SX Ursa 6-string Jazz bass

[bassbenj]

Have they started putting stronger pickups in these yet?

I don't think so. While the first two SX 6ers I bought had stronger pickups (did not have the ceramic magnet on the bottom) the last one including the ash body I got from Chuck Norriss had the weaker ones. On that Ash one one of the pickups had the cover come loose (it's just stuck on with silicone bathtub caulk) and I noticed that the coil on the pickup didn't fill out the form on the pickup meaning it's considerably underwound. And that accounts for the low output.

However, if you do the Neo magnet mod it boosts the output (depending on if you use a 1/8" or 1/4" thick magnet on the bottom) and then this with the under-winding makes for brighter more defined pickup with very nice alembic-like clarity. They are still single coil, of course, but can sound very nice. The benefit of the neo boost is that it boosts output without boosting single coil hum levels.

 

[Rooster009]

I seriously doubt it, and honestly, I don't want hotter pups in my Js. I think they hit the mark in terms of middle of the road J style pups.

I have a 4 string SX Ursa Jazz. Are they close to the same output?

 

[dabbler]

I have a 4 string SX Ursa Jazz. Are they close to the same output?

Yes, the pups are comparable in output.

 

[Lewis Young]

Anybody can give any advice on a BassMods preamp install???? I am having a real hard time. I have tried everything. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lewis Young]

please!!!!!!!

 

[bassbenj]

Anybody can give any advice on a BassMods preamp install???? I am having a real hard time. I have tried everything. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are having a hard time with what exactly?

 

[Lewis Young]

I was having a hard time installing the preamp...But I got it in. Had to get a router bit,, and make room. Thanks you...

 

[Rooster009]

I was having a hard time installing the preamp...But I got it in. Had to get a router bit,, and make room. Thanks you...

How about a report of the preamp here after you get some time getting used to it?

 

[bass_case]

Pimp my SX:

Black/red/black guard from Pickguardian and used chrome knobs from a Warwick.

Nothing improves your tone like putting a $50 guard on a $99 bass.

 

[Rooster009]

That looks awesome! I'm waiting until Rondo gets some new colors in and then I'll order one. Most likely Red but if they happen to get a lake placid blue with rosewood neck I'd jump all over it.

 

[bass_case]

That looks awesome! I'm waiting until Rondo gets some new colors in and then I'll order one. Most likely Red but if they happen to get a lake placid blue with rosewood neck I'd jump all over it.

Thanks. That shiny white guard had to go.

 

[bassbenj]

Pimp my SX:
View attachment 504863

Black/red/black guard from Pickguardian and used chrome knobs from a Warwick.

Nothing improves your tone like putting a $50 guard on a $99 bass.

My opinion exactly! Note tort Pickguardian guard in my avatar! (all three of my SX 6ers are matching burst with tort guards. Tone to burn!
(And then I added $25 top-loader bridges (Ebay) just for grins)

Your bass is clearly pimped!

 

[awilkie84]

I have a stock Fender Active Special Jazz like that. Here's a photo from Fender:

I don't really like that color combination, but it hasn't bothered me too much. I think a white pearl pickguard would be good.

Active Special? You mean Deluxe Active?

 

[recoman]

6 er's on sale now at Rondo...$129.95 in case anyone is interested. Black and 3 TS

 

[bassbenj]

6 er's on sale now at Rondo...$129.95 in case anyone is interested. Black and 3 TS

Good news is price is right. Bad news is body is basswood that may not be best choice for passive J bass. Might be OK if you mod to active. And should be light weight.

 

[dabbler]

@$&!+/ How did I miss that!? Oh well, my sunburst RN arrives today. And all I wanted was the body, to do a neck transfer from an Ash later, so I could have a burst 6 with blocks. Oh well, I guess I have some decision-making to do. At least now I know up front.

Thanks bassbenj.

 

[Rip Topaz]

It looks like Rondo is starting to sell basses made of basswood. Is this the end of Rondo's allure?

 

[recoman]

Starting to look like most of Rondo's guitars and basses are now basswood.

 

[bassbenj]

Starting to look like most of Rondo's guitars and basses are now basswood.

End of an era?

The fact that Kurt has these basswood basses marked down to rock bottom seems to say they are not exactly flying out the door.

 

[gary m]

End of an era?

The fact that Kurt has these basswood basses marked down to rock bottom seems to say they are not exactly flying out the door.

Basswood?...so sad. Hopefully this is just an odd lot and not the shape of things to come.