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NEW Squier Telecaster Bass!
- Thread starter MUSHROOMSeAcOw
- Start date
BassHappy
Supporting Member
The problem you would have is that the neck pocket on the Tele bass is 1/16th" too narrow on each side of the pocket. Not a huge deal, you can widen the pocket. The next issue is the neck heel and how deep it needs to sit in the pocket to feel comfortable and of course - to look right. I don't have a full scale neck here to eyeball - but I would doubt that the standard neck screw holes would line up. I would be inclined to order a neck with no holes. Once you have the neck where it fits nicely in the pocket - and the heel placement looks right - it would be an issue of moving the bridge until you get the G string approximately 34" from the nut, leaving plenty of bridge adjustment to intonate the bass properly.
There is plenty of room to move the bridge back on this body, but you may end up having to fill in the existing bridge holes. If I were doing it, and the holes showed - I would be inclined to refinish the bass after filling the holes, but you may not care if they show. Of course, the pickguard would need to be modified to fit over the larger neck pocket.
BassHappy
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Fat Steve
The poodle bites, the poodle chews it.
Not sure if it's been mentioned here yet, but Fender tells us that this model has been discontinued (and we were just wrapping up our review of one, no less...). So, get 'em while you can!
I haven't been able to find a single source from Fender stating that they're discontinuing this model. Did they put out a release or something that I'm not finding, or is this back room chatter between the factory and y'all?
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,939
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
I have not seen this posted yet, either. We found out about it while finalizing our review.
Fat Steve
The poodle bites, the poodle chews it.
Well, I'm glad I got mine when I did then. I love everything about the bass. Are you reviewing the Special or the regular Tele?
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,939
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
- Jan 28, 2009
- 2,929
- 4,152
- Disclosures
- Owner: Moonshine Custom Guitars
Not an official Squier Tele bass, but this is a parts bass that I put together yesterday. Plays & sounds amazingly good.
More info. on this build here:
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/moo...round-two-moonshine-mando-bass.1079656/page-3
Moonshine
More info. on this build here:
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/moo...round-two-moonshine-mando-bass.1079656/page-3
Moonshine
Last night I took my modded VM Squier Tele Bass Special to rehearsal for the first time and it rocked! Singer told everyone how cool he thought it was, sound guy liked the tone, guitarist even took pics of it after we were done.
When I first got the bass I didn't like the bridge pickup so I swapped it out for a Nordstrand hum-cancelling Jazz nj4sv - much better. Also swapped out the pots (500k etc.) and put in a new tone cap.
Got the idea from an old TB thread ( http://www.talkbass.com/threads/taming-the-beast-squier-vm-telebass-mudbucker.524029/ ) to coil tap the humbucker, then put in a 5-way blade selector:
1) Neck pickup in standard parallel humbucker mode solo.
2) Neck pickup in standard parallel humbucker mode, in parallel with the bridge single-coil - blend control active.
3) Neck pickup in series humbucker mode, in parallel with the bridge single-coil - blend control active.
4) Neck pickup in single-coil mode, in parallel with bridge single coil - blend control active.
5) Bridge single coil solo.
So the controls are now Blend and Tone. With this set-up I really feel like I'm now getting everything these pups have to offer, and can really dial in just the right tone.
Also put on some straplocks, replaced the output connector, and to top it off stuck on a tortoise shell pickguard.
Thanks to Mark Moore at Audio Solutions, Darkstrike and walterw on TB, and Tony at Pickguardian. Love this bass!
When I first got the bass I didn't like the bridge pickup so I swapped it out for a Nordstrand hum-cancelling Jazz nj4sv - much better. Also swapped out the pots (500k etc.) and put in a new tone cap.
Got the idea from an old TB thread ( http://www.talkbass.com/threads/taming-the-beast-squier-vm-telebass-mudbucker.524029/ ) to coil tap the humbucker, then put in a 5-way blade selector:
1) Neck pickup in standard parallel humbucker mode solo.
2) Neck pickup in standard parallel humbucker mode, in parallel with the bridge single-coil - blend control active.
3) Neck pickup in series humbucker mode, in parallel with the bridge single-coil - blend control active.
4) Neck pickup in single-coil mode, in parallel with bridge single coil - blend control active.
5) Bridge single coil solo.
So the controls are now Blend and Tone. With this set-up I really feel like I'm now getting everything these pups have to offer, and can really dial in just the right tone.
Also put on some straplocks, replaced the output connector, and to top it off stuck on a tortoise shell pickguard.
Thanks to Mark Moore at Audio Solutions, Darkstrike and walterw on TB, and Tony at Pickguardian. Love this bass!
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I read through this thread, and it seems like a good place to ask a question...
I am a beginner. 100%. I've decided to teach myself how to play bass guitar, although I still haven't figured out exactly why.
I was looking around and saw the VM Telecaster, and I've always been attracted to the body shape in guitar, so I was wondering if this would make a wise choice for a beginner? The downsides seem to be a lack of contour curves, and as a 40yo man with a beer gut I'm not sure how important that might be. I find the idea of a shorter scale to be beneficial, I don't exactly have long hands (despite being tall) and due to age and industry, I've already got either the start of arthritis or certainly have carpal tunnel.
Part of the reasoning behind bass is I'm hoping that light, casual, play might help exercise my hands and fingers in different ways which would help in the long run.
I don't have access to a local model to try, so it'll be mail order (or used, if anyone wants to sell), and even if I did I simply don't have any idea where to look or what sort of sounds I'm trying to emulate.
Musically, I'd like to do a bit of everything in just playing along at home; generally I usually listen to either slower, heavier metal (Black Sabbath-esque stuff), as well as things from across the rest of the spectrum (old Johnny Cash country, reggae, '70s punk and '80s goth etc).
Would the VM Telecaster Special meet my beginner needs, or should I look for something that's less visually appealing but more starter friendly/generic (some model of Squier P, likely).
Thanks for your advise.
I am a beginner. 100%. I've decided to teach myself how to play bass guitar, although I still haven't figured out exactly why.
I was looking around and saw the VM Telecaster, and I've always been attracted to the body shape in guitar, so I was wondering if this would make a wise choice for a beginner? The downsides seem to be a lack of contour curves, and as a 40yo man with a beer gut I'm not sure how important that might be. I find the idea of a shorter scale to be beneficial, I don't exactly have long hands (despite being tall) and due to age and industry, I've already got either the start of arthritis or certainly have carpal tunnel.
Part of the reasoning behind bass is I'm hoping that light, casual, play might help exercise my hands and fingers in different ways which would help in the long run.
I don't have access to a local model to try, so it'll be mail order (or used, if anyone wants to sell), and even if I did I simply don't have any idea where to look or what sort of sounds I'm trying to emulate.
Musically, I'd like to do a bit of everything in just playing along at home; generally I usually listen to either slower, heavier metal (Black Sabbath-esque stuff), as well as things from across the rest of the spectrum (old Johnny Cash country, reggae, '70s punk and '80s goth etc).
Would the VM Telecaster Special meet my beginner needs, or should I look for something that's less visually appealing but more starter friendly/generic (some model of Squier P, likely).
Thanks for your advise.
I love mine, recently modified. New bridge and a Duncan stack in the middle and bridge. Neck rewound by the Duncan custom shop. Jocommo decal blocks.
IMHO, this bass is 100% suitable for beginners, there are much worse choices... The lack of contouring may not please everybody, but if you're just starting, you will adapt to it. Zillions of telecaster guitar players do just fine!
adm. fookbar- I think you should try one first. I love my Tele Special, but sitting down its noticeably less comfortable than a contoured Pbass body. I do agree that you can get used to it, its not that bad, and playing it while standing is no problem for me. Everyone is different though.
The neck is great and the pickups are are too, especially for the kind of stuff you're into.
The neck is great and the pickups are are too, especially for the kind of stuff you're into.
The single pup model is just about perfect for Johnny Cash, but other than that, I don't think it's a good first bass. I've tried this bass multiple times, and even spent over an hour in a practice room with it at Chicago music exchange. Love the look, and the single coils sounds, but can't really get behind the humbucker model. Every one I've played needs a good setup and some nut adjustment or replacement (uncommon for VM Squier's), all of them had a low threshold to buzz.
Being well over 40 and needing a tummy cut myself, I'd suggest something trimmer/lighter with a Jazz neck (longer scale, but narrower than a precision or this bass). A P/J pickup configuration (one precision, one jazz) is the most flexible combo for your indicated range of music, but if you insist on short scale...
The VM Jaguar SS bass might be your ticket, it comes in P/J configuration (though it's a 30" scale instead of 32 like the Tele):
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/squier-vintage-modified-jaguar-bass-special-ss-short-scale
The Squier Bronco is a nice inexpensive way to get your feet wet, though it has limited tonal capabilities:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search?sB=r&Ntt=Squier+bronco
Happy shopping!
Fender JP-90
Epi Bass Club #169 JC sig
I disagree completely with your assessment of the VM Telecaster. It will fit in pretty much anywhere a p bass can be used. Every production bass should have a set up done before any real playing, and nut issues with lower cost basses is common and not anymore prevalent in the Telecaster than in any other model. It's a fine first bass, along with any Squier, Epiphone, or Rondo product.
YMMV
Maybe I should have said: I don't think it's a good first bass for him.
As previously posted by OWNERS of the bass, it's not incredibly comfortable sitting down (exactly how the majority of beginners practice the majority of the time). Considering that adm.f already has hand issues and a tummy, he'd benefit from a contoured body front and back.
On getting a setup: Most first instrument buyers DON'T get a real setup, as the outlay of cash is already significant to them for something they are not sure they will stick with. The VM Jag's (had one) and Bronco's are much more playable for beginners out of the box (IMO) than the VM Tele.
I don't agree that the single pup version can do any Precision work... Maybe any pre-1964 precision work, but with a starter amp and no effects... not much more than that. I actually LIKE that about it.
The low cost end of guitars and basses is so much better than it was when I started in the late '70's, this is almost academic.
Fender JP-90
Epi Bass Club #169 JC sig
Of course IMO, and it's no better than yours, but I've owned the VM Jaguar and it's not easy to play sitting down either for me. Didn't balance well. I also own the bronco and it's pick up is so noisy and limited that without mods it's less than useful. Great bass with a new pickup. They aren't any better set up out of box than any other Squier. I've replaced both nuts due to improper cuts from factory.
I think we should tell most beginning bassist that come here to get a set up on any bass. Part of the reason people quit is fighting a useless set up on a low tier bass.
My only point is that the VM Telecaster isn't any lower quality than any other, or any harder to set up with good action than any other, he shouldn't be scared to get one if he likes the look. I do agree with you that the SS VM Jaguar is an excellent bass for anyone.
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Hi ux4484
I ordered mine from Sweetwater and asked them to go ahead and open that virgin box and do the set up for me. Upon arrival the set up was immaculate with no problems whatsoever, low action nice playabiity. I love the sound of the single coil - it has a different edge than the two other P Bass type single coils I own. One has a Lindy Fralin and the other a custom wound Duncan. I can't recommend a better bass and the medium scale for me smokes the playability of a short scale. I can't get around at ALL on the upper registers of a short scale, it's too cramped.
This bass is perfect with the nice wide neck, and mine is has a custom ETS piezo bridge and has been refinished by Pat Wilkins. Sorry, slab body not a problem for me whatsoever. Great bass for beginner or seasoned pro in my opinion. I love the old school - no fingerboard - with the frets pressed directly into the neck.
BassHappy
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