Thinking About an Essex Bass [Archive] - GuitarsCanada.com

Fajah

07-14-2006, 06:01 AM

Hi,

This is my first post here. I'm currently playing a Dean Playmate bass which I bought from a friend of mine a couple of years ago just to hack around with. I set it up myself and it plays and sounds pretty good for a cheap instrument. Although I'm an "occasional" bass player, I do take it seriously and get invited to jam with friends whenever a bass player is needed.

I'm considering purchasing a new bass since I'm playing more, nothing expensive, but maybe more playable than the Dean. I normally don't buy equipment without trying it out first, but the Essex basses have caught my attention. Most of the user reviews have been very positive. There are so many models and I'm looking for something versatile for mostly blues and ocassionally jazz.

So before trekking down to Steve's or L&M here in Toronto with about a $300.00 (plus whatever I sell my Dean for) budget in mind, I would appreciate some recommendations from anyone who may have experience with the Essex basses. Suggestions on other makes and models are welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Lawrie

BHarris

07-14-2006, 09:09 AM

You can't go wrong with an SX bass. Many models to choose from,, price is excellent,, (for that 300 bucks, you can get a new bass AND a case including shipping)...

There is no better value out there than an SX. Customer service is bar none, and they are easy to upgrade/hot rod/mod too.

check out the mega thread at talkbass dot com as well...

james on bass

07-14-2006, 10:53 AM

Fajah

07-14-2006, 11:18 AM

I have 2 (see sig). They were roughly $220 Canadian to my door (including taxes, shipping etc...) give or take a few bucks for the difference in exchange rate. They are quite decent basses right out of the box, but for an extra $50 or so you can purchase new pots, output jack, capacitor and a heavy duty bridge from Ted at GuitarPartsCanada.com and they become a bass as good or better than a MIM Fender.

Buy from the Rondo site, not the Ebay site.

Thanks for the info, which brings up a couple of questions;

1) How did you arrive at the specific models you have? There are so many different models on Rondo's site and they are all priced well.

2) I have no problem spending the extra bucks on the upgrades, but were the stock electronics that bad or is it something that I could live with for while first?

Lawrie

james on bass

07-14-2006, 11:42 AM

Thanks for the info, which brings up a couple of questions;

1) How did you arrive at the specific models you have? There are so many different models on Rondo's site and they are all priced well.

2) I have no problem spending the extra bucks on the upgrades, but were the stock electronics that bad or is it something that I could live with for while first?

Lawrie

I really wanted to play fretless again, and like the jazz style bass much more than a P style. Personal preference. The P bass would thump real well for your blues type setting, wheras the jazz is a little more versatile. I like the grind of a jazz myself.

The stock electronics do work, but the cheap pots do suck some life out of the instrument. You could always wire the bass straight to the output jack if you wanted, but you'd have no volume or tone control. I did that for a while myself on the 5 string. The stock bridges are just cheap and lightweight - same as stock Fender bridges. A beefier upgrade will help the sound and give you more sustain.

Xanadu

07-14-2006, 12:38 PM

I really wanted to play fretless again, and like the jazz style bass much more than a P style. Personal preference. The P bass would thump real well for your blues type setting, wheras the jazz is a little more versatile. I like the grind of a jazz myself.

The stock electronics do work, but the cheap pots do suck some life out of the instrument. You could always wire the bass straight to the output jack if you wanted, but you'd have no volume or tone control. I did that for a while myself on the 5 string. The stock bridges are just cheap and lightweight - same as stock Fender bridges. A beefier upgrade will help the sound and give you more sustain.
i think you should go on to explain why you wired them straight to the output jack..if i remember correctly, you screwed up something?:tongue:

Fajah

07-14-2006, 01:00 PM

I really wanted to play fretless again, and like the jazz style bass much more than a P style. Personal preference. The P bass would thump real well for your blues type setting, wheras the jazz is a little more versatile. I like the grind of a jazz myself.

The stock electronics do work, but the cheap pots do suck some life out of the instrument. You could always wire the bass straight to the output jack if you wanted, but you'd have no volume or tone control. I did that for a while myself on the 5 string. The stock bridges are just cheap and lightweight - same as stock Fender bridges. A beefier upgrade will help the sound and give you more sustain.

Good info for me to start looking closer at it.

Thanks,

Lawrie

BHarris

07-14-2006, 02:46 PM

with the jazz model I have, everything worked just fine out of the box. I had to adjust the neck and pups, but straight stock, I've been playing no problems. Upgrades can only make it better as james has said.

james on bass

07-14-2006, 04:06 PM

i think you should go on to explain why you wired them straight to the output jack..if i remember correctly, you screwed up something?:tongue:

now now.

My soldering skills were a bit rusty. I accidentally grounded out the bridge pickup, then when I realized what the problem was, I melted the mini-switch that was going to be he series/parallel mod. With a few hours before a gig, I wired it straight to the jack - actually worked out quite well. I have since wired it properly when I received the 2nd bass.

The one thing about the SX as well is that they are so cheap, I really don't mind tearing it apart and possibly hurting something. They are fun basses to tinker with if you are so inclined.

Xanadu

07-14-2006, 11:19 PM

now now.

My soldering skills were a bit rusty. I accidentally grounded out the bridge pickup, then when I realized what the problem was, I melted the mini-switch that was going to be he series/parallel mod. With a few hours before a gig, I wired it straight to the jack - actually worked out quite well. I have since wired it properly when I received the 2nd bass.

The one thing about the SX as well is that they are so cheap, I really don't mind tearing it apart and possibly hurting something. They are fun basses to tinker with if you are so inclined.
lol. I dont like the look of them, but im thinking of getting a 4-string brice.

james on bass

07-14-2006, 11:26 PM

lol. I dont like the look of them, but im thinking of getting a 4-string brice.

I was never a fan of "Fender" basses either, but after 20+ years playing, it was about time I gave it a try. I've really gone back full-circle. A 4 string jazz bass is really all you need to get the job done. (Well, I still want a 7 string someday).

Xanadu

07-15-2006, 11:23 AM

I was never a fan of "Fender" basses either, but after 20+ years playing, it was about time I gave it a try. I've really gone back full-circle. A 4 string jazz bass is really all you need to get the job done. (Well, I still want a 7 string someday).
hehe yah...7 strings

james on bass

07-15-2006, 11:44 AM

hehe yah...7 strings

well, at least another 6 string.

Xanadu

07-15-2006, 12:13 PM

well, at least another 6 string.
i wanna try out the brice 6-strings. great price, neck-tru, they look real good.

Fajah

07-15-2006, 05:30 PM

A 4 string jazz bass is really all you need to get the job done.

That's the other decision....whether to get a 4, 5, or 6 string bass. I really like those 6 string basses, but probably because I'm predomanantly a jazz guitar player.

Lawrie

james on bass

07-15-2006, 07:16 PM

That's the other decision....whether to get a 4, 5, or 6 string bass. I really like those 6 string basses, but probably because I'm predomanantly a jazz guitar player.

Lawrie

Well, take this for what it's worth. I've been almost entirely 5 and 6 strings for the last 15 + years. I figured a 4 string was a thing of the past. I was in between basses a few months ago and borrowed a friends P bass for a few rehearsals. I was absolutely blown away. The simplicity and ease of play completely changed my mind on things. I do need a B string though. If I had my way I would've bought 2 fretless 4 stringers and strung one standard, the other BEAD, which is why I put my 5 banger up for sale.

If I could only have 1 bass though - I'd get a 5 string. Anything you cover past the mid-80's, there's a 50/50 chance you'll either have to down tune to D (which I don't like doing) or need the B string.

Xanadu

07-15-2006, 10:12 PM

i have a 6-string and it is teh roxxors.:rockon2:

james on bass

07-15-2006, 10:18 PM

i have a 6-string and it is teh roxxors.:rockon2:

so when are you going to bring that bad boy down this way and plug it into the 8x8 goodness! :tongue:

Xanadu

07-15-2006, 10:22 PM

so when are you going to bring that bad boy down this way and plug it into the 8x8 goodness! :tongue:
are you inviting me to bring it down there?:food-smiley-015:

james on bass

07-15-2006, 10:26 PM

are you inviting me to bring it down there?:food-smiley-015:

I can't foresee any reason why I would find myself in Ottawa so if you're in the area and have your bass with you, we might as well organize a bass tasting.

Xanadu

07-15-2006, 10:35 PM

I can't foresee any reason why I would find myself in Ottawa so if you're in the area and have your bass with you, we might as well organize a bass tasting.
my cousins live in london. So we just might have to do that.

james on bass

07-15-2006, 10:54 PM

my cousins live in london. So we just might have to do that.

Let me know if you're in the area, preferably more than a week's notice. Oh, and don't bring any of those thin stringed things - I'll just get confused. :rockon:

Fajah

08-04-2006, 06:35 AM

Hi,

So it looks like I'm going to dive in and purchase an Essex Bass. The three models I'm looking at are:

SJB-57
SJB-62
SJB-75

I really like the natural look of the SJB-75 from the pictures on the website. Any thoughts, opinions, or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Lawrie

MistahMojoRyan

08-04-2006, 01:05 PM

Fajah

08-04-2006, 04:01 PM

I've owned a few SX basses (when money was scarce) and I don't care for them. I had a fretted P, fretted J and fretless J but having been down that road I'd rather grab a T-40 or old Roadstar for a cheap passive bass.

Having said that, (and not meaning to rain on your parade :tongue: ), I'd go with the 75. Ash body and it's got the sweet blocked and bound neck. :cool:

Your raining on my parade at all. In fact, I appreciate your opinion. The thing is, the Dean Playmate bass I have plays fairly well after alot of tweaking, but I can't do much more with it, nor do I want to. I've looked around in the retail stores here in Toronto, and haven't been impressed with very much I've seen or played for under $500.00

Being an occasional bass player, I can't justify spending alot of money on a new bass and from all reviews and the opinions I've read, most folks are happy with them.....some right out of the box, and definitely from those who have customized them. My original post was mostly centered around what everyone thought of them in general. I've made the decision to get one, but since I can't physically play the different models, I'm hoping that the good folks here can give me an opinion on the specific models I'm interested in.

In the end, whatever one I pick, it can't be worse than Dean I already own, and I can afford the financial mistake.

Lawrie

james on bass

08-04-2006, 07:10 PM

Your raining on my parade at all. In fact, I appreciate your opinion. The thing is, the Dean Playmate bass I have plays fairly well after alot of tweaking, but I can't do much more with it, nor do I want to. I've looked around in the retail stores here in Toronto, and haven't been impressed with very much I've seen or played for under $500.00

Being an occasional bass player, I can't justify spending alot of money on a new bass and from all reviews and the opinions I've read, most folks are happy with them.....some right out of the box, and definitely from those who have customized them. My original post was mostly centered around what everyone thought of them in general. I've made the decision to get one, but since I can't physically play the different models, I'm hoping that the good folks here can give me an opinion on the specific models I'm interested in.

In the end, whatever one I pick, it can't be worse than Dean I already own, and I can afford the financial mistake.

Lawrie

Of the basses you've chosen, they're all essentially the same - it's just aesthetics at this point. I personally like the 75 ash with white blocks. The difference between maple and rosewood boards is negligable, especially to a self-proclaimed occassional bass player.

I wouldn't worry about making a mistake. For $225 (give or take) you'll get a bass that with $20 in pots and jack will be as good as a $550 MIM Fender. Upgrade the bridge to a heavier unit (something most people do to Fender's as well) and you'll have a fine bass for a fraction of the cost. Yes, you'll need to (most likely) adjust the truss-rod to your liking, but I've never seen a bass hanging in a store that wasn't set-up like shit and needed tweaking as well.

You can get pots and a no-name heavy duty bridge from Ted at http://www.guitarpartscanada.com/ for about $50.

This is all my opinion of course, but I've got 2 SX's now and have owned a fair amount of high-end basses over the last 20 years. Would I like a $3000 boutique bass again? Sure, but these basses do the job in spades for me, and I gig at least 3 times a month.

Fajah

08-05-2006, 04:18 AM

The difference between maple and rosewood boards is negligable, especially to a self-proclaimed occassional bass player.

I wouldn't worry about making a mistake. For $225 (give or take) you'll get a bass that with $20 in pots and jack will be as good as a $550 MIM Fender. Upgrade the bridge to a heavier unit (something most people do to Fender's as well) and you'll have a fine bass for a fraction of the cost. Yes, you'll need to (most likely) adjust the truss-rod to your liking, but I've never seen a bass hanging in a store that wasn't set-up like shit and needed tweaking as well.

You can get pots and a no-name heavy duty bridge from Ted at http://www.guitarpartscanada.com/ for about $50.

This is all my opinion of course, but I've got 2 SX's now and have owned a fair amount of high-end basses over the last 20 years. Would I like a $3000 boutique bass again? Sure, but these basses do the job in spades for me, and I gig at least 3 times a month.

Thanks for the info. I agree that the difference between the maple and rosewood fretboards won't make much of a difference for me. As for the rest of the changes and tweaks, I'll just see how it is once I've recieved and played it for a while. If the 3 models are basically the same guitars but just cosmetically different, I'm going to go with the 75-Ash for sure. I really like the looks of it.

Lawrie

james on bass

08-05-2006, 04:28 AM

Thanks for the info. I agree that the difference between the maple and rosewood fretboards won't make much of a difference for me. As for the rest of the changes and tweaks, I'll just see how it is once I've recieved and played it for a while. If the 3 models are basically the same guitars but just cosmetically different, I'm going to go with the 75-Ash for sure. I really like the looks of it.

Lawrie

If it doesn't suit you, let me know and I'll buy it off you.

Fajah

08-05-2006, 04:53 AM

If it doesn't suit you, let me know and I'll buy it off you.

Not a problem. I plan to post some follow up thoughts once I've received it. Know anyone who want to buy a Dean Playmate bass? :)

Lawrie

Fajah

08-05-2006, 06:51 AM

Well now I'm getting excited. Just placed the order for the 75-Ash.

Lawrie

BHarris

08-05-2006, 08:35 PM

congrats
I''m sure you'll enjoy it!

james on bass

08-08-2006, 01:36 AM

I would think you should receive it this Friday. Pics are mandatory!!

I should be ordering my 3rd SX on Friday. (Sold my 5 stringer though, so still just a stable of 2).

Fajah

08-08-2006, 03:06 AM

I would think you should receive it this Friday. Pics are mandatory!!

I should be ordering my 3rd SX on Friday. (Sold my 5 stringer though, so still just a stable of 2).

You're right, based on the the tracking number sent, I should receive it on Friday. So far, I'm pretty impressed at Rondo's efficiency. Pics will definitely be posted.

Lawrie

Fajah

08-10-2006, 08:04 AM

Well I have to say that I'm pretty impressed with the efficiency of Rondo Music and Fedex. My bass just arrived this morning (8:30am Toronto time). Due to meetings I have this morning, the unveiling from the packaging will have to wait until it later on.

Lawrie

Fajah

08-10-2006, 09:55 AM

Well...just unpacked my new SJB-75 and unfortunately, it has to go back. It arrived with a black pick guard instead of the white pick guard as shown on the website and the finish was damaged. I plugged it in for a brief period. Sound was good but the neck pickup volume control wasn't working and there was a static sound when turning the tone control.

Looks like I got a lemon. It seemed to me that Rondo did not expect this bass before it was shipped to me for the flaws were obvious. I hope that Rondo inspects the replacement a bit closer before it goes out. I'm disappointed, but I can see the potential if I get a good one to start with.

Lawrie

james on bass

08-10-2006, 06:19 PM

Well that just sucks ass!

Fajah

08-11-2006, 06:45 AM

Well that just sucks ass!

It sucks, but I'm not upset about it. That's the risk of online shopping, which is a first for me when it comes to guitars and related equipment. Apart from the web-based form you fill out on Rondo's site for the return, I did send an email to Customer Service just to let them know that it was on it's way back.

I received an email back almost immediately from Kurt apologizing for sending out a defective bass. He also went on to say that aside from the damage in the finish and the one volume control not working, I probably received one with a black pickguard because they may be out of stock on SJB-75's with white pickguards. He asked if I still want a replacement if they only have black in stock or a credit.

I went on to say that I'll take one with a black pickguard, for I would have kept it had there not been the damage. Besides, I need a bass now anyway, I just sold my Dean bass. So cudos to Rondo's Customer Service. I'm sure they'll look over the replacement before going out.

Lawrie

james on bass

08-11-2006, 07:09 AM

It sucks, but I'm not upset about it. That's the risk of online shopping, which is a first for me when it comes to guitars and related equipment. Apart from the web-based form you fill out on Rondo's site for the return, I did send an email to Customer Service just to let them know that it was on it's way back.

I received an email back almost immediately from Kurt apologizing for sending out a defective bass. He also went on to say that aside from the damage in the finish and the one volume control not working, I probably received one with a black pickguard because they may be out of stock on SJB-75's with white pickguards. He asked if I still want a replacement if they only have black in stock or a credit.

I went on to say that I'll take one with a black pickguard, for I would have kept it had there not been the damage. Besides, I need a bass now anyway, I just sold my Dean bass. So cudos to Rondo's Customer Service. I'm sure they'll look over the replacement before going out.

Lawrie

Kurt is great to deal with. I had an issue with my first order before it got shipped and he credited my order right away. When I placed another order he gave me a break on the shipping charges to make up for the first order.