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New SQUIER VM series! (Part 2)

#161
Alistair R said:
I'm pretty happy with the B string to be honest. It's got great definition. Usually with cheap basses the B strings are just crapola and the notes are just mud, but this is great. As for weight, mines not even that heavy, think my Sandberg is about the same weight.

A mate I know recently bought an American P5 and I played a few tunes on that at a gig and it wasn't too bad, but honestly I see absolutely no point in spending the extra money to get one..I just cannot sing enough praise for this squire. It is absolutely brilliant.

What sound clips did you use to decide between the Fender & Nordstrand pickup? Curious to hear the differences.
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I'm totally fine with the B now that I've changed strings. In fact, I'm ecstatic about it. It defies the commonly thrown around 35"/.130 gauge views and that makes it even better. A .125 on a 34" scale is not the best recipe for a taut low B, if you follow some a good chunk of TB advice.

Here's the best comparison I found, YMMV:http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OcEgYU0ysZc&desktop_uri=/watch?v=OcEgYU0ysZc
 
#162
petrus61 said:
I'm totally fine with the B now that I've changed strings. In fact, I'm ecstatic about it. It defies the commonly thrown around 35"/.130 gauge views and that makes it even better. A .125 on a 34" scale is not the best recipe for a taut low B, if you follow some a good chunk of TB advice.

Here's the best comparison I found, YMMV:http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OcEgYU0ysZc&desktop_uri=/watch?v=OcEgYU0ysZc
Click to expand...

Great thanks. I find the NP5 a little bit darker than the fender. Fender certainly has a little bit more bite up in the high mids. Might stick with the stock pickup for now, something different to my other p bass.
 
#163
Alistair R said:
Great thanks. I find the NP5 a little bit darker than the fender. Fender certainly has a little bit more bite up in the high mids. Might stick with the stock pickup for now, something different to my other p bass.
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In my limited experience (playing friends basses with Nordy's, no actual gig time), the Nordstrand NP's sound more like a typical recorded P-bass track, rather than the raw sound of an actual Precision.

What I mean by that is that they are darker, "warmer" (whatever that is), and more even.

As nice as the Nordy's are, I prefer the Fender recipe, a la the AV '62 pickup for four-bangers and the AM STD pickup for 5-strings. I want those complex mids.
 
#164
petrus61 said:
...The Lo riders were a huge improvement, and took away the wobble of whatever garbage low B was on there (the low B was the only string not stock on the used one I bought).
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I love DR Sunbeams on a variety of 4-string basses, Fenders in particular. However, I've had no luck with them on 5-strings.

I recently tried my first set of Lo-Riders on my custom single-cut, and they were a huge improvement.

The higher tension of the Lo-Riders seems to give a better B than the more relaxed-feeling Sunbeams.
 
#165
steve_rolfeca said:
In my limited experience (playing friends basses with Nordy's, no actual gig time), the Nordstrand NP's sound more like a typical recorded P-bass track, rather than the raw sound of an actual Precision.

What I mean by that is that they are darker, "warmer" (whatever that is), and more even.

As nice as the Nordy's are, I prefer the Fender recipe, a la the AV '62 pickup for four-bangers and the AM STD pickup for 5-strings. I want those complex mids.
Click to expand...

Have a 62 in my classic 50's, love it. Everybody is saying exactly what I thought of the two. A P kind of needs that bit of high mid, makes it cut through well.

Sorry to get off topic.
 
#166
Made my first two "mods" to my PJ...

First is some DR Lo Riders. Absolutely amazing sound, perfect for me, I already like them a lot more than Sunbeams. Very even balance across strings, punchy, ideal tension, very smooth to play. As a bonus, brand new strings & the intonation is great on two strings and only slightly sharp on the other two. I hate setting intonation, so this was a very welcome sight!

Second is a set of Fender straplocks, such a simple change but the extra length has helped the way the bass sits so much. It doesn't sit as perfectly as my Fender MP Jazz (best balance of any I own, probably due to the body weight) but it's not far off. I use a 3" Mono Betty strap, for reference.

So in total so far I've spent £250 on a new bass and made these changes, and I'm over the moon with it. Absolute bargain, even compared to previous VMs I've owned. Going to get the fretboard rolled & a pro setup done soon, and that really could be it. Possibly a heavier bridge to make the balance perfect.
 
#179
jlepre said:
Hmmmmmm mine is definitely not 19mm. I believe it is 18.5 at the most.
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Mine was the older maple VM jazz. The neck certainly felt wider. And the strings measured 19mm center to center. Pretty sure that and the all black model were 19mm spacing. Being an older series they are probably different.

I could be wrong, maybe I should add measuring things accurately to the lengthening list of things I should not do when drinking beer? :help:

3234718 said:
Sweetwater has two VM PJ's in lake placid blue. One 7 lbs 8 oz, one 9lbs. That whole pound and a half difference has to be from the wood right? That seems like a lot.
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That is a lot especially for basswood? I know ash varies quite a bit. I thought basswood was more consistent. Seems to be with most of the VM P's I've looked at.
 

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