SX SPJ 62

I purchased this in the spring of 2008. It's a P/J style bass, mine is the 3TS (sunburst). Came with allen wrenches for truss rod and bridge saddles. See they many other reviews for gory details of features. I'd give this a 10 for features as it does what I expect, except my J pickup is pretty much useless so I'll say 9.

I ordered it shipped in the shiny aluminum flight style case that sold for $80. It's a nice case, super bling factor I didn't expect. I pretty much can't pass by any musician without them commenting on it.

My ratings will not be biased towards price until the overall, I'm rating on how it might compare to the best possible bass. I've used the bass for a few months now.

It sounded OK with the stock strings, when they died I put on rotosound flats 45-105. That totally transformed it towards a deep punchy sound, ala Steve Harris. I like that sound very much, at least that is what I use this bass for. The bass looks heavy and it sound heavy.

The pickup output I find a bit quiet, at least compared to my Yamaha RBX-270. On my Yorkville 800S amp, I can barely trigger the compressor feature with all volumes and gains up. The Yamaha lights it right up.

Unfortunately my bass exhibits a couple of lemon like characterstics. The J pickup is extremely noisy, and microphonic. Yes, single coils will hum, but not as much as this one does. For reference, I also at a later time purchased an SX Jazz LTD, and those pickups are WAY quieter when soloed. There is something wrong with my J pickup. I can't use it without people freaking out wondering what the super annoying super loud hum is. I'm guessing other people's J's sound fine and it's just mine. So really this is just an SX P bass to me now. Which isn't a huge problem as I think I much prefer the P sound anyway.

I do wish the neck was a bit beefier. I don't like how the saddles can just float around all over the bridge, would prefer they had some slots to channel into.

If not for the messed up pickup, I'd say 9, but I'll give 8 here.

My SX bass says something like "vintage custom made" on the headstock. At first I laughed at this as a gimmick, but you know what, I think now that these kind of are custom made. Custom made to whatever specs the guy on the assembly line feels like that day. My biggest issue with my SX basses is quality control, and for the particular bass I have, there are areas that are of lower quality that I think are typical of the average SX bass from the reading I have done. Just a bit unlucky on my part.

Here's the negatives. I'm giving pretty good detail here just so you know what to expect, don't take the long list as me griping too much:
- They used tone pots for volume pots. I pretty much get two levels of volume, off, and on.
- My J pickup is just not right, as stated above.
- The pickup poles sit a bit loose in the pickup covers. I'm not sure SX has a process on how the poles should relate to the covers, it seems like it might be random (hot glued to the covers, stuff underneath, who knows).
- The pickups and/or bridge are out of alignment as the strings don't line up over the poles. Probably not enough to affect the sound, but enough to annoy me visually.
- I've been able to set the neck relief, action, and intonation up pretty well. It was not super great out of the factory but you could make music with it. I have the action fairly low (Fender factory specs), and there is some buzz on a few frets, but useable under amplification. It is fairly playable as is. The fret installation could have been better, there are a few frets that were not seated all the way in all the way across the fret, which causes buzz in these same places. I tried tapping them in but no luck, seems like they might be glued or there is no more space to jam the fret tangs. If these frets are levelled out it would be an absolutely excellent playing bass. I will attempt a fret level one day.
- Some of the shaping/sanding of the neck is a bit suspect, like they sounded out gouges. Running your hand along neck you can feel imperfections. They are small though and do not affect playability.
- Screws for the pickups and pickguard are cheap, and many are installed a bit crooked.
- A volume pot loosed a couple of months after playing. No big deal at all other than freaking me out until I investigated the problem, but I might hope guitar pots would be secured with a bit of loc-tite on the nuts to keep them from loosening right up like that.

On the positive side:
- The neck and body woods are great. For a bass this price it's amazing how much and what quality of wood you get.
- The actual finish on the body and neck is beautiful, thick, and durable looking.
- Tuners are great.
- Overall this bass from a few feet away is just beautiful.

For the unseated frets, messed up J pickup, and wrong pots I have to deduct points. If I bought an expensive bass I certainly wouldn't expect these issues. No doubt the average SX doesn't have at least a couple of these problems. Note however I do also have an SX Jazz LTD, and while better on many fronts, it also came with a physically broken pickup and in my initial attempt I was not been able to intonate it perfectly due to what looks like the bridge and nut being incorrectly placed. So either I am getting quite unlucky with my SXs or I take quality more seriously or something.

Out of the 4 basses I own, this is currently my go to bass. So yes I rehearse and gig with it.

Overall the bass seems very sturdy and solid. The flimsly looking bridge worries me a tiny bit, and the quality of metals used for bits like the screws worries me a bit (already looking a bit stripped from settig it up).

I do worry about the electronics giving out at some point given what I have seen so far from them.

I've never dealt with customer support, but it is supported by the same person who you have to but it from (Rondo Music). Ordering was very efficient and getting it shipped very fast. As a Canadian they made it very easy to order by all duties and taxes being included in the price, no brokerage hassles at the border or with your shipper.

From what I read Rondo stands behind what they sell, I've never heard a bad thing. Perhaps I should have sent my bass back given the couple of issues I have with it but my bass is still quite useable with those issues and it was dirt cheap. I can't be bothered to even go to the hassle of shipping it back. Odd as it may sound, Kurt sounds like a great guy and I wouldn't even want him to eat the cost of the return. I want him to keep making money so that he can keep bringing instruments of this quality to us at this price level.

I've been playing guitar and bass for 25 years (more guitar though).

If this bass was stolen I would not replace it with the exact model. Even with a working J pickup, I now think the P/J combo is not a great one as you can't run two J pickups together to cancel hum since you only have one. I already have a Jazz bass and I'll use that for a totally different sound. What I would do is save the extra 10 bucks and just get the SX P bass instead (or LTD model if they ever get one in). With only one pickup there is less to get wrong or go wrong with the electronics.

What I really love about this bass is that I only paid $120 for it and it is perfectly useable. I mean $120? That's RIDICULOUS. I'm sure if anyone tried it out after I get through setting it up they would guess it cost WAY more money. I absolutely love the feel and mojo this bass projects. I mean I really am in love with this bass. I've been getting back into bass more heavily lately as I play bass in a band, and my plan was to get an SX P and an SX Jazz to see what style of bass I prefer before I commit to a more expensive MIA Fender. Now however I doubt I will ever buy a Fender. Instead I just want to get better at playing bass, sound great on this bass, and kind of rub people the wrong way when they find out I am playing the cheapest bass you can get and sounding and looking good.

Given the issues I am having with the bass however I can only give it an 8 out of 10. If this bass was one of the better ones out of the factory for sure I would give it a 10+ rating given the incredible value.

SX SPJ 62 purchased from Rondo in July 2008; standard features of Precision-Jazz special. This one is black/black. All features as promised by Rondo and described by other reviewers. Very strong value for $109. Best feature is the neck, very playable with good rosewood (?) fretboard and nice constructed back, tinted vintage orange. Tuners and bridge seem budget but adequate and the instrument does remain in tune and intonate. Nothing wrong with the instrument. Pickups are adequate. I've changes countless pickups, but I will leave these in place. I might change the bridge when Guitar Fetish gets a resuply of the heavy black ones. Several screws - in bridge and pickguard, are not fully set. Small details. The neck is a pleasant surprise. Wide and flat, but not too flat nor too wide. I was expecting a Louiseville Slugger thickness to the P-inspired bass, but the neck is not too fat. Nicely done. The body surprised me a bit. It is thinner than expected - not a bad thing - and on the light side. It is lighter than my Ernie Ball Sterling bass, which is light and ergodymaic, and much lighter than my heavily modified 1999 vintage MIM Fender Jazz, which is flat our heavy, especially after being gutted and modded many times over (and very nice).

Sound is adequate and appropriately placed as a P-bass Special type of instrument. Some thinness on the J-pickup side, with the P-pickups delivering most of the tone. Medium voiced. Quiet enough.

Delivered with too-low, buzzing action. Quick set-up and neck adjustment cured that. Easily set up. Hardwared is budget but acceptable. Nothing broken or overtly deficient.

This is a budget instrument, comparable to a Squier. I would expect comparable durability.

Very responsive to email, likely to stand by the product. Quick delivery. No muss, fuss or bother.

Rondo's SX and Agile budget instruments have acquired a good reputation for value. I have been playing almost 40 years, bass and guitar, as an "advanced amateur" according to a recent teacher (whatever that means). I have owned tons of equipment since 194568, good and bad, top names and budget oddballs. I like cheap gear that performs. This is cheao gear that performs. Do not compare it to instruments costing (three, four, five ...) times as much, as some enthusiasts do. That is misleading. SX and Xaviere occupy a unique place in the market: Direct imports from China, benefiting from reasonably good industrial designs and adequate components, manufactured with super low labor cost. That's the whole story. These instruments stand on their own as very good choices for beginners, folks who aren't concerned about kid-damage or college-dorm damage, and for players who enjoy modifying budget instruments (think of past-years' Squier 51 owners). Playable knock-around instruments based on basic designs: J, P, tele and Strats. Higher end SX instruments, and Agile, do compete with Epiphone, for example, but the $109 basses/teles/strats can be appreciated for their low cost, playability and fun factor. Just enjoy.

This is basically a copy of Fender's "P Bass Special" - a Precision bass with also a jazz-style bridge pickup. Mine is the SX SPJ-62 BK - black with black pickguard. Vintage tinted neck - very beautiful and pleasant, included 2 allen-wrenches, just like Fenders.

It's a P-bass with the extra jazz-pickup - to me that's the ultimate config.

Everybody knows that SX instruments are purchased to mod and "trick". That was my expectation too, but I am surprised - the stock strings were even ok (already replaced) and the stock pickups are very decent. plenty of output, P- actually sounds like a P, jazz sounds like a bridge jazz. I'm sure that some nice alnico pickups will be an improvement, but to my ears these are very decent - much more than just placeholders. The P is quiet, as expected, the J is a single-coil pickup, so it has a bit of the standard 60-cycle hum (this is not a defect and present on fenders too - this is solved by shielding). Not overly noisy - easily playable in live situations.

The bass has a deep unmistakable p-bass sound. with new fresh strings it can dish out plenty of modern brightness, but roll back your tone knob - you're in control. It can sound vintage just as easily.

very versatile bass.

i had it shipped in a case, which was probably a good idea. as it is, the bass was 100% setup from the case - low action, no buzzes, intonated and ready to go. pickup height was also optimal.

fretwork is also impressive - it looks like it was hand-filed. the overall finish and feel on this one is just like a MIA Fender! I am not hyping, either. I can't guarantee that all SX's are like this one, it's my only experience with them, but this one is!

I would guess this bass will easily withstand live playing. Hardware looks decent, but it's an easy swap - if it wears out - it's an excuse to get upgrades! no worries.

just like real fenders this bass is like a pair of jeans - it will take on more value/meaning the more scuffs and wear it takes on, IMHO.

even if you manage to scratch/ding/nick/chip it, it really won't detract from its look/feel/tone.

I won't rate this one, because I really don't know yet, though. it's only a few weeks old. But I've never read of SX instruments not being reliable once they're made playable.

i didn't have to rely on support this time, but Kurt from Rondo Music has a very good rep of friendly emails, timely service, etc.

All I can say: shipping was VERY fast.

I've been playing guitar about 15 years, bass about 10. I've owned a couple of Fender Jazzes, a Gibson Ripper, a Yamaha RBX, a Peavey.

This is a phenomenal value for a serious player on a budget and especially for a beginner, who needs a solid instrument for the long haul.

This thing was $119! With a nice case and shipping - still under $200! That beats even a Squier (pricewise) but gives you a much nicer bass. I would rate it a 10 for the model regardless of price, but ESPECIALLY for the money!

I originally bought this bass for the body. I had a Fender neck laying around, and buying an SX was a cheaper, better alternative to buying a seperate body. I ripped out the stock pickups and installed a set of EMG active PJ pickups. Left pretty much everything else alone except for the strap buttons. After a year or so, I came across the original body for the Fender neck, so I switched this SX back to it's original neck/body setup. I left the EMGs in the SX. The first thing I noticed is that the SX neck was a much tighter fit in the neck pocket than the Fender. I was also very pleasantly surprised at how straight the neck was (especially after sitting in storage for a year). The bass I bought just for the body is actually a pretty nice bass! Cheap but functional bridge (although the saddle screws will probably strip out some day), tight tuning machines (so far), excellent finish on the neck and body. I'll give it an 8 because of the cheap bridge. Adjusted for price-to-value I'd give it an 11.

Unfortunately, I never gave the stock pickups a full chance. I needed a quiet bass, and the stocks were just too noisy and thin. Unplugged, the bass is pretty lively and has better than average sustain. I'm using Rotosound Swing Bass strings.

The EMGs are pretty good match for this bass, although you can basically stick EMGs in anything and sound OK. I'm tempted to get a nice set of passive PJ pickups to test the "true" sound of this bass.

No opinion because I never gave the stock PUs a chance.

I ripped it apart as soon as I received it, so I can't comment on the setup. The string guide on the headstock doesn't screw tight against the wood, which I find annoying. Tuning machines are surprisingly tight.

As two pieces of wood bolted together goes, this is a pretty usable (nice, even?) instrument.

I can say that after putting it all back together it was easy to setup. Sometimes you have to really fight the "bargain" instruments, and end up compromising in the end anyway. Not so with this one.

No opinion since It was dismantled practically on arrival.

The body withstood a year of use with a Fender neck. No problems. The bridge is cheap, but has lasted so far. I had to replace the strap buttons, the original ones were way to wimpy. The neck sat in storage for a year, and not optimal conditions either, yet was true when I replaced it on the body.

I give it an 8 because I don't trust the bridge, and I'm betting the tuners start going soft at some point.

I've bought other stuff from Rondo and they ship fast and are totally reliable.

I give them a 9 because I've never put them to the customer service test.

I've been playing a long time. If it was lost or stolen I probably wouldn't buy it again, just because I own 32 guitars and basses right now (I know, it's weird). I could use it as a primary bass if I had to, though. I own lots of basses: a '72 Fender Precision, 2001 Fender American Jazz Bass, Gibson Thunderbird, Warwick Pro Line Corvette, Fender Fretless Jazz Bass, etc etc. This little $150 bass actually keeps up with them, although the EMGs probably help a lot. I wouldn't hesitate to take this bass to a gig, and would feel a lot more comfortable leaving it backstage (or in my car) than my '72 Precision or Gibson Thunderbird.

I'd give this bass a 6 compared to my other basses, but an 8 if left on it's own.

I bought mine with a gig bag. Most of this has been covered by others. It has all the nessary things such as a trusstrod that is adjustable at the head stock (important for ease of adjustment),an adjustable bridge, ect.

Some have complained of a weak output from the E string. I found that after just a few breif adjustments the output is fairly even across all four strings. It sounds just as good as any Fender Bass with a PJ pickup setup. It is very versitile in tone with the P and J pickups. I might at some point put some hotter pickups in it for more punch but it's great just the way it is. I'm running it through a Behringer BX1200 amp.

The Bass is very well built. The neck joint is near perfect. The wood has excellent grain and the Sunburst is better done than some higher end guitars I've seen. The finish is like glass. All of the parts of the guitar are of more than acceptable quality and are put together very well. That being said if you don't know how to adjust the action on a Bass you will need to take it to someone who can adjust it to get the best this guitar has to offer. For what you are going to pay for this Guitar you are still going to come out way ahead. I'm giving it a high mark here as there is a great guitar waiting to be played after a few minor adjustments.

I would rate the durability of this guitar to that of a Fender P or J Bass. It is of the same design and put together just as well as a standard Fender. TOUGH!

It is new so I don't know. At the current price if it had a problem I couldn't fix I'd just pitch it and buy another one. Rondo Music has very high rating in this area.

I am a guitar player who plays Bass once in awhile. I bought it mostly for recording and jaming with others. I've been playing guitar off and on for 40 years. Some of my current equipment:Alvarez Yari acoustic,Switch Oscar Custom with Gibson 498 & 490 pickups, Switch Innovo IV with Demarzio Fred & Joe pickups coil tapped,Carvin X100B amp run through an Avatar G212 with Eminance Private Jack speakers,Marshall JMP-1 run through a Carvin TS-100 in stereo jacked into an Avatar G412 with Greenbacks,ect,ect.
This is one hell of a guitar for the price. I would use this guitar to play any type of gig anywhere. This is an excellent working mans guitar that will give you years of service and you don't "NEED" to move up from. It will do the job and look good while doing it. It has got to be the best deal I think I've EVER seen PERIOD. As to replacing it if it were lost, hell I'm gonna buy a short scale version as soon as I can afford it! If you like Fender P Basses but can't afford one, this is your guitar!

All of these ratings are based on the instrument [i]as it is[/i], the "for the money" disclaimer appears in the Overall rating, since there is not a Value section. Rating a POS as a "10" because it was cheap is unhelpful, IMO.

Four string Vintage White alder precision body, amber tinted maple jazz neck (nice and round), rosewood board, with passive PJ pickups. Three knobs, V, V and T. I would think a balance and master volume configuration would be easier to use, some might prefer active pickups and tone controls. Perfectly usable, and quite versatile as is. I might add a D-Tuner. No case or strap included, but it did come with a couple Allen wrenches, which is nice. Unfortunately, the larger wrench didn't fit anythin on the bass, the smaller one was for the height adjustment on the saddles. The strap buttions are disconcertingly small. Stock strings are a tiny .095-.040, more to follow. It weighs 9lbs 12 oz, feels lighter, has a bit of neck dive.

With stock strings, it sounds decent overall. It lacked a bit in the lows, a slap sounds clicky rather than thumpy. Popping yeilded a sweet, wet sounding "twap." The P pickup did not have the expected grind, the J was rather bright, but could have some interesting applications. The P is of course, louder than the J, the two blended produced a more modern, fairly balanced sound, with the lows still lacking.

I don't like light strings on bass. I put on a set of .105-.045's, and things got better instantly. The meaty growl showed up in the P position, the J got some bark, and both together are very smooth and articulate.

With either set of strings, the tone knob generates nifty and distinct sounds at evrey position, very nice. This knob was the only one with any scratchiness, which is rapidly diminishing, and will probably be completely gone in a couple days.

The E string lacks the same authority as the other strings, in the way that most B strings sound a little rubbery compared to the others; less punchy. It can be controlled with careful amp settings, at leats with heavier strings. It might be pickup related, as it sounds very good unplugged.

The E string was a little tight in the nut, and didn't quite make it to the bottom of the slot. A touch of a file, and it was fine. Intonation: whoah Nelly! I expected trouble, and found practically none. The neck was ruler-straight. No more than 10 cents out (1/10 of a half-step, within the margin of error on most electronic tuners) anywhere on the neck. The errors were about the same in similar areas of the neck, so no weird jumps in a given playing position. The nut was far too tight for the .105's, so I opened it up, cut it deeper to intonate better at the first couple frets, lowered the bridge a hair, and fiddled with the intonation screws, and this sucker is amazingly accurately intonated. A 10 here.

Finish-wise, the Vintage White color is perfect: a replica of aged Arctic White, appearing as a mellow, yellowed cream. The paint had some dents around the jazz pickup, as if it were installed before the finish had dried, and a chip came out while the neck was installed. There are a couple of minor finish flaws, and overall, it was not sanded smooth before the final finish was applied, resulting in a less-shiney looking finish. No bare wood is exposed at the chip, but there is a sharp, rather than rolled edge at the edge of the body/neck joint.

Speaking of neck joint, this one is very tight, ranging from contact to maybe half a credit card, tapered as to open a bit towards the bridge. There are pilot holes next to each of the pots, completely covered by the knobs. Apparantly, the pickguard manufactuer disagrees with the assembly facility as to the optimal placement of the pots.

The hardware is all fine, except for the jr. strap buttons, which I replaced. There was a little scratch on one of the tuners, and the base plate to the bridge could have been heftier, IMO.

Tough to rate it this low, due to the action, but if you are a stickler for a perfect finish, I can't really go higher.

I have no concerns. The finish does not appear to be a poly-type, and will chip more readily. Other than that, it could be used to club seals, and stay in tune. The itty bitty strap buttons have been upgraded to straplocks.

So far, I've only deal with the buying end, couldn't be better.

With 17 years of stringed instrument playing, and a ranch of eleven guitars and basses, I give it an 8. That doesn't represent an average of the other scores, but a weighted scale of what matters. It sounds good enough for live or studio use, intonates near perfect, and produces a competant range of sounds. It plays quite well, and is comfortable sitting or standing. It looks fantastic, unless you are studying it for flaws. I might change pickups, to see if it addresses the E string balance issue, but I half expected to have to gut the electronics, and replace the hardware.

This bass is far superior to any Squire I have seen, and easily a match for MIM's, except the finish could be applied better. The action and intonation is at least equivalent to USA Fenders. Really. It would be a decent buy at double the price.

A superior choice to learn the instrument, and really, no convincing reason not to take one on stage. I wish they were offerd with a maple board, so much so that I may buy another SX with a maple neck and swap parts. Why are you still reading? Go, buy, now!

All of these ratings are based on the instrument [i]as it is[/i], the "for the money" disclaimer appears in the Overall rating, since there is not a Value section. Rating a POS as a "10" because it was cheap is unhelpful, IMO.

Four string Vintage White alder precision body, amber tinted maple jazz neck (nice and round), rosewood board, with passive PJ pickups. Three knobs, V, V and T. I would think a balance and master volume configuration would be easier to use, some might prefer active pickups and tone controls. Perfectly usable, and quite versatile as is. I might add a D-Tuner. No case or strap included, but it did come with a couple Allen wrenches, which is nice. Unfortunately, the larger wrench didn't fit anythin on the bass, the smaller one was for the height adjustment on the saddles. The strap buttions are disconcertingly small. Stock strings are a tiny .095-.040, more to follow. It weighs 9lbs 12 oz, feels lighter, has a bit of neck dive.

With stock strings, it sounds decent overall. It lacked a bit in the lows, a slap sounds clicky rather than thumpy. Popping yeilded a sweet, wet sounding "twap." The P pickup did not have the expected grind, the J was rather bright, but could have some interesting applications. The P is of course, louder than the J, the two blended produced a more modern, fairly balanced sound, with the lows still lacking.

I don't like light strings on bass. I put on a set of .105-.045's, and things got better instantly. The meaty growl showed up in the P position, the J got some bark, and both together are very smooth and articulate.

With either set of strings, the tone knob generates nifty and distinct sounds at evrey position, very nice. This knob was the only one with any scratchiness, which is rapidly diminishing, and will probably be completely gone in a couple days.

The E string lacks the same authority as the other strings, in the way that most B strings sound a little rubbery compared to the others; less punchy. It can be controlled with careful amp settings, at leats with heavier strings. It might be pickup related, as it sounds very good unplugged.

The E string was a little tight in the nut, and didn't quite make it to the bottom of the slot. A touch of a file, and it was fine. Intonation: whoah Nelly! I expected trouble, and found practically none. The neck was ruler-straight. No more than 10 cents out (1/10 of a half-step, within the margin of error on most electronic tuners) anywhere on the neck. The errors were about the same in similar areas of the neck, so no weird jumps in a given playing position. The nut was far too tight for the .105's, so I opened it up, cut it deeper to intonate better at the first couple frets, lowered the bridge a hair, and fiddled with the intonation screws, and this sucker is amazingly accurately intonated. A 10 here.

Finish-wise, the Vintage White color is perfect: a replica of aged Arctic White, appearing as a mellow, yellowed cream. The paint had some dents around the jazz pickup, as if it were installed before the finish had dried, and a chip came out while the neck was installed. There are a couple of minor finish flaws, and overall, it was not sanded smooth before the final finish was applied, resulting in a less-shiney looking finish. No bare wood is exposed at the chip, but there is a sharp, rather than rolled edge at the edge of the body/neck joint.

Speaking of neck joint, this one is very tight, ranging from contact to maybe half a credit card, tapered as to open a bit towards the bridge. There are pilot holes next to each of the pots, completely covered by the knobs. Apparantly, the pickguard manufactuer disagrees with the assembly facility as to the optimal placement of the pots.

The hardware is all fine, except for the jr. strap buttons, which I replaced. There was a little scratch on one of the tuners, and the base plate to the bridge could have been heftier, IMO.

Tough to rate it this low, due to the action, but if you are a stickler for a perfect finish, I can't really go higher.

I have no concerns. The finish does not appear to be a poly-type, and will chip more readily. Other than that, it could be used to club seals, and stay in tune. The itty bitty strap buttons have been upgraded to straplocks.

So far, I've only deal with the buying end, couldn't be better.

With 17 years of stringed instrument playing, and a ranch of eleven guitars and basses, I give it an 8. That doesn't represent an average of the other scores, but a weighted scale of what matters. It sounds good enough for live or studio use, intonates near perfect, and produces a competant range of sounds. It plays quite well, and is comfortable sitting or standing. It looks fantastic, unless you are studying it for flaws. I might change pickups, to see if it addresses the E string balance issue, but I half expected to have to gut the electronics, and replace the hardware.

This bass is far superior to any Squire I have seen, and easily a match for MIM's, except the finish could be applied better. The action and intonation is at least equivalent to USA Fenders. Really. It would be a decent buy at double the price.

A superior choice to learn the instrument, and really, no convincing reason not to take one on stage. I wish they were offerd with a maple board, so much so that I may buy another SX with a maple neck and swap parts. Why are you still reading? Go, buy, now!

New customer request model. Ash body with maple neck rosewood board, offset fret markers,Passive P-J pickups, white pearl pickguard, standard Jazz bass layout. For the price and the quality of the wood i think its a great buy.The electronics are really not bad. Korean made,Satin stain finish kinda like the older Peaveys (you can feel the grain). Holding the bass is well balanced and has that typical Fender feel.

Has that P-Jazz sound. The p/u's seem a little on the weak side but they still have a nice low end punch.

Overall looking at the instrument you see no problems. I had to tweak the setup a little when it came but thats normal with all new guitars.The finish is far better than i expected, The only issue i have is the frets could use a little more beveling on the edges.

Seems well made. About the only thing i plan to change is the pickguard and thats only because i want a black one. I might put hotter P/U's in but im really in no hurry to.

Second guitar i bought from kurt. The first was absolutely flawless. Other than the fret issue i ordered the bass with the maple fretboard but received a rosewood instead. I prefer maple boards on basses but after playing it for a day or so the rosewood grew on me so im keeping her. Kurt ships fast and his prices are great but he doesnt leave feedback. I need my points kurt.

Im a guitar player. I wanted a good inexpensive bass to keep around and thats what i got. Ill buy from kurt again because he sells good stuff at honest prices and from what ive read he stands behind every sale. been playing guitar and bass for 27 years. I think i bought the right bass. If it was stolen i would buy another one. Im giving this a 10. Where else can you get an ash/maple p/j bass of this quality delivered for less than $190.00.

Bought 2/3/06
Antique White w/black Pickguard
Passive Pickups
Very nice look and feel.
Strings are a much narrow gauge (at least narrower than my 2 Washburns)
Seems lighter than my 2 Washburns bu 1-2 lbs.
Smooth finish in look and feel including the neck.
I would say finish is as good as any new guitar. If you look close at any guitar you can find something not perfect.
Packed in double box.

Sound is good to very good. It has passive pickups so it is not as bright as my 2 Washburns. (MB40 and Force 4)

Set up perfectly. Just needed to tune it.
With the narrow strings it has a very light touch. I like it, but am not sure how the narrow strings and light tension effect the sound overall. I may change to a more std gauge to try it. It may be that I will like narrower gauge on my other 2 basses, as the light touch feels nice and easy to play.

It seems put together well and is nice , materials. It feels light.

Shipped 2 days after I paid for it and received it on 3rd day. (Ordered Tuesday night and received it Friday). Received email receipt and shipping tracking# info as they said they would.

2005 made in China P bass body with a J bass neck. It is a solid alder body with maple neck and rosewood fret board. The bass has passive P/J pick ups and Fender-like tuners and bridge. The finish is a beautiful 3 tone sunburst topped off with a 3-ply black pickguard. I opted for the $50 case too.

I use the bass for rock music with a cheap amp and a Digitech BP200 pedal. It sounded good stock, but got it with the intent to learn how to upgrade parts. I upgraded it with Fender Original Precision Bass pickups, the pots to CTS 250, a Sprague Orange Drop and cloth wire. Wow-it sounds great now! It goes from a warm to bright sound, dependent on which pick up you highlight.

I did a little fretwork-again this purchased with the intent of a project bass. It was fine with out but I wanted to attempt to fine tune it. The bass did need to be set-up, but since I was going to rewire it that was inevitable. One tuner was scratched and the original pickguard was warped. However the pickguard issue was resolved by Kurt/Rondo's great customer service (see below). The finish, again was beautiful.

This bass is build like a rock. The finish is great and with the upgraded pots it is very gig worthy. The strap buttons seemed fine but I put on strap locks as I do with all my guitars.

Kurt at Rondo provides excellent customer service. The 2 ply pickguard that came with the bass was warped. I emailed him regarding the problem and he responded right away. He shipped out a new 3 ply pickguard very quickly. This is my second guitar from Rondo and definately not my last!

I have been playing bass for about a year. I have been playing guitar off and on for 20 years. Rondo provides great quality products for the price. If the bass was stolen or lost, I would hope online and order a new one. Great value for the price and is fun to tinker with.