• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Pickup size Squier Deluxe V?

R

Runeej

Guest
Nov 3, 2013
13
1
#1
I was looking for a 5 string backup bass and ended up with a Squier Deluxe. Playability is good, I like the wide string spacing, it Looks stunning and sounds great. Acoustically that is. As the stock preamp didn't provide the tone that I like, I ordered an Aguilar OBP3-SK (so I can use the same pots). But I think the PU's need an upgrade too. The B string sounds much softer than the rest and I just think the overall sound will improve. Now which options do I have? I read somewhere that standard Fender V replacement pickups won't fit properly. Could you guys help me out with options?

Thanx!
 
#2
Ah, my specialty! I've had 4 of these and they are great basses for upgrades.
Both pickups are 3.7" wide, so you have to find them that size. Also, the 19mm spacing is a concern as well. So yeah, Fender size is a no-go. And from what I've installed, the WORST CASE SCENARIO is you have to file down the corner of the pickup that goes into the bass and they'll just drop right in with no damage to anything.

I used SADOWSKY HC pickups to great effect. They make the bass sound SO good. (There's a used set in the classifieds right now.) Very clear and defined tonality and will bring out the best in it.
The single coil version works nicely as well, as a direct fit. Either are available from Sadowsky direct.

DIMARZIO ULTRAJAZZ 5 will also work. They actually make (made?) the Sadowsky pickups and are slightly cheaper. But they sound incredibly similar.

If you want to go active only, EMG makes the LJ pickup size.
NORDSTRAND makes the NJ5 and NJ5S.
DELANO makes a number of pickups that fit the size. They are pricey, but damn good pickups

Beyond that, there's a world of custom makers that would do whatever size you want... but the cost and wait time make it a little silly, IMO.
Check out bestbassgear.com, they carry a lot of stuff!

Any questions, feel free to PM me, I've had a lot of fun with this bass over the years.
 
#3
I've been looking at the Dimarzio's. People are quite enthousiastic over them and they're not too expensive (even here in Europe). I just think it's a challenge to get this cheap ass bass to sound as good as my Lakland or the Sadowsky UV70 I've owned. Judging from the acoustic sound I could get close.
 
#6
Runeej said:
I've been looking at the Dimarzio's. People are quite enthousiastic over them and they're not too expensive (even here in Europe). I just think it's a challenge to get this cheap ass bass to sound as good as my Lakland or the Sadowsky UV70 I've owned. Judging from the acoustic sound I could get close.
Click to expand...

I had a Metro and I'd say the Squier sounded 99% as good with the Sadowsky pickups and Ag preamp. Not the same feel and construction, granted, but the tone improved exponentially.

The width on the SJB-5 bridge is 3.74... that may require a little bit of routing. Then again, you could measure the cavity and see if it's closer to that dimension.
Dimarzio lists the UJ at 3.735".
 
#7
Hmm. If the string spacing and pu-size is the same as f.e. the Sadowsky's and the poles are under the string, new pu's should solve the issue. Or am I overlooking something here? Is the soft B string a known issue?
 
#8
Here's how they line up...

100_1470.jpg


Definitely catches the B!
 
#15
Hi,

Got the Sadowsky's. How can I tell which one is bridge and neck? The one with the longer wires is for the neck?

And now for some handsome Sadowsky style pickup. Gues I'll have to order in NY.... $70 exl. Customs/taxes is pretty steep. Hmmm.
 
#19
Sure. But first I'got to get it right. Having trouble with my blend pot. It acts as a volume pot: one side does nothing and turning it to the other side makes it loud over both pickups (but the sound is very promising). Back to the drawing board...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back