SX Pino Palladino precision anyone?

[savit260]

I'm worried about all these things about broken nuts, rough frets, rubbish action etc. Sounds like you have to have a proper set-up before they can be playable.

I'll back up what BassDude is saying. I also have been playing for nearly as long as BassDude, and played/owned my fair share of "high end" instruments as well. The hardware on these basses are perfectly functional as is.

First off, what is your definition of "rubbish action"? My SX with unaltered frets has the actioin set just under 3/32" at the twelth fret. Let's call it 5/64". I'd say that's pretty low for ANY stock bass. My SX that's had the frets done is at 2/32" at the twelth fret. Could go lower, but that's my optimum set up. The nuts are both stock as delivered. Everyone who's ever picked up that bass first words out of there mouth is, "HOllY SH@#, is the action on this thing low!"

As to them needing a proper set up... Just about every new bass I've ever picked up needed some kind of set up work to get it where I want it. Were they unplayable? Absolutly not! They just need some adjustments to get them where I want them to be. Keep in mind that these SX basses are being shipped all over the country/world. There are many variables in climate, humididty etc. that are going to require you make some small adjustments. This is going to be true of ANY bass you buy through the mail.

I think weather or not they need a "pro set up" or fret work, depends on how finiky you are about your set up. I would think that unless you like really low action, you won't have any problems with the stock fret work.

As to pickups, once agian, depends on what exactly you want to hear out of your bass. The stock p/u's arn't bad. Nothing wrong with them. I changed mine because I was going after a particular sound that the stock pickups don't deliver. I was going for pure "vintage" ie. pre-CBS Fender tone. The stockies in my SX sounded like Ceramic magnet pickups sound. Not bad, just not what I was after. Once agian, this all comes down to how picky you are, and what exactly do you want this bass to sound like?

If you're worried about reliability...I've played countless shows with my SX, infront of who knows how many people. They are great basses and a fantastic value.

That SX has gotten more compliments than I could possibly count, from audience member, to amatuer players to full time touring pros.

 

[DeanT]

+1 to what Savit260 said.

My bass teacher, who's a professional session musician with 40 years recording and touring experience, having toured with Bob Dylan, recorded with Ringo Starr and played bass on "American Pie," among countless other recordings, loves the sound and the feel of my SJB-62. (I mention this not to show you how "cool" I am, but that he's the real deal and knows his business).

He owns and plays MIA Fenders and Laklands. He knows his stuff, believe me, and he was very impressed with my SX. So much so that I have to pry it out of his hands so I can get some playing time on it during our sessions. He told me a few times how he couldn't believe that such an inexpensive bass could sound so good.

So, clearly, SX basses have something to offer. Sure, they're not for everyone. And if you love your $3,000 bass (as well you should or you wasted a lot of money!) then by all means play it and have fun. But SX shouldn't be dismissed out of hand because they are made in China and are inexpensive.

 

[BassDudeSA]

That SX has gotten more compliments than I could possibly count, from audience member, to amatuer players to full time touring pros.

That's something really to remember, at least for those that think they will be looked down on for playing a "budget or beginner bass". Who besides a select group of bassists even know what SX is, or for that matter even cares? Hell, anyone that thinks more people will be impressed by using a Fender or a Sadowski have something to learn. These basses do the job, and they do it well, and people notice.

 

[savit260]

That's something really to remember, at least for those that think they will be looked down on for playing a "budget or beginner bass". Who besides a select group of bassists even know what SX is, or for that matter even cares? Hell, anyone that thinks more people will be impressed by using a Fender or a Sadowski have something to learn. These basses do the job, and they do it well, and people notice.

Funy thing is that on a few occations, people who were familiar with me and my old Fender, just assumed that the SX was some kind of expensive Precision style bass. Outside of talkbass, most people have never heard of SX. I still remember in the dark ages before I was on line seeing a bass on the wall at a shop and saying to myself " Huh? Look at that ... A Polish Fender... Plays pretty good as far as Jazz bass copys go"

Favorite SX story

Kid @ a show. "Your bass is sooooo awsome...I have a P bass too.. but it's just a cheap Mexican one, not a good one like yours"

My reply... with a smile "Mine only cost a hundred bucks."

 

[jondog]

I think you're partly mistaken. I shouldn't have said Rondo sells them though, because the parent company sells them to others, not Rondo.

But this is from Rondo's Web site:

"Where Can I Buy Essex/Agile/Brice Products: These products are distributed by a number of companies throughout the world. In the United States, Rondo Music is the main reseller...Other companies may distribute these products but usually under their own brand name. These guitars are essentially the same guitars with a different name printed on them."

Clearly the Deacons are SX basses.

Um, that's what I said. Where am I mistaken?

SXs are good basses, if people don't want to read the megathread and count up the positives vs. the negatives, then I'm starting to think I should just keep my mouth shut because eventually, if everybody catches on, the price will go up. Actually, I think I'll start trash-talking them right now!

My SX is not as good as my Steinberger! I don't know why anybody would buy something that requires truss rod adjustments! Save up and buy an expensive bass!

 

[DeanT]

My SX is not as good as my Steinberger! I don't know why anybody would buy something that requires truss rod adjustments! Save up and buy an expensive bass!

That's definitely the attitude! Why spend $99 for a bass that needs a set up when you can spend $3,000 for one that needs a setup. We wouldn't want SX to get a big head and start raising prices on us.

 

[jumbosilverette]

That's definitely the attitude! Why spend $99 for a bass that needs a set up when you can spend $3,000 for one that needs a setup. We wouldn't want SX to get a big head and start raising prices on us.

You know, when you buy the 1,200. bass they give you the $100 tuners and the $60 bridge as part of the package. And they give you better strings too.

I'm pissed that my $119. bass needed a saddle adjustment on the "G" string when I got it. Bastids.

 

[Stan_da_man]

AAHHH!!!!! This talk about how good SX's are for the money is making me wanna buy that precision now! I was gonna buy an Aria STB PJ, but I'm torn between that and the SX Precision!

 

[Stan_da_man]

Too late! I've order the Aria.

 

[pharaohamps]

That JD (or SX, whatever) is pretty sweet looking. Here's my take on the classic P formula:

Link Removed

It's a '62RI MIJ bass. The neck is an '87, the body is an '05. EMG pickup, chrome cover, and tortoise PG are all new additions. The strings are 13 year old GHS flats, and it sounds exactly like I think a P should.

Total cost was under $600. So it's not a $100 SX, but neither is it a $3000 Pino. It's a $600 ME bass.

Matt Farrow

 

[Bass]

...But SX shouldn't be dismissed out of hand because they are made in China and are inexpensive.

For example, like the former guitar player who dismissed SX entirely because they're made in China .

I noticed that the guitar player played a lousy Epiphone SG that was always breaking strings, having electronic issues and generally playing like crap. So I ordered an SX guitar along with my last bass, as a spare for when a string breaks, etc and set it on it's stand in the jam space. It was a nice looking guitar set-up fairly well out of the box.

The guitar player never once touched it, I'm sure because it was an SX. He would often criticize my SX basses because they were SX. At our last gig, he played a garbage "Atak by Quest" that I painted with flames, fastened an Aria neck onto, and hacked together. What a fool!

BTW, this guy is no longer in our band.

 

[Stan_da_man]

That's guitar players for you! "The more expensive it is, the better it is!" Lol.

 

[savit260]

For example, like the former guitar player who dismissed SX entirely because they're made in China .

I noticed that the guitar player played a lousy Epiphone SG that was always breaking strings, having electronic issues and generally playing like crap. So I ordered an SX guitar along with my last bass, as a spare for when a string breaks, etc and set it on it's stand in the jam space. It was a nice looking guitar set-up fairly well out of the box.

The guitar player never once touched it, I'm sure because it was an SX. He would often criticize my SX basses because they were SX. At our last gig, he played a garbage "Atak by Quest" that I painted with flames, fastened an Aria neck onto, and hacked together. What a fool!

BTW, this guy is no longer in our band.

Not all guitar players are that way. I know the one in my band isn't. Niether one of us are strangers to high end, boutique, or high quality vintage gear. We've both currently own, or have owned lots of expensive gear. Guitar player just bought an SX Strat s/s/h and the thing is (no supprise) fantastic!! His main guitar latley has been a Korean Hamer 335 copy with P90's and a Gibson Vibrola installed. Killer sounding guitar for short money. Both of us have been playing long enough to listen with our ears, not our eyes.

 

[Stan_da_man]

But you have to use your eyes to set it up in the first place!

 

[The Penguin]

Favorite SX story

Kid @ a show. "Your bass is sooooo awsome...I have a P bass too.. but it's just a cheap Mexican one, not a good one like yours"

My reply... with a smile "Mine only cost a hundred bucks."

Priceless

While I still think SX is a great deal the fretwork on my 5 was hideous and had rough grooves on all the frets so when bending a string it would chatter. A decent level and polish was needed.

I sold it for $40 more than I paid.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Would you guys say the SX is the best <$400 P bass on the market? (After Fender?)

 

[savit260]

But you have to use your eyes to set it up in the first place!

I think you missed the point.


Even a change of Brand or Guage strings is probably goingg to require a new set up unless you aren't fussy about your action or intonation.

 

[Compressed]

EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
SX, Fender, either way, horrible colour and pickguard combo!

Should come with a label attached saying "Just add cordueroy flares and a knitted vest"

 

[Stan_da_man]

Well the colours are a love or hate thing. I personally like it.

 

[liquid-dream-ex]

I used to own one of these SX.

I modded it a bit on this picture, but it was an awesome bass. (was, because i accidentily broke it to pieces onstage).