Fender tones for 1/4 the price?! | SX Vintage Series P Bass Review/Demo
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- (See what I did there in the title?)
There's no doubt that this affordable P bass copy looks the part, but does it sound the part? Let me know what you think in the comment section below!
Follow me on Instagram @jonnydibble
jonnydibble
All background music used is from my band Nova Mora: www.novamoraband.com
#sxbass #precisionbass #sxpbass
I have an SX jazz bass that I modded after Khruangbin's Laura Lee specs. I put DiMarzio pickups and a Babicz bridge on it and it's a truly amazing sounding bass! Now you're making me want to get a P bass as well ☺️
Amazing! They're incredible mod platforms 👌 Glad to hear the Jazz holds up too! 😁
Cool!
I too have an SX jazz bass because I'm a big Khruangbin fan. Still need some more time to pick it up (heh), but were the DiMarzio pickups worth it? Soon I'll be putting on some flatwounds to get closer to Leezy's sound. And what kind of amp are you using if I may ask?
@@trashmail8 The Dimarzios are amazing. This one is by far my most solid-sounding bass. I'm not very big on treble and brightness, so these pickups are perfect for me. I play this bass through an Ampeg B-15n reproduction amp that a man built for me here in Costa Rica, where I live. But I'm sure more modern amps would sound even better with those pickups.
@@Kubooxooki Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my question. Especially since you posted your comment 2 years ago. Really appreciate it!
It's also very good to hear that the Dimarzios are amazing. Did you change the pickups yourself? And if so: was this hard to do? (I'm fairly skilled in computer maintenance, make basic electronic circuits, know how to solder, etc. .. but I'm really new to modding anything guitar-related. 😅)
Also my thanks for sharing some of the amp details. Currently using an Fender Rumble.. 40 I believe.. set to "vintage bassman" mode or something similar.
But I'd loveee to have something with a tube.
Maybe I'll go for something like a "JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head" as an entry model. Still on the lookout for a good and local Fender Bassman 10 deal. 😎
@@trashmail8 I do most of the maintenance work on my instruments, but electronics is still my weak spot. I'm learning and practicing, but I haven't been able to install pickups successfully yet. So I took my bass to a technician and had the pickups installed. It sounds like you know what you're doing with circuits, soldering, etc. My suggestion would be to uninstall the original SX pickups and then try to install them back. See how you do with that and only then attempt to install the DiMarzios. I'm sure you won't damage them, though.
I use a Fender Rumble 40 for home practice. It's a lovely bass amp for that and even for some small gigs (so light, right?). Tubes are great but they can be unreliable when you transport your amp back and forth. My brother owns a Gallien-Krueger that I really like for live gigs, but a Fender Bassman is a dream amp, for sure. Try different things before you settle. You never know where you're going to find a tone that you like, even if it comes from gear that is not so popular. I mean, we're talking about SX basses here. Good gear comes in many shapes and flavors 🙂
Got one 5 years ago. They quality of finish is much better than squier. I was shocked what i had in my hands and its still my main bass.
I picked up a secondhand modified SX P/J earlier today (Fender pickups and aftermarket tuning machine) and just found this video! Def going to check out the rest od your videos, especially on this SX to learn more about other potential upgrades I might want to consider. I've been browsing UA-cam and searching for videos with exactly this content! You're funny asl too, love your personality haha
Subscribed! Also, I've heard of people using a green Scotchbrite pad to take the gloss off of the neck. Do you recommend using sandpaper or something like Scotchbrite? The finish on my neck is glossy and super orange and low key ugly asl
Thank you so much Amanda! I've upgraded the tuners and have sanded the neck! There's a video on my Instagram of what I did to it. It plays so so well now. Definitely worth sanding the neck if you prefer a faster, more satin style! 😁
Imagine with flatwounds and in cream white. No issues with the tuners. Lovely!
I have one these in my arsenal and have to agree with you 100% machine heads need replacing but fit and finish is utterly unbelievable at this price point. Excellent review by yourself! Eastcoast are a budget bass worth checking out
Amazing basses. Plays like a dream now I've sanded down the neck. Thanks for recommendation!
This video helped me pull the trigger on this bass and I absolutely LOVE it! I have a Behringer BDI21 (ridiculously cheap SansAmp chinese copy) and got some face punching rock and punk tones out of it, but I like that i can mellow it down and play some pop, r&b and more vintage sounds. Can't wait to try it out with my band, thanks for the review Jonny!
Woohoo! Glad it helped 😄 I really miss this bass
Thanks for your honesty and insights into setup issues. More people should know that a bass is only as a good as you set it up to your needs.
An okay bass can be a great bass with a good setup!
Man, that sounds killer! I'm not sure I've heard a stock fender that had sounded that good!
Insane value! 🤯
A mate of mine bought me one of these for my birthday a couple of years back, being my first bass. He told me it was better than some of the pricier guitars available and not knowing the first thing to look for, i took his word for it. Still playing it daily and have never felt like needing to upgrade apart from some wiring issues that sorted out quickly and cheaply.
Awesome review. I think I'll have to get myself one. But! I enjoyed your off topic part too. I laughed so hard. Keep grooving, man! You do a fantastic job here. 🐷
Thanks so much man! Glad you enjoyed 😁 Awesome bass!
wow this blue finish is outstanding!
Such a stunner!
I will own a SX bass now after seeing this Jonny!! I have been intrigued by this line for years (check Maxproud’s youtube channel-he has a great channel from his house in Detroit that has always focused on the high quality of affordable bass guitars). Great video man, great chops as well!
Awesome! This one was so good. I was on a Livestream with Bully Thakidd last night and Maxproud actually popped in! He's great 😊 Thanks for checking out the video man
Sx have always been great mod platforms.
Agree! Solid platform to mod!
You convinced me Johnny. My local dealer in Belfast stocks quite a few of these. I was able to buy a shortscale version p-style for £209! Finish is excellent and even the free gig bag was better than I expected. Nice little mod platform but I thought the pickups sounded great at band practice.
I called the pawn shops around town looking for another left handed bass and one shop had a lefty. I got there and it was this bass identical in color as yours but with a white pick guard. I gave $35 USD for it and got it home and was blown away by the sound. It sounds better than my Ibanez
That's mad! Really great basses 😄 Congrats!
@@JonnyDibble Thank you and thanks for the vids. Definitely lucked out on this one.
@@Ryzanu first off, I'm in Arkansas and the cost of living here is way cheap and why I moved here. Second, I had to order, solder and install a new pots because the ones that were in it when I paid $35 for it had literally been bent and the bass didn't play when plugged in. Replacing the pots solved that with the new pots and it sounds great. Oh, and third, Fuck you bro! Who are you to say I'm a liar? If you were close to me I'd beat your goddamned ass because I'm no fucking liar and definitely not a bored at home loser sucking on his mothers dildo. When you get done use it to go fuck yourself.
Great video! Long story short, I'm researching SX before my medium scale PJ Bass arrives and found this video.
Have you played any of the newer models? Do you have any opinions on them? If you made a video revisiting SX, I'd watch it!
Cheers!
Cool vid! I got one of these basses like 6 years ago, an SX ursa 3 which is the p/j setup but with the p bass body and neck, not the j bass one. Looks like they've changed the head stock to a much better looking one LOL! I think they were cheaper then too - got mine brand new for $120 USD. I left the poor thing abandoned for the last 4 years or so after I got a nice Fender, but recently I've been trying to fix it up just cause quarantine boredness. Only big issue in the years its been sitting is the frets have sprouted badly and cracked and chipped away some of the thick gloss finish on the neck (I have a maple fingerboard on mine) which looks and kinda feels like shit. Aside from that issue and a strong neck bow and some buzzing its kept itself in surprisingly decent shape. I also hate the bridge, its ass. If I can work the issues out, I think I'll use it as a backup/beater bass because it does sound fairly nice. My recommendation to anyone who is thinking of buying one of these is to take care of the frets!!
Hi! Are the older headstocks pointier? Seen a few of those around. Yeah the frets on this one were really grimey when I got it. Just got to keep them in good condition! Like you say, great for backup/beater. I love the idea of an instrument that you can rely on and aren't afraid to throw about a bit! 😆 Thanks for sharing
hey jonny, thanx for the vid - received mine 2 weeks ago and modded it with a fender high mass bridge, geezer pickups and gotoh machine heads - sounds fantastic ;)
Amazing!
very beginner bassist here, was looking at buying a squier classic vibe p bass for £360, but went into one of my local guitar shops and found one of these beauts in left handed for only £200. felt amazing and was blown away, really wanted a p bass but the squier was pushing it price wise, made up i found this. hopefully will be mine in the next few days 🤞
Great choice. I really rate these basses!
@@JonnyDibble great to know man thank you!
I have two SX basses that I bought second hand from eBay. The Jazz bass copy has had the pots changed to CTS ones and a proper set up. It already had the neck pickup upgraded. It looks and plays well and keeps in tune from one week to the next. For a total outlay of less than £200, I think it's excellent value for money and I will not part with it.
My other bass is a Precision copy. I have bought Tonerider pickups as replacements, as I find the stock ones, sound good, but are a bit microphonic. It's booked in for a setup and to have the pickups fitted and the pots upgraded. Again the total outlay will be less than £200 and I feel this is also excellent value for money.
I'm sold on the brand.
Damn. I thought it was shiny Xavier. Sweet vid Jonny! The colour of that thing is reaaalll nice.
I still dont know what it means. Thanks boyo!
@@JonnyDibble its an abbreviation of Essex the original name Rondo used to put them out under
Very informative, thank you. I have one, and I love it! Interested in your details, as I'm new to bass guitars.
Thanks for the review. Unlike one of the posters, I actually liked the edits. Appreciate the effort.
You are most welcome! Haha thanks very much 😊
Just got one in sunburst and i Love it. Cant want to get it set up and practice. Thank you Jonny!
I love to make basses and guitars and have put together quite a few Frankensteins in my time. Most of which a fully functional gig ready beasts! Having seen your recommendation of the SX p bass, I bought a 2nd hand one from Reverb. It felt great and even sounded good. I have modded it with wilkinson hardware, kent Armstrong pickup, new electrics, and it is a weapon!! I will definitely be gigging this one very soon!
I wish there was a 10 hours video of 0:10-0:28 tune 🤪love it!
Just gotta keep re-watching the video! 🤪 haha, thanks very much 😊
Fantastic Knobs...........I'm sold!!!! (AKA: "you had me at Fantastic Knobs")
You can tell a lot from the quality of the knob 😉
Great video. Can’t wait to see the mods 👍
Thanks very much! Fitting the new tuners tonight :)
@@JonnyDibble Yeah boi! I put Schallers on my jazz. Really good tuners.
I love the color! What is the official color of that bass? I wonder if that color is available as an aftermarket paint for sale at a car parts, or paint store.
So nice! Think it's listed as Lake Blue
I got a jazz bass vtg series and I can’t tell a difference from a fender classic vibe except for noticing different hardware. It stays in tune and is rugged so that’s all that matters
Great review Jonny! Just wondering if these bass have any neck dives at all? looking at getting one :)
I brought the kit last week to start learning, bass, amp, tuner, bag and strap for $340aud pretty happy with it so far
SX is shortened from Essex the original name Rondo put them out as
Woohoo! Thanks for the insight 😁
@@JonnyDibble they are all made in the Starsun factory
I just picked up a left handed one that was turned around to play right handed. The electronics were shot and I was able to get it for 70 dollars us. Absolute steal in my opinion.
Bargain! What are your plans for the electronics? 🤔
Where SX basses are made? i am planning to purchase secondhand SX Pbass. How’s the Feel & quality?
Bully thakidd, he’s on UA-cam, introduced me to SX basses. With shipping they’re a bit more expensive than the Harley Benton basses. How do they compare to the HB and J&D basses?
I've only tried the one J&D but I would say I prefer this SX. Compared to HB? That's a tough one! I think the Fit and finish on this SX is better, but would have to compare this to their P bass copy to know for sure!
I make reviews on my channel. If I had to choose only one it would be SX. Luckily I don't have to choose only one so I have a couple of each :-) and at the price it isn't hard to justify - learnt bass setup from Dave's World of Fun Stuff and cheap basses give opportunity to practice
Sounds massive. Love that colour too, they sell these near me. Might have to investigate...
Serious value for money!
SX is short for Essex it was the first name Rondo music used on their guitars.Their Fender style guitars are highly regarded by Fender lovers.The Strats and Teles are awesome as are the basses...I have a VTG series Strat I play thru vox ac10 it's a proper piece of gear.. Also have the pbass I had crappy tuning pegs too and fret buzz which was the nut...New nut and new tuners and you have a great bass
Awesome! Hardware aside it's such a strong foundation for a solid modding platform!
I have a SX Jazz Bass. I love it! I changed the pickups and it got even more amazing!
Incredible modding platforms! Glad you're loving it. I wish I hadn't sold this P bass! 🥲
What pickups did you replace the stock pickups with? 😊
Great video my man:)
Thanks Jeff!! 😁
Woah!! Really like your videos, alloootttt!!!! Keep them up please!
Oh, thx for the uploading too!!
Could you please do a review of the Jackson Concert Series JS2 bass? Please and if possible I mean!
thx again and hugs
:3
Thanks Francesco! I'll look into the Jackson 😁
@@JonnyDibble Aaaaamazing!! Thank you so much!!!!!
nice video! im actually eyeing one of their warwick/spector copies for my first bass but im kinda scared ill end up with one that needs too much work to make it playable. They do look good thou!
Thanks! It will probably need a setup out of the box, but I'd recommend that with any bass! 😊
Love your videos man.
Thanks very much! 😄
Yes Sx Vintage It's Great copy Fender Bass or Stratocaster
I have Sx sst 57 2TS Great guitar for the price and gig bag in color box
Awesome affordable guitars! 😍
Im thinking about getting one of these, or I might wait a while and get a Fender, which do you recommend? Great sounds from that HX Stomp btw
Mexican fender i assume? With a bit of a setup this plays just as well as a fender atm. I think the SX is potentially better value for money than a stock fender after modding. If you're after amazing quality out the gate, fender is a safer bet
@@JonnyDibble Fender player was the one I was thinking of, I think it's MIM so if I want to mod I should get a SX but if I want one that's good straight away I should get a Fender? I think I'll go with a Fender because after costs for upgrades they would probably come out to the same price because my local 'luthier' charges way too much (£188 for pickups and installation
@@louie8604 Yeah 😁 You can obviously mod the fender too but if you were to spend 500 on the MIM compared to 500 on the SX (including mods), the SX will be the winner imo. For when the day comes, happy new bass day! 😁
@@JonnyDibble thanks man, I think I'll go with the sx then replace the pickups, bridge and tuners
@@louie8604 The SX bass is the platform of choice for an entire legion of modding fanatics, yours truly included.
You'll find a lot of info about that in the talkbass forum.
I have a short scale P style bass myself, and this is what I've done so far:
- shielding
- electronics
- EMG GZR pickup
- flatwound strings
- Hipshot string tree
- Schaller tuners
- proper setup by a pro
The only thing left is sanding the neck.
All in all, SX basses are great instruments for modding. Because of the low price combined with very good quality neck and body.
I found out about Epic Customs pickups from Guns&Guitars and they're awesome.I bought 2 Ps and honestly I like them as much , maybe more than the Geezer Butler pup I used in a p bass I frankenbuilt.Does'nt hurt they're super cheap in price also.
Is that what's in this bass??
@@JonnyDibble No I was just giving my 2 cents on cheap fender bass tones.They're a bargain.
that tone at the beginning sounds like chocolate
I bought a SX standard series, looks like this. I play guitar but wanted a bass for recording songs. I am not sure if i am just used to playing guitar but when i hit the high string i have to push quite hard(compared to guitar) to stop it from making the string from vibrating on the metal fret bar. I am wondering if a more expensive would do this or it is my crappy playing.
Sounds like a setup issue to me! Try adjusting the action and make sure the neck is straight 😊
Laura Lee of Khruangbin has an SX jazz bass.
Really want to play one of their jazz basses!
I had this bass and 10 times more expensive Sandberg. I always prefered SX over Sandberg. Full bass precision tone. Great neck.
Seriously impressive! I really miss mine
@@JonnyDibble easy solution, just buy a new one :-)
@@matouscervenka7248 won't bust the bank! 😍
@@JonnyDibble no beer, drugs and meal for one day and you dont have to bust a bank :-) Pretty cheap bass for this quality...
Yamaha TRB's they are not Bad? Like pretty good actuallly?
So I've heard! Definitely getting a Yamaha on the channel in the new year!
@Jonny Dibble Did the stop making this color in the P Bass style? I can not seen to find them any where...
I think so 😪 they only seem to do it in the 3/4 size version now!
@@JonnyDibble that sucks dude I really wanted to get one cause getting that color in a fender Bass is mega expensive. I wanted to get one cause My late fater had a 60''s or 70's P Bass in this Color makes me sad
@@layol692k7 yeah absolutely, sucks they don't seem to do it new anywhere 🙄 I do see them on the used market a fair bit though! Hope you can find one
@@JonnyDibble thank's I am hunting through reverb now
Nice Bass!
It is!
What kind of pickups are? Ceramic or alnico?
How does the build quality compare to the classic vibe?
I feel like its as good! I've since made a full comparison video of the Squier, SX and Ibanez Talman 😊
@@JonnyDibble I'll be sure to check it! Thanks man!
Patrick or Jonny im confuse 🤣 aaaa
Usa$version and UK£version 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Patrick is THE man! Thanks for checking out the channel 🥰
@@JonnyDibble🤩😊 a bit of a joke doesn't hurt hehe thanks for the context on the channel, if not, skip and don't comment hehe All bassists are THE MANS! Including 504 let him be ....
🤣✌🏻❤
this colour is lake placid blue ?
Yeah! Or "Lake blue", some sites just call it "blue"
I have the Telecaster in their Lake Placid Blue. Ok I put an Ironstone pickup (broke the bridge pickup when shielding). Phenomenal tele - cheap like the original. Likely will turn the control panel to put volume near neck pickup.
Where i buy this bass??
What is the model name of this SX bass guitar? i'll think i gonna buy this one
SX SPB57 according to their website. This full scale blue one seems to be pretty rare online! Mostly 3/4 ones coming up at the moment
Sx: Super Xray (of other basses)?
It's a great clone 😝
Hi Jonny, I have this same bass, I want to install Seymour Duncan SPB2, this change would be correct, greetings.
I think that would be awesome!
@@JonnyDibble thank you for responding very attentively,we follow all your videos,the best.
@@gustavoblancolema3513 thankyou bery much! 😁
if you like this kind of budget basses that are really good, try Tagima Woodstock series, i have a p thats a beast.
Although as i write i realise that i don't know if they are available on the uk, but if so, bang for the buck
Nice! Someone actually recommended a Taiwan to me last night on my Instagram! I,ll look into it 🤓
Johnny stop it, now I want one!!. The colour alone....
I was initially planning to sell this on. But some how I think its keeper! I now have 3 basses with a P pickup 😅
@@JonnyDibble Jonny, do you know how does this compare with squier affinity? I've narrowed it down to 2....
@@horrorshowbass I've not played an infinity in years so I can't speak for the newer ones, but I reckon this is better! Fret job is on par, if not better, than my classic vibe p bass
@@JonnyDibble sold😁
@@horrorshowbass 😁😁 what colour you going for?
When you first received the bass, I noticed that the fingerboard really needed cleaning with naphtha, then lemon oil for the conditioning.
Yeah it was gross. I just used lemon oil and it cleaned up a treat!
This bass is $300 US funds on their site + shipping. That`s $100 more than a Guitar Fetish PB Bass Alder Body Maple Neck Gloss Black Rosewood Fingerboard. I highly doubt there`s much of a difference between the 2 basses. You still could change the bridge for the difference in price.
Ah they're much cheaper here in the UK! Would love to try one of those PBs but the shipping is probably astronomical for me 🥲
I purchased one about 2016. Maple neck, maple fretboard. Great sound, ugly sunburst. Concerning the general handling and playing much better than my original Fender in the 80ies.
I painted it Surf Green with a white pickguard, replaced the original PU by a Seymour Duncan. Ant put flatwounds on it.
Donald Duck Dunn, James Jameson, Brian Wilson and many, many more. The REAL bass sound throught Soul, pop, rock and anything good sounding music in my hands.
The foundations are certainly there which makes it an incredible modding platform. Sounds awesome! Congrats on the project 😁
Is this bass better than the squier affinity pj?
Better than the old ones, I haven't tried the 2021 models yet though!
@@JonnyDibble okay man thanks! I have the 2019 squier and was looking for a budget-y upgrade.
Why do I feel like I now own a bass that gets SX tone at 4x the price?
Jonny; stop feeling your knob!! LOOL!
Always fiddling with my knob!
@@JonnyDibble Hilarious!
thx man nice video
Thanks! 😊
Where I can find a bass like this one?
Ciao and go on by this way
What was the outro tune!? One of yours?
Indeed! All of the music is my own 😊
@@JonnyDibble Good work mate. Is it available anywhere? Or is it just for demo purposes? Sounded acers!
@@bearpitrock Cheers! Just for demo purposes that one 😊
I prefer Tagima TW65
I'm yet to try one! Hear they're really good
What is the nut width on this bass?
Sadly I no longer have the bass so can't double check, but their website suggests 42mm 😊
@@JonnyDibble No problem, cheers
I've searched on line to buy one of these but what keeps coming up is the jazz bass version or a three quarters sized P bass in same colour as here.
Is the bass Jonny featured full size or three quarter?
I too keep seeing the 3/4 size! This is the full scale model, they must have just stopped doing it in the blue finish for full scale! I've seen the red one available in a few places and a full size blue one came up second hand the other day
Squier is better than SX, however for the money, SX is perfect for a beginners first bass. In the hands of a bass pro, they could gig with it.
Yeah I'd agree, I've since done a comparison video 😊 With a decent set up, this bass is perfectly giggable
👏🏻
Thanks Fabio!
jazz bass or pbass?
This is a P bass copy, they do jazz basses too!
@@JonnyDibble what is the best when it comes to the tone jazz bass or pbass?
@@guthriegovan4878 its totally personal preference so couldn't say I'm afraid! What style and genre are you playing?
First one .. then the other. I mean you can buy both for same price as the Squier.
i have the PJ one, amazing bass for the price. Just one thing, the strings they put on it are the worst on the planet, don't forget to buy a fresh set with it.
The fact that every review mentions that upgrades are needed is contradictory to most of the titles. Becomes annoying. I would like for once to see a review where they say it sounds great, period.
Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic bass for the money. One of the best I've played at this price point! Often, basses at this price point might not be at a standard where it has good enough materials to be worth modding, or something about the foundations of the bass might continue to let it down afterwards. However, this bass has that quality that people can change things if they don't like them and it will hold up 😄
@@JonnyDibble Thank you Jonny! Love your reviews. I will get a Harley Benton PB-50 LH SB Vintage because of you :). Specially cause us lefties have little options
drop D tuning
Yeah man 😊
Why do ALL basses have to have the same red tort pick guard. It’s hideous! especially with the color of the bass in this video. Am I the only bassist who isn’t color blind? It’s so hard to find decent color combos out there. I’d love to buy something with a cool color but it all looks like a bathroom from the 60s…with a wholly mismatched red tort pickguard. That red can’t and doesn’t match all colors!! It’s literally impossible. So how can it be the only one ever used!?!
Classic 60s look! I love it myself
That kid probably gave up due to how terrible it was set up. Countless people probably threw the towel in due to unplayable guitars.
A setup on a cheap bass can go such a long way!
sounds good for a China made instrument.
Yeah! I never let country of manufacturer put me off anymore. The quality nowadays is impressive!