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Bass guitar pickup upgrade option for the 6-string SX Ursa 2

You probably have two immediate questions just from the title of this article alone, that being:

Why are we talking about the SX Ursa 2 6-string from Rondo (also in sunburst), a sub-$200 bass guitar?

Why would anyone bother to buy a sub-$200 bass, only to put more than $200 worth of pickup upgrades into it?

These are good questions, and we have good answers.

The SX Ursa 2 from Rondo is a bit of a special thing in the bass world, as it is one of the very few 6-string electric bass guitars with a Jazz Bass shape using a Jazz Bass configuration.

Now before you say, “There are tons of basses like that!” Not really. You can find 4 and 5-string Jazz Bass clones everywhere. But in the 6-string department, that’s not-so easy to come by.

Also, neither Fender nor Squier to date has ever made a regular production run 6-string Jazz Bass model using a traditional shape and layout. The only two that ever came close were the Fender Bass VI (not a traditional Jazz Bass) and Fender Steve Bailey VI 6-String (not listed on Fender’s web site anymore so assumed out-of-production, had non-standard pick guard and non-standard output jack among other things.)

In other words, the 6-string SX Ursa 2 is for most players the only 6-string Jazz Bass option available that keeps the traditional Jazz Bass shape and control layout.

Problem: What to do for a pickup upgrade?

The Jazz pickups that the 6-string SX Ursa 2 uses are unique to the instrument. You could arguably say they’re proprietary.

Not only is a pickup upgrade set next to impossible to find for one of these things, but it’s even tougher to get a set that has a traditional Jazz Bass tone to them.

But we have something that will work.

Solution: Custom pickup without breaking the bank

Above is the Nordstrand Big Single 6 specifically made for 16mm bridge string spacing.

Is this a drop-in solution? No. You will need a routing template. This acrylic template will work for that, or you can use this one which will also work.

Worth it?

It is for those that want a 6-string Jazz Bass that looks like a Jazz, has controls like a Jazz, plays like a Jazz (give or take,) and sounds like a Jazz.

After upgrades, you still end up with a 6-string Jazz Bass that has great tone for significantly less than you would pay for a custom build.

Of course, you would have to actually like the 6-string SX Ursa 2 and get along with its neck and playing characteristics before installing a bunch of upgrades into it. Fortunately, the 6-string Ursa 2 is cheap to buy new, so you don’t have to spend a lot to try it out. If the bass agrees with you, now you have a good pickup upgrade option.

Got questions?

We answer a lot of questions from SX bass owners that are looking for upgrades, and we’re more than happy to answer any question you would have. Contact us by email or phone.

14 thoughts on “Bass guitar pickup upgrade option for the 6-string SX Ursa 2”

  1. I bought a GSR206 as my first 6 string, thinking if I liked it I would upgrade the pick ups. I love having 6 strings but I didnt like the bass. I ended up selling it and upgraded to a SR506. But this bass I really like and would have done the same thing and saved a ton of cash. For the price you cant beat it.

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  2. i have the SX 6 string. i replaced pots, shielded cavities (a must). THe upgrade you suggest is GREAT, but the bass weights ELEVEN POUNDS

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  3. Another way to go, that is even cheaper is to replace a original pickups with a pair of Bart MK1’s (5 string). With a little routing I put a set of used MK1’s in one of these basses, along with a slightly wider bridge and it is a killer bass for the total investment…under $250.

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  4. Another way to go is to drop a pair of Bart MK series pickups in. I put a pair of MK1’s (purchased used), wired passive, and even was able put on a slightly wider bridge and the bass is now killer, especially for the total investment of under $250.

    Reply
  5. The Hippo 6-string pickups from Pure Tone are supposed to be a drop-in replacement (or close to it), but I haven’t had the chance to try it yet (and I do have one of these basses).

    Reply
  6. I have 5 assorted bass guitars that I play, Fender Jazz, some obscure violin basses and a 4 string SX which I prefer to play out of all of them. It is fitted with flat wound strings and set up for a low action. It does not have the growl of the Jazz bass but is one of the most comfortable gigging basses that i have ever owned so I play it for most gigs.

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  7. I upgraded my $129.00 SX 6 string jazz with some MK1 pickups and a Bassmods 3band preamp…a new bridge and bone nut all for under $300.00

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  8. I upgraded my SX sunburst 6er with 6 string Bartolini MK1 pickups and a Bassmods 3 band preamp. Added a new bridge and bone nut and fret work, all for roughly $300.00. The bass looks and sounds amazing

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  9. I have one of these basses with an alder body (I think most of them are basswood now). The stock pickups are terrible. I had Jerry Amalfitano in Keller, TX rewind them for me. He took out he junk ceramic slugs, replaced them with alnico V magnets, and rewound them to a hot 60s spec. And it was less than $100, including shipping. They sound KILLER. (Btw, I don’t have any kind of endorsement deal with Amalfitano. He just did a good job at a great price.) Now I have a 6-string passive j that sounds like it’s supposed to without the hassle of routing out bigger cavities. I replaced the bridge, installed a Tusq nut, and shielded the cavities. Oh, and I gave it a fret job too. Now I just need to find or make a new pickguard for it.

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