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SX Shortscale Jazz/SX Ursa Fretless, worth it?

B

Bassplayer222

Jul 21, 2011
60
0
#1
I have a little bit of money to play with and am considering getting an SX bass. I currently own a OSBW cheapo that I would rather buy nicer parts for, though a new bridge and tuners, possibly pic-ups is going to cost more than just grabbing up an SX. So, I guess really I'm asking:

How do SXs compare to other basses in their price range? Does 110 dollars of bass really reflect... 110 dollars of bass?

Should I expect the same short comings I'm trying to escape from my current cheapo bass? (Intonation only achievable at uncomfortable action, not so solid tuners, Insides needed resodering)
 
#3
I bought an SX shortscale Jazz bass, it was $139 and was a fantastic deal. Sounded fine as it was - I wound up getting rid of it because I bailed on shortscale but I had it for quite awhile.

Just today I pulled the trigger on the Ursa 2 natural 5'er jazz with block inlays and while I know I won't get a "super bass" it'll be darn good and well worth the $179.

You really just have to order one and see how it goes for you. I do most of my own work so the setup and upgrades are a non-issue.
 
#6
I have the Ursa 2 natural 5'er jazz with block inlays also, and I love it. I did need to adjust the truss rod and saddles to lower the action and improve the intonation out of the box, but that's it. Plays and sounds great, and for under $200 delivered.
 
#8
Bassplayer222 said:
Seeing their guitar clones, Im going with one of the Tele remakes. My bass gives me a hard time but it's playable. Just wanting to make sure SX is quality
Click to expand...

Lets just say that Rondo stuff and SX in particular is "potential" quality. And by that I mean there may be some setups or minor changes (shielding etc.) that may be needed to tweak a given instrument into "excellent". Ocassionally a dog may show up which gets returned and ends up "B" stock. But return policy is great.

I've got a bunch of SX basses and with minor mods they now range from "good" to "boutique". I also bought two Strats from Rondo. The "A" stock one is absolutely prime. The "B" stock one has a kind of nasty color and a buzz on the bridge that I've not been able to fix. I did buy a whole new bridge from Rondo for a song but haven't put it in yet. I also bought a raw wood ash Strat body that I finished in tung oil that cost me basically nothing and now it THE finest looking guitar around!

Bottom line is if changing a pot or copper shielding is not something that scares you, SX instruments are the buy of the century. If you need to hire others to do all your work, then the bargain is not so great. Still good, mind you, just not spectacular as repair work can cost some decent money adding up on the total cost. Suck folks often have less hassle by paying more for a better bass and having all the minor stuff already taken care of.
 

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