SX "SR" feedback

[mrmoonjam]

OK... here goes...and you guys who are ticked at SX, well, please don't take it out on me

I got my SX "SR" 5 yesterday, 48 hours after ordering it. Haven't had but and hour or so to mess with it (playing thru a Behringer 3500 and vintage SVT 8x10 ).

I wanted it to be playable out of the box and it is. Action is very low, there's some fret noise when sliding, but nothing I'd call a buzz, nothing that comes thru the amp. Intonation is a little off: I'll work on the set up tonite. No dead spots or rough fretwork. There's a less than smooth patch on the neck near the headstock, haven't done anything to address it. The sound is what I'd call a little thin but usable.The 3 active EQ controls seem to both cut and boost a LOT. The B-string seems consistent with the others in tone and volume, but it's intonation at the first fret seems a little off. Can that happen?

Disclaimers: I'm not a 5-string player, not a gear reviewer, and have no strong feelings in the EBMM vs. SX controversey.
I'm a long way from being either a kid or a beginner. And for my purpose of trying out a 5-string without using a credit card, I'm glad I bought this bass. So far.

 

[cheezewiz]

Wow... I'd say that's not really a hearty endorsement! Thanks for the honest review. I'll now wait patiently while the rest of the new buyers come along and say it is superior to instruments costing 10x more.

 

[Fong249]

What you said was really expected by alot of us, even the SX is better than MIM crowd. Thanks for the review.

 

[slapcracklepop]

That sounds like a reasonable review from what I heard. SX's need a little work, a setup at the least. I've heard of them needing fret dressings as well. Many people change out the pups and install new bridges. Even with the cost of all of this the bass still turns out remarkably cheap..

I plan on getting one very shortly and I do expect to give it some TLC

 

[lonote]

Wow... I'd say that's not really a hearty endorsement! Thanks for the honest review. I'll now wait patiently while the rest of the new buyers come along and say it is superior to instruments costing 10x more.

LOL

 

[DrGroovenstein]

Ever played an OLP, I'm curious if you have an option about any quality differences between these two.

Also, how narrow is the string spacing?

 

[mrmoonjam]

Haven't tried an OLP, from what I'd read about their QC I thought it was a much better bet to get a playable bass out of the box ordering from SX than going fishing for a "good" OLP at local stores. I checked the string spacing specs of the SX against a stock Stingray, the SX is 1/16th" narrower at the nut and at the 20th fret.

 

[fttfbass]

I'm pleased with my SX Stingray so far. I received it Wednesday night. I haven't gotten a chance to play it through an amp yet, but it sounded pretty good through my Boss GT-6B with headphones.

I think it will be a pretty fun bass to upgrade!

 

[patrickj]

I should have mine in about 12 hours time.. 5 string. I've got a gig on Monday night (if anyone is in the DC/MD area - Metal Monday @ Firehouse Cue in Gaithersburg - no cover - see the MySpace link) and I'll use it there and report back.

 

[DrGroovenstein]

I play tomorrow night in Frederick MD, the Mudd Puddle

Wuz the string spacing at the bridge on the 5 string?

 

[mrmoonjam]

The string spacing specs I mentioned were for SX and Stingray 5 strings at the nut and at the 20th fret. I've been playing around with mine tonite and I'm a lot more than I was at first. The action is fine, string saddles don't need adjusting neck doesn't either. The intonation isn't off enough to make me want to stop and fix it. Playing with the EQ's produces some good sounds, and I'm not sure why it sounded "thin" to me last nite . Also, it has a growl at most settings I've tried...I learned to play on a '76 Fender jazz and I just love growl. I'll be practicing or jamming with 3 groups in the next 8 days and will be checking it out. Very pleased at this point .

 

[Chef]

These are three band active eq for $159? Really? Dang...

 

[fttfbass]

These are three band active eq for $159? Really? Dang...

Yes! The sxguitars spain website showed a 2 band EQ, with an option for a 3 band EQ. We lucked out and got the 3 band EQ.

 

[patrickj]

Ever played an OLP, I'm curious if you have an option about any quality differences between these two.

Also, how narrow is the string spacing?

The SX is no Stingray, but it blows away an OLP (owned one, sold it - wasn't worth keeping even as a project bass). Better woods, better hardware/electronics, and the comparatively more attention to detail. I'm not comparing it to an MIA/J, but the difference between the SX and an OLP is like the obvious difference between a MIA/J and a MIM/I.

$.02

Disclaimer: I haven't gigged with mine yet, but I gave it a good couple hours of practice this evening. Seems quite the competent instrument.

 

[mrmoonjam]

Competent or a little better, for me. Had my initial reservations which have mostly been resolved after playing a couple of hours, getting used to that B-string, and working with the EQ. (Kept eveything on my amp flat and no effects).
Very pleased at this point.

 

[ERIC31]

SX basses are just all that. I've had mine SX Jazz since 2002 and I love it. Played many gigs with it! Have upgraded the pickups (DiMarzio) New chrome pickguard, next is a Gotoh 201 bridge and it's done!! I'll be playing this bass forever!