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Stagg BC300 - Natural : Audiofanzine FR's user review
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Characteristics
(Originally written by crrcrr/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Made in Asia (I don't know where exactly). 24 frets, Fender-type bridge, sealed lubricated machine heads (I guess...), two pickups (one Precision and one Jazz bass), two volume controls plus one tone control. Jazz bass-like neck and Ibanez-like body shaping.
Made in Asia (I don't know where exactly). 24 frets, Fender-type bridge, sealed lubricated machine heads (I guess...), two pickups (one Precision and one Jazz bass), two volume controls plus one tone control. Jazz bass-like neck and Ibanez-like body shaping.
Utilization
The neck feels nice, it's neither too thick nor too slim. Quite good considering the instrument's price. The bass is rather light. Neck and bridge must be adjusted to offer a good playability. Good access to the upper frets, on the same level as an Ibanez.
This bass is really bad for finger picking: it generates too much noise because the pickups are not properly mounted. They use a low-quality fixation system: 2" screws and cheap springs.
The pickups and electronics compartments are not shielded, wires are not threaded, the input connector is extremely fragile and unreliable, the potentiometers generate noise and aren't properly fixed. It's a disaster!
It's impossible to get a good sound without noise.
This bass is really bad for finger picking: it generates too much noise because the pickups are not properly mounted. They use a low-quality fixation system: 2" screws and cheap springs.
The pickups and electronics compartments are not shielded, wires are not threaded, the input connector is extremely fragile and unreliable, the potentiometers generate noise and aren't properly fixed. It's a disaster!
It's impossible to get a good sound without noise.
Sounds
I bought this bass for its neck and body. I payed next to nothing for it on ebay. Before customizing it I tried it out with my EBS stack (Fafner + 2x10" + 4x10" + Microbass II preamp).
It provides the sound performance of a low-end product. My previous bass (a budget Vantage for beginners) sounded better. When it comes to low-end Asian bass guitars, it's all a matter of luck: either it sounds ok or it doesn't sound at all. I guess I was unlucky!
The Precision pickup sounds muddy and the Jazz pickup doesn't growl at all. The output volume is extremely low compared to my main bass, a SPECTOR US providing a very powerful output level...
The sound of this bass has no character at all, meaning it is pretty versatile but with a bad sound. Its lousy electronic create too much noise.
It provides the sound performance of a low-end product. My previous bass (a budget Vantage for beginners) sounded better. When it comes to low-end Asian bass guitars, it's all a matter of luck: either it sounds ok or it doesn't sound at all. I guess I was unlucky!
The Precision pickup sounds muddy and the Jazz pickup doesn't growl at all. The output volume is extremely low compared to my main bass, a SPECTOR US providing a very powerful output level...
The sound of this bass has no character at all, meaning it is pretty versatile but with a bad sound. Its lousy electronic create too much noise.
Overall Opinion
I didn't take me long to realize everything about it: it has good quality woods but all other components are a disaster.
It's a bas for beginners: it offers a good playability and it's very affordable. But you''l want to change it after one year.
I will fully customize it keeping only the neck and the body. I will install another pickups, fully new electronic components (2-band EQ), new machine heads, a new bridge, etc. I will also shield the electronic compartments and maybe strip the body finish (if the wood allows it).
I will update this review once I'm done.
Update after customization:
I removed the frets.
I stripped the whole body and it has an oiled finish.
I removed all electronics and installed an active EMG P/J pickup set with a BTC preamp + 2-band EQ.
I removed all hardware (machine heads, nut and bridge) and mounted REAL sealed lubricated machine heads, a REAL nut and a REAL massive bridge.
I shielded all the electronics.
I adjusted the instrument (they can't do that at Stagg)
and mounted round wound strings.
After many hours of work the outcome is pretty satisfying. It isn't a high-class fretless bass, but considering the price I payed for the instrument and the new parts, I got a good-sounding bass with a good playability, and I'm proud of it because it's the result of my work.
Summary: with a few bucks and much work you get a good result. I've read quite often in forums that people don't recommend you to replace the pickups of Stagg bass guitars but I'm happy I didn't pay attention to them.
It's a bas for beginners: it offers a good playability and it's very affordable. But you''l want to change it after one year.
I will fully customize it keeping only the neck and the body. I will install another pickups, fully new electronic components (2-band EQ), new machine heads, a new bridge, etc. I will also shield the electronic compartments and maybe strip the body finish (if the wood allows it).
I will update this review once I'm done.
Update after customization:
I removed the frets.
I stripped the whole body and it has an oiled finish.
I removed all electronics and installed an active EMG P/J pickup set with a BTC preamp + 2-band EQ.
I removed all hardware (machine heads, nut and bridge) and mounted REAL sealed lubricated machine heads, a REAL nut and a REAL massive bridge.
I shielded all the electronics.
I adjusted the instrument (they can't do that at Stagg)
and mounted round wound strings.
After many hours of work the outcome is pretty satisfying. It isn't a high-class fretless bass, but considering the price I payed for the instrument and the new parts, I got a good-sounding bass with a good playability, and I'm proud of it because it's the result of my work.
Summary: with a few bucks and much work you get a good result. I've read quite often in forums that people don't recommend you to replace the pickups of Stagg bass guitars but I'm happy I didn't pay attention to them.
This review was originally translated from French
