is also a good brand. They got sued by fender or something like that. Has anyone heard of Lotus? That's a good one too.

 

[Sijjvra]

This adequately sums up my experience with every SX bass I've touched. Quite frankly, they play and sound about like I'd expect given the price point. Not saying they are a bad deal, they just don't live up to the hype IMHO. They make cheap basses period.

I think the hype centers around many people coming to realize that they can get by with an inferior bass if they spend time getting it set up. All the comparisons to nicer instruments are usually of the "my setup SX plays as nice as an off the wall GC Mexi-Fender". Spend the time setting both up and the Fender, barring the occasional lemon, will smoke the SX IME.

Speaking of someone who had a MIM P-bass and an SX P-bass, but set up:

The SX had much better fretwork and the fretboard itself was cut even. The MIM had a very uneven fretboard (badly cut) and the fretwork was meh.

Soundwise? The SX had a little more thunder, quite honestly. They were both OK basses, but I played my SX more. Looks wise the Fender won, though.

SX basses are hit and miss. I've ordered several, and I'd order again (probably will, though I vastly prefer the Brice basses). BUT you sorta have to know what flaws might be present. The good thing is Rondo will take back the bass and replace or refund it, no questions asked. So if you do get a lemon -meh, send it back. You might get a really good one. The first P I ordered from them was a really nice bass. I have another dismantled that I'll make into a project bass one of these days, and that was a decent one too.

And it was definitely definitely better than the lemon of a Squier I owned a few years ago. Not saying there aren't good ones out there but eeeeeh it's all hit and miss, honestly.

 

[Sijjvra]

My buddy told me he would trade a pedula for an SX. What is a pedula? I will start raking autumn leaves to be able to get my SX custom handmade bass. Maybe I will start collecting other booteek basses. I heard Signature is also a good brand. They got sued by fender or something like that. Has anyone heard of Lotus? That's a good one too.

My first bass was a Lotus. P+J copy. UGH piece of junk XD but I didn't know any better at the time. Weighed a ton.

Wish I still had it though. I'd fix it up now and make it a nice one :3

 

[thunesBARROW]

I had an SX... It actually sounded decent! However it had the worst fret job known to man. I find Squier basses to be much higher quality. For the money it would cost to make the SX playable, you could probably buy a used Mexican Fender.

 

[thunesBARROW]

My buddy told me he would trade a pedula for an SX. What is a pedula? I will start raking autumn leaves to be able to get my SX custom handmade bass. Maybe I will start collecting other booteek basses. I heard Signature is also a good brand. They got sued by fender or something like that. Has anyone heard of Lotus? That's a good one too.

LOL

 

[Jim Dep]

My buddy told me he would trade a pedula for an SX. What is a pedula? I will start raking autumn leaves to be able to get my SX custom handmade bass. Maybe I will start collecting other booteek basses. I heard Signature is also a good brand. They got sued by fender or something like that. Has anyone heard of Lotus? That's a good one too.

The only thing funny about this is that you have two SX basses in you current setup, according to your profile.

Maybe I missed the point.

What irritates me is that some of these posts say things like ALL SX basses, MIM's, Squires, etc, have this or that wrong with them. It's complete crap. Every company that makes "budget" basses are going to be hit or miss. Name one that hasn't had a lemon slip through quality control. This also applies to MIA Fenders. I know because I've owned a few. I own a great Mexican strat, and have played some MIA strats that were turds in comparison. That's not the norm, but it happens.

It's up to the individual to find a good one, but first someone starting out should learn what red flags to look for. Being a lefty, I've had to take chances of placing custom orders, and I've been burned more than once.

I prefer getting better quality and spending less. SX basses prove over and over that you can have it both ways.

Check the comments from people that actually own SX basses instead of bashing for the sake of bashing.

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/brand/SX

 

[vstring3]

The only thing funny about this is that you have two SX basses in you current setup, according to your profile.

Maybe I missed the point.

They've probably been placed there so no one would dare call him a troll.

 

[ProfGumby]

I've only ever bought one and all I wound up keeping was the body. From what I remember, other than the strings being crap, it was definitely worth the $119.

You are correct sir!

The basses are worth the price paid for the body alone. The same can be said of the necks! I have never had a bad SX neck!

I have also bought an SX bass took the neck then sold the body and the SX neck that was replaced, and the ashtrays. I made my money on the deal! Talk about resale!

 

[dave120]

The only thing funny about this is that you have two SX basses in you current setup, according to your profile.

Maybe I missed the point.

What irritates me is that some of these posts say things like ALL SX basses, MIM's, Squires, etc, have this or that wrong with them. It's complete crap. Every company that makes "budget" basses are going to be hit or miss. Name one that hasn't had a lemon slip through quality control. This also applies to MIA Fenders. I know because I've owned a few. I own a great Mexican strat, and have played some MIA strats that were turds in comparison. That's not the norm, but it happens.

It's up to the individual to find a good one, but first someone starting out should learn what red flags to look for. Being a lefty, I've had to take chances of placing custom orders, and I've been burned more than once.

I prefer getting better quality and spending less. SX basses prove over and over that you can have it both ways.

Check the comments from people that actually own SX basses instead of bashing for the sake of bashing.

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/brand/SX

+1 to this. It's pretty funny that there's posts of complete opposition here with some saying SX sucks and others saying Squiers suck. I think everyone should read between the lines here and see that both of them are spotty on QC (maybe Squier is a bit better, but I'm not convinced) and both have good and terrible examples, as do the Mexican Fenders in my experience. But don't forget the SX is 1/2 or 1/5 the cost of those others. POTS do suck on the SX. They work, but....change them to CTS full size and you'll really hear how good the stock pickups sound. The strings not aligning right through the pole pieces is a laughable thing to hit SX for, considering Fenders often have the same problem (maybe not AS often, but I've seen plenty that do). And even GASP, Music Man basses have even been seen with that problem, too...

Personally I find the gloss finished and slightly chunkier SX necks to be much preferable to the satin cheap feeling skinnier necks of the Fender and Squier counterparts. Yeah, satin makes it faster, whatever....I don't find the problem with painted necks some people have. If they aren't your thing, move on. Overall I think more people have been surprised by them on this board than those who have had bad experiences.

 

[Shadi]

Sorry for goofing around guys....I was just having fun in the earlier posts....I hope there was no harm done...(I'm surprized nobody got the 'raking Autumn Leaves' bit....)

No, my SX's are not as good as my Lakland or Fenders, but for the price, they're fun to play, sound decent, play pretty good when setup, and when I'm playing a bar gig in a bad neighborhood, I can use it for a bass, weapon, etc....and if a drunk falls on it and snap the neck, I won't be nearly as upset as I would if they fell on my '68 tele bass....and if it got stolen, well, I'd probably have a beer, then go home and order another SX from Rondo.

 

[Batmensch]

+1 to this. It's pretty funny that there's posts of complete opposition here with some saying SX sucks and others saying Squiers suck. I think everyone should read between the lines here and see that both of them are spotty on QC (maybe Squier is a bit better, but I'm not convinced) and both have good and terrible examples, as do the Mexican Fenders in my experience. But don't forget the SX is 1/2 or 1/5 the cost of those others. POTS do suck on the SX. They work, but....change them to CTS full size and you'll really hear how good the stock pickups sound. The strings not aligning right through the pole pieces is a laughable thing to hit SX for, considering Fenders often have the same problem (maybe not AS often, but I've seen plenty that do). And even GASP, Music Man basses have even been seen with that problem, too...

Personally I find the gloss finished and slightly chunkier SX necks to be much preferable to the satin cheap feeling skinnier necks of the Fender and Squier counterparts. Yeah, satin makes it faster, whatever....I don't find the problem with painted necks some people have. If they aren't your thing, move on. Overall I think more people have been surprised by them on this board than those who have had bad experiences.

As to string/pickup alignment here's my Ursa 1 ...

This is better than the alignment on my Squier VM Jazz.

There's plenty of other things like neck pocket tightness, good fetwork, great feeling neck, great tone and excellent sunburst finish on mine that made me a fan of SX's. It's not 100% perfect, but it's as good as it gets with those aspects of the bass that matter to me. It's not JUST because it's cheap, It's because it's cheap and GOOD. I know it's a good possibility that if I get another, I could very well get a clunker, but with the low cost and Rondo's exchange policy, that's a risk I would be willing to take.

 

[dave120]

As to string/pickup alignment here's my Ursa 1 ...

This is better than the aligment on my Squier VM Jazz.

I have one SJB-75 that has the E string misaligned by a little bit from the neck pickup. The URSA 2 I bought recently doesn't. I guess they finally fixed the problem. Either way, the pole pieces being out are a common problem on most all production basses of the Fender style. People complain about it most on SX though for some reason.

 

[Batmensch]

I have one SJB-75 that has the E string misaligned by a little bit from the neck pickup. The URSA 2 I bought recently doesn't. I guess they finally fixed the problem. Either way, the pole pieces being out are a common problem on most all production basses of the Fender style. People complain about it most on SX though for some reason.

My understanding also, is the misalignment is not all that big a deal as far as affecting the sound, AFAIK, unless it's WAY off, it's really a matter of aesthetics.
As far as people ragging more on SX'S about this kind of thing, I suspect that at least spome people are perhaps a little upset that they may have spent a bundle of money on their particular bass, and can't understand why someone can claim they spent way less money and got as good an instrument. They're jealous

 

[savit260]

After better than 5 years of gigging on my SX, I can say that I think it's a darned good bass.

 

[Jim Dep]

I suspect that at least spome people are perhaps a little upset that they may have spent a bundle of money on their particular bass, and can't understand why someone can claim they spent way less money and got as good an instrument. They're jealous

Cliff, I agree. I can see a beginner reading these SX bashing posts and feel like they have to spend twice as much, ultimately ending up with something inferior.

According to the reviews I read, my bass included, SX's are just as fine out of the box as their competition; with a simple setup like you'd do on ANY other bass.

 

[Jim Dep]

After better than 5 years of gigging on my SX, I can say that I think it's a darned good bass.

Savit, those quality recordings you provided using an SX bass in the mix should have squelched much of the skepticism.

 

[Batmensch]

It also goes to the attitude that a lot of people seem to have that expensive means better, which, while true to a certain extent, is not a hard and fast rule. On the Fender forum, in a thread about Squiers, a young lady posted about how she thought Squiers were crap, basically because her father told her so. When called on it, her father decided to chime in, saying how he had tried about 40-50 Squiers and how they were all garbage (which I find hard to believe on a number of levels), but the kicker had to be how he said he would not ALLOW his daughter to buy a bass that cost less then $500, as if that was a guarantee of quality. I bet business people would love this guy. That's just the attitude manufacturers of overpriced goods would love to see more of.

 

[Roy Vogt]

I finally saw one in person-a student brought in an SX P bass short scale. Looks and plays fine-the tone and volume pots seemed a little cheap to me, but they'd be an easy thing to replace.
Actually, I could shred on the short scale and I think they've actually got some 30" scale 6 strings. Hmm......