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SX Quality Concerns

theory028

theory028

Really Loud Hamburger.
Jul 4, 2007
1,291
16
Cedar Falls, IA
#1
I've been gassing for a Jazz bass for quite a while now. I've had my heart set on a Geddy Lee or the new '70s Fender Jazz (black with rosewood neck and block inlays), mostly because I really dig the look of block and binding.

Last night I decided to get on the Rondo Music site and found a Jazz that I really. It's the Link Removed.

I did some searching on TB for some SX vs Squier information, as well as the quality of the SX Jazzes. Some of my concerns after searching are as follows:

  1. Frets - I don't even know what to look for when it comes to poor fretting. If the frets are bad, how much should I expect to spend on having them redone?
  2. Tuners - It's no surprise that the hardware will be lower quality on a budget instrument, but how bad are they in actuality? I've got some tuners left over from my Affinity Squier P bass; perhaps those would suffice. I'm not sure that they'd be much better, but I never had issues with them.
  3. Bridge - One of the main selling points for the SX is the price. I really want to put a Hipshot 4 string bass trem bridge on it, so it'd be nice to not risk desecrating a more expensive bass. I'd have it installed by someone else, but would there be any issues? I've heard some songs with a whammy effect, and it sounded good. I haven't been able to find any good samples of a whammy bar being used. I guess my main concern is not about the stock bridge, but rather whether or not it'd be worth putting the tremolo bridge on (it costs more than the bass itself).
  4. Electronics - Something I've gathered from searching around is that the LTD models have improved hardware and electronics. I don't plan on replacing the pickups right away, so it'd be nice to have a good sound out of the box. What are some opinions on the pickups put in the standard SX basses? Also, would replacing the pickups be as easy as it was in my Squier P bass (soldering a couple of wires together)?

I appreciate any input. I'm excited about getting a Jazz, but I want a decent one. I'd go for the Vintage Modified Squier, but I'm not sure about how I feel about the wood grain. It looks great, but not exactly what I want right now. Of course, after reading some posts, it seems like the pickups in that are quite a bit better than the standard SX. I'd just hate to pay nearly twice as much for a bass and still end up replacing the pickups.

It's such a tough choice. I'm confident that the TalkBass community will have some valuable advice and information. :smug:
 
#2
Alright I dont have an SX yet but ill try to help. I actually ordered one of the sunburst LTD ones today but thats a different story...
Well anyway Ive read through most of the SX megathreads and I think that youre more worried than you be. I have only heard of a few minor problems with frets and if it really is bad you can just return it under Kurts awesome return policy... The tuners are solid and do their job and hold a tune but the only downside is that they are kinda heavy. The bridge isnt great but it gets the job done. Obviously a nice aftermarket one would help but the stock one works fine. The pickups seem to sound good by anyones standards. Ive read about many people that have both fenders and SXs saying that they love the tone on it.
Overall, though, it seems like youd do better getting an LTD one. It is only like 20 bucks more than the one you wanted and it helps with all the issues youre concerned about. You could even make it look almost like the one you wanted by putting a black pickguard on the red LTD.
 
#4
Thanks for the quick reply!

I would probably get the LTD version if the neck had the black blocks and binding. It'd be nice to have all of the LTDs improvements, but $20 more plus the $40-$50 for a different pickguard would be enough money to replace one of the pickups with a Basslines Vintage Jazz. Of course, it'd be nice to have the upgraded tuners.

Thanks again for the suggestion. I'll keep it in mind. :)

--

It wouldn't necessarily be my main bass. I have a couple of other instruments that I still try to play regularly. I've been playing for a bit over a year (with several years of guitar experience before picking up the bass). I've wanted a Jazz ever since I got my Precision.

I'm not really sure of a budget. I don't have an accurate idea of when I'd actually be buying the bass. If I end up spending over $400 on a Jazz, I'd probably just see if Brandt at TPB could get one of the '70s Fender Jazz basses and spend the extra cash on going that route. I'd like to buy a cheaper Jazz (Squier VM, SX) and put a tremolo bridge on it, so I have something fun to mess around with, unless that has an adverse impact on the sound or playability.
 
#5
They sell replacement pickguards on rondo for 10 bucks a pop. Im not sure if they have black J ones listed on the site but if you can email Kurt he can probably hook you up. Ive emailed him about various parts not listed on the site and he usually has them.
 
#6
meowmeow said:
They sell replacement pickguards on rondo for 10 bucks a pop. Im not sure if they have black J ones listed on the site but if you can email Kurt he can probably hook you up. Ive emailed him about various parts not listed on the site and he usually has them.
Click to expand...

Nice. That makes the LTD model a bit more appealing. :bassist:

I feel bad for being so concerned with the appearance. :hmm:
 
#9
Hey Theory,

I owned an SX Jazz and MM copy for some time. Both were in there times my main basses.

The tone of the jazz is actually really really good. I'm not huge on replacing pots . Some will tell you to do that right away others will say it doesn't affect a thing. The biggest issue I had was the first that you mentioned...THE FRETS... They were filed on the edges just fine but VERY VERY uneven. It had a nice buzz on several of the frets even when set to extremely high. It was still functional but became more and more of an issue as I improved my playing. I didn't bother doing any work to it as I only spent $130. I noodle on it from time to time but have since moved on to better quality.

I would say go in with a .."Hey ...its a $150 bass " mentality. Have you expectations on the lower side and I think you will be really impressed. They are great sounding basses..
 
#10
It's nice that the Jazz has a good tone. I hadn't even considered the pots. I'm not comfortable with soldering more than I have to, so I'd probably leave them be unless I got a new set of pickups.

I'm sorry to hear about your fret issues. I'd be quite discouraged if I ran into a lot of problems. Of course, as you mentioned, the price offers some consolation.

I'm starting to look at the Link Removed. It looks awesome (in a unique way that I like in cheaper instruments) and a review I just looked up on TB (the VGN was reviewed, but I like the PBU; not sure of the differences) made it sound like a decent instrument.

I'm not sure if it'd satisfy my craving for a Jazz, but I'd prefer a solid instrument that feels sturdy (read: not as much of a budget bass). I could hold off on the Jazz and keep an eye out for a used Geddy.
 
#11
I agree with meowmeow said, and I have a few SXes. I do not have an LTD, but I have played one. Since his answers are pretty much on point, my comments are brief.

Frets - Fret not, you should not have to spend money to make it playable.

Tuners - They work. I have never replaced any of mine, and the only reason I would is for cosmetics.

Bridge - I have no basses with trems. As for the cost, even though the mod might cost as much as the bass (or more in the case of the SJB I put an audere pre in) if it gets you to your goal for a lower overall price than any other route, it would be worthwhile, IMO.

Electronics - I have 5 SX fender style basses. I replaced the pups on 2 of them (4+1 models) because after replacing the bridge (mostly for cosmetic reasons) the B string wasn't getting picked up by the stockers (IOW I was forced). On the SJB that I put the Audere pre in, I ran across a set of Fender Original Jazz pups on sale. BUT I actually wound up MISSING the thump of the stock ceramic pups so I am keeping the last 2 (1 SPJ and 1 SJB) STOCK, for those times when I want the thump. I do NOT think you will be disappointed with the stock pups. :cool:
 
#13
theory028 said:
I've been gassing for a Jazz bass for quite a while now. I've had my heart set on a Geddy Lee or the new '70s Fender Jazz (black with rosewood neck and block inlays), mostly because I really dig the look of block and binding.

Last night I decided to get on the Rondo Music site and found a Jazz that I really. It's the Link Removed.

I did some searching on TB for some SX vs Squier information, as well as the quality of the SX Jazzes. Some of my concerns after searching are as follows:

  1. Frets - I don't even know what to look for when it comes to poor fretting. If the frets are bad, how much should I expect to spend on having them redone?
  2. Tuners - It's no surprise that the hardware will be lower quality on a budget instrument, but how bad are they in actuality? I've got some tuners left over from my Affinity Squier P bass; perhaps those would suffice. I'm not sure that they'd be much better, but I never had issues with them.
  3. Bridge - One of the main selling points for the SX is the price. I really want to put a Hipshot 4 string bass trem bridge on it, so it'd be nice to not risk desecrating a more expensive bass. I'd have it installed by someone else, but would there be any issues? I've heard some songs with a whammy effect, and it sounded good. I haven't been able to find any good samples of a whammy bar being used. I guess my main concern is not about the stock bridge, but rather whether or not it'd be worth putting the tremolo bridge on (it costs more than the bass itself).
  4. Electronics - Something I've gathered from searching around is that the LTD models have improved hardware and electronics. I don't plan on replacing the pickups right away, so it'd be nice to have a good sound out of the box. What are some opinions on the pickups put in the standard SX basses? Also, would replacing the pickups be as easy as it was in my Squier P bass (soldering a couple of wires together)?

I appreciate any input. I'm excited about getting a Jazz, but I want a decent one. I'd go for the Vintage Modified Squier, but I'm not sure about how I feel about the wood grain. It looks great, but not exactly what I want right now. Of course, after reading some posts, it seems like the pickups in that are quite a bit better than the standard SX. I'd just hate to pay nearly twice as much for a bass and still end up replacing the pickups.

It's such a tough choice. I'm confident that the TalkBass community will have some valuable advice and information. :smug:
Click to expand...



Frets: May or may not need to be adressed. Mine have been very nicely dressed on the ends, but one did have a slightly high fret. Wasn't a huge deal. Since I was using that bass as my no.1 gigging bass, I had some fret work done to correct this, and to get the action super low. Prices will vary depending on who you have do this type of work, and it may not even be necessary. My second SX was fine with the stock fretwork. Call around and ask your local luthiers what they charge for a fret level job, so you'll know should you need it done.

Tuners: Rock solid and reliable as all get out. Three years worth of gigging, and it's never come out of tune. NOT ONCE! This would be the standard turners on the the SPB 62. They work as designed. No need to change them.

Bridge: While not fancy, it is funcional, and pretty much the same deal as you'll find on any standard Squier or MIM Standard Fender... more or less. Vintage style Fender type bridge.

Pickups: Lot's of people seem to really like the stock SX J bass p/u's. They sound like a J bass should for the most part. Nothing wrong with them. I haven't been overly impressed with the Duncan Designs in the Squier VM's. They're o.k. but nothing special IMO.

You may want to upgrade the pots and jack somewhere down the road if you were gigging it all the time. For the casual player, I would say don't bother, unless they break or wear out.
I finally replaced the jack on mine after 3 years of gigging. Still worked , but was getting a little worn. I'm sure my SX bass has seen quite a bit more action than the average Joe's SX, and it took 3 years worth of abuse before it's function started to become a little impaired.


Bottom line: even if you factor in a full fret level polish and crown job, you still should be well under the price of a Squier VM , and you'll have a really nice playing and sounding bass.
 
#14
There will be nothing make or break about the bass. The people complaining about problems with the SX's are comparing them to basses worth MUCH more money and holding them to the expectations of very seasoned musicians.


You'll be fine with it. Play it until you wear it out, rather then worry about the 'what if's' that you'll in all likelyhood not encounter with it until you've played for years.
 
#16
My SJB-75 Ash has been my main bass (for blues/rock) for two years now. Other than a slight tweak of the neck a couple of times and experimentation with strings, it's completely stock. I jam and gig with this bass constantly.

On the strength of the SX, I bought a Douglas 6 string fretless which is now my main bass for jazz. Let's put it this way, I've gone into stores and played some very high end basses and don't lust for any of them.
 
#17
I have the Jazz 5 string $169 and the frets are great. I have the action set very low and after some truss rod adjustments, it is buzz free. The bridge is nothing to write home about but it does the job. The tuners on the 5 string are really good. As for the pups and pots, I have no reason to change them out as the sound and work just fine. So, I may have just gotten lucky but I'm real impressed with my SX.
 
#18
stflbn said:
There will be nothing make or break about the bass. The people complaining about problems with the SX's are comparing them to basses worth MUCH more money and holding them to the expectations of very seasoned musicians.


You'll be fine with it. Play it until you wear it out, rather then worry about the 'what if's' that you'll in all likelyhood not encounter with it until you've played for years.
Click to expand...

Amen! I got a Douglas 6er from Rondo. Unpacked it, put it right to work. No problems. I 'm gonna get a Jazz LTD to use as a backup. I have enough time OTJ to know that if it works? It's good. BTW just ordered a blocked rosewood neck from them, I'm not worried about the quality, the price was stupefying!
 
#20
If you have an Affinity, virtually everything about the SX is a step up. I had an Affinity and had to pull the frets, level the neck and re-fret it to make it remotely playable. It was a terrible instrument. The SX has great sounding pickups, even though they are economically made.

My advice is buy the SX, send me the neck and I'll make it as close to perfect as I can. Then when I send it back, reinstall it with decent screws, replace the bridge and you'll have an instrument that will hang with just about anything and will last a long time.
 

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