Members JonDeath Posted December 24, 2008 Members Share Posted December 24, 2008 I bought two of these after having been very pleased with Rondo's guitars. (one green flame, one black and gold hardware) HOWEVER, while these basses make for some serious eye candy and are built really well, I warn thee of their poorly performing electronics. The blend knob is a killer. Seems to lower output impedance due to resistance and you don't get much of a blend option. The overall output is solid but should be higher for an active system. I suspect the blend control is responsible for the lack of emphasis and power. The two EQ bands work well but, there's no passive tone cut! You can cut the treble control but it doesn't pull it off, these model lines seriously need a good ole fashion passive tone cut. I've never heard of a bass not having one as it's so incredibly important for delivering that thick, velvety, rich blubbery tone most jazz, rock and even metal bassists demand. Who else owns one and was disappointed with the electronic performance? All of my instruments are customized, some custom built and yet I've never been so disappointed with any instrument I've ever bought straight out of the box. And what will I do you ask? I will pull the blend knob and give each pickup it's own volume for starters. Next I will add a passive tone cut since the moron that designed them thought it was a good idea to eliminate...since obviously the idiot doesn't play bass. Lastly, if the weakness is still there and due to the pickups themselves, I'll either add a second onboard preamp to boost signal or do the unthinkable and buy higher output pickups. But Argh! A lot of work I shouldn't have to put in but if I don't, they will start growing mold! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 82Daion Posted December 24, 2008 Members Share Posted December 24, 2008 Most basses with a preamp don't have a passive tone control. I'd blame the overall electronics package for your woes, but the preamp is probably causing most of your trouble. It's not just the pan control-the whole circuit probably sucks. Getting it out of the signal path is probably a wise course of action. Once that's done, you can leave the bass passive or swap in a better-designed unit such as a Bartolini or Aguilar. And if weak output is an issue, why not just turn up the preamp gain on your amp? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hi.flyer Posted December 24, 2008 Members Share Posted December 24, 2008 'Thee'? Did you really just say 'thee'? Uh, regardless, thanks for the heads up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members brbadg Posted December 25, 2008 Members Share Posted December 25, 2008 Most SX basses undergo some sort of modification after they're bought.Having said that,perhaps you got a lemon.Did you ask Kurt if there might be a problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 82Daion Posted December 25, 2008 Members Share Posted December 25, 2008 Most SX basses undergo some sort of modification after they're bought.Having said that,perhaps you got a lemon.Did you ask Kurt if there might be a problem? I doubt that there's a problem-it's just that they've got to cut corners somewhere on a $180 six-string, and the electronics are one easy place to skimp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FreestyleIntruder Posted December 25, 2008 Members Share Posted December 25, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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