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Squier Modified Precision TB: first impressions

EpicSoundtracks

EpicSoundtracks

Mar 10, 2006
2,037
861
Oakland, CA
Disclosures
Lollar Pickups, Ernie Ball strings
#1
Just got this today from watspan (thanks, Jeff!), and I'm pretty pleased. Fit and finish are excellent (especially love the vintage burst!), frets are dressed well and consistent. Tweaked the truss rod and lowered the action, and she's playing pretty well now.

The mudbucker is definitely its own thing, tonally -- some weird low midrange honk going on that I had to EQ for, but I was pleasantly surprised by it, as I had heard the pickups aren't great. I have a T40 bucker standing by that I may drop in there, but want to spend some time with the mudbucker first.

The 2-saddle bridge doesn't inspire a ton of confidence, but the bass intonates fine and I was able to get the action pretty consistently low. Considering installing a bridge cover, if anyone knows where to find a repro. Tuners seem cheap, but do the job.

The only mod I'm for sure doing is to hit the neck with some Reranch Fender vintage neck amber tint, cuz I hate the bright white wood on these new Squiers. I may sand off the Squier logo and add my own decal (NOT Fender, btw), but I haven't decided.

If this instrument is any indication of the quality of the Vintage Modified line, then it's a winner. At $300 new, this is a solid, giggable instrument pretty much right out of the box.
 
#2
nice review--if I hadn't acquired a mij precision thinline (jazz width rosewood neck, semi-hollow body, neck humbucker + bridge jazz pups) I'd have kept this. Another interesting thing about these squiers is how high output that pup is! It roars, honks and growls--a very distinctive sounding instrument IMO--not for everyone, but you sure won't look or sound like everyone either! enjoy!
 
#6
went ahead and added the bridge cover. also refin'ed the neck in Reranch Fender vintage neck amber nitro and upgraded the tuners (Schallers). Strung up with flats -- it's now the ultimate thump machine. :D

IMG_3445.jpg
 
#10
I have a question:

Would a standard-size fender neck (warmoth, allparts) fit this bass? I played one a few weeks ago & loved everything but the satin-finished neck. Is the end of the neck heel square or rounded over? Also, if anyone who has one is bored, what are the neck heel measurements? (width at heel, height from bottom of neck to top of fretboard at attachment point)

Thanks!

Consequently, that bridge cover really adds a lot to the look! Awesome!
 
#12
scotch said:
I have a question:

Would a standard-size fender neck (warmoth, allparts) fit this bass? I played one a few weeks ago & loved everything but the satin-finished neck. Is the end of the neck heel square or rounded over? Also, if anyone who has one is bored, what are the neck heel measurements? (width at heel, height from bottom of neck to top of fretboard at attachment point)

Thanks!

Consequently, that bridge cover really adds a lot to the look! Awesome!
Click to expand...
to your question, I'm not sure, but I assume the neck pocket is a std Fender. However, refinishing the existing neck is an option too, as i did. :)
 
#16
I tried one out just the other day and just by plugging it in I went "Damn, that thing actually sounds like a BASS." Normally I have to replace the pickup on a bass in this price range just get it to have that "Oomph!" Not so with that one, it doesn't sound like the Real telecaster bass which has a thick undefinable "Boom", it sounds more like a Precision bass but one with a botox treatment. Normal Squier P-basses sound really raspy. This one had that James Jamerson motown sound.

I'll get myself one, finally a cheap bass that I don't have to modify to get some serious low end from it. But it's not as muddy as the original Telecaster bass. And it also weighs a lot less than a real Telecaster bass which also is a plus for me.
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#17
scotch said:
Did you strip & then spray just the headstock & back of the neck? It's hard to tell from the pics, but it appears that the fretboard is still lighter in color. Still looks great, though!
Click to expand...

just scuffed up the neck enough for the nitro to adhere. the headstock is darker, by design; i was going for that vintage Fender look. altho the f/b is NOT as light as it appears in the pic -- that's a trick of the light.
 
#18
Man, i've been GASing for one of these since i first saw them. I've been wanting a P-bass and i've also been wanting [ok-amongst other things] a bass that had a thick sound for rock trio stuff. I can see one of these and one of those VM Fretless basses in my future. Not too soon though-too many bills.
 

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