Cheap bass from rondo...

Hmm.. haven't played that one, but I have played their Douglas line quite a bit. The SX series is a bit cheaper, but I am seeing a lot of the Douglas parts on there (the bridge and tuning machines).

The key on that bass is the Ash body, which I personally LOVE! Worst case scenario you swap pickups. Ash to me has a sweet midrange that gives you definition and cut through a heavy mix without being overly bright.

I have played their guitars as well and their stuff is certainly solid. After a good setup, for the money they are great.

For home/demo recording I wouldn't even think twice about getting one, but I also do a lot of guitar repair.
 
SX bass.mp3
SX bass w/ pod guitars

The channel strip for the bass your hearing:

Screen%20shot%202011-10-31%20at%2012.15.03%20PM.png



I ran it into this:
BMAX_a1.jpg

Along with one of these:
lg_3630_front_lg.jpg


Total cost for this rig including bass and cable: $395 (the bass pre and comp were bought used, the SX was only $150 shipped).
 
I have one and have done shootouts with fender jazzs's and it hasn't been beat. Maybe mine is a special piece of swamp ash but i love it!
New pickups is a must, Delano sells a set of stingray pickups than fit in a jazz format that sound monstrous.