Thinkin Bout Getting a Cheap Bass

Just something for occassional recordings and a few songs here and there.

What about those SX models from Rondo?

And should I get a short scale or the longer scale? I don't really know the difference except one has the longer neck.

I just bought an SX short-scale P-bass copy from Rondo, but haven't gotten it here yet (it was shipped to a friend of mine, so as not to upset SWMBO). I hear that they're very decent instruments, particularly for the price.

As for the short-scale/long scale difference, some will tell you (hi, Dave!) that short-scale basses lack some tonal depth and complexity, but I can tell you, based on gigging both 34" scale and 30" scale basses, that's a mostly imaginary difference...

And obviously, on a shorter scale instrument, the frets are slightly closer together, so the stretches aren't as far, something that my relatively small hands appreciate!

Cheers, Tim

What about those SX models from Rondo?

The SX basses are loved by many. Awesome basses, especially for the low, low prices. You can't go wrong!


And should I get a short scale or the longer scale? I don't really know the difference except one has the longer neck.

There may be subtle tonal variations, but I don't think I could tell which was which blindfolded. Many guitar players (or people with short arms) bond with the short-scales more easily. I prefer the long-scale, but that's more about the basses I like (Fenders Ps and Js) rather than the length of scale. I'd love it if somebody gave me a short-scale Hofner or Gibson bass.

For a starter bass, it's hard to beat the drop-dead simplicity of a P-Bass clone. Js can give you more things to play with (e.g. two pickups), but the P is a THUMP machine! I love flatwound strings on a P-bass (classic thump, very Motown). My current bass is a 5-string, J-pickuped, extra-long-scale (35") Squier MB-5.

Get one and tell us what you think!

SX is a no brainer. I wouldn't sweat the tonal difference between long and short scale. That is why there are dials on the amp. Good Luck!

Dan

I'm the first one to ask questions that have been asked a million times before but . . .

You know this has been asked a million times before. Here and elsewhere. Do a quick search.

Everyone who has gotten the SX seems to love it.

Here is my personal common plug:

http://www.ibanez.com/bass/series.aspx?s=gaxb

Great looks. Medium scale. Great price. Great tone.


I wouldn't sweat the tonal difference between long and short scale. That is why there are dials on the amp.

Exactly.

mark,

I bought an SX Jazz copy a while back. I'm very happy with it.

Rondo used to have a shop about 15 minutes from my house. I had a chance to go and compare the short scale version with the full scale. My inclination was to buy the short scale because I am a guitar player and felt that I wouldn't really have the reach for a full scale neck. Well, the full scale version ended up coming home with me. There was quite a difference in the fullness of the sound between the two basses. I have average sized hands, and I felt that the full scale wasn't too difficult to get around on. So... at least with the SX Jazz copies, I think you might just prefer the sound of the full scale over the short scale.