New SX Tele=Ridiculous! (Good Ridiculous, not Bad)

the recluse · April 3rd, 2008, 04:27 PM

I ordered one of the recently listed Black SX STL-50 teles from Rondomusic a couple of days ago, and it was waiting for me when I got home today (pics will be up soon).

All I can say is that I am VERY impressed. The fretwork is fantastic, no sharp edges or high frets on a very nice chunky maple neck. Other posters have alluded to needing to replace the tuners, but these seem ok. I think I am going to let them stay for a while. The pots seem decent and it sounds great both plugged in and unplugged. This was $123 shipped, and this guitar is more than worth that.

Also, as other posters have mentioned the neck rout is HB sized. When I asked Rondo directly, they said it was an sc rout, but apparently not.

the recluse · April 3rd, 2008, 07:55 PM

Here's a couple of pics:

jwells393 · April 3rd, 2008, 08:16 PM

That looks great. I've really been tempted to buy one of those but I'm trying to stop my guitar buying addiction. Haven't bought one in over a year.

I read these threads about guys buying the Saga and Grizzly kits. I think a better option is to buy an SX Tele style ........ take it apart and put it back together. You'd probably end up with a better guitar at a cheaper price.

SatelliteOrders · April 3rd, 2008, 08:27 PM

Part of what I want to learn is doing a finish, so I <i>will</i> get myself a Grizzly someday.

But everything I hear says that the SXs are good, and I am desperate for a #1 tele, so I will break down one of these days.

BroadMaster · April 3rd, 2008, 08:31 PM

How does the new teleclone get along with the ampeg? What model is that, btw. Good score on the Rondo. How chunky is the neck? Could you take time to measure thickness at the nut and 12th fret, if ya have time?
Thanks

Nashter · April 3rd, 2008, 08:51 PM

Glad you got a good one. I had a BAD ridiculous SX Tele. The bridge was too close to the nut that it would not intonate. I couldn't get the saddles back far enough. I tried to move the bridge back but its a lot harder to plug and drill 6 good holes when the body is finished. hard to line up on the drill press, and finish cracking. I sold the neck on ebay, and the body is a hunk o junk in my closet.

toadman · April 3rd, 2008, 09:00 PM

nice cheapie! now tell us about those cool looking pedals in the pix!

PJ · April 3rd, 2008, 09:02 PM

I'm tempted to Hot Hod one of these Xaviere things - the P90 model, perhaps. But, I'm waiting to hear more about them.

JDRNoPro · April 3rd, 2008, 09:19 PM

Congrats Recluse!! Your experience matches mine for the 2 SX's I bought this year. Both are now Esquire clones & real players but were very good well beyond their meager price right out of the box. I haven't taken the time to measure my necks but would be interested if you do. Both of mine are noticeably chunkier than my AV 52. I've been hoping the SX would be available in black, but not quite this soon LOL !! Looks great with that dark amber neck. BTW, headstock reshape is pretty easy if you should ever be so inclined. Cool Ampeg, too........

rotren · April 3rd, 2008, 09:23 PM

I got an SX Strat and it was so-so. I had some fret issues, but otherwise it was promising. The wood was really resonant and good sounding in mine. I think it's hit and miss with SX guitars. The quality control is very up and down but I have heard from quite a few who have been lucky and prefer theirs to a MIM.

getbent · April 3rd, 2008, 09:26 PM

I just bought this for my niece... I can't wait to hear it.

the recluse · April 3rd, 2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadMaster

How does the new teleclone get along with the ampeg? What model is that, btw.

Everything gets along with the Ampeg. It's a '67 Gemini VI. The 15" speaker gives it lots of thud, but it's so clean and tight it sounds nice with most everything.

I'll try and get measurements on the 12th fret this weekend. Rondo site says the nut is 1 5/8"

the recluse · April 3rd, 2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toadman

nice cheapie! now tell us about those cool looking pedals in the pix!

The one on top of the amp is a passive tone control like a Varitone.

On the floor left to right:

Dr. Boogey, It's a Mesa DR circuit using Jfet transistors instead of tubes. Nails the Mesa sound really well.

BYOC Envelope filter is in the middle.

The last one is an Omnidrive. It's a circuit developed by John Hollis. It can approximate a bunch of well-known pedals (Treble Boost, Clean Boost, TS, Big Muff, Dist+, Ampeg Scrambler, Fender Blender, etc.)
It doesn't sound exactly like any of them, but it comes pretty close in a lot of cases. It's a nice tool for trying out a bunch of different sounds to see what you like. It's also nice for stacking. I don;t need two TS's I just need one, and then can play with the omnidrive.

I've gone DIY crazy. The only commercial pedals I have now are a Boss Tuner and NS-2 (the HM-2 is a friend's that needed some repair).

blueshawk1 · April 3rd, 2008, 09:44 PM

I have three SX guitars, an ash tele, a strat and an Lp jr. type with P90s, I've been very satisfied with all three. I've only gotten one SX that I had to return, and the problem with it was the vintage white had a flourescent green hue to it.

the recluse · April 3rd, 2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ

I'm tempted to Hot Hod one of these Xaviere things - the P90 model, perhaps. But, I'm waiting to hear more about them.

I have one of these as well. They are pretty nice. I would say the quality on these is usually very good. I intended to mod mine, but kept running into issues like the rout size for the pups and things. I have added new tuners, string trees, and a coil tap. The only thing I may change on it in the future is graphite saddles and possibly some GFS mean 90 pups.

Daddydex · April 3rd, 2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueshawk1

I have three SX guitars, an ash tele, a strat and an Lp jr. type with P90s, I've been very satisfied with all three. I've only gotten one SX that I had to return, and the problem with it was the vintage white had a flourescent green hue to it.

I have an SX Strat with that color. It is the only guitar I have ever been tempted to refinish. I think it would look nice with a tortoise guard but that would be cost prohibitive (2 p90's) considering the cost of the guitar. But you are right, that color is butt ugly.

Dan

PJ · April 3rd, 2008, 10:01 PM

Recluse...is the neck replaceable with "licensed" stuff on the Xaviere?
Wonder if it on the SX and Turser models, also?

jwells393 · April 3rd, 2008, 10:06 PM

Getbent ................ You're going to owe us a detailed review of that thing.

DLGinSC · April 4th, 2008, 01:36 AM

I have two SX teles (see my avatar) and also an SX lap steel. The guys over on the Steel Guitar forum love the lap steels. I call my teles Dagwood 'n Blondie. I had the same problem with Dagwood, the black-on-black tele that Nashter had with his. But, I went to the local hobby shop and got some shorter black steel screws, cut the springs in half and adjusted almost as tight as they would go. Intonation is almost right on now. Mine is 1-5/8" at nut and 2" at 12th fret.

the recluse · April 4th, 2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ

Recluse...is the neck replaceable with "licensed" stuff on the Xaviere?
Wonder if it on the SX and Turser models, also?

I'm not sure how the Xaviere will do with licensed parts. I seem to recall someone on the HC forums putting their MIM neck on a Xaviere, and it fit, and the screw holes lined up, but there was a significant gap in the neck pocket.

rhomco · April 4th, 2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the recluse

I have one of these as well. They are pretty nice. I would say the quality on these is usually very good. I intended to mod mine, but kept running into issues like the rout size for the pups and things. I have added new tuners, string trees, and a coil tap. The only thing I may change on it in the future is graphite saddles and possibly some GFS mean 90 pups.

Not to hijack this fine SX thread but I got one of the P-90 GFS Tele Style guitars and modded it up for a friend. Turned out to be a fine player and a fun project. The neck is a full 3/32 wider than a Fender at the neck pocket.
Rob

the recluse · April 4th, 2008, 08:10 AM

That looks great!

I believe there are some new Xaviere models on the way, I hope they have pickguards, it just allows for some nice looks.

capt pearl · April 4th, 2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

I just bought this for my niece... I can't wait to hear it.

what is this? looks great.

BrutherBill · April 4th, 2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt pearl

what is this? looks great.

It's one of these:

http://www.rondomusic.com/wf150ta.html

It's a stunning looking guitar for hardly any coin. Just that body alone is worth more than they're asking for that guitar.

April 3rd, 2008, 04:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
the recluse TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 33	New SX Tele=Ridiculous! (Good Ridiculous, not Bad) I ordered one of the recently listed Black SX STL-50 teles from Rondomusic a couple of days ago, and it was waiting for me when I got home today (pics will be up soon). All I can say is that I am VERY impressed. The fretwork is fantastic, no sharp edges or high frets on a very nice chunky maple neck. Other posters have alluded to needing to replace the tuners, but these seem ok. I think I am going to let them stay for a while. The pots seem decent and it sounds great both plugged in and unplugged. This was $123 shipped, and this guitar is more than worth that. Also, as other posters have mentioned the neck rout is HB sized. When I asked Rondo directly, they said it was an sc rout, but apparently not.

April 3rd, 2008, 08:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 11,121 101 Photos	That looks great. I've really been tempted to buy one of those but I'm trying to stop my guitar buying addiction. Haven't bought one in over a year. I read these threads about guys buying the Saga and Grizzly kits. I think a better option is to buy an SX Tele style ........ take it apart and put it back together. You'd probably end up with a better guitar at a cheaper price. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

April 3rd, 2008, 08:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
SatelliteOrders Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Age: 38 Posts: 380	Part of what I want to learn is doing a finish, so I <i>will</i> get myself a Grizzly someday. But everything I hear says that the SXs are good, and I am desperate for a #1 tele, so I will break down one of these days. __________________

April 3rd, 2008, 08:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
BroadMaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: PARIS. REPUBLIC of TEXAS Age: 54 Posts: 1,456 4 Photos	How does the new teleclone get along with the ampeg? What model is that, btw. Good score on the Rondo. How chunky is the neck? Could you take time to measure thickness at the nut and 12th fret, if ya have time? Thanks __________________ {disclaimer} It's like EVERYTHING* else on this entire forum, it boils down to what *YOU* choose, to suit you.

April 3rd, 2008, 09:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
toadman Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: andoverandoverandover,ct Age: 45 Posts: 865	nice cheapie! now tell us about those cool looking pedals in the pix! __________________ toadman the plank spanker www.slugnickel.com www.zydecohogs.com "The ultimate result of protecting man from folly is to fill the world with fools" Herbert Spencer

April 3rd, 2008, 07:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
the recluse TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 33	Here's a couple of pics:

April 3rd, 2008, 08:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Nashter TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Beaverton, OR Age: 36 Posts: 16	Glad you got a good one. I had a BAD ridiculous SX Tele. The bridge was too close to the nut that it would not intonate. I couldn't get the saddles back far enough. I tried to move the bridge back but its a lot harder to plug and drill 6 good holes when the body is finished. hard to line up on the drill press, and finish cracking. I sold the neck on ebay, and the body is a hunk o junk in my closet.

April 3rd, 2008, 09:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
PJ Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,746 4 Photos	I'm tempted to Hot Hod one of these Xaviere things - the P90 model, perhaps. But, I'm waiting to hear more about them. __________________ PJ "I don't know if it's art, but I like it."

April 3rd, 2008, 09:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
JDRNoPro Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Orrington, ME Age: 57 Posts: 196 1 Photos	Congrats Recluse!! Your experience matches mine for the 2 SX's I bought this year. Both are now Esquire clones & real players but were very good well beyond their meager price right out of the box. I haven't taken the time to measure my necks but would be interested if you do. Both of mine are noticeably chunkier than my AV 52. I've been hoping the SX would be available in black, but not quite this soon LOL !! Looks great with that dark amber neck. BTW, headstock reshape is pretty easy if you should ever be so inclined. Cool Ampeg, too........

April 3rd, 2008, 09:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
rotren Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Canada, but born and raised in Sweden. Posts: 173	I got an SX Strat and it was so-so. I had some fret issues, but otherwise it was promising. The wood was really resonant and good sounding in mine. I think it's hit and miss with SX guitars. The quality control is very up and down but I have heard from quite a few who have been lucky and prefer theirs to a MIM. __________________ Free blues guitar lessons - Hellhound, Vox, Fender video clips & blues jazz funk lessons

April 3rd, 2008, 09:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 8,732 37 Photos	I just bought this for my niece... I can't wait to hear it. __________________ I got a room at the top of the world tonight, I got a room at the top of the world tonight, and I ain't... comin'... down.

April 3rd, 2008, 09:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
blueshawk1 Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Upstate NY Age: 50 Posts: 224 6 Photos	I have three SX guitars, an ash tele, a strat and an Lp jr. type with P90s, I've been very satisfied with all three. I've only gotten one SX that I had to return, and the problem with it was the vintage white had a flourescent green hue to it.

April 3rd, 2008, 10:01 PM	#17 (permalink)
PJ Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,746 4 Photos	Recluse...is the neck replaceable with "licensed" stuff on the Xaviere? Wonder if it on the SX and Turser models, also? __________________ PJ "I don't know if it's art, but I like it."

April 3rd, 2008, 10:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 11,121 101 Photos	Getbent ................ You're going to owe us a detailed review of that thing. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

April 4th, 2008, 01:36 AM	#19 (permalink)
DLGinSC Banned TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 64	I have two SX teles (see my avatar) and also an SX lap steel. The guys over on the Steel Guitar forum love the lap steels. I call my teles Dagwood 'n Blondie. I had the same problem with Dagwood, the black-on-black tele that Nashter had with his. But, I went to the local hobby shop and got some shorter black steel screws, cut the springs in half and adjusted almost as tight as they would go. Intonation is almost right on now. Mine is 1-5/8" at nut and 2" at 12th fret.

April 4th, 2008, 08:10 AM	#22 (permalink)
the recluse TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 33	That looks great! I believe there are some new Xaviere models on the way, I hope they have pickguards, it just allows for some nice looks.