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SX SJMB Review (with pics!)

#29
Thanks guys... The Camera is a Sony Cybershot, taken during sundown.


...on the 70s Jazz reissue, did not end up doing a review on it. I thought the build quality was good but the faux block inlays could have been better. Looked at a few of them and they all had the same problem. Just not realistic. I don't know what the problem is but maybe the Mexico plant is getting US seconds or something there. Otherwise not bad, nice tuners, nice finish. The bridge pickup is moved farther back giving a more nasal tone. A Jazz is a Jazz, the otherwise. For the price I would not recommend it unless you are obsessed with block inlay necks. Fender Japan does it better. Save up a little more coin and go for that.

The SJMB neck dive is not the WORST I have ever experienced... I will reserve that for early 80s aluminum neck Kramers... but it is the worst neck dive I've had on a Fender style bass. ;)
 
#31
That's one of the best reviews I've ever read on TB. I missed it the first time around, but I'm glad it got unearthed. Shame about the PG and neck dive issues, especially when the SX 4 string Jazz's seem to have no problems in those areas.

Pilgrim said:
Wouldn't a few minutes' exercise with a file fix that PG problem?

Also, what about using the space in that that extra-large pickup route to add some adhesive tire weights under the PG? That might re-balance the bass pretty quickly.
Click to expand...
I had an SX 5er that had a similar issue, you can adjust the pg around the pickup, but theres not much you can do for a gap by the neck.
As for weights, adding weight to the middle of the bass is alot different from adding at the bridge. You'd have to add alot of weight, and even then you'd might not get rid of the neck dive.

Floridabwoy said:
Thanks... I PM'ed you the info.

The neck dive is not THAT bad guys. I have heard if you move the straplocks you can correct the dive.
Click to expand...

Where would you move the straplocks?

martyman5000 said:
I'm the Anti-SX guy and reading what looks like a great review you can't help but see all the flaws...meh...again...work hard and save your money for the real thing.
Click to expand...

At this price point, what would the real thing be? A squire, an ibanez? Or you could buy an SX SJB 62 that has all the goods, and none of the drawbacks of the SJBM at a significantly lower price than either. Are you an Anti-SX guy, or an anti-cheap bass guy?

I recognize the benefits of a better instrument, but if you've got a hundred twenty bucks, it's hard to do better than an SX Jazz bass
 
#35
martyman5000 said:
I doubt that...you did the review that clearly shows its not a very good bass. You could buy quality tuners and a set of strings "at that price point" for a quality build.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you're getting at.
I've reviewed/commented-on a few SX's here. Most of my comments have been about two basses. The SJB75 5 stringer which initally seemed great (and I reviewed it as such) but I eventually came to feel was still a good value, but not a great instrument.

The second was the SJB-62 4 stringer which I felt was far superior in feel, tone and quality and was IMO, a giggable instrument right out of the box. Not as nice as a Fender Jaguar of course, but still the best value at it's price point.

My feelings about the two SX's are several places, but are best summed up here http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3952022&highlight=sjb-62#post3952022
 
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#37
Right on GerMason, no problem. As for the debate... umm... As the reviewer of this thing, for under 150 bucks it's a steal in my book. This particular SX model has a neck dive problem which is a deal breaker for me but I'm sure the P and J models are not affected which would make them a great (cheaper) alternative to a Squire.

I've taken apart a couple of SX's and the build quality look as good as any other mid-range Asian import, they are a good deal. Their P90 guitar pickups have great bite actually...
 
#39
I ended up selling my SJMB to help fund my G&L, but I miss the sound of that bass. Don't miss the neck dive. It is a problem with that bass.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another SX, but as much as I liked the looks of the SJMB, it would not be the one I'd buy.

Moving the rear strap button up about even with the E-string helped, but I think you'd have to go higher to really balance it.
 

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