Thanks!
The recording segments were super helpful... especially comparing stock strings vs Flats and tone up vs tone down.
Thanks for the effort to put the video out.there!
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NBD Squier Debut Series…
- Thread starter C Stone
- Start date
Thanks!
The recording segments were super helpful... especially comparing stock strings vs Flats and tone up vs tone down.
Thanks for the effort to put the video out.there!
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Thank you for the feedback - at some point soon I’ll do just a sound example video. I wanted to knock this one out as quick as possible so I can start loaning it out this week.
Nice review. I appreciate you taking the time to do this!
I think it's typical that the basic setup of these lower-priced instruments are all across the board. Mine had really low action and was easy to play....... but it did have fret buzz down low, as a result of the neck having a bit of backbow. A quick truss rod adjustment and it cured the issue.
The frets were dressed quite well, too. It just seems like a lot of bass for not a lot of money.
Regarding the strings, the ball ends actually look like the ones from a Glarry, lol! That's ok, though. I think for this price, people will utilize these for a solid modding platform.
I have a black one on the way. I'll let you know how much it weighs. I think it's a bit funny that these are advertised as lighter-weight instruments. Well, I guess compared to a Peavey T-40, they are!!
I also play at church; arrive at 6:30am and play all 3 services. This 66 YO man just plain NEEDS a lighter bass (and a stool on occasion!) to get through the sets. My Jag basses work for that, along with my Ibanez Mezzo 5.
I think it's typical that the basic setup of these lower-priced instruments are all across the board. Mine had really low action and was easy to play....... but it did have fret buzz down low, as a result of the neck having a bit of backbow. A quick truss rod adjustment and it cured the issue.
The frets were dressed quite well, too. It just seems like a lot of bass for not a lot of money.
Regarding the strings, the ball ends actually look like the ones from a Glarry, lol! That's ok, though. I think for this price, people will utilize these for a solid modding platform.
I have a black one on the way. I'll let you know how much it weighs. I think it's a bit funny that these are advertised as lighter-weight instruments. Well, I guess compared to a Peavey T-40, they are!!
I also play at church; arrive at 6:30am and play all 3 services. This 66 YO man just plain NEEDS a lighter bass (and a stool on occasion!) to get through the sets. My Jag basses work for that, along with my Ibanez Mezzo 5.
Thank you for the feedback. Yes, I was hoping it would have been a tad lighter too. But it sure is hard to beat for the money. Have you played yours at church yet?
So I'm in as well. Ordered the 2 color Sunburst last night. Scheduled to arrive Wednesday. I'll post the weight here plus observations on frets and setup put ofbthe box.
It too is a matte finish...the photos of the red matte finish you guys have are interesting.
Perhaps not surprising the stock strings look like Glarrys, given the Chinese connection...could well come from the same plant there.
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Well....... I uhhhhhh...... well, I sold the body already, lol. And I would have loved giving it a go at church, but for some reason every single person, including the sound crew and singers/leaders, are in awe of the sounds of this Affinity Jaguar bass that I changed out the pickup in. It's one of those Wilkinson "Platinum Series" single/double coil (ceramic) pickups. It really does sound good, so I won't rock the proverbial boat....... for now, lol.
Also, I have donated a lot of basses to church. I can think of 4 that are being utilized, one way or another (I gave a Peavey Bass to the High School Room/Stage and it disappeared, only to reappear a few years later with the electronics totally botched. Got it going again, lol).
My Squire Debut P Bass arrived about an hour ago from Amazon. I'm VERY pleased and amazed at $129.
First impressions:
- The Neck. I'm thrilled. I wanted a P Bass with a J Neck...this is it. I had been practicing on my MIM J bass for a couple of hours when it arrived. I pulled the PB from the box and instantly felt the very same neck shape. In early playing, it feels just like my J Basses.
- Tone/ Volume controls each provide a full range...some tone controls are more non-linear. These feel "linear" to my ear.
- Tuners feel fine. Not cheap...functional and smooth. Pleasantly surprised.
- Matte finish. I noticed it immediately but it was less different from the gloss finish in identical color from my JBs. You may not detect a difference in the photos.
- Pickguard. I am pleased it is three-ply! The Squire Sonic series basses are apparently single ply, I had expected the same. Pleasing, if small, feature.
- Weight... 8.5 lbs, 3.85kg... mid range... I'm fine with it.
- Set up. Surprisingly close, out of the box. I'll need to add a little bow to the neck. The, a tweak on the saddles. Intonation was almost perfect, as delivered.
- Strings. Cheap and gritty. Not surprised. I has planned all along to swap strings and go to BEAD with flats.
- Shielding. Others here observed there is none. There was a lot of hum, very noticeable. I'll likely go in and do a full shielding job. This is the only true negative so far.
All said, I'm very pleased. I can work with this bass.
Now, I need to give it a name! I give one to each of my basses which tells a story. This lines up along Fred and Lewis.
Hope this is helpful.
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First impressions:
- The Neck. I'm thrilled. I wanted a P Bass with a J Neck...this is it. I had been practicing on my MIM J bass for a couple of hours when it arrived. I pulled the PB from the box and instantly felt the very same neck shape. In early playing, it feels just like my J Basses.
- Tone/ Volume controls each provide a full range...some tone controls are more non-linear. These feel "linear" to my ear.
- Tuners feel fine. Not cheap...functional and smooth. Pleasantly surprised.
- Matte finish. I noticed it immediately but it was less different from the gloss finish in identical color from my JBs. You may not detect a difference in the photos.
- Pickguard. I am pleased it is three-ply! The Squire Sonic series basses are apparently single ply, I had expected the same. Pleasing, if small, feature.
- Weight... 8.5 lbs, 3.85kg... mid range... I'm fine with it.
- Set up. Surprisingly close, out of the box. I'll need to add a little bow to the neck. The, a tweak on the saddles. Intonation was almost perfect, as delivered.
- Strings. Cheap and gritty. Not surprised. I has planned all along to swap strings and go to BEAD with flats.
- Shielding. Others here observed there is none. There was a lot of hum, very noticeable. I'll likely go in and do a full shielding job. This is the only true negative so far.
All said, I'm very pleased. I can work with this bass.
Now, I need to give it a name! I give one to each of my basses which tells a story. This lines up along Fred and Lewis.
Hope this is helpful.
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Now you need a Sunburst Sonic P so you have a P with maple fretboard and that would complete the set.
Now you need a Sunburst Sonic P so you have a P with maple fretboard and that would complete the set.
Ha! Yes, that would "complete" the set! My wife has quit believing me when I say I am 'set' now with basses... but thar may be a bridge too far!
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Just ordered one in the red .
I claimed it was for my birthday in September but at $140 she said just go for it now . I play jazzes but most of the videos I use to learn new songs feature P basses . I might as well have one around . My wife liked the color so how could I say no .
I claimed it was for my birthday in September but at $140 she said just go for it now . I play jazzes but most of the videos I use to learn new songs feature P basses . I might as well have one around . My wife liked the color so how could I say no .
Super cool that you dig it! It looks nice.
I like the matte finish, a couple of years ago I knocked the finish off of a burst jazz with “0000” steel wool, it came out great. So far it seems that these basses are being put out with good consistency.
Small sample size but cool none the less
Congratulations and enjoy your bass.
Nice! Look forward to your initial reactions.
I remain stunned by how good this is for $140, with tax.
Stay cool in the Quad Cities!
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Allrighty, I just received my second Debut Precision, but this one is Matte Black. My Dakota Red one weighed 8lb 12.6oz - this one is 8lb 5.4oz. A little under half a pound lighter. Same issue, but a little less severe with the neck backbow. Small adjustment cured that. This one will need every fret filed, north and south, due to fret sprout. Not super bad, but there nonetheless.
I think this may be the one that receives a neck darkening treatment (Fiebing's Leather Dye), paint the headstock Matte Black and either an SPB-3 Quarter Pounder or G&L MFD pickup. That is this ADHD-stricken dude's idea at the moment, which may change at any second.
I think this may be the one that receives a neck darkening treatment (Fiebing's Leather Dye), paint the headstock Matte Black and either an SPB-3 Quarter Pounder or G&L MFD pickup. That is this ADHD-stricken dude's idea at the moment, which may change at any second.
Fascinating. We're finding some of the process variability even in the small sample size in this thread.
Sorry to hear about the fret sprout.
The frets on my Debut were near perfect...grateful.
I'll be keen to hear your reaction with SD pickup installation.
I'm working on shielding and properly grounding the entire cavity this weekend to eliminate the 60Hz buzz I hear. I'll post pix and observations here when I'm done.
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-Yeah, with these being the lowest priced Squier models, I'd expect variation. Then again, there seems to be wide variation with just about any model and price point of Squiers and Fenders.
-The fret sprout isn't a real issue; just a bit of clean-up.
-I've had Quarter Pounders in 2 other basses. My MIM P Bass wore them well-sounded great. My lighter affinity P Bass just sounded dead, hollow and no real sustain......shall we revive a tonewood debate? Lol, JK. Ain't gonna go there.
- I also will be shielding this after I install a new pickguard, like @C Stone did. Maybe 3 ply black? Not sure.
-And..... I noticed you're in the Modified BEAD club..... I just may go thataway.....or not. We'll see....
Thanks...useful info!
I did most of my shielding this afternoon. Haven't reassembled yet, as the Phillips head screws mounting the pickup had the heads beat up, such that I had to work slow and hard to avoid stripping them completely. We have an old-fashioned hardware store nearby which stocks many fasteners... I'll find replacements. Keen to see if the effort actually cuts the 60 Hz noise
BEAD...yes, that's the plan here. Have EB flats due to arrive tomorrow. Will do full set up with the new strings on.
Pix will follow.
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Got my bass yesterday . Very good shape . Tuned it up and it played pretty well , no sharp fret ends and the neck had a little relief and no buzz . I had a set of G&L Tribute tuners from my JB bass so I put them on , the originals were a little stiff . I oiled the fretboard with some Old English and put a set of new gallistrings nickles on it that I've had around for years . Not my favorite strings but better than the originals . Put shielding tape on the pickguard , didn't have enough for the cavity too , just used what I had around the house .Gave it a setup and adjusted the pickup height . Very nice bass !
I have band rehearsal tonight , I'll give it a spin .
I have band rehearsal tonight , I'll give it a spin .
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Fascinating. Glad it landed in good shape for you. Let us know how it plays tonight!
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