NBD and disappointed

[stephenq]

So I've been curious about the dimension bass for a while and I found a basically new Squier dimension for $100 and figured for that price why not.

Problem is I CAN'T get it to sound good (subjective I know). I've about worn the knobs off of my amp and the bass trying to dial it in. The mids are strong in this one. After cutting the mids completely I end up with mud.

Anyone have any experience / advice?

I know I could just sell it but was hoping to find a solution as I DO like the way it plays. Thanks!!

 

[Gorn]

How about new strings and a set up?

 

[stephenq]

How about new strings and a set up?

ya ill have to grab some, the only ones i have laying around here are a set of DR black beauties and i really doubt that those would solve the issue

 

[wvbass]

I was going to say new stainless roundwounds and a different mindset. My limited Dimension experience says that it is going to always have a good bit of midrange punch. You can make that work for you, or you can go in a different direction.

 

[charlie monroe]

Does it have a passive mode?

 

[RSBBass]

I agree with setup, strings and would add patience. Sometimes it takes a while to get the feel for an instrument and what it can do. If that doesn't work you can always try a new pickup.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I'd love it, the extra mids are why I have two Ibanez with PFR pickups in them:

 

[stephenq]

Does it have a passive mode?

If it does it's well hidden

 

[stephenq]

After a good setup and more knob turning I think i have figured it out, apparently it likes to be played hard with the mids cut to around .5 out of 10

 

[Yahboy]

Been try the 5 string version at GC, i found this baby sound great with Fender Rumble Combo with both Contour and Vintage button Engage .

 

[Old Blastard]

I have a problem sometimes with how a bass sounds poopy in my practice room and then at a gig it acts like Bondo and holds everything together. My Martin AEB is like that. Play with some folks and see how it fits

 

[StraffordMike]

I have a problem sometimes with how a bass sounds poopy in my practice room and then at a gig it acts like Bondo and holds everything together. My Martin AEB is like that. Play with some folks and see how it fits

I agree! Love my Jazz, in the bedroom! Lol. In the mix, with two guitars it gets lost.
My Precision fills up the low end nicely but I do dial back the lows and push the mods- mid lows. Point being: don't pass judgement till you've played it in a band situation. You may be pleasantly surprised!!

 

[J.D. Detroit]

Change the strings to what you like then play with the pickup height. Set your amps eq/bass eq flat and go from there.

 

[Joybass]

I solved that problem by removing the preamp and replacing it with a precision bass Volume+Tone wiring. Now it sounds like a sterling sub ray4. Muuuuch better.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Do what I do. It's a simple 12 step process:

1. Put a new pickguard on it. My choice would be white.
2. Change the strings.
3. Give it a set up.
4. Get all excited.
5. Play it again.
6. Put it on a nice stand in your playing space.
7. Play whatever other bass or basses you play.
8. Three or four years from now, clean the dust off the dimension.
9. Take some pictures of it.
10. Put it on craigslist for $150.
11. Sell it to the first person who haggles with you for $125.
12. Put that money towards a bass you'll like, and maybe even play.

 

[Levin Hannaford]

Have you played the bass in a band settings? You may enjoy the sound a bit more when mixed with a full compliment of other instruments.

Also, check pickup height

 

[bobalu]

Stephenq, when you say you "can't get it to sound good", do you mean in a band setting, or practicing at home by yourself?

 

[Fluid Power]

I had the low cost Fender version with the volume and rotary pickup selector. I loved the neck and body but the pup, pots and wiring were a problem. Mostly the pickup like you say was all mid and nothing else. Played it with the band and it just got lost in the mix to the point I couldn't hear myself. No knob turning helped and all it did was make it worse. I sold it off and moved on. Your description was spot on: MUD!
You could change out the pickup and that would be a major improvement as long as the rest is good. I hear the USA version have fantastic pickups, maybe you can find one for sale to swap out????
Good luck!

 

[aaronious]

Change the battery.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I bought a used Fender AmDeluxe Dimension from GC a couple years ago and returned it for a refund. Beautiful bass, but I didn't like the sound. I must acknowledge that I never played it with a band, though.