SX vs. Fender

[Goose72]

Hey guys, i know quite a few of you use or have used SX basses before, so i need your opinions on them...(good or bad)

How do they stack up to Standard MIM Fenders? or even MIA Fenders? against Squiers?

Where can I buy them? and for roughly how much?

What upgrades are almost necessary?

Would all Fender upgrades be usable on these basses?

Do they have the same size bodies and necks as the respective Fender models?

thanks in advance

Josh

 

[RWP]

Hi Josh -- If you search essex bass you will find thousands of posts on the subject. Most people find the SX a great bass for the money. Check it out.

 

[Der Bluten Kat]

fender > sx

 

[Selta]

Hey guys, i know quite a few of you use or have used SX basses before, so i need your opinions on them...(good or bad)

How do they stack up to Standard MIM Fenders? or even MIA Fenders? against Squiers?

Keep in mind, I've only owned two Fenders (MIA and MIM) and a Squire. Here's my "break down":
Squire < MIM < SX < MIA
Don't be fooled by their prices. Especially the 5ers here, they absolutly rule!

Where can I buy them? and for roughly how much?

Click the link in my sig

What upgrades are almost necessary?

Only thing I've changed in any of mine were the electronics and pickguards . Other than that, I gig 'em and let loose.

Would all Fender upgrades be usable on these basses?

I can only speak of the Jazz types... but both pickups measure the standard neck J size. Fender normally has a wider brdige pup size, so you gotta watch when buying "sets". Just buy two necks though and you're OK.
I also heard about pickguards giving issues, but mine fit fine.

Do they have the same size bodies and necks as the respective Fender models?

Body, yes. Neck, I don't think so. There was a pretty nice gap between the time that I owned my Fenders and my SXes though. I'm sure you'll get another response on that that'll help you better.

thanks in advance

Josh

Not a problem. If I can help, hit me up. I <3 SX.

 

[savit260]

Hey guys, i know quite a few of you use or have used SX basses before, so i need your opinions on them...(good or bad)

How do they stack up to Standard MIM Fenders? or even MIA Fenders? against Squiers?

Where can I buy them? and for roughly how much?

What upgrades are almost necessary?

Would all Fender upgrades be usable on these basses?

Do they have the same size bodies and necks as the respective Fender models?

thanks in advance

Josh

Where rondomusic.net

How much $100-$200

Necessary upgrades Give it a good pro quality set up and strings of your preferance.

Fender upgrades. Most things that will fit a Fender will either be direct replacements or fit with a little modification. Exeption being necks. Fender necks will not fit be a tight in the SX neck pocket.

Body and neck size Everything on the SX is just a whisker larger than the Fenders. You probably wouldn't notice this until you tried to fit it in a fitted Fender case. They will fit, it's just a little bit snug. SX neck dimentions are just a hair wider at the heel than the Fender as well.

I much prefer the SX line to the MIM Fender & Squier line, and with a some mild mods, I prefer them to the modern MIA Fenders. Just my opinion , but I've owned both. I wouldn't trade my SX for anything really. Great value, and with a few tweaks, can give most "classic" style basses a good run for their money.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

From what ive heard, SX basses are comparable to MIM basses, as both MIM fenders and SX basses have a variable quality (low quality control), you'll get some SX's which are better than MIMs and some MIMs which are better than SX's

 

[Woofenstein]

I've never played an SX, so I can't comment on them compared with a MIM, but don't count out the new MIMs - they have been upgraded recently (alder body, etc) that make them better basses then they used to be. I own a 2006 MIM J 5 that I love, and I've owned post 2000 MIMs in the past that have been excellent basses. You have to play them first, but you should be able to score a nice used one w/ case for $200 - @250, and you be able to upgrade it easily w/ no mods necessary. I believe that MIMs are EXCELLENT basses for the money, as long as you test them out first to make sure you're getting a winner. Sound wise, there really isn't too much of a difference between MIM and MIA (except that the MIAs have the S1 switch which KILLS on J basses IMO).

 

[savit260]

From what ive heard, SX basses are comparable to MIM basses, as both MIM fenders and SX basses have a variable quality (low quality control), you'll get some SX's which are better than MIMs and some MIMs which are better than SX's

From what I have personal experience with.. The SX basses quality control pretty good. If you do get one with a problem ( possible with any bass in any price range) Rondo has a very generous return policy, and fantastic customer service.

 

[de la mocha]

The most common upgrades on SX Basses I've seen are the bridge, or pick ups. Then again, I've seen many that are stock and sound excellent! I say sx basses can get with squier and the fender MIM line with out a doubt.

 

[jim primate]

sx. fender is overpriced.

 

[Goose72]

thanks, i think SX basses might solve my dilemma over whether to get a fender P, J or a Deluxe(P/J pups)

i can get both a P and J by SX for just as much as buying a standard MIM Fender P OR J

 

[savit260]

You could get a P , a J , and a P/J, from SX, for the price a new MIM Fender P or J.

 

[Selta]

From what ive heard, SX basses are comparable to MIM basses, as both MIM fenders and SX basses have a variable quality (low quality control), you'll get some SX's which are better than MIMs and some MIMs which are better than SX's

I can't speak for Fender, but SX quality control is near-perfect. Look through the mega-threads. All of mine have arrived flawless. Once I set the action to my liking, I was good to go. I only upgraded the electronics out of curiosity!

 

[arbarnhart]

They are comparably priced...

Either way, it's about $65 per letter on the headstock.

I planned more upgrades before I got my SX than I do now. Pups and bridge are decent; they could be upgraded, but there is no pressing need. In one thread, someone posted that the pups were microphonic and slapping sounded bad. This is not true. They are not microphonic. They are pretty standard issue J pickups. I am very happy with my Scorpion.

 

[DeanT]

I have two SX basses. Both are great. I have not experienced any quality control issues with either of them (granted two is not a big, scientific study or anything). But if my two are any indication, the lack of quality control attributed to SX is a myth.

Also, with SX you have to realize you are buying an inexpensive instrument made in China. You shouldn't be surprised if little things here and there don't fit exactly right or something doesn't "feel" perfect.

But for the price you can't beat them. They have a big sound, they are easily upgradable, they play great and they're fun. The only thing they don't have is a name with a history (and a lot of myth behind it) like Fender or Rickenbacker.

Basses were made to be played. For me, I don't care what the name is if it sounds good and is comfortable to play. That's why I have two SX basses.

 

[SBassman]

You'll do fine with either. It's all in the details of what you're really seeking.

Just be sure you keep funds allocated for a good setup for an SX if you don't do that stuff yourself. Most SX's that have passed through my hands have needed significant setup work.
But, after that, they have been sweet deals.

 

[Selta]

You'll do fine with either. It's all in the details of what you're really seeking.

Just be sure you keep funds allocated for a good setup for an SX if you don't do that stuff yourself. Most SX's that have passed through my hands have needed significant setup work.
But, after that, they have been sweet deals.

I wouldn't say signifigant in my three buys with them now, but they all did need a setup when I got them. Everything I could do myself though, so I don't know what kind of greenbacks you'd be talking if you can't.

 

[arbarnhart]

I wouldn't say signifigant in my three buys with them now, but they all did need a setup when I got them. Everything I could do myself though, so I don't know what kind of greenbacks you'd be talking if you can't.

Look in the Setup FAQ in the Setup/Repair forum. Follow the links in the first post to a couple of great sites with step by step instructions. It's pretty easy and the Allen wrenches you need come with the bass (at least they do with an SX; I assume they do with Fenders also).

 

[Selta]

Look in the Setup FAQ in the Setup/Repair forum. Follow the links in the first post to a couple of great sites with step by step instructions. It's pretty easy and the Allen wrenches you need come with the bass (at least they do with an SX; I assume they do with Fenders also).

Why'd you quote me on that?

All of mine thus far have come with truss rod and saddle allen wrenches.

 

[Goose72]

both places that i know of that do set-ups, do it for a flat rate

ok guys, i guess i should have asked this first, but i wasnt thinking...

would an SX be much of an "upgrade" over my Ibanez GSR200?
and i was looking at a P bass(mainly the Highway 1) to fullfill that GAS. so would the SX be good enough to compete with the Highway 1 in terms of performance from new to say 5 years down the road? holding its value somewhat decently over numerous years?