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SX SPJ-62 vs Fender Hwy1 P-Bass

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by DannyB, Nov 14, 2005.

  1. Nov 14, 2005 #1
    DannyB

    DannyB

    Aug 17, 2004
    Alright.. so I *was* a bit SX "nut hugger" as someone once put it. For some time, the SX was the only bass I had and thought I loved the thing.

    Bought a Fender Highway 1 Precision.

    Fender Tone- it's a classic p-bass sound. why bother elaborating?
    Essex Tone - close to a p-bass, but a bit hollow low and boomy high

    Fender Action - very low (below Fender spec), no fret buzz.
    Essex Action - Fender specs with a truckload of random zzzz's

    Fender Fit - tight, clean, almost seamless
    Essex Fit - okay. And the neck pocket gives me a place to stick extra picks/credit cards

    Fender Finish - weak spot, it nicks easily
    Essex Finish - the only place Essex wins... but it's versus a highway one, which advertises a nitro finish so it's apples to oranges.

    Fender - Great neck, even, no dead spots. Quiet electronics with classic Fender tone.
    Essex - slightly warped neck (still playable), buzzy electronics with stock pickups (quiet with dimarzios), and uneven fretwork.

    I might not be a bass expert... and I used to think SX was the grail when I had no money and was a bass newb. Now that I have played other basses (Tobias, EBMM, G&L) I see why Fender sells the most...

    SX is still a great beginner bass, no question about it. But since I bought a Fender, the SX is a pretty lookin' dust collector.

    That's my 2 cents. Your opinions may vary. I happen to prefer the Highway One P-Bass over the Stingray and G&L... Tobias is an unfair comparison as a Fender guy and Tobias guy just wouldn't like the other's bass.

    D-crest, out.
     
  2. Nov 14, 2005 #2
    KeithBMI

    KeithBMI Guest

    Jul 28, 2005
    Metro Detroit, Michigan
    +1
     
  3. Nov 14, 2005 #3
    dave120

    dave120

    Jun 27, 2005
    Central Florida
    Well on a bass that costs $99 vs $650+ I'd hope it's better! I like my SX a lot and it's my #2 bass, but I've also played some really nice Fenders. Versus a Fender MIM the SX is a worthy opponent in a lot of cases, but MIA basses are much much nicer. I haven't tried a Highway 1 yet though. Haven't seen them around any local stores. Good luck with it! You could also try and do some experimental setup on the SX...I bet you could get rid of a lot of those random buzzes with a little work even tho it still won't be as nice as your new Fender.
     
  4. Nov 14, 2005 #4
    DannyB

    DannyB

    Aug 17, 2004
    I've done lots of setup work to the SX, sans a fret job. On a $119 bass (not $99... but that was really only for humour - what's $20?) who's paying for elaborate fretwork?

    Yeah, the prices are in different ballparks. But my point was somewhat to renounce previous claims I had made the SX basses were the best thing since bottled beer. I'll take a good Fender over a good SX any day. (and in that case, as I mentioned before, a Stingray, G&L ASAT, or Gibby Tobias)
     
  5. Nov 14, 2005 #5
    dave120

    dave120

    Jun 27, 2005
    Central Florida
    Well SX P's are selling for $99 right now that's why I said that. Anywho, congrats on the new bass! It's really all about how it plays more than what it costs. I would take some of the late 80's MIJ Fenders I've had my hands on over some basses many times more expensive too. Fender may have some QC issues but there are some damn nice examples out there in every line they have :bassist:
     
  6. Nov 14, 2005 #6
    DannyB

    DannyB

    Aug 17, 2004
    I've heard that too.. and I think an MIJ I tried before might be on the bad side of this. I ordered the Highway 1 online with the knowledge that it could be sent back if it was a dog... but I can't put it down. Maybe they're just better than the MIJ's, or I got lucky.. whatever the case is, I'm one happy fat guy with a P-bass.