I wanted a backup to my 2014 American Standard P (3TS/tort), and have always wanted a vintage white P, so after reading a lot of reviews I pulled the trigger on a new Squier Matt Freeman P.
This thing is really impressive, not just at its price point either. First thing I adjusted the relief and lowered the strings to the same level as my MIA P - which is VERY low. I expected to have to raise the strings a little, because few basses I have (19 at current) will get that low, but there was no buzz at all. The frets on this are PERFECT. No fret sprout either, the ends of the frets are under the gloss finish. Impressive.
Fit and finish are excellent. It sounded good at home with the factory D'Addarrio XLs, but I wanted to try it with my band before changing to DR Sunbeams in case I decided to send it back. Played it at practice tonight, and it sounded great. No need to change pickups. I actually thought it sounded better than the CS pickup in my MIA P. I have Sunbeams ordered, but I'll probably leave the D'Addarrios on it for now since they are fine and there is no point in wasting them.
Bridge is nice, tuners are ok but typical cheap asian tuners. They hold tune well though.
The only issue I have with it is it has a little neck dive. Not enough to bother most people, but that is one thing I am very picky about. I put Dunlop Straplocks on it and put a 3/8" spacer on the upper bout strap pin, which is enough to eliminate the neck dive. I may look for Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners in the future.
The neck is just s little wider at the nut, and a little thicker than my MIA, but comfortable. I will probably sand the gloss off the back of the neck though.
Overall an impressive bass. As good as or better than any MIM I've played. I like it enough that I'll alternate it with the MIA on gigs.
Is my MIA P better? Yes, of course. But not $900 better.
This thing is really impressive, not just at its price point either. First thing I adjusted the relief and lowered the strings to the same level as my MIA P - which is VERY low. I expected to have to raise the strings a little, because few basses I have (19 at current) will get that low, but there was no buzz at all. The frets on this are PERFECT. No fret sprout either, the ends of the frets are under the gloss finish. Impressive.
Fit and finish are excellent. It sounded good at home with the factory D'Addarrio XLs, but I wanted to try it with my band before changing to DR Sunbeams in case I decided to send it back. Played it at practice tonight, and it sounded great. No need to change pickups. I actually thought it sounded better than the CS pickup in my MIA P. I have Sunbeams ordered, but I'll probably leave the D'Addarrios on it for now since they are fine and there is no point in wasting them.
Bridge is nice, tuners are ok but typical cheap asian tuners. They hold tune well though.
The only issue I have with it is it has a little neck dive. Not enough to bother most people, but that is one thing I am very picky about. I put Dunlop Straplocks on it and put a 3/8" spacer on the upper bout strap pin, which is enough to eliminate the neck dive. I may look for Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners in the future.
The neck is just s little wider at the nut, and a little thicker than my MIA, but comfortable. I will probably sand the gloss off the back of the neck though.
Overall an impressive bass. As good as or better than any MIM I've played. I like it enough that I'll alternate it with the MIA on gigs.
Is my MIA P better? Yes, of course. But not $900 better.
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