SX Project / Review

jamesr · 01-05-2005, 07:49 AM

Summary:
I just finished my sx bass project. So I figured I would write a review on sx basses, and give some info on upgrading them. First off I think a lot of people recommend SX basses that never owned one. I will see a lot of people recommend them to beginners, and even say they are as nice as a MIM fender. They are far from MIM fender basses, even with a pickup upgrade. But considering a MIM bass is about $400, and an SX from rondo is $109 I didn’t expect them to be better. But with that said after upgrading the bridge, pickups, all the electronics, and a good set up it will be as nice as a stock MIM fender. I wouldn't recommend an sx bass to anyone that can't set up their own bass. They need a lot of work to play nice. Action, truss rod, fret dressing, and intonation. Sx basses are great for us do it yourselfers looking for a cheap project, but they are not a good beginners bass. I even had to file down a raised fret slightly.

Electronics:
It comes with very cheap, noisy, low output pickups. Also small cheap pots and a tiny cap. The stock pots are slightly smaller than the standard 3/8” so you have to drill the pick guard a bit to put in new standard pots. The factory pots are 250k with a .47 cap. I put in two cts 250k pots, a switchcraft jack, new .47 cap, and all new wiring. I used a factory American p bass wiring schematic. As for the pickup I put in a Model series DiMarzio p pickup. The stock sx pickups are a little larger then the stock fender pickups. So I had to drill new holes for the pickup screws. After all that the bass now sounds as good as my American p bass with more output. I fully recommend a Model pickup for and sx bass upgrade. Although this would not be a great setup for tappers, and slappers. Like most p basses it lacks treble needed to have a great slap tone.

Hardware:
I left the factory tuners in. They seem to keep in tune good, and are nicer than the factory ones on a squier. I did take them apart and greased them better; also I had to file two of them out slightly to turn smoother. I replaced the bridge with a Gotoh 201 model which was a perfect fit. It increased the sustain, but slightly restricted the action. The Gotoh Bridge is thicker, and doesn’t allow you to lower the action really low. Right now the action is 4/32” measured from the 12th fret which is the standard action Fender sets up their American Basses. Personally if I would do it again I wouldn’t replace the bridge.

If you have any questions about the bass let me know. I have owned it now for a month and love it. It is not neck heavy, and the neck feels like a fender p neck. I have gigged with it, but will use it mainly as a backup to my American P. I would not recommend this bass to a beginner. With the stock pickups, and set up this bass is not as nice as a GSR200. But if you can set up your bass, and wire in new pickups it makes a great bass. I still recommend an Ibanez GSR200 to all beginners. They play much nicer from factory, and sound nicer. If I could do it all over I would buy a used MIM Fender, and just replaced the pickup.

Costs (includes shipping & tax)
SX P BASS + hard-shell case........$184
American P bass wiring kit............$15
DiMarzio model p pickup...............$55
Gotoh 201 Bridge........................$35
Chrome Knobs............................$10
TOTAL......................................$299

"completed bass"

Skit · 01-05-2005, 07:54 AM

I dont own one, but that was very informative

thelowsoundofbass · 01-05-2005, 07:57 AM

good review. this is the kind of thing that deserves rep.

lowsound

twopelu · 01-05-2005, 08:12 AM

Fantastic review, this clears up a lot of questions about Rondo basses. Very helpful. +rep

EDIT: sorry I cant rep you... I gave you rep not so long ago you know, it doesnt allow me.

_GanondorF_ · 01-05-2005, 08:21 AM

I have the same bass but with a different shape headstock, "Traditional Series" or something.

I like it. I honestly preffered the feel and playability of it to an American J i played.

jamesr · 01-05-2005, 12:46 PM

bump..

ridethelightning · 01-05-2005, 12:53 PM

ugly *** headstock

but good review

edgebass5 · 01-05-2005, 01:43 PM

Part of the problem with both SX basses AND Fender basses is that quality control isn't exactly a high priority for either factory. I've seen American Fenders that were much more poorly constructed then some Squiers (and vice versa), whereas I've seen some SX basses that rival American Fenders, and some that might as well have been thrown in the trash. Somehow I think there will be a noticeably higher degree of consistency with Fender products than SX ones, but the fact remains. It sounds to me like you got one of the less than favorable ones.

Okay, rant over. How do you like the DiMarzio pickups? I don't own a bass equipped with them anymore, but I sure did love my Model J's while I had them. Hopefully the bass works for you.

jamesr · 01-05-2005, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgebass5

Okay, rant over. How do you like the DiMarzio pickups? I don't own a bass equipped with them anymore, but I sure did love my Model J's while I had them. Hopefully the bass works for you.

The DiMarzio's are great. I have played a bass with duncans in, and these are much nicer. They have so much output, it is like playing an active bass.
The only thing I could say bad about the model p's is the lack of treble. It isn't bad, but like i mentioned in my review it wouldn't be good for slapping. I think 500k pots might fix that, but I don't really care, i only play finger style or pick. The tone is a lot like duff's on the new velvet revolver cd. If i use a pick it sounds exactly like the intro to slither.

edgebass5 · 01-05-2005, 02:50 PM

^^^I thought the same thing about the Model J's, but the treble response was still within reason (that's the diff between a p and a j for ya). If the P is anything like the J's, when I put in an Aguilar OBP-3 to augment them, I would run it in passive mode at least 90% of the time. So, don't mess with making that bass active (IMO).

jamesr · 01-05-2005, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgebass5

So, don't mess with making that bass active (IMO).

Thanks again, you just saved me a $100, i was thinking about adding one.

Mitchell Royce · 01-05-2005, 03:33 PM

Thanks james.

Ohh, and for everyone that's outside of the US, apparently there's some ebay dealers that sell them in Europe. I think they ship internationally as well. I'm still thinking about getting a jazz copy from them.

edgebass5 · 01-05-2005, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesr

Thanks again, you just saved me a $100, i was thinking about adding one.

It might be different for you because you're operating with a P and I was using two J's. I had good enough treble response, with both pickups being J's and actually having a bridge pickup. If you want a more treble-driven sound it might be worth your while to throw in a 2 band (Aguilar OBP-1 or Bartolini NTBT for example) and keep the bass flat and add a slight boost on the treble side of things. For me the J's sounded perfect with everything flat (i.e. passive) so I would just throw it into passive mode and not worry about it. Personal tastes vary though, and if you're happy with the treble response as it is, I don't see any reason why you would want to change it.

alvbass · 08-13-2005, 02:01 PM

Hey guys:
Do you guys think that a sx jazz bass will work well with a graphite neck and a bartolini pickups?
ALV

Radiobass81 · 08-13-2005, 02:12 PM

Don't bump old threads... Let this die.

Self Titled Bassist · 08-13-2005, 09:23 PM

Costs (includes shipping & tax)
SX P BASS + hard-shell case........$184
American P bass wiring kit............$15
DiMarzio model p pickup...............$55
Gotoh 201 Bridge........................$35
Chrome Knobs............................$10
TOTAL......................................$299

"completed bass"........................priceless

fixed it

Linkinbassist · 08-13-2005, 09:30 PM

be nice if we could see the fuckin' thing!

Radiobass81 · 08-13-2005, 09:34 PM

Meh, ignore my post then

...

/Closed

BassVirtuoso · 08-13-2005, 09:46 PM

Actually, you can move this into reviews if you want...now that we know about it.

bassmonkey1987 · 08-14-2005, 02:04 AM

Actually, I have a SX SJB-62 4+1 5-String Fretless Bass, and I do have to say for the price of 120 dollars it's a phenomenal bass after you change its strings. The only problem I had with it were the strings but then I bought some new strings and it sounds great and is a lot of fun to play. The electronics are a bit quiet, but it is a fretless bass so it's understandable and i've played a Fender fretless J-bass and they felt the same and played just as nice

01-05-2005, 07:49 AM	#1
jamesr www.misguidedambition.com Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,145	SX Project / Review Summary: I just finished my sx bass project. So I figured I would write a review on sx basses, and give some info on upgrading them. First off I think a lot of people recommend SX basses that never owned one. I will see a lot of people recommend them to beginners, and even say they are as nice as a MIM fender. They are far from MIM fender basses, even with a pickup upgrade. But considering a MIM bass is about $400, and an SX from rondo is $109 I didn’t expect them to be better. But with that said after upgrading the bridge, pickups, all the electronics, and a good set up it will be as nice as a stock MIM fender. I wouldn't recommend an sx bass to anyone that can't set up their own bass. They need a lot of work to play nice. Action, truss rod, fret dressing, and intonation. Sx basses are great for us do it yourselfers looking for a cheap project, but they are not a good beginners bass. I even had to file down a raised fret slightly. Electronics: It comes with very cheap, noisy, low output pickups. Also small cheap pots and a tiny cap. The stock pots are slightly smaller than the standard 3/8” so you have to drill the pick guard a bit to put in new standard pots. The factory pots are 250k with a .47 cap. I put in two cts 250k pots, a switchcraft jack, new .47 cap, and all new wiring. I used a factory American p bass wiring schematic. As for the pickup I put in a Model series DiMarzio p pickup. The stock sx pickups are a little larger then the stock fender pickups. So I had to drill new holes for the pickup screws. After all that the bass now sounds as good as my American p bass with more output. I fully recommend a Model pickup for and sx bass upgrade. Although this would not be a great setup for tappers, and slappers. Like most p basses it lacks treble needed to have a great slap tone. Hardware: I left the factory tuners in. They seem to keep in tune good, and are nicer than the factory ones on a squier. I did take them apart and greased them better; also I had to file two of them out slightly to turn smoother. I replaced the bridge with a Gotoh 201 model which was a perfect fit. It increased the sustain, but slightly restricted the action. The Gotoh Bridge is thicker, and doesn’t allow you to lower the action really low. Right now the action is 4/32” measured from the 12th fret which is the standard action Fender sets up their American Basses. Personally if I would do it again I wouldn’t replace the bridge. If you have any questions about the bass let me know. I have owned it now for a month and love it. It is not neck heavy, and the neck feels like a fender p neck. I have gigged with it, but will use it mainly as a backup to my American P. I would not recommend this bass to a beginner. With the stock pickups, and set up this bass is not as nice as a GSR200. But if you can set up your bass, and wire in new pickups it makes a great bass. I still recommend an Ibanez GSR200 to all beginners. They play much nicer from factory, and sound nicer. If I could do it all over I would buy a used MIM Fender, and just replaced the pickup. Costs (includes shipping & tax) SX P BASS + hard-shell case........$184 American P bass wiring kit............$15 DiMarzio model p pickup...............$55 Gotoh 201 Bridge........................$35 Chrome Knobs............................$10 TOTAL......................................$299 "completed bass" Last edited by jamesr; 01-24-2005 at 11:57 AM.

08-13-2005, 02:01 PM	#14
alvbass alvbass Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 2	put a graphite neck Hey guys: Do you guys think that a sx jazz bass will work well with a graphite neck and a bartolini pickups? ALV

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01-05-2005, 07:54 AM	#2
Skit • Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: England Posts: 2,697	I dont own one, but that was very informative

01-05-2005, 07:57 AM	#3
thelowsoundofbass I own an fbass Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Canadian Crew Posts: 22,731	good review. this is the kind of thing that deserves rep. lowsound

01-05-2005, 08:12 AM	#4
twopelu gettin used to be back Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Madrid Posts: 3,528	Fantastic review, this clears up a lot of questions about Rondo basses. Very helpful. +rep EDIT: sorry I cant rep you... I gave you rep not so long ago you know, it doesnt allow me.

01-05-2005, 08:21 AM	#5
_GanondorF_ A link to the past... Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,360	I have the same bass but with a different shape headstock, "Traditional Series" or something. I like it. I honestly preffered the feel and playability of it to an American J i played.

01-05-2005, 12:46 PM	#6
jamesr www.misguidedambition.com Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,145	bump..

01-05-2005, 12:53 PM	#7
ridethelightning MX Tinsel Team - Water! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 4,164	ugly *** headstock but good review

01-05-2005, 01:43 PM	#8
edgebass5 overpriced trendy garbage Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 10,609	Part of the problem with both SX basses AND Fender basses is that quality control isn't exactly a high priority for either factory. I've seen American Fenders that were much more poorly constructed then some Squiers (and vice versa), whereas I've seen some SX basses that rival American Fenders, and some that might as well have been thrown in the trash. Somehow I think there will be a noticeably higher degree of consistency with Fender products than SX ones, but the fact remains. It sounds to me like you got one of the less than favorable ones. Okay, rant over. How do you like the DiMarzio pickups? I don't own a bass equipped with them anymore, but I sure did love my Model J's while I had them. Hopefully the bass works for you.

01-05-2005, 02:50 PM	#10
edgebass5 overpriced trendy garbage Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 10,609	^^^I thought the same thing about the Model J's, but the treble response was still within reason (that's the diff between a p and a j for ya). If the P is anything like the J's, when I put in an Aguilar OBP-3 to augment them, I would run it in passive mode at least 90% of the time. So, don't mess with making that bass active (IMO).

01-05-2005, 03:33 PM	#12
Mitchell Royce Taller than 5'9" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Nuremberg Posts: 2,430	Thanks james. Ohh, and for everyone that's outside of the US, apparently there's some ebay dealers that sell them in Europe. I think they ship internationally as well. I'm still thinking about getting a jazz copy from them.

08-13-2005, 02:12 PM	#15
Radiobass81 El Cartero de Neruda Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 19,425	Don't bump old threads... Let this die.

08-13-2005, 09:23 PM	#16
Self Titled Bassist And as you look all around at the world in dismay, What do you see, do you think we have learned, Not if you're taking a look at the war-torn affray, Out in the streets where the babies are burned, There are time when I feel I'm afraid for the world, Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 365	Costs (includes shipping & tax) SX P BASS + hard-shell case........$184 American P bass wiring kit............$15 DiMarzio model p pickup...............$55 Gotoh 201 Bridge........................$35 Chrome Knobs............................$10 TOTAL......................................$299 "completed bass"........................priceless fixed it

08-13-2005, 09:30 PM	#17
Linkinbassist And his bad-as Cat, yo!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Well, any number of place really...i could be in your house, could be at mine. However, if you wish to find me you must first find the clue map...After that, you're on your own... Posts: 7,096	be nice if we could see the fuckin' thing!

08-13-2005, 09:34 PM	#18
Radiobass81 El Cartero de Neruda Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 19,425	Meh, ignore my post then ... /Closed

08-13-2005, 09:46 PM	#19
BassVirtuoso SUPERMAN DAT HOE Join Date: Feb 2106 Location: Central Jerz Posts: 16,463	Actually, you can move this into reviews if you want...now that we know about it.

08-14-2005, 02:04 AM	#20
bassmonkey1987 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 13	Actually, I have a SX SJB-62 4+1 5-String Fretless Bass, and I do have to say for the price of 120 dollars it's a phenomenal bass after you change its strings. The only problem I had with it were the strings but then I bought some new strings and it sounds great and is a lot of fun to play. The electronics are a bit quiet, but it is a fretless bass so it's understandable and i've played a Fender fretless J-bass and they felt the same and played just as nice